Abstract: An activator attachment that can be attached to the proximal end of a catheter adapter and can activate a blood control valve within the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A catheter is configured to access a renal artery. A lumen of the catheter's shaft is dimensioned to receive a flexible actuation member which extends between the shaft's proximal and distal ends. The actuation member is moveable within the lumen and subject to elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip along its length. A flexible support member is coupled to a distal end of the actuation member and extendible beyond a distal tip of the shaft. An RF ablation electrode at a distal end of the support member is configured to ablated perivascular renal nerve tissue. A position converter at the distal end of the shaft is configured to convert movement of the actuation member into one or both of controlled rotational and axial movement of the support member and electrode to one of a multiplicity of stable circumferential positions substantially free of elastic deformation, friction, and/or whip impacting actuation member movement.

Abstract: A catheter securement device adapted to be adhesively mounted to the skin of a patient to secure a catheter in place, the device having a flexible, thin, sheet-like base member with a distal edge and a midportion, and a releasable, flexible, thin, sheet-like retention member comprising a fixed end, a releasable end, a and a distal edge, wherein the distal edge of the retention member is offset from the distal edge of the base member to define an uplift focus area in the midportion of the base member, such that upward pull on the catheter is transferred to the midportion of the base member to preclude the base member from being peeled from the patient's skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cannula holder having a guide for a stomach tube, which consists of a main body or mask; a male-female type of holder attached to said main body or mask, which provides graduated support for an endotracheal cannula; a support substrate that is attached to the rear part of the main body or mask; and an extensible band or strap, the ends of which are attached to each of the lateral ends of the main body or mask, wherein said extensible band or strap extends around and behind the head of the patient or user to keep the cannula holder having a guide for a stomach tube in place. The invention also relates to the fact that the holder, in addition to being used for holding an endotracheal cannula, can be used to hold any other medical device used in connection with the oral airways, such as a laryngeal mask.

Abstract: A device for securing a medical implement, such as a catheter to a body of a patient. The device having an adhesive pad for securing the pad to the body of a patient. An adjustable plate is rotatable with respect to the fixed plate to secure a catheter. In some aspects, a pair of adjustable plates can be rotated with respect to the fixed plate. Tabs affixed to the fixed plate and the adjustable plate cooperate with each other to secure a catheter there between. The adjustable plate can be rotated so as to retain a catheter between the tabs. Complementary pawl and ratchet members are used to enable limited rotation of the plates with respect to one another and to fix the plates in a selected adjustment position.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for delivery, then photo-activation of photo sensitive material has a photo-sensitive substance-delivery part and an activation part. The catheter delivers substances such as biomaterials to a target site, followed by illumination of the target using optics located at the distal tip of the catheter which are optically coupled to an extracorporeal light source. The light may be delivered by a single or multi-lumen needle, or a separate light guide passed over the catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to a guidewire formed from an elongated shaft, at least a portion of the shaft having an outer layer, a plurality of channels formed through the outer layer, and an inner core. The outer layer is formed from a material non susceptible to erosion by an erosion agent and the inner core is formed from a radiopaque material susceptible to erosion by the erosion agent. When exposed to the erosion agent, core material adjacent to the channels is removed to form a pattern of integral radiopaque segments or markers with a plurality of voids therebetween. By controlling the location of channels and the rate of erosion of the core material, the pattern of integral radiopaque segments and voids allow for in situ measurement when viewed under fluoroscopy.

Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure devices, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure devices presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The intra-cardiac pressure devices are made of a non-braided material.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone access and dilatation and/or cavity creation or enlargement using a narrow gauge, preferably 11-gauge or smaller, cannula wherein a catheter/expandable element assembly meeting medical protocols is designed, adapted and fabricated to fit through the interior of the associated 11-gauge or smaller cannula.

Abstract: Devices for administration of one or more active agents to the skin or mucosa of a host are formed in the nature of a double-disk patch. One outer layer functions as the primary adhesive layer for adhering the patch to the host. The other inner layer contains at least one active agent to be administered to the host. The inner layer is bonded to the outer layer through an opening provided in an interposed active agent impermeable release layer. The release layer separates a circumferential portion of the active agent containing inner layer from the outer adhesive layer to inhibit migration of the active agent therebetween.

Abstract: Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by cyclical blocking of conduction in peripheral neural structures are disclosed. Neural activity may blocked cyclically by blocking stimuli delivered via various types of blocking stimulus sources. In an aspect, a conduction block is produced in a sensory nerve. Neural modulation may be used, for example, to modulate an undesired sensation, such as pain, or an immune or inflammatory response or process. Delivery of blocking stimuli may be controlled in part in response to an input from a user input device.

Abstract: A micro-needle device comprising an active substance layer (3) having a plurality of active substance chambers (4) formed therein, a drive substance layer (9) having a plurality of drive substance chambers (10) formed therein and a needle support layer (5) having a plurality of micro-needles (6) extending therefrom. An activation layer (12) comprising a plurality of heating elements (14) for heating an expandable drive substance (11) located in the drive substance chambers (10) for in turn urging the second membrane (16) into the active substance chamber (4) for pressurizing and urging an active substance (2) therefrom through the corresponding micro-needle (6). A plurality of membrane accommodating recesses (25) extend into the needle support layer (5) for accommodating the first membrane (15) as the active substance in the corresponding active substance chamber (10) is pressurized. A puncturing member (33) with a piercing point (35) extends into each membrane accommodating recess (25).

Abstract: A micro-needle roller infusion system for transdermal or intradermal delivery of active agents, skin-care products, and other topical formulations is provided. The infusion system comprises a needle roller assembly with needles enclosed in a housing with a disposable cartridge having the active agent. The device offers the advantages of creating a path for the active agents to reach or be injected into the desired depth for an easier, more effective interaction with the target skin layer. Apart from the approximation of the agent to the target, the device also provides biological benefits of the needling therapy of collagen generation and skin rejuvenation coupled with superior convenience and ease of use.

Abstract: A low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device having a spatiotemporal radiation profile includes an elongated body having a radioactive material in a spatial pattern to provide a spatial radiation profile with a radiation intensity that varies along a length of the elongated body. The radioactive material includes at least first and second radioisotopes having at least first and second respective decay profiles that together provide a temporal radiation profile that is different from the first and second decay profiles. The spatial radiation profile and the temporal radiation profile form a net spatiotemporal radiation profile configured to provide a radiotherapy plan for a patient.

Abstract: An implantable access port for use in transferring fluid transdermally between an external fluid storage or dispensing device and a site within a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a body, at least two reservoirs defined within the access port body, and at least one septum secured to the body and enclosing the reservoirs within the body. The access port also includes reservoir outlets defined within the reservoirs. The access port also has body conduits defined within the body and in fluid communication with the reservoir outlets and external openings defined in the exterior of the body. An implantable access port and system for use in apheresis is also provided that includes an implantable access port, at least one needle, and a catheter that is fluidly connected to the access port.

Abstract: A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a resilient member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing defines a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering an active agent into an intraoral structure are disclosed. One embodiment of a method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes generating an electrical signal that includes a first frequency, a second frequency, and a third frequency, and supplying the electrical signal to an embedded circuit contained in an intraoral delivery tray, wherein the embedded circuit includes at least one electrode that includes projections positioned proximally to a surface of an intraoral structure. The method further includes providing the first frequency and the second frequency to the at least one electrode to generate an electrical field that electrically motivates the active agent suspended in a fluid medium contained in the intraoral delivery tray toward the intraoral structure via dielectrophoresis and providing the third frequency to the at least one electrode to increase the uptake of the active agent into intraoral structure via alternating current electroosmosis.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture (EA) device having at least two electrode contacts attached to the surface of its housing. The electrodes include a central cathode electrode on a bottom side of the housing, and a circumferential anode electrode that surrounds the cathode electrode. In one embodiment, the anode annular electrode is a ring electrode placed around the perimeter edge of the coin-shaped housing. The EA device is adapted to be implanted through a very small incision, e.g., less than about 2-3 cm in length, directly adjacent to a selected acupuncture site known to moderate or affect a hypertension condition of a patient. Appropriate power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery having a relatively high internal impedance to be used without causing unacceptable dips in battery voltage when the instantaneous battery current surges.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation device for the stimulation of the musculature of the pelvic floor complex e.g. for the treatment of anterior and posterior pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is fully self-contained. The device requires no external power sources or control and may be inserted into the vagina or anus through the use of an applicator. The device uses a pre-programmed treatment cycle of stimulating pulses. The cycle comprises either a waveform with an initial phase where the current of the device is ramped from an initial level to a higher level, a second phase where the current is ramped from the higher level from the first phase to a second higher level and a third phase where the current is maintained at the second higher level, or a waveform comprising two or more components each component being a train of regularly spaced pulses or a combination of these two waveforms.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an alignment device and method. The alignment device includes a wrap and an injection device for proper alignment and insertion of a metal device.

Abstract: A medical device according to the invention for insertion into a human and/or animal body comprises an elongated tubular lead probe including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, an opening which opens into a lumen extending in the axial direction being formed on the proximal end of the lead probe, and the distal end of the lead probe being closed. The medical device further comprises an elongated core which is constructed in such a manner that it can be inserted into the lead probe and removed again via the lumen, and the core is made from non-metallic filaments and a matrix material.

Abstract: Leadless pacemaker, including a hermetic housing, a pacing electrode on a distal portion of the housing, an electronics package in the housing and configured to generate/deliver pacing pulses to the electrode, and a fixation mechanism on the housing distal portion. The fixation mechanism includes at least one deformable hook-shaped thin fixation wire having an attachment portion fixedly attached at the distal portion of the housing and a free end portion which is angled or bent with respect to the attachment portion such that it extends essentially in conformity, but with a small spacing, to a neighbored surface portion of the housing such that the free end portion engages with heart tissue onto which the distal portion is pressed upon rotation of the pacemaker in the direction in which the free end portion extends from the attachment portion, and disengages upon rotation of the pacemaker in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting intrathecal penetration are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes detecting a value corresponding to an impedance of an electrical circuit that in turn includes an electrical contact located within the patient, and patient tissue adjacent to the electrical contact. The method further includes comparing the detected value to a predetermined criterion, and, if the detected value meets the predetermined criterion, identifying penetration of the patient's dura based at least in part on the detected value.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a headpiece module configured to be affixed to a head of a patient and comprising a primary sound processor configured to generate stimulation parameters used to direct an auditory prosthesis implanted within the patient to apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals to the patient and 2) a sound processor module separate from the headpiece module and configured to be selectively and communicatively coupled to the headpiece module. The sound processor module includes a secondary sound processor configured to detect a communicative coupling of the sound processor module to the headpiece module and contribute to the generation of one or more of the stimulation parameters while the sound processor module is communicatively coupled to the headpiece module. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stimulation system, such as a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, having a programmer with a user interface. The programmer determines a position of an implanted medical lead with respect to a patient's spinal column. The programmer overlays the medical lead, an initial stimulation field, and an initial target stimulation area within the initial stimulation field on an image of the spinal column. A user enters, via the user interface, graphical manipulations of displayed boundaries of the initial stimulation field and the initial target stimulation area. The graphical manipulations of the stimulation field and the target stimulation field are independent of each other and they may move and/or alter the shape of the boundaries. The programmer then determines stimulation parameters to drive the implanted medical lead to generate the displayed stimulation field and target stimulation field as manipulated by the user.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system comprises electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to electrodes. The system further comprises modulation output circuitry configured for respectively outputting individual electrical pulse trains in timing channels to the electrical terminals, wherein each of the pulse trains has a modulation pulse, and at least one of the pulse trains has a charge recovery pulse associated with the modulation pulse of the respective pulse train. The neuromodulation system further comprises control circuitry configured for controlling the modulation output circuitry in a manner that sequentially outputs the modulation pulses of the respective pulse trains to a common set of the electrical terminals without an intervening charge recovery pulse, and outputting the charge recovery pulse(s) to the common set of the electrical terminals subsequent to the sequential modulation pulses, thereby creating a combined electrical pulse train at the common set of electrical terminals.

Abstract: A device according to some embodiments may include an implantable flexible carrier and a pair of electrodes located on the carrier. The electrodes may be spaced from each other by a distance greater than 3 mm, and may be configured to cause, when supplied with an electrical signal, a unidirectional electric field sufficient to modulate at least one nerve.

Abstract: Methods of treating auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and/or phonophobia include applying at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient with an implanted stimulator in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulation site may include, for example, at least one or more of a cochlear nucleus, auditory striae, superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, brachium of the inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, primary auditory cortex, secondary auditory cortical area, and auditory radiation. Systems for treating auditory hallucinations, hyperacusis, schizophrenia, and/or phonophobia include an implanted stimulator configured to apply at least one stimulus to a stimulation site within a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system for use with a plurality of electrodes implanted within a tissue region comprises a neurostimulator configured for delivering electrical stimulation energy to the plurality of electrodes in accordance with a set of stimulation parameters, thereby injecting a charge into the tissue region, a control device configured for receiving user input to modify the set of stimulation parameters, and controller/processor circuitry configured for, in response to the user input computing a charge injection metric value as a function of a physical electrode parameter and an electrical source parameter for a first set of the electrodes, wherein the electrode set comprises at least two electrodes, comparing the computed charge injection metric value to a safety threshold value, and performing a corrective action based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system for designing a therapy or for treating a gastrointestinal disorder or a condition associated with excess weight in a subject comprising at least one electrode configured to be implanted within a body of the patient and placed at a vagus nerve, the electrode also configured to apply therapy to the vagus nerve upon application of a therapy cycle to the electrode; an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an on time during which an electrical signal is delivered, the electrical signal comprising: a) a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz, wherein each pulse of the set of pulses has a pulse width of at least 0.01 milliseconds and less than the period of the first selected frequency.

Abstract: A method of operating an implantable neuromodulator coupled to an electrode array implanted adjacent tissue of a patient includes conveying electrical modulation energy to the tissue per a series of modulation parameter sets, thereby displacing the locus of the resulting electrical field laterally relative to the tissue, associating a plurality of different loci with the modulation parameter sets, causing the patient to perceive paresthesia, identifying a modulation parameter set as creating an electrical field having a locus disposed on a physiological midline of the patient based on the perceived paresthesia, deriving another modulation parameter set from the identified modulation parameter set, conveying electrical modulation energy to the patient per the other modulation parameter set, thereby creating an electrical field having a locus relative to the tissue that is the same as the locus of the electrical field associated with the identified modulation parameter set, without causing paresthesia.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices efficiently identify cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing parameter set(s) that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to an initial CRT pacing parameter set, wherein each CRT pacing parameter set includes at least two CRT pacing parameters. User input(s) are accepted that specify a maximum amount of time and/or parameter sets that can be used to perform testing, and specify relative importance of parameters within the sets. Based on the accepted user input(s), there is a determination of how many different variations of each of the CRT pacing parameters can be tested, and based on this determination different CRT pacing parameter sets are selected and tested to obtain a hemodynamic response measure corresponding to each of the different sets tested. Additionally, one or more of the tested CRT pacing parameter sets, if any, that provide improved hemodynamic response relative to the initial CRT pacing parameter set is/are identified.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient and an external programmer for use with a neurostimulator. Electrical stimulation energy is serially conveyed into tissue of the patient via different combinations of electrodes implanted within the patient, thereby creating one or more clinical effects for each of the different electrode combinations. An influence of each of the different electrode combinations on the clinical effect(s) is determined. A graphical indication of the one or more clinical effects is generated based on the determined electrode combination influences. A graphical representation of the electrodes is displayed. The graphical indication of the clinical effect(s) is displayed adjacent the graphical electrode representation, such that a user can view an extent to which each of the different electrode combinations influences the clinical effect(s).

Abstract: An external charger for a battery in an implantable medical device and charging techniques are disclosed. Simulation data is used to model the power dissipation of the charging circuitry in the implant at varying levels of implant power. A power dissipation limit constrains the charging circuitry from producing an inordinate amount of heat to the tissue surrounding the implant, and duty cycles of a charging field are determined so as not to exceed that limit. A maximum simulated average battery current determines the optimal (i.e., quickest) battery charging current, and at least an optimal value for a parameter indicative of that current is determined and stored in the external charger. During charging, the actual value for that parameter is determined, and the intensity and/or duty cycle of the charging field are adjusted to ensure that charging is as fast as possible, while still not exceeding the power dissipation limit.

Abstract: In a cardiac pacing system, a leadless cardiac pacemaker is configured for implantation in electrical contact with a cardiac chamber and configured for leadless pacing.

Abstract: In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources.

Abstract: A laser therapy device, including: a laser diode that is adapted to produce a monochromatic laser beam; a lens that is adapted to receive the beam directly from the laser diode and exploit the natural divergence of the laser diode to form an essentially coherent monochromatic, collimated beam; wherein the formed beam is adapted to form on a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the beam an elongated illuminated area in which the length of the illuminated area is at least twice the size of the width of the illuminated area; a controller that is adapted to control activation of the laser diode; an encasement enclosing the laser diode, the lens and the controller; wherein the encasement is adapted to be hand held by the user.

Abstract: There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure. The light source of the phototherapy apparatus is actively cooled by a synthetic jet cooler.

Abstract: A method and a dose planning module for planning a treatment session of a patient by means of a radiation therapy system includes a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point. The method includes obtaining a target volume of a region of a patient to be treated during a treatment of a patient in a radiation therapy unit, the target volume being modeled as a three-dimensional voxel representation; selecting an isodose level for the planned treatment; determining shots to be delivered during the treatment, each shot being modeled by a spatial dose volume distribution of radiation represented by a three-dimensional voxel representation, the shape of the spatial distribution depending on the specific collimator setting and the selected isodose level; and selecting shots in a decreasing volume order for the dose planning.

Abstract: A system for identifying users and controlling access to a radiotherapy apparatus, comprising: a portable identification device, comprising a memory for storing identification information corresponding to a user of the device and an antenna; and a control mechanism for a radiotherapy apparatus, comprising: a wireless transceiver for communicating with the portable identification device and identifying the user of the portable identification device; and a display for displaying a user interface and receiving inputs for controlling the radiotherapy apparatus on the basis of the identified user when the portable identification device is placed on the display.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method and apparatus for verifying the beam range in a target irradiated with a charged hadron beam, such as a proton beam. The beam range is the location of the Bragg peak in the target, being the location where the largest portion of the dose is delivered. The method utilizes a prompt gamma camera provided with a slit-shaped opening, so as to be able to produced a 1-dimensional profile of the dose distribution along the beam line. The camera is mounted with the slit oriented perpendicularly to the beam line. The method comprises the steps of calculating a position of the camera with respect to a target, for a plurality of beam energies and spots to be irradiated. The method further comprises the steps of verifying the beam range for said plurality of spots, and delivering a value representative of the difference between the estimated beam range and the actual beam range. The apparatus of the invention is provided with a positioning module for positioning the camera.

Abstract: An ultrasonic actuated unit includes an intermediary portion continuous with an ultrasonic transmitting portion or connected to the ultrasonic transmitting portion at a node position of a longitudinal vibration, and a noncontact vibrating portion extending in directions parallel to a longitudinal axis without contacting the ultrasonic transmitting portion, an imprecise vibration being transmitted to the noncontact vibrating portion from the ultrasonic transmitting portion via the intermediary portion. The ultrasonic actuated unit includes a vibration absorbing portion absorbing the imprecise vibration transmitted to the noncontact vibrating portion.

Abstract: The invention is a portable powered rope climbing device, which can carry persons and objects to ascend or descend along a climbing rope, and ensure controllable speed. The invention comprises a battery pack, an electromagnetic brake direct current motor, and an output shaft of the motor connected with an input shaft of a reducer. An output shaft of the reducer and the input shaft of the reducer are arranged in a 90-degree manner. A driving rope pulley is fixed to the output shaft of the reducer. A climbing rope is wound inside the driving rope pulley. A warping brake rope-pressing pulley block and rope-pressing pulleys tightly press the climbing rope. The climbing rope is wound between the driving rope pulley and a reversing rope pulley and is led out of the driving rope pulley. A speed control module is connected with the motor.

Abstract: Air filtering devices may be helmet-mounted or belt-mounted. The air filtering devices include a filtering device shell and a filtering unit. The filtering unit includes a contaminated-air inlet, a filter assembly in fluid communication with the contaminated-air inlet, a blower assembly in fluid communication with the filter assembly via a duct, and containing a filtered-air outlet, and a filtered-air passageway in fluid communication with the blower assembly outlet and leading to breathing headgear. The blower assembly is vibrationally isolated from the filtering device shell by being only attached to the filtering device shell by the duct. The duct includes an elastomeric material.

Abstract: An installation for draining liquid away from an aircraft engine compartment. Said drainage installation comprises a collector for collecting said liquid and provided with an opening putting the collector into fluid flow communication with an upstream inlet of a drainage line that is open to the outside via a downstream outlet. The drainage line includes an obstacle to the flow of the liquid that allows the liquid to flow towards the downstream outlet of the drainage line when there is a predefined quantity of liquid retained by said obstacle. The opening of the collector is provided with a firebreak grille arranged as a cap extending in elevation over the opening and including a plurality of orifices distributed at the periphery of the firebreak grille going from its base towards its top.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler head (12) has a valve (42) with an X-brace latch (54), and includes a flexible conduit (14). A sprinkler nozzle (16) is secured to a first end of the flexible conduit (14). The sprinkler nozzle (16) includes a first fitting (28), a sprinkler orifice (20) and fusible element (22). A second fitting (40) is secured to the second end of the flexible conduit (14) and includes the valve (42). The valve (42) has a valve element (44) which is moveable from a latched position to an unlatched position. A flexible link (56) extends from the sprinkler nozzle (16) to the X-brace valve latch (54). Breaking of the fusible element (22) releases the flexible link (56) to move from the latched position to the unlatched position, releasing the valve (42) for flow there-through.

Abstract: An in-ground trampoline including a frame, trampoline mat, a plurality of springs and a protective pad. The protective pad incorporates a permeable material to allow for the passage of air through the protective pad. The in-ground trampoline system may also include a retaining wall which may comprise self-locking panels. In some embodiments, the self-locking panels may be attached to the frame of the in-ground trampoline.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for motion and muscle training are disclosed. An apparatus includes a first retractor device, a second retractor device and a body gear unit for engaging a human. The body gear unit is attached to the first retractor device and the second retractor device. The first retractor device and the second retractor device each provide a constant non-variable load and constant resistance in opposite directions. A method includes attaching a body gear unit to a body, attaching first and second retractor devices to the body gear unit, and performing at least one movement using the body gear unit. The at least one movement is performed in a direction that is opposite to a direction of resistance of the first retractor device. A direction of resistance of the second retractor device is opposite to the direction of resistance of the first retractor device.