Abstract: A retinal prosthesis system according to an embodiment includes a converter, a retinal prosthesis, and a transmitter. The converter is placed in an eye, and transmits part of light incident on the eye therethrough while converting the energy of the other part of the light into electrical energy. The retinal prosthesis is placed in the eye and includes a photoelectric conversion element array configured to operate with the electrical energy received from the converter to detect the light having transmitted through the converter to generate an electrical signal. The transmitter is used to send the electrical signal generated by the retinal prosthesis to the visual cortex of the brain.

Abstract: The present invention reduces pain and improves function long-term in persons with back pain using electrical stimulation in the back. This approach involves an electrical stimulation device including at least one electrode adapted for insertion within an animal body with back pain and at least one pulse generator operatively coupled with the at least one electrode, wherein the pulse generator delivers electrical stimulation activating at least a nerve innervating at least a paraspinal muscle in a back of the animal body for pain relief.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying whether local tissue latency is present. The system and method comprises an implanted lead having a first electrode for cardiac pacing and sensing. A sensing module for sensing heart activity with the first electrode to produce an electrogram (EGM) waveform. A processor is configured to receive the EGM waveform and extract two or more features from the EGM waveform representative of heart activity in response to monoventricular or biventricular pacing stimulus at the electrode and identify local tissue latency at a site of the first electrode based upon at least two of the extracted features indicating local tissue latency.

Abstract: A current generation architecture for an implantable stimulator device such as an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed. Current source and sink circuitry are both divided into coarse and fine portions, which respectively can provide coarse and fine current resolutions to a specified electrode on the IPG. The coarse portion is distributed across all of the electrodes and so can source or sink current to any of the electrodes. The coarse portion is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking a coarse amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes on the device. The fine portion of the current generation circuit preferably includes source and sink circuitry dedicated to each of the electrode on the device, which can comprise digital-to-analog current converters (DACs).

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. In particular embodiments, aspects of the foregoing modulation therapies may be implemented by systems and devices that have simplified functionalities.

Abstract: A method of producing signals for neuromodulation has the steps of producing a starting signal using an oscillator, and shaping the frequency spectrum of the signal, wherein the signal is configured to be used for neuromodulation treatment. The starting signal is selected from the group consisting of a pulse wave, a sine wave, a triangle wave, a sawtooth wave and a reverse sawtooth wave. The signals may be added allowing the frequency spectrum of the signal to be shaped according to the formula: f ? ( t ) = a 0 + ? k = 1 n ? ? a k ? ? k ? ( b k ? ? ? ? t ) , The frequency spectrum of the signal may be shaped by pulse width modulation, frequency modulation, and one or more filters may be applied to the signal.

Abstract: A group select matrix is added to an implantable stimulator device to allow current sources to be dedicated to particular groups of electrodes at a given time. The group select matrix can time multiplex the current sources to the different groups of electrodes to allow therapy pulses to be delivered at the various groups of electrodes in an interleaved fashion. Each of the groups of electrodes may be confined to a particular electrode array implantable at a particular non-overlapping location in a patient's body. A switch matrix can be used in conjunction with the group select matrix to provide further flexibility to couple the current sources to any of the electrodes.

Abstract: A therapeutic signal delivery system and method that delivers a dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic pulse are provided. The dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic therapeutic pulse may be used for a variety of therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: A medical device and associated method determine a signal amplitude of a sensor signal produced by a MEMS sensor, compare the signal amplitude to a stiction detection condition, detect stiction of the MEMS sensor in response to the signal amplitude meeting the stiction detection condition, and automatically provide a corrective action in response to detecting the stiction.

Abstract: Devices that communicate using wireless proximal communications measure pulse width to find distortion in the received signal. The distortion may be due to the devices being too close to one another for a transmission power level currently being used which causes ringing of a receiving coil. The distortion may be used to find a correction that the receiving device may use to correct for the distortion in the received pulse train when decoding the pulse train. The distortion may be used to adjust a transmission power level of the receiving device and/or to send an instruction to the transmitting device to adjust the power transmission power level of the transmitting device. The distortion may be used for other purposes including determining a device depth and/or location for an implanted device, such as an implantable medical device within a body of a patient.

Abstract: Cochlear implant headpieces with improved antenna positioning.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises a communication module that comprises at least one of a receiver module and a transmitter module. The receiver module is configured to both receive from an antenna and demodulate an RF telemetry signal, and receive from a plurality of electrodes and demodulate a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal. The transmitter module is configured to modulate and transmit both an RF telemetry signal via the antenna and a TCC signal via the plurality of electrodes. The RF telemetry signal and the TCC signal are both within a predetermined band for RF telemetry communication. In some examples, the IMD comprises a switching module configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of electrodes and the antenna to the receiver module or transmitter module.

Abstract: A novel therapeutic biphasic or multiphasic pulse waveform and method are provided. The novel therapeutic biphasic or multiphasic pulse waveform may be used in a defibrillator, or in another medical device that delivers therapeutic electrical stimulation pulses to a patient.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) configured to transmit a tissue conduction communication (TCC) signal includes a TCC transmitter module configured to generate the TCC signal and transmit the TCC signal via a plurality of electrodes. The TCC signal comprises a biphasic signal having an amplitude and a frequency, wherein at least one of the amplitude and the frequency are configured to avoid stimulation of tissue of the patient. The TCC transmitter module comprises protection circuitry coupled between a current source and the plurality of electrodes, wherein the protection circuitry is configured to protect the signal generator from an external anti-tachyarrhythmia shock delivered to the patient.

Abstract: An implantable pacemaker detects delivery of an anti-tachyarrhythmia shock by another device. The implantable pacemaker delivers cardiac stimulation therapy within a patient. The implantable pacemaker senses, via the electrode pair, an electrical signal. The implantable pacemaker detects the anti-tachyarrhythmia shock based on the sensed electrical signal by detecting DC voltage polarization across the electrode pair within the patient. The implantable pacemaker alters the cardiac stimulation therapy based on the detected anti-tachyarrhythmia shock.

Abstract: A method and medical device for generating a template that includes sensing a cardiac signal from a plurality of electrodes, determining a plurality of beats in response to the sensed cardiac signal, determining whether to store a beat of the plurality of beats in a subgroup of a plurality of subgroups for storing beats, determining whether a number of beats stored in one of the plurality of subgroups exceeds a subgroup threshold, and generating a template in response to beats stored in the one of the plurality of subgroups that exceeds the subgroup threshold.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing text-based communications from medical equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are described herein.

Abstract: Presented herein are tissue-stimulating prostheses that deliver magnetic stimulation to a recipient. The magnetic stimulation is delivered to the nerve cells through the use of one or more implantable magnetic stimulation coils, such as stimulation coils and/or extra-cochlear stimulation coils.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A circuit having at least two inductors is used in a TMS device. A small inductor adjacent to the patient's head and a large inductor away from the patient is used. The inductors are coupled to the circuit using multiple semiconductor switching subsystems. The subsystems, when activated, couple the inductors to the circuit and the inductors act as a single inductance. When deactivated, the subsystems decouple the inductors from the circuit and each inductor individually recovers or dissipates/discharges energy stored within. Since each inductor dissipates energy separately from each other, a much shorter dissipation or recovery time is achieved in the inductor close to the patient's brain as compared to the larger inductor. While dissipating or discharging, the small inductor induces electric currents in the brain to thus achieve stimulation and elicit action potentials.

Abstract: A photoreactive agent and a drug therapy device including a support member configured to pass through a urethra having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal internal lumen. A light generator carried by the support member, potted within the lumen, and positioned within the urethra to deliver light to the prostate. The light generator generates a light band with a peak at a preselected wavelength. A power source external to the support member powers the light generator. The positioning element locates the support member within the urethra. A transparent/translucent, integral window is positioned proximate to the prostate and allows light to pass through. The window extends 360 degrees radially from the support member. The light generator has at least LEDs or LOs having a dimension of approximately 0.3 mm×0.3 mm×0.1 mm (length×width×thickness).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the circadian input of a light source includes selecting a circadian input to be measured based on an action spectrum corresponding to a wavelength sensitivity of photoreceptors for a circadian regulation system, where the circadian input is configured to stimulate a retinaldehyde photopigment, and for measuring spectral intensity across the action spectrum to determine the circadian input of the light source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for segmenting medical image. Embodiments of the present disclosure may locate and track a moving, three-dimensional (3D) target in a patient undergoing image-guided radiation therapy. For example, an adaptive filter model for a region of interest in the patient may be received, wherein the adaptive filter model is based on the target to be tracked. An image acquisition device may obtain a two-dimensional (2D) slice of a region of interest in the patient. A processor may then apply the adaptive filter model to the 2D slice, wherein the adaptive filter model includes an offset value. The processor may also determine a location of the target in the 2D slice based on the adaptive filter model. The processor may also estimate a potential location of the target based on the offset value. The processor may then repeat one or more of the above steps to track the moving target during image-guided radiation therapy of the patient.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for creating one or more test objects used for radiation therapy having a processor executing a plurality of computer executable instructions. An exemplary method may include defining a plurality of parameters to create a test object, determining a shape of an object, selecting an image modality, and generating a plurality of images based on the test objects based on object parameters, shape, and image modality. The method may also include creating contours on the plurality of test images, generating a radiation therapy treatment plan, creating a radiation therapy dose, and generating a plurality of Digital Imaging and Communication (DICOM) files that represents one or more radiation therapy objects for a particular test anatomy.

Abstract: The invention provides for a medical instrument (400, 500, 600, 700) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (404) and an external beam radiotherapy system (402) for irradiating a target zone (438) of a subject with a beam (442) of ionizing radiation within the imaging zone. The medical instrument further comprises a processor (448) for controlling the medical instrument. Execution of instructions cause the processor to: acquire (100, 200) first magnetic resonance data (458); reconstruct (102, 202) a first magnetic resonance image (460) from the first magnetic resonance data; receive (104, 204) planning data (462), wherein the planning data specifies a spatially dependent radiation dose for the target zone; register (106, 206) the planning data to the first magnetic resonance image; and calculate (108, 208) an external beam dosage plan (468) and a brachytherapy dosage plan (468) using the spatially dependent radiation dose and the first magnetic resonance image.

Abstract: When a beam acceleration high frequency control section turns on an accelerating cavity in synchronization with a beam irradiation on state, the beam acceleration high frequency control section rapidly increases an amplitude value of an applied voltage of the accelerating cavity. The control section rapidly decreases the amplitude value of the applied voltage of the accelerating cavity before beam irradiation off timing. When the control section turns off the accelerating cavity, the control section gradually decreases the amplitude value of the applied voltage of the accelerating cavity before the irradiation off timing. When the control section turns on the accelerating cavity and starts the beam irradiation, the control section gradually increases the applied voltage of the accelerating cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides for a medical instrument (200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system (204) operable for acquiring magnetic resonance data (266) from a subject (236) within an imaging zone (232) and an external beam radiotherapy system (202) operable for irradiating a target zone (238) within the imaging zone. The medical instrument further has a radiation beam generation system (208, 302, 302?, 302?) operable for generating a radiation beam (242, 304, 304?, 304?) and a radiation beam detection system (243, 502, 502?) operable for acquiring radiation beam detection data (270) descriptive of the radiation beam. Instructions cause a processor (248) controlling the instrument to receive (100) planning data (260) descriptive of a spatially dependent radiation dose and generate (102) external beam radiotherapy control commands (264) using the radiation dose.

Abstract: A treatment device comprising a cavity to receive body tissue, the cavity comprising a side wall, a closed end wall and an opening to admit tissue, and at least four ultrasonic transducers disposed to transmit ultrasound into the cavity.

Abstract: A rappelling device that frictionally controls rope flow, thereby allowing adjustable control of a load relative to an anchor is disclosed. For example, a coupling link, such as a carabiner, is clipped into a small hole, a bight of rope is pushed through a separate large hole, and then the rope is clipped into the carabiner. A user may use the rappelling device to increase the friction while the rope is weighted by weaving the rope through one or more openings on the device. In doing so, the user does not need to feed the end of the rope through the one or more openings. The rappelling device provides incremental adjustment of friction while the rope is weighted. Additionally, a gland cut into the inner circumference of the small hole may be added to grip and limit axial movement of the carabiner.

Abstract: A sensor device is disclosed for providing end of service life indication for an air purification filter. The sensor device has a cylindrical housing for insertion into a sorbent bed of a filter, and can be removed from the bed and reused at the end of the filter service. One or more sensors inside the housing are configured to sense physical/chemical characteristics of air passing through the sorbent bed, and to provide associated data to a sensor conditioning board within the housing. The sensor conditioning board processes the received data and conditions the data as desired. The housing is receivable in a cavity formed in the filter bed. A receiving structure receives the housing therein. Data from the one or more sensors can be used to calculate predicted end of service life of the filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) for delivering a forced flow of filtered air to a wearer is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen mask (1) for an emergency oxygen supply of passengers in an aircraft, with a carrier (12), on which a breathing bag connection (5) for a breathing bag (11), an inhalation valve (3) and an exhalation valve (4) are provided, wherein the carrier (12) comprises at least two carrier parts (14, 15, 16) which are arranged pivotable to one another.

Abstract: A breathing mask includes a shell body, an inner lining mounted behind the shell body, a filtering piece mounted between the shell body and the inner lining, an inner cover mounted behind the inner lining, and a sealing pad coupled with the inner cover. The inner lining has a vent hole and a recess. The inner cover has an air intake and an air outlet. Ambient air inhaled through a breathing mask user's nasal cavity is introduced into through-holes in the shell body, the filtering piece, the vent hole, and the air intake. Gas exhaled from a mask user's oral cavity is guided into the recess from the air outlet of the inner cover and dissipated via a notch in the recess's bottom. The breathing mask is able to effectively filter harmful substances such as microbes and airborne particles in air inhaled while providing smooth inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: A breathing mask for a shooter is disclosed. The mask includes a housing dimensioned to fit over the user's nose and mouth with a peripheral edge of the housing making intimate sealing contact with the user's face. A one way exhaust valve is formed on the housing as well as a one way intake port. The intake port can be coupled to an air filter element. A first side of the housing is shaped to receive and nestle the gun stock to permit said side of the housing to rest against the gun stock while the breathing mask is worn on the shooter's face without dislodging the breathing mask from the shooter's face.

Abstract: A rapidly deploying respiratory protective garment to protect from particles, gases, odors, and also weather elements; having an inner panel constructed of protective devices and a fashionable garment outer panel concealing the devices within. Assembled at the inner panel made of stretch fabric are an outer filter and inner filter made of non-stretch fabric that are combined to form a pocket. Specialized middle filters and/or a filter frame can be inserted into or removed from the pocket. A pre-formed nose clip and nose pad are attached to a projection at the nose area. A chin seal or chin filter is attached to a projection at the chin area. The nose and chin projections are formed by fabric darts, which outwardly project the inner panel and filters to form breathing space. Concealing the devices of the inner panel, outer panel embodiments include a sport, tube, cowl, rectangular, and infinity scarf.

Abstract: An enhanced filtration multilayer laminated fabric (10) includes an air permeable, moisture-vapor-transmissive, polytetra-fluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane central layer (12). This central layer (12) is sandwiched between a first pair of nonwoven textile layers (14, 16) and a second pair of woven textile layers (18, 20). The laminated fabric may also feature a fire resistant application. The top textile layer (18) may also include a permanent, highly breathable and highly durable electro-static discharge feature added to the inside of the layer by laying down a carbon based printed pattern on the inside of the layer. The filtration fabric (10) may be utilized to manufacture a wearable garment that is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear in all weather conditions.

Abstract: A fall restriction device is provided that includes a rope and a connector that has a rope connector base. A latch is retained by the rope connector base. The connector has a rope connector with an aperture and the rope is disposed through the aperture. The rope connector has an engaged position in which the rope connector is retained to the rope connector base. The rope connector is moved from the engaged position by being moved along the rope connector base and by being rotated relative to the rope connector base.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for a shield and flange support for a duct. The shield and flange support includes a first side and a second side coupled to the first side to extend toward the duct. The first side and the second side cooperate to define a cavity, and the cavity includes at least one of a first insulating fluid and a first insulating solid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a broadhead cutter activation mechanism and system inside of a fire extinguisher. The broadhead cutter device may be attached to a cutter shaft which is driven downward when the elastic potential energy is released form a spring system. The broadhead cutter device may be configured to pierce and open a burst disc to release the flow of an extinguishing agent under pressure.

Abstract: A device for suppressing and/or extinguishing a fire associated with a container may include a housing defining a hollow sleeve and a column configured to be received within the hollow sleeve. The column may define a first chamber, a second chamber, at least one aperture, and a piercing end configured to pierce a barrier. The first chamber may be configured to receive an expansion agent, and the second chamber may be configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent. The device may be configured such that upon activation of the expansion agent, the column extends from the housing so as to enable the piercing end to penetrate the container and to enable the fire extinguishing agent to be delivered into an interior of the container via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A fire suppression composition includes starch, a pseudo-plastic, high yield, suspending agent, paraffin or olefin, and a neutralizer.

Abstract: Improvements in a weight bar locking mechanism that secures a zig-sag or bent curling bar or straight bar. Curl bars have only limited areas where the bar can be rested where the bar is perpendicular to the weights. The central area is typically fairly narrow in dimension and placing the curl bar on this central area can be difficult and is the bar is not placed into the central area the curl be can be unbalanced. The locking mechanism captures both the top and bottom of the curl bar to lock the bar and prevents the curl bar from falling if the curl bar is not properly placed onto the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism forces the retained sides of the curl bar like an over-center torsion bar type arrangement to forces both sides of the curl bar to be essentially parallel orientation.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame with a pair of vertical guides. A carriage is slidably carried on each of the guides. Each of the carriages has a locking mechanism to lock the carriage at a selected vertical position and a release to disengage the locking mechanism. A horizontal exercise bar is slidably carried on guide rods. First and second cables are coupled to a selectable exercise resistance, each of the cables having an end selectively coupled to either the respective carriage or to a respective bracket at the end of the exercise bar. Secondary brackets on the exercise bar are configured to engage respective ones of the carriage releases and grab the carriage so as to selectively engage and disengage the locking mechanisms upon axial rotation of the exercise bar and raise and lower the carriages with the exercise bar.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes foot docking station comprising a base plate pivotally fixed to a back plate at a hinge. The back plate includes a central pivot rotationally fixed with a foot plate that includes a shin engagement mechanism for engaging the shins of the person. The foot docking station further includes a first receiver for engaging a lower bench. At least one distal leg is fixed with the lower bench at a rotational leg mount, the lower bench including a second receiver for engaging an upper bench. At least one proximal leg is fixed with the upper bench at another rotational leg mount. A top side of the upper bench includes a track upon which a bench trolley slides. The bench trolley includes at least one cushion, a pair of laterally extending handles, and at least a first pair of wheels that engage the track.

Abstract: Securing straps are attached to two legs of a standard bed and extend under the bed and up the side onto the top surface of the bed where they are attached to the user's legs near the ankles by cuffs. The user can then extend their upper body off the edge of the bed so that it can move through a wide range of angles above and below the plane of the top surface of the bed. The securing straps and cuffs hold the user's lower body in place during these exercises, allowing the user to exercise all of their core muscles through the zone of peak gravitational resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework rearward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. The default mode provides a stepping motion with handles side by side. Allowing the handles to move as desired achieves elliptical curve pedal paths with varying stride length.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base having a rear end and a front end. A support extends upright from the front end of the base and supports a handle assembly disposed at an elevated location relative to the front end of the base. A framework, between the rear end of the base and the front end of the base, is mounted to the rear end of the base for movement of the framework between a lowered inclined position relative to the rear end of the base and a raised inclined position relative to the rear end of the base, and for side-to-side pivotal movement of the framework about a longitudinal axis. Opposed foot supports are mounted to the framework on either side of the longitudinal axis for movement in reciprocal directions relative to the handle assembly.

Abstract: A device for the therapeutic treatment and/or training of the lower extremities of a human having driven and controlled movement devices which are connected to a stationary frame and comprise holding members for fastening of one extremity. The holding members can be moved independently of one another along walking trajectories, wherein the movement devices each comprise a pivot arm pivotable into different elevations, the pivot arm being rotatably connected to one single sled on a linear track. A first rotational drive is attached to a single sled and is connected to the pivot arm for changing the elevation of the respective holding member. The pivot arm comprises a second rotational drive for changing the inclination of the respective holding member and the sled is connected to a linear drive for changing the longitudinal position of the respective holding member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a neck therapy exercise apparatus, comprising a helmet having a weighted flexible rod which may be either permanently or detachably affixed to the top exterior center of the helmet. The flexible rod consists of a first end which may have a connector enabling the attachment of various sized weights to the first end, and a second end, affixed to the helmet. The helmet is custom-sized to a user's head and securely fastened to the head. Therapeutic exercise is accomplished by the user, while wearing the helmet, and weighted flexible rod, slowly rotating his/her head 360 degrees in a generally horizontal plane in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. In different embodiments, the user may replace the weights at the end of flexible rod with increasingly heavier weights as strength is gained during the exercises.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to process motion data associated with a user. The systems and methods are configured to receive motion data from a sensor, calculate motion attributes from the data, and classify the motion data using one or more mathematical models. Attributes may be calculated without classifying the motion data into an activity. Attributes may be compared to mathematical models. Motion data within the models and attributes of the user may be independent of any activity type. Attributes may be compared to select an energy expenditure model from one or more energy expenditure models, or an activity classification model, from the one or more activity classification models. An energy expenditure, or a classification of received data as a linear travel motion, may then be calculated.

Abstract: Method implementing an accelerometer (17) for analyzing biomechanical parameters of the stride of a runner, comprising: (a) fastening a device (1) on the torso of the runner, said device being electrically self-sufficient and comprising a triaxial accelerometer (17), a chronograph (16), a digital processor (19) and a display (11); (b) measuring a sequence of acceleration data in at least the vertical direction (av) using said accelerometer, while the runner runs a certain distance (D) along a running course; (c) during or at the end of said running course, having said processor calculate the biomechanical parameters of the stride, including the lowering (A) of the center of gravity and/or the elevation (E) of the center of gravity and/or the sum of the lowering and of the elevation of the center of gravity and/or the vertical mechanical work of the center of gravity (CG) of said runner, on the basis of said acceleration data, of said distance (D) and of a period of time (T) measured by said chronograph (16