Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A rehabilitation monitor and pain treatment assembly for a patient includes a pain treatment device adapted to be carried by a patient to administer pain treatment to the patient and an activity monitoring device adapted to be carried by the patient to monitor physical therapy of the patient. The activity monitoring device and the pain treatment device are integrated together in a single unit.

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient. A plurality of individual electrical pulse trains is generated at a respective plurality of individual pulse rates. The plurality of individual electrical pulse trains are concurrently respectively from a plurality of electrodes to a common electrode via tissue of the patient, thereby creating a combined electrical pulse train having an average pulse rate equal to or greater than 1 KHz.

Abstract: A system and method may provide for conducting a stimulation of anatomic regions to treat a neuromotor, neurocognitive or neuromotor and neurocognitive disorder, according to which stimulation, motor regions are stimulated, while creep of current to non-motor regions is minimized. Stimulation parameters may be selected based on tests of motor function, tests of cognitive function, and tests of a combination of motor and cognitive functions.

Abstract: An intravascular electrode system includes an intravascular lead including a spiral section, and a plurality of electrodes on the spiral section. The electrodes are positioned to form a plurality of circumferentially-spaced longitudinal electrode arrays, each longitudinal array energizable independently from the other longitudinal arrays.

Abstract: A rechargeable-battery Implantable Medical Device (IMD) is disclosed including a primary battery which can be used as a back up to power critical loads in the IMD when the rechargeable battery is undervoltage and other non-critical loads are thus decoupled from the rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery undervoltage detector provides at least one rechargeable battery undervoltage control signal to a power supply selector, which is used to set the power supply for the critical loads either to the rechargeable battery voltage when the rechargeable battery is not undervoltage, or to the primary battery voltage when the rechargeable battery is undervoltage. Circuitry for detecting the rechargeable battery undervoltage condition may be included as part of the critical loads, and so the undervoltage control signal(s) is reliably generated in a manner to additionally decouple the rechargeable battery from the load to prevent further rechargeable battery depletion.

Abstract: In some examples, a processor of a system evaluates a therapy program based on a score determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by therapy delivery according to the therapy program. The score may be determined using a three-dimensional (3D) grid comprising a plurality of voxels that are each assigned a value. The processor may register the VTA with the 3D grid and determine the score for the therapy program based on the values assigned to voxels with which the VTA overlaps. One or more therapy programs for electrical stimulation therapy (e.g., deep brain stimulation) may be selected based on the scores determined based on the 3D grid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stimulating tissue employing local current imbalance to facilitate more effective stimulation regimens.

Abstract: An implantable pacemaker is configured to sense a cardiac electrical signal received by a pair of electrodes coupled to the pacemaker, start a pacing escape interval to control a time that a pacing pulse is delivered in a heart chamber, and detecting if the sensed cardiac electrical signal is a crosstalk event that is an electrical pulse delivered to the patient by a different device than the implantable pacemaker. The implantable pacemaker withholds restarting the pacing escape interval in response to sensing the cardiac electrical signal based on detecting the sensed cardiac electrical signal as the crosstalk event.

Abstract: Approaches for characterizing a phrenic stimulation threshold, a cardiac capture threshold, a maximum device parameter, and a minimum device parameter are described. A plurality of cardiac pacing pulses can be delivered by using a cardiac pacing device, a pacing parameter of the plurality of cardiac pacing pulses being changed between delivery of at least some of the pulses. One or more sensor signals can be evaluated to detect stimulation of the phrenic nerve by one or more of the plurality of cardiac pacing pluses. The evaluation of the one or more sensor signals and the pacing parameter can be compared to determine if a phrenic stimulation threshold is at least one of higher than a maximum device parameter and lower than a minimum device parameter.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an activity sensor, a pulse generator, and a control module. The control module is configured to determine an activity metric from the activity sensor signal over an activity metric interval and compare the activity metric to a loss of capture detection threshold. The control module may detect loss of capture in response to the activity metric being less than the loss of capture detection threshold and increase a pacing pulse output in response to detecting the loss of capture.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes at least one sensing circuit including giant magnetoresistive (GMR) elements. At least one of the GMR elements is at least partially housed in a flux-reducing or flux-concentrating first shielding material that reduces or amplifies, respectively, the magnetic field impinging on the element(s), while at least one other GMR element is housed in a second shielding material having an effect opposite that of the first shielding material, or is not housed in any shielding material. A measurement circuit is configured to measure voltage between different points of the GMR sensing circuit, allowing derivation of electric impedance between the different measurement points. An evaluation circuit evaluates the impedances and the relationships therebetween to derive a signal that indicates the strength of an applied magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an implantable housing, a header mounted to the implantable housing and including a connector block cavity, and a connector block located within the connector block cavity, the connector block including a plastic housing portion, a coil spring, and a metallic termination member connected to the coil spring and exposed outside the plastic housing portion.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to be implanted within a patient. The IMD may include a controller configured to adjust a communication frequency, a housing formed of an electrically common material, and an insulating cover coupled to the housing. The insulating cover may include one or both of at least one opening or at least one thinned area over portions of the housing. Multiple sub-electrodes are formed in the housing through the opening(s) or the thinned area(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a resonator of a wireless power transfer system comprises a plurality of links connected to another with hinges to form a coil housing, the coil housing being adjustable at the hinges to conform to a body of a patient, and a flexible conductor wire attached to the coil housing, the flexible conductor wire being configured to transmit or receive wireless power. The resonator can be infinitely adjusted at the hinges to conform the shape of the resonator to a patient's body. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism can be configured to lock the resonator into a preferred position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for wireless recharging of an implanted device. In response to receiving identification information from an implanted device, a charger can set an electrical field to a first field strength and receive first field strength information from the implanted device. The charger can then set the electrical field to a second field strength and receive second field strength information from the implanted device. This information relating to the first and second field strengths can be used to determine whether to recharge the implanted device.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating telemetry with an implantable device are provided. In one embodiment, an implantable device includes a detection component configured to detect first vibration activity generated by a mobile electronic device external to the implantable device. The first vibration activity includes one or more defined vibration behaviors. The implantable device further includes a memory that stores executable components, and a processor that executes the executable components stored in the memory. In some embodiments, an executable component includes an analysis component configured to determine whether the first vibration activity has a defined level of similarity with a first vibration pattern identifier.

Abstract: A device for controlling an implanted medical device [IMD] is disclosed and which includes a housing; a magnet mounted within the housing and which generates a source of electromagnetic radiation which is effective in changing the operational condition of the IMD; an electrical sensor borne by the housing and which detects a source of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the IMD, locates the IMD within a patient's body, and identifies the type of IMD within the patient's body; a signaling assembly borne by the housing to give a signal to a user; and a source of electrical power mounted on the housing and which selectively electrically energizes the device.

Abstract: Methods, implantable medical devices and systems configured to perform analysis of captured signals from implanted electrodes to identify cardiac arrhythmias. In an illustrative embodiment, signals captured from two or more sensing vectors are analyzed, where the signals are captured with a patient in at least first and second body positions. Analysis is performed to identify primary or default sensing vectors and/or templates for event detection.

Abstract: Tissue stimulation systems generally include a pulse generating device for generating electrical stimulation pulses, at least one implanted electrode for delivering the electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generating device, and a programmer capable of communicating with the pulse generating device. Stimulation pulses may be defined by several parameters, such as pulse width and amplitude. In methods of stimulating the tissue with the stimulation system, a user may adjust one of the parameters such as pulse width. The programmer may automatically adjust the pulse amplitude in response to the change in pulse width in order to maintain a substantially constant effect of the stimulation pulses.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device are provided. In one embodiment, for example, a method includes comparing, by a first device having a processor, first electronic information with second electronic information. The first electronic information is indicative of a first motion of a second device external to a body in which the implantable device is located, and the second electronic information is indicative of a second motion of the implantable device. The method also includes determining whether a defined level of correlation exists between the first electronic information and the second electronic information, and initiating a telemetry session between the second device and the implantable device based on a determination that the defined level of correlation exists between the first electronic information and the second electronic information.

Abstract: A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime.

Abstract: A motion sensitive communicator (40) employs an assembly of a wireless phone (41), a motion sensor (44) and a battery (45). In operation, the motion sensor (44) power couples the battery (45) to the wireless phone (41) responsive to a sensing of any movement of a portable defibrillator (20) supporting the communicator (40). A power coupling of the battery (45) to the wireless phone (41) automatically activates the wireless phone (41) to register to a wireless network, and an activation of the wireless phone (41) enables the wireless phone (41) to execute a call to an emergency service center over the wireless network responsive to a manual actuation of the wireless phone (41). The battery (45) is power decoupled from the wireless phone (41) responsive to an absence of a call from the wireless phone (41) to the emergency service center within a time period initiated by a power coupling of the battery (45) to the wireless phone (41).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a micro-plasma with biocompatibility. The produced micro-plasma is a low temperature, adjustable micro-plasma with low energy consumption. The method provides a device comprising a first gas storage unit, a second gas storage unit, a unit for producing the micro-plasma, and a power supply unit.

Abstract: A link mechanism for an arm portion includes an arm portion, a non-rotating arm attachment portion, a variable-length rod, and a fixed-length rod. The arm portion holds a medical instrument. The arm portion is attached to the arm attachment portion to be rotatable about an arm rotational axis as a center. The variable-length rod includes an elastic member which biases an elastic force to bring about a recovery against a pressing force. One end of the variable-length rod is pivotably attached to the arm attachment portion and the other end of the variable-length rod is pivotably connected to one end of the fixed-length rod. The fixed-length rod has its other end attached to the arm portion to be movable about the arm rotational axis upon rotation of the arm portion.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling neural and muscular function is disclosed in which opsins are introduced into a neural circuit such that the control of optical signals transmitted to the opsins results in the control of neural and muscular functions. Specifically disclosed is the control of the bladder, bowel, and sexual functions of a human.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive skin treatment device (200) comprising: a light source (10) constructed for emitting treatment light, an optical system (20) constructed for focusing the treatment light to a focus position (340) inside the skin tissue, and a positioning member (50) having a skin contact surface (52), the positioning member (50) and the optical system (20) being displaceable relative to each other for adapting a distance between the skin contact surface (52) and a final lens element (30) of the optical system. The final lens element, in use, faces a skin surface (300), and the positioning member (50) and the optical system are displaceable relative to each other into a treatment position (Pt) of the optical system (20) and into a further position (Pf1) of the optical system (20) different from the treatment position.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.

Abstract: A method for providing localized heating of the dermal layers of skin of a patient, using energy in the form of a group of pulses having defined parameters in a controlled manner. This method preferably uses an optical delivery system to deliver pulsed energy to a specific spot of skin so that targeted layers of the affected skin are heated to a desired temperature range. The temperature range is optimally selected to maximize treatment efficacy while minimizing pain to the patient. Example applications include reducing wrinkles, acne, hair, scar tissue, warts, and promoting wound healing. In this method, the temperature of the selected locus rises quickly to the desired temperature range, then is maintained within a controlled range with a relatively flat temperature profile. The method maintains the temperature by controlling one or more of a pulse energy intensity, pulse width, and pulse frequency or time delay between pulses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infrared radiation device including a mounting (2) capable of receiving a user (9) and a covering portion (1) capable of covering the user (9), the covering portion (1) including at least one heating layer (5a, 5b, 5c) capable of emitting infrared radiation (6) in a predetermined range of wavelengths towards at least one portion of the space located between the inner surface of the beating layer (5a, 5b, 5c) and the mounting (2), the device being characterised in that said heating layer (5a, 5h, 5c) is adjusted by at least one controller (10) including power-supply means (16) supplying the power necessary for infrared emission and at least one programmer (15) determining the parameters of a radiation session, by defining pulsations that control at least one synchronous static relay (14) which supplies said heating layer (5a, 5b, 5c) with the power provided by the power-supply means (16) during the pulsations.

Abstract: A multi-resolution detector includes a high-resolution pixelated electrode and a low-resolution pixelated electrode. The high-resolution pixelated electrode includes a plurality of sub-arrays of first pixels. Each respective first pixel at each relative position in each sub-array is electrically connected in parallel with one another. The low-resolution pixelated electrode includes a plurality of second pixels. A control system receives as inputs an output from each pixelated detector. The control system uses the inputs to determine a physical position and a transverse intensity distribution of an incident charged particle pencil beam at the resolution of the high-resolution pixelated electrode.

Abstract: The invention comprises a charged particle beam, rapid patient positioning system including steps of: positioning a patient relative to a table in a substantially vertical orientation, optionally constraining motion of the patient with one or more constraints, transitioning the table through a semi-vertical orientation, such as with a robot arm, and orientating the patient and table in a substantially horizontal orientation, such as in a position for tumor therapy. Preferably, the robot arm is in common with an arm used to move the patient in traditional proton therapy. Optionally, the robot arm is used to re-orientate the patient into a substantially vertical orientation at the conclusion of a charged particle therapy session.

Abstract: A method of delivering a radioactive liquid includes, performing an initialization, including; extracting at least a first amount of a radioactive liquid from a source of radioactive liquid, measuring a radioactivity level for the first amount of radioactive liquid, and performing a calibration phase. The calibration phase includes, extracting a second amount of radioactive liquid from the source of radioactive liquid wherein the second amount is calculated based on the radioactivity level of the first amount to provide a total dose of radioactive liquid having a predetermined radioactivity level, and delivering the total dose and performing at least one more calibration and delivery phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for control of a charged particle cancer therapy system. A treatment delivery control system is used to directly control multiple subsystems of the cancer therapy system without direct communication between selected subsystems, which enhances safety, simplifies quality assurance and quality control, and facilitates programming. For example, the treatment delivery control system directly controls one or more of: an imaging system, a positioning system, an injection system, a radio-frequency quadrupole system, a ring accelerator or synchrotron, an extraction system, a beam line, an irradiation nozzle, a gantry, a display system, a targeting system, and a verification system. Generally, the control system integrates subsystems and/or integrates output of one or more of the above described cancer therapy system elements with inputs of one or more of the above described cancer therapy system elements.

Abstract: A cooling device (10), for a protective respiratory apparatus (100), has a housing (20), a breathing bag (30) arranged in the housing (20) with an inlet (32) for respiratory air (A) and an outlet (34) for cooled respiratory air (A) and a spring plate (40) with a spring device (42) to apply a spring force to the breathing bag (30). Between the housing (20) and at least one section of an outer side (36) of the breathing bag (30) an cooling air channel (50) is formed. The cooling air channel (50) is connected to the ambient air (U) outside the housing (20) in a fluid-communicating manner. A blower (52) is arranged for the generation of a flow of the ambient air (U) through the cooling air channel (50). Furthermore a protective respiratory apparatus (100) having such a cooling device is provided.

Abstract: A passive fire suppression system including at least one tapered cellular glass block and having a cap with a tapered shape disposed on the top of the at least one cellular glass block. The passive fire suppression system allows drainage from the upper surface to the bottom of the system. The drainage is beneficial for both environmental conditions such as rain as well as for incidents where combustible liquids are spilled on the top surface of the system. Therefore, the system will not only shield any combustible materials that are under the system but will also quickly drain any combustible liquids that may spill onto the top of the system to the lower surface.

Abstract: A method and system for diluting and dispersing chemicals that includes a plurality of concentrated liquid chemical containers, a plurality of control valves each in corresponding fluid relationship to the plurality of concentrated liquid chemical containers, at least one additional concentrated chemical container, a positive displacement pump in fluid relationship with the at least one additional concentrated liquid chemical container, a high pressure pump connected in fluid relationship to each of the plurality of control valves, at least one metering device located in fluid relationship between at least one of the plurality of control valves, a fluid pressure adjustment valve connected in fluid relationship to the high pressure pump and a source of solvent or diluent, a hose connected in fluid relationship to the fluid pressure adjustment valve, and an applicator connected to the hose for dispersing a mixture of a solvent or diluent and at least one concentrated chemical.

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: A jungle gym is provided which has a base frame group where three cubic frames are formed continuously in a y axis direction by pluralities of pipes provided in an x, y and z axis directions, and a plurality of jungle gym joints each including a joint main body and a rotary member and where the rotary member is connected rotatably to the joint main body so as to form a folding portion which can be folded in one direction within an angular extent of 90 degrees, and the pipes in the y and z axis directions are connected to the joint main bodies, while the pipes in the x axis direction are connected to end portions of the rotary members lying opposite to end portions where the folding portions are formed, all the folding portions being rotated in the same direction.

Abstract: A jungle gym joint has a joint main body having joint shafts to which a plurality of pipes are connected and a rotary member having a short rod shape to one end side of which the pipe is connected. A folding portion is formed at a bifurcate portion of the rotary member where a flat plate portion of the joint main body is inserted thereinto, allowing the pipe to be folded. A cylindrical cover member is provided on an outer circumference of the folding portion. The cover member includes a restricting wall portion restricting the folding of the pipe by being brought into abutment with the flat plate portion or the bifurcate portion and a cutout portion formed by cutting out the circumferential wall to prevent the abutment of the circumferential wall with the flat plate portion or the bifurcate portion to thereby release the folding of the folding portion.

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle member and weights positioned at opposite ends of the handle member. An additional weight forms a box about the handle member and the end weights. At least one weight selector is movably mounted on the handle member to selectively engage the end weights. At least one connector is movably mounted on the box weight to selectively engage the handle member. A circuit includes at least one sensor that generates a signal that represents how much force is required to lift the handle member and any weights secured thereto, and a display that displays the force. At least one latch prevents movement of the selector and/or the connector when the handle member is removed from a support base for the weights and the handle member.

Abstract: A hand pad, for protecting an area between four fingers and a palm of the hand. The hand pad is formed with one or more finger openings disposed in the hand pad to accommodate the four fingers of the hand, and with a hand opening in the hand pad aligned with the four finger openings and disposed to accommodate the palm of the hand.

Abstract: A weight bar assembly includes a bar that has a first end and a second end and the bar is elongated between the first end and the second end. A pair of gripping units is provided and each of the gripping units is movably positioned around the bar. Thus, each of the gripping units is slidable between a center of the bar and an associated one of the first end and the second end. A collar is provided that has the bar extending therethrough and the collar is centrally positioned between the first end and the second end. Each of the gripping units abuts the collar. A first receiver is coupled to the first end and a second receiver is coupled to the second end.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a rocker frame movably coupled with a roller assembly via a torsion resistance mechanism is described. The rocker frame may include at least one arcuate rail to provide floor support for a rocking motion of the rocker frame. One or more pedal control structures may be pivotally coupled with the rocker frame near each distal end of the arcuate rail to drive the rocking motion. The roller assembly may be configured to make a rolling motion when the rocker frame rocks. A torque force can be generated via the torsion resistance mechanism as a result of changes in relative positions between the rocker frame rocking and the roller assembly rolling. The force driving the rocking motion can be countered by the torque force to support exercising movements of a user exerting the force.

Abstract: A weight resistance exercise machine having cable and pulley linkage assemblies attached to a single weight stack. Each cable and pulley linkage assembly, which is independent of the other(s), can be used by one arm or leg during bilateral exercise training (that is, training in which both limbs of a pair are used to simultaneously to lift a weight). A tilt platform and biofeedback assembly display and measure in real-time how much each limb of a pair is contributing to such lifting effort.

Abstract: A retractable wall mounted exercise rack system for providing an exercise rack that may be easily and compactly stored when not in use. The retractable wall mounted exercise rack system generally includes one or more brackets attached to a wall, a pair of support members, and a plurality of arms pivotally extending from the brackets and pivotally connecting to the support members. One or more actuators are connected between the brackets and the arms to assist in lifting the structure into a compact retracted position for storage.

Abstract: An activity tracking device is defined to detect and record movement of a person to which the activity tracking device is affixed. A secondary electronic device is defined separate from the activity tracking device. The secondary electronic device is defined to receive data from the activity tracking device regarding the detected and recorded movement of the person. A website is defined to communicate with connected devices including the secondary electronic device. The website is defined to provide a user account for the person. The website is defined to convey information regarding the detected and recorded movement of the person through the user account.

Abstract: A training device includes a communication circuitry configured to communicate according to Bluetooth specification, at least one processor, and at least one memory including a computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the device to perform operations. The operations include obtaining physical activity-related measurement data of a user participating in a team sport activity, processing the physical activity-related measurement data into a physical activity-related information characterizing the physical activity of the user during the team sport activity, and broadcasting, according to the Bluetooth specification, the physical activity-related information using the communication circuitry.

Abstract: An online coaching method includes: acquiring workout log data representing progress of workout carried out by a trainee who receives coaching for workout from a trainer; acquiring transmission status data representing a status of message transmission using a communication screen from the trainee to the trainer; and controlling permission and prohibition of message transmission from the trainee to the trainer on the communication screen based on the workout log data and the transmission status data.