Abstract: A catheter has a shaft that defines a delivery lumen, for example, to deliver an elongate medical device therethrough; a proximal section of the catheter includes a seal zone portion, a handle portion and a proximal port portion. A relatively thin wall section of the proximal port portion extends between the seal zone portion and a proximal edge that defines part of a perimeter of a proximal opening of the delivery lumen. The handle portion projects laterally from the seal zone portion, generally opposite the relatively thin wall section. An inflation subassembly of the catheter includes a compliant sleeve member and an inflation lumen extending from the sleeve member, proximally along the shaft, and into a connector port formed in the handle portion. The inflation lumen may be formed by fusing a section of a tube to the shaft and molding the handle portion around another section of the tube.

Abstract: A method of implanting a leadless intra-cardiac medical device. An introducer assembly is introduced into one of an inferior vena cava or a superior vena cava of a heart and maneuvered into a first chamber of the heart. A housing is pushed out of a sheath of the introducer toward a first implant location within the first chamber, and the housing is anchored to the first implant location. The sheath is moved away from the anchored housing, and an electrode is urged to a distal end of the sheath due to the pushing, anchoring, and moving. The sheath is maneuvered to a second chamber of the heart, and the electrode is forced into a second implant location with the second chamber. The electrode is anchored to the second implant location. The sheath is moved away from the electrode after the anchoring, and the sheath is removed from the heart.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for temporary cardioversion/defibrillation and/or for temporary stimulation of the heart after open heart surgery consisting of two defibrillation electrodes with at least one indifferent pole each and an elastic section is disclosed. Each defibrillation electrode in the operating position is positioned on the right and left atrium. The defibrillation electrodes each distally comprise a fixation member and each end in a protective tube to protect the epicardium at a proximal end. The fixation members are elastic and enable reversible fastening of the defibrillation electrodes in the pericardium on the right and left side. The protective tubes are preferably fed together into a guide tube, where the guide tube is slidable along the longitudinal axis. The stimulation electrodes (different electrode poles) for stimulation of the atria are designed appropriately together with the defibrillation electrode in one piece.

Abstract: Medical lead bodies that are paired each include a braided conductive shield. The braided conductive shield of one lead body has a value for a physical parameter that differs from a value for the physical parameter of the second lead body. The difference in values of the physical parameter for the paired lead bodies results in a reduction in heating from exposure of the lead bodies to radiofrequency energy at electrodes associated with the lead bodies. The lead bodies may be paired by being implanted adjacently to one another. The lead bodies may be further paired by being coupled to a same distal body, such as a paddle containing the electrodes.

Abstract: A neuromodulation device is provided. The neuromodulation device may include a carrier configured for implantation in a subject, the carrier including a first elongated arm and a second elongated arm, each extending from a central portion of the carrier. The device may further include a first pair of modulation electrodes arranged on the first elongated arm, a second pair of modulation electrodes arranged on the second elongated arm. The carrier may be sized and shaped for implantation in a vicinity of a hypoglossal nerve to be modulated such that the first pair of modulation electrodes is located to modulate a first hypoglossal nerve on a first side of the subject and the second pair of modulation electrodes is located to modulate a second hypoglossal nerve on a second side of the subject.

Abstract: A method is described for generating stimulus signals for an auditory prosthesis system. A high frequency signal conveys higher frequency audio information including exceptionally low rate band-pass envelope characteristics. This high frequency signal represents at least the upper part if not all of the range of frequencies for speech, music, and other sounds that are audible to listeners with normal hearing. A separate low frequency signal is also provided representing lower audio frequency information including periodicity characteristics (voiced/unvoiced or periodic/aperiodic distinctions) and for periodic sounds, fundamental frequency characteristics. The high frequency signal is applied to the auditory system of a patient by an associated high frequency stimulator, and the low frequency signal is applied to the auditory system of the patient by an associated low frequency signal.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation (INS) device includes a non-rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery, an antenna, an inductive coil, a neurostimulation module and a telemetry module. The neurostimulation module produces neurostimulation signals for delivery to target neural tissue, and the telemetry module wirelessly communicates with a non-implantable device using at least one of the antenna and the inductive coil. The non-rechargeable battery provides power to the neurostimulation module, and the rechargeable battery provides power to the telemetry module. The INS device also includes a charge module that charges the rechargeable battery in dependence on signals received from a non-implantable device via the inductive coil. Additional modules, such a sensor module, can be powered by the rechargeable battery. Additionally modules, such as controller, can be powered by the non-rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A method of stimulating nerve tissue, a tissue stimulation system, and an external control device are provided. The method, system, and control device cause an electrical stimulus to be applied to at least one electrode adjacent the nerve tissue of a patient. The applied electrical stimulus comprises a plurality of pulses defined by a pulse width value and an amplitude value. The pulse amplitude value is increased (e.g., manually), and the pulse width value is automatically decreased in response to increasing the pulse amplitude value in a manner that increases the intensity of the applied electrical stimulus. Alternatively, the pulse width value may be decreased (e.g., manually), and the pulse amplitude value automatically increased in response to decreasing the pulse width value in a manner that increases the intensity of the applied electrical stimulus.

Abstract: A method and system is described for ensuring a state of an active implantable medical device based on the presence and persistence of a magnetic field. The output of a magnetic field sensor is monitored. The active implantable medical device is maintained in a first state, for so long as the presence of a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor, until a first interval is surpassed. If the first interval is surpassed, then a determination is made as to whether a second interval has been surpassed. If it is determined that the second interval has not been surpassed, then the active implantable medical device is transitioned into a second state. If it is determined that the second interval has been surpassed, then it is ensured that the active implantable medical device is in a predetermined one of the first and second states.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient using at least one electrode is provided. The patient has a neural tissue region that is relatively close to the at least one electrode, and a neural tissue region that is relatively far from the at least one electrode. The method comprises conveying time-varying electrical energy from the electrode(s) into the relatively close and far neural tissue regions, wherein the electrical energy has a frequency and amplitude that blocks stimulation of the relatively close neural tissue region, while stimulating the relatively far neural tissue region.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for maintaining a bi-directional communication link between an external device and an implantable medical device (IMD). The systems and methods receive a connection request from an external device at the IMD. The communication request includes one or more communication link parameters based on a wireless protocol, defining a first communication interval. The systems and methods establish a bi-directional communication link between the external device and the IMD based on the one or more communication link parameters, and receive, during the first communication interval, a data packet from the external device along a first data channel, the data packet including an adjusted communication link parameter. The adjusted communication link parameter include a second communication interval.

Abstract: Monitoring circuitry for an implantable stimulator device is disclosed. A switching matrix allows current from a current source to be distributed to any of a plurality of electrodes. A voltage drop across the active switches in the switch matrix is monitored and is compared to an expected voltage based upon the amplitude of the current and the known on resistance of the switch. If the monitored and expected voltages differ significantly, then a failure condition can be inferred, and an appropriate action can be taken, such shutting down stimulation. Using the already-existing switches in the switching matrix in this fashion is beneficial because it allows the current through the electrodes to be monitored without providing additional structures in the therapeutic current path, which would increase complexity and add unwanted resistance.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates a method for determining effective stimulation parameters to apply to a patient in order to improve the patient's medical condition. The method can employ functional and/or structural imaging to determine the effective stimulation parameters. As such, the method includes programming a stimulation device with an initial stimulation parameter. An image can be received of at least a portion of the patient that is affected by a stimulation by the stimulation device. Based on the image, the efficacy of the stimulation with the at least one initial stimulation parameter can be assessed. The at least one initial stimulation parameter can be updated based on the assessed efficacy.

Abstract: Capacitive charge re-distribution is used to create any desired number of secondary reference voltages from a primary reference voltage. The capacitive charge re-distribution allows reduced current consumption compared to conventional approaches to generating additional reference voltages. The secondary reference voltage or voltages may be greater than or less than the original reference voltage.

Abstract: A hermetic terminal assembly for an AIMD includes a shielded three-terminal flat-through EMI energy dissipating filter and a hermetically sealed feedthrough configured to be attachable to the ferrule or AIMD housing. The flat-through filter includes a first shield plate, an active electrode plate, and a second shield plate where the shield plates are electrically coupled to a metallization which in turn is coupled either to the ferrule or AIMD housing. The feedthrough includes an alumina substrate comprised of at least 96% alumina and a via hole with a substantially closed pore and substantially pure platinum fill. The platinum fill forms a tortuous and mutually conformal knitline or interface between the alumina substrate and the platinum fill, wherein the platinum fill is electrically coupled to at least one active electrode plate in non-conductive relationship to the at least one first and second shield plates.

Abstract: A method for the delivery of a skin care active agent comprising the following step: applying an active agent(s) between a target dermal barrier and a magnetic device comprising one or more pairs of displaced dipolar magnetic elements linked by a magnetic return wherein the magnetic return is orientated on the surfaces of the dipole pair distal to the dermal barrier.

Abstract: An electrical system controlled, driven by and/or based on one or both of naturally occurring electrophysiological signals in a patient's body and/or digital audio files is used to produce electromagnetic fields to treat a neuropathic disorder of a patient.

Abstract: Portable therapeutic treatment devices and methods with a triangular arrangement of crystals in an induction coil with an external wrapped coil for sensing effected area body part emissions. A biosensor/bioscanner sensor can be used as an indicator to find an effected body part needing treatment and determine when treatment has been effective. The device can be passed over a body until a RED LED light indicates an effected part needing treatment. Treatment can occur with approximately 8 Hz emissions, and the sensor will indicate when the effected area has reached a treated state of approximately 8 Hz by lighting a GREEN LED light. Treatment can occur within approximately 2 minutes. A variety of ailments can be treated such as but not limited to inflammations, nerve problems, joint-pain, muscle-pain, gall bladder problems, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin treatment device, a lamp for use in such a skin treatment device, and its use. The skin treatment device according to the invention uses a combination of tanning-effective and/or anti-acne effective amounts of blue light in the spectral range from 400-440 nm in addition to the UV-light known in the art. An important advantage is that a lower UV dose can be used, leading to lower health risks, while the exposure times can be kept within acceptable limits, without compromising the skin treatment result.

Abstract: System and method for automatically generate therapy plan parameters by use of an integrate model with extended applicable regions. The integrated model integrates multiple predictive models from which a suitable predictive model can be selected automatically to perform prediction for a new patient case. The integrated model may operate to evaluate prediction results generated by each predictive model and the associated prediction reliabilities and selectively output a satisfactory prediction. Alternatively, the integrated model may select a suitable predictive model by a decision hierarchy in which each level corresponds to divisions of a patient data feature set and divisions on a subordinate level are nested with divisions on a superordinate level.

Abstract: A method for planning and monitoring radiopharmaceutical usage during a plurality of radiopharmaceutical injection procedures includes: providing a schedule of the plurality of radiopharmaceutical injection procedures to produce a planned patient schedule; based on the planned patient schedule, calculating a multi-dose container configuration for use during the plurality of radiopharmaceutical injection procedures; transferring the planned patient schedule to a radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system; loading the multi-dose patient configuration into the radiopharmaceutical fluid delivery system; and conducting the plurality of radiopharmaceutical injection procedures based on the planned patient schedule.

Abstract: A system for evaluating radiation treatment planning generates a fictitious treatment dose matrix with a quality of dose placement beyond that achievable with physically realizable radiation therapy machines. Such a fictitious treatment dose matrix provides an objective measure that is readily tailored to different clinical situations, and although unattainable, thereby provides a benchmark allowing evaluation of radiation plan goals and the radiation plans between different multiple clinical situations and individuals.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synthesis of a multifunctional hair color protector, p-methoxy cinnamidoproyl dimethyl behenyl ammonium chloride of Formula I and the compositions containing the same for hair care.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a compound of general formula (I) as well as to its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, and to the use of this compound for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The cleaning filter includes a gas trapping member (6) and a particle trapping member (5). The gas trapping member (6) or the particle trapping member (5) includes: a trapping material (7) for trapping a predetermined contaminant in the air; and a trapping material holding member (8) for holding the trapping material (7) so as to be opposed to the air flow passage (3) with an air permeability ensured. The trapping material holding member (8) is subjected to, when removed from a cleaning apparatus main body (2), a regeneration process for regenerating trapping performance of the trapping material (7) for the predetermined contaminant under a state in which the trapping material holding member (8) holds the trapping material (7).

Abstract: Draping particulate filters for use with the nostrils and mouth is disclosed. The draping particulate filters include diaphanous PM filter material, a pair of tabs having a biocompatible skin contact adhesive located on at least a skin contact side of each of the tabs, and multiple creases formed on the diaphanous PM filter material. Methods of making draping particulate filters are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic fire extinguishing system includes a canister having a central axis, an outlet port disposed on the canister, a dip tube disposed in the canister about the central axis and in partial fluid communication with the canister and coupled to the outlet port, a propellant gas mixture of CO2 and N2 disposed within the canister and a gaseous fire suppression agent disposed in the canister.

Abstract: A fog-cloud generating nozzle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a nozzle head having a fluid passageway is threadable coupled to a nozzle base. The nozzle base, which provides a threadable coupling to a water source, is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. An inner sleeve is rotationally disposed within the fluid passageway with bearing surfaces against the nozzle head and the nozzle base. Multiple discharge ports of the nozzle head and multiple discharge orifices of the inner sleeve cooperate to generate a fog-cloud having a magnified forward thrust component and enabled directional control.

Abstract: There is provided a protecting cap configured to protect a sprinkler, the protecting cap having a bottomed cylindrical shape including a bottom surface and a cylinder, having an inner cylinder with a bottom surface and a head housing portion which is configured to house the sprinkler head body, and an outer cylinder to be fitted in an end portion of the cylindrical member; the outer cylinder circumferentially surrounding an outside of the inner cylinder, a tongue portion extending from the inner cylinder and projecting into an opening provided in an upper portion of the cylindrical member; a fastening tool insertion portion, located between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, configured to allow insertion of a fastening tool for mounting the sprinkler on a water supply pipe, and includes a coupling portion configured to connect the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a fire suppression system with integral leak detection is provided. The fire suppression system may comprise a bottle, a pressure monitoring system, and a controller. The pressure monitoring system may include a bellows. The bellows may be in fluid communication with the volume defined by the bottle. The controller may be configured to monitor the bellows.

Abstract: A permanently affixed and travelling selector pin, car and weight plate selection mechanism for use with physical fitness equipment is disclosed including a segmented track and/or cut out cavern within the plate body for the car to travel within in either vertically or horizontally in order to select a different weight plate or cumulatively, more or less weight for an exercise. The selector pin and car mechanism features a selector pin which is not removable from the car and is inserted through the car which is contained by the track and or plate body shape and into a throughbore in the weight plate in order to engage with the selector stem.

Abstract: An external rotator muscles training device for use with a training ball to strengthen external rotator muscles of a person's shoulder includes a frame assembly having a pair of elongate frame members parallel to one another, each frame member having opposed proximal and distal ends. A receptacle has a closed bottom and a side wall extending upwardly from the closed bottom, the side wall defining an open top allowing access to an interior area defined by the closed bottom and the side wall. The receptacle is coupled to the distal ends of the pair of frame members and positioned in a primary position in which the open top is generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the pair of frame member. A handle member extends between the pair of frame members, the handle member being situated between the receptacle and the proximal ends of the pair of frame members.

Abstract: A pull handle that is ergonomically designed to avoid unnatural stresses on the user's body through the range of motion is disclosed. The invention enables a user to perform exercises that cannot be accomplished with existing handles or may be more difficult to do so. These objects are achieved by providing one or more axes of rotation or flexibility in the pull handle so that the user's hand, wrist and/or arm (or foot, ankle and/or leg) may bend and/or rotate more naturally through the user's range of motion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a layered structure including a top layer, a bottom layer, and a grip component disposed between the two layers such that columns from the grip component extend at least partially through openings in the top layer and/or bottom layer. Also provided are mats including the layered structure such that different grip characteristics are provided on the ends of the mat and/or the two sides of the mat by varying one or more characteristics or components of the layered structure.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a two side frames, a support plate disposed above the side frames, two shock-absorbing structures mounted between the support plate and the side frames, a styrofoam layer mounted on the support plate, and a surface layer mounted on the styrofoam layer. Each of the shock-absorbing structures includes an elastic bar mounted between the support plate and one of the side frames, and a plurality of vibration absorbers mounted between the support plate and one of the side frames. Thus, the elastic bar, the vibration absorbers and the styrofoam layer provide multiple shock-absorbing and vibration damping functions to the support plate.

Abstract: An improved structure for an exercise device having dual pedals wherein each pedal operates in a rotary manner in a vertical plane parallel to the bilateral axis of the user with each of the user's feet disposed, respectively, on a different one of the dual pedals.

Abstract: This invention discloses an elliptical exercise apparatus that is characterized in having left and right tracks disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the elliptical exercise apparatus. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame without lifting some heavy components of the elliptical exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A health aid, a health aid kit, and a method for treating neck, shoulder and back pain including a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and an attachment connecting the first and second elongated members and configured for the first and second elongated members to move between an open position, wherein a bottom end of each of the first and second elongated members are separated by a first distance, and an engaged position, wherein the bottom ends are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance. Wherein the health aid kit includes instructions for carrying out the methods for treating neck, shoulder and back pain.

Abstract: One embodiment of a brass musical instrument practice device (FIG. 3) consisting of a rimmed, (12) bowl shaped, cup (11) about 6 mm to 35 mm in diameter, and about 6 mm 35 mm deep with a 4 mm diameter hole (13) at the bottom of the cup to allow the player's air to escape. The rimmed cup is fitted into to a mounting (18) and is held against the player's lips by means of strap attachments (17) and two straps (14,15) that go around the player's head. This allows the musician to enjoy the lip muscle development benefits of practicing without having to use his hands and arms to hold either an instrument or a mouthpiece, (FIG. 1) thus freeing his hands for other use.

Abstract: A wrist exerciser including a housing and a gyroscopic member is disclosed. The housing is structured to include a casing structure, a rail, and one or more channels along a direction of the casing structure, in which the channels penetrate through the casing structure forming an empty space to buffer a force caused by an impact to the housing. The gyroscopic member is moveably disposed at the rail and includes a ring being inside the housing and slidably disposed at the rail; and a rotor being inside the housing and comprising a ball and a shaft, the shaft penetrating the ball, with its two opposite ends connected to the ring for the shaft to rotate relatively to the ring. The housing is structured to absorb an impact force to protect the structure and functionality of the wrist exerciser.

Abstract: A therapeutic glove includes two glove bodies. The hand is inserted into the inner body (310), which is shaped like a glove. The outer body (320) can also be like a glove or part of a glove, but the outer body's back side can be pulled towards the wrist and attached to the inner body to adjust the glove tension. In some embodiments, the glove has a single body or multiple bodies, and the glove creates a force that pushes the fingers (or at least some fingers) to a straight position away from the palm. In some embodiments, the glove is thinner on the palm side than the back side. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Exercise systems and methods are provided that create and run exercise programs that are custom tailored to individual users. An exercise program for a specific user is based upon the user's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate. The exercise programs may include a series of workouts for the user to perform. Each workout requires the user to exercise at various intensity levels so that the user's heart rate moves between different predetermined target heart rate zones. The target heart rate zones are calculated from data relating to the user's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate. As the user's fitness level changes, the user's average work heart rate and recovery heart rate also change. Creation of new exercise programs uses the most current heart rate data to calculate the target heart rate zones, thereby continuously tailoring the exercise programs to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation apparatus and method that is capable of performing virtual golf simulation as if a golfer is frequently guided by a caddie during a round of golf in a real golf course and, in particular, the caddie reads the lie of a green and guides a putting direction when the golfer putts a golf ball to provide contents provided through the virtual golf simulation in a more active golfer-oriented form, thereby improving user convenience and inducing interest in virtual golf.

Abstract: A pedaling state detecting apparatus is basically provided with a communication unit and a controller. The communication unit is configured to receive left and right crank arm data relating to a pedaling force applied to left and right crank arms. The controller is configured to output a non-visual notification command indicative of a left-right crank arm balance based on the left and right crank arm data received from the communication unit.

Abstract: A rehabilitation assistance system includes a peg board, a peg to be placed on the peg board by a subject, and a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a position of the peg relative to a predetermined position on the peg board. The position information acquisition unit includes a sensor provided on at least one of the peg and the peg board, and the position information acquisition unit acquires the position information based on an output from the sensor.

Abstract: The night puck has a median plane contiguous with a circumference thereof. The centroid of the puck is located at an intersection of the axis of rotation of the puck with the median plane. A cylindrical cavity extends therein along the natural axis of rotation. This cylindrical cavity has a thin membrane-like bottom wall. A series of holes extend radially along the median plane from the cylindrical cavity to the circumference of the puck. An electronic module is mounted in the cylindrical cavity. This electronic module comprises a battery and has a center of gravity that is located on the centroid of the puck. A push-button switch is held against the membrane-like bottom wall for operation of the switch by a depression of the membrane-like bottom wall. A series of diodes are mounted in the radial holes and are connected to the electronic module, for illuminating rays of lights around the puck.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a conformal weight sized to fit within a recess or channel disposed in a crown or sole is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the crown or sole itself is a conformal weight, and is removably affixed to a base structure comprising a striking face and a skeletal support structure. In other embodiments, the golf club head comprises a conformal weight in the form of a sole cap that is removably affixed to the golf club head and covers small weight ports disposed in the sole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club shaft. The shaft is made of a fiber reinforced resin. When a position 100 mm apart from a distal end of the shaft is represented by P1, a position 200 mm apart by P2, a position 500 mm apart by P3, and a position 1,000 mm apart by P4, thicknesses at the positions are defined as P1: not more than 1.0 mm, P2: not more than 0.9 mm, P3: not more than 0.6 mm and P4: not more than 0.6 mm. Each section between the positions has a thickness larger than a thickness transition obtained by connecting the thicknesses at the positions by a straight line. The shaft includes a plurality of prepregs which include first prepregs containing carbon fibers and a second prepreg containing a high specific gravity material.

Abstract: A golf club grip for a golf club includes an elongated member having a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first end is configured to receive a golf club shaft. The second end includes an opening that comprises an insert having a first threaded portion therein. The elongated member comprises a stopper extending inward from the inner surface a predetermined distance. The stopper separates the golf club shaft and insert.