Abstract: A co-fired hermetically sealed feedthrough is attachable to an active implantable medical device. The feedthrough comprises an alumina dielectric substrate comprising at least 96 or 99% alumina. A via hole is disposed through the alumina dielectric substrate from a body fluid side to a device side. A substantially closed pore, fritless and substantially pure platinum fill is disposed within the via hole forming a platinum filled via electrically conductive between the body fluid side and the device side. A hermetic seal is between the platinum fill and the alumina dielectric substrate, wherein the hermetic seal comprises a tortuous and mutually conformal interface between the alumina dielectric substrate and the platinum fill.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides neurostimulation methods and system for deep brain stimulation. A neurostimulation system for deep brain stimulation includes a burr hole plug including a cover and a base, and at least one deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead extending through an aperture defined through the base, the at least one DBS lead including at least one DBS electrode configured to apply stimulation to a subject. The system further includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG), an extension electrically coupling the IPG to the at least one DBS lead, and an indifferent electrode positioned proximate the at least one DBS electrode to facilitate reducing an area between the indifferent electrode and the at least one DBS electrode.

Abstract: Transnasal delivery of medication directly to a patient's brain is achieved using an iontophoresis wire cooperable with a medication administration device. A controller regulates an electric charge to the iontophoresis wire. The iontophoresis wire is insertable into each nasal cavity. This wire is preferably encased in a tube, through which the medication will be transnasally delivered. A cleaning solution may also be delivered to the nasal cavity after treatment to reduce irritation from the iontophoresis.

Abstract: A pelvic floor treatment apparatus (100) includes a head portion (A) and a body portion (B) connected to the head portion (A) at a first end. The body portion (B) comprises: one or more pressure transducers (D1) located along a length of the body portion (B) and configured to determine pressure at one or more locations within an organ, wherein at least one of the one or more pressure transducers (D1) is selectively movable along the length of the body portion (B); and one or more electrodes (D2) configured to selectively electrically stimulate a location within the organ.

Abstract: A method of editing a video configuration file downloadable to or from a video processing unit of a fitting system for a visual prosthesis is shown. The visual prosthesis has a plurality of electrodes and the video configuration file defines mapping of a video signal captured from a camera of the visual prosthesis to an electrical signal for the electrodes. The editing controls a brightness map for an individual electrode or electrode groups, together with a temporal stimulation pattern to which an individual electrode or electrode groups are assigned. A related computer-operated system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient comprising sinking first electrical current into at least a first one of a plurality of electrodes adjacent the spinal cord tissue, thereby providing therapy to a first region of the patient. The method further comprises sinking second electrical current into at least one electrode adjacent peripheral tissue remote from the spinal cord tissue, thereby providing therapy to a second region of the patient. The method further comprises sourcing at least a portion of the first electrical current and at least a portion of the second electrical current into at least a second one of the plurality of electrodes.

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 method of assembling a contact assembly for installation in a medical device, and more specifically, a header contact assembly for installation in an implantable medical device for achieving electrical contact with an in-line IPG lead for implanted electrodes, the assembly utilizing a contact structure such as a “toroidal spring in groove” device.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control non-paresthesia stimulation of nerve tissue of a patient are herein disclosed. The systems and methods deliver a non-paresthesia stimulation waveform to at least one electrode proximate to target nerve fibers, and define an analysis window that is positioned to occur at an intermediate point within at least one of a first burst or an inter-burst delay. Additionally, the systems and methods, during the analysis window, measure evoked potential (EP) signals from the target nerve fibers. The systems and methods also analyze the EP signals to obtain activity data for select nerve fiber components, and adjust at least one therapy parameter to change the non-paresthesia stimulation waveform based on the activity data.

Abstract: In some examples, a leadless pacing device (hereinafter, “LPD”) is configured for implantation in a ventricle of a heart of a patient, and is configured to switch between an atrio-ventricular synchronous pacing mode and an asynchronous ventricular pacing mode in response to detection of one or more sensing events, which may be, for example, undersensing events. In some examples, an LPD is configured to switch from a sensing without pacing mode to an atrio-ventricular synchronous pacing mode in response to determining, for a threshold number of cardiac cycles, a ventricular depolarization was not detected within a ventricular event detection window that begins at an atrial activation event.

Abstract: In some examples, a leadless pacing device (hereinafter, “LPD”) is configured for implantation in a ventricle of a heart of a patient, and is configured to switch between an atrio-ventricular synchronous pacing mode and an asynchronous ventricular pacing mode in response to detection of one or more sensing events, which may be, for example, undersensing events. In some examples, an LPD is configured to switch from a sensing without pacing mode to an atrio-ventricular synchronous pacing mode in response to determining, for a threshold number of cardiac cycles, a ventricular depolarization was not detected within a ventricular event detection window that begins at an atrial activation event.

Abstract: An implantable micro-miniature device is disclosed. The device comprises a thin hermetic insulating coating and at least one thin polymer or metal secondary coating over the hermetic insulating layer in order to protect the insulating layer from the erosive action of body fluids or the like. In one embodiment the insulating layer is ion beam assisted deposited (IBAD) alumina and the secondary coating is a parylene polymer. The device may be a small electronic device such as a silicon integrated circuit chip. The thickness of the insulating layer may be ten microns or less and the thickness of the secondary layer may be between about 0.1 and about 15 microns.

Abstract: A medical device system is configured to sense a physiological signal by a first device and generate a control signal by the first device in response to the physiological signal. An acoustical emitting device is controlled by the first device to emit an acoustical trigger signal in response to the control signal. A second device detects the acoustical trigger signal and delivers an automatic therapy to a patient in response to detecting the acoustical trigger signal.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying the parameters of an implantable medical device includes an implantable medical device that communicates with a remote control device that, in turn, communicates through the browser of a computer or any other device capable of using mark-up language protocol. The computer optionally communicates with other computers and/or devices through a network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a user interface by which to display and/or control stimulation parameter settings includes a processor displaying a ray at an angle from a predetermined direction, and about a point representing a leadwire, that corresponds to a direction at which an electrical field is produced by respective electrical settings of one or more directional electrodes of the leadwire, and whose ray length corresponds to an electrical amplitude of an electrical parameter of the one or more directional electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable leadless cardiac pacing device and associated delivery and retrieval devices. The implantable device includes a docking member extending from the proximal end of the housing of the implantable device configured to engage with the delivery and/or retrieval device to facilitate delivery and/or retrieval of the implantable leadless cardiac pacing device.

Abstract: Method of recharging a power source such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery for an implantable medical device. Energy is received within the implantable medical device from an external energy source which energy is used to recharge the power source. At least one recharge parameter associated with recharging of the power source is monitored. Recharging is regulated by increasing a charging rate of the power source in response, at least in part, on the recharge parameter being monitored.

Abstract: A wearable device and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable device includes at least one sensor and at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The wearable device also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the at least one processor. The at least one processor causes the device to allow for customization of at least one output message to be delivered via the operator interface device.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for monitoring cardiac arrhythmias and delivering electrical stimulation therapy using a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (SICD) and a leadless pacing device (LPD) are described. For example, the SICD may detect a tachyarrhythmia within a first electrical signal from a heart and determine, based on the tachyarrhythmia, to deliver anti-tachyarrhythmia shock therapy to the patient to treat the detected arrhythmia. The LPD may receive communication from the SICD requesting the LPD deliver anti-tachycardia pacing to the heart and determine, based on a second electrical signal from the heart sensed by the LPD, whether to deliver anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) to the heart. In this manner, the SICD and LPD may communicate to coordinate ATP and/or cardioversion/defibrillation therapy. In another example, the LPD may be configured to deliver post-shock pacing after detecting delivery of anti-tachyarrhythmia shock therapy.

Abstract: A particular implantable device may include an antenna configured to receive a far field radiative signal. The implantable device may also include a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the far field radiative signal received by the antenna to provide a rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may further include a charge storage element operative to receive the rectified voltage signal and to store charge responsive to the rectified voltage signal. The implantable device may also include a therapy delivery unit powered by the charge storage element. The therapy delivery unit is operative to deliver a therapy to a patient.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for modulating the susceptibility of one or more target or tissue regions, and particularly one or more brain regions, to a therapeutic agent such as a drug, immune agent, compound, radiation, etc. In particular, the methods and systems described herein may include magnetic stimulation (including transcranial magnetic stimulation) of target or non-target regions to modulate the susceptibility of the one or more target or tissue regions to a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus configured to treat a patient for a neurological disorder comprises a patient interface configured for the patient to enter data for an assessment of his or her subjective sensations, for example pain symptoms associated with migraines. The subjective patient sensation data may comprise at least one of a patient symptom of the neurological condition or a patient trigger of the neurological condition. For example the subjective patient sensations may comprise symptoms that correspond to migraine such as aura symptoms. The treating physician can view the subjective patient data, and diagnose and treat the patient with a treatment plan by writing a treatment plan to a storage device, for example treatment instructions written to a smart card. The storage device can be delivered to the treatment apparatus such that the patient can be treated in response to physician's treatment plan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cells and cell tissue treatment device and use thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the use of sequentially applied topical therapy with a lower dosage strength imiquimod composition and photodynamic therapy for treating actinic keratosis, wherein the photodynamic therapy is administered subsequent to the topical therapy with the imiquimod composition. In some embodiments, the imiquimod composition comprises from about 1% (w/w) to about 4.25% (w/w) imiquimod.

Abstract: Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle therapy system including an irradiation compensating device made up of an energy absorber, a first collimator, and a second collimator for use in a short-range region. The irradiation compensating device is characterized by a mechanism for attaching and detaching the first energy absorber, first collimator, and second collimator. The first collimator is located upstream where the beam diameter is small with a view to suppressing the width of the compensating device, thereby contributing to making the compensating device small and lightweight. The second collimator is located downstream to improve penumbrae.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for controlling and monitoring a position of a radiation treatment system, the method of controlling the position of the radiation treatment system, including: capturing a first image of a patient on a first axis and a second axis using a first camera and capturing a second image of the patient on the second axis and a third axis using a second camera; acquiring a third image of the patient captured using the first camera and a fourth image of the patient captured using the second camera during previous radiation treatment; and controlling a position of the patient to compensate for the calculated first position change based on the first image and the third image and the calculated second position change based on the second image and the fourth image.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. A compact hand held device that can be safely used by those suffering from skin conditions, such as acne, warts, cold blisters, blemished skin, or fine wrinkles. The devices employ the application of ultrasound energy and heat for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions. Typically, the peak temperatures employed are about 40° C. to about 70° C. by the devices, are achieved in less than about 20 second, and maintained for less than about 40 second. Ultrasound absorption and thermal conduction transfers heat from the device to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin, itching, or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-profile ultrasound transducer. The low-profile ultrasound transducer includes a piezoelectric component operative to receive a driving signal from an energy generating module and to emit the driving signal as ultrasonic energy. The piezoelectric component has a front surface and a back surface, and the energy generating module includes a plurality of electronic components. The low-profile ultrasound transducer also includes a lens component directly or indirectly deposited on the front surface of the piezoelectric component. The lens component includes a lens portion and a support portion. The lens portion of the lens component is configured to control the direction and wave pattern of the ultrasonic energy emitted from the piezoelectric component. The support portion of the lens component is configured to hold the piezoelectric component in place and to provide a chamber for housing at least one electronic component of the energy generating module.

Abstract: In a treatment instrument, a load force center of a load force, which is a sum of gravity acting on the treatment instrument and an external force caused by a connected cable, is positioned between two support members of a handle section, and a location of introduction of the cable is disposed in a manner to extend therebetween. In the treatment instrument, an ultrasonic vibration element unit is attached and rotatably coupled to a handle unit, a power receiving section or a power supply section at the coupling constitutes a rotary electrode structure by a cylindrical electrode and a terminal electrode, and power from an outside is received and transmitted between the handle unit and the ultrasonic vibration element unit.

Abstract: A water-in-oil type sunscreening cosmetic material containing phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and/or 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol, and octyl methoxycinnamate.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for determining conditions of components that are removably coupled to articles of personal protection equipment (PPE) by tracking the components against predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A directional valve for a respirator product includes a valve housing (15) and a valve seat (1) for receiving a flexible valve membrane (16). The valve seat has a circular and essentially flat sealing surface (2) surrounding an opening (3), which is sealingly covered by the valve membrane during an inspiration phase. A fixing lug (13), on the valve housing (15), fixes the valve membrane in the valve seat and is arranged offset in relation to the center of the valve membrane, such that an entire circumferential surface of the valve membrane is lifted off from the sealing surface during an expiration phase. The fixing lug is directed essentially at right angles to a flow plane formed by the opening. A counter-support (25), within the opening, is arranged opposite the fixing lug such that the valve membrane is mounted with fixed clamping action, between the fixing lug and the counter-support.

Abstract: An attachable arrangement, including a plurality of straps removably attachable to a body of a user. The plurality of straps includes: at least one strap removably attachable around a first leg of the user; and at least one strap removably attachable around a second leg of the user. When attached, the at least one strap extends around the leg of the user in a direction of equal to or less than about 30° from a substantially horizontal line perpendicular to a substantially vertical axis extending down the leg of the user. A full body harness is also disclosed.

Abstract: Anchorage devices for an aerial lift that can include a base plate and a slide bar coupled to the base plate. The aerial device can include a bucket, and the base plate can be coupled to the inside or outside of the bucket. Supplementary anchorage points of the anchorage device can be attached to the lift using lanyards. The slide bar can be attached to the base plate using stanchions. A removable anchorage device can include inner and outer mounting bars, bucket engaging brackets coupling the mounting bars, and a slide bar; where the bucket engaging brackets fit over the bucket for attachment to and detachment from the bucket. The removable anchorage device can include supplementary anchorage points for attaching to the lift using lanyards. One of the mounting bars can be hollow and a supplementary lanyard attached to the lift can pass through the hollow mounting bar.

Abstract: A pressure release device for a protective housing for flameproof enclosure of electrical operating means. The device includes an accommodating body (18) having a passage (22), and a porous body (24) arranged in the passage (22). The porous body (24) is elastically deformed by means of an interference fit in the passage (22), and thus, reliably supported therein free of flame or spark exiting gaps.

Abstract: A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a chassis defining a longitudinal direction, a body assembly coupled to the chassis and having a storage area configured to receive a ground ladder and a fire hose, a pump coupled to the chassis, a water tank coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly including a plurality of extensible ladder sections, the ladder assembly coupled to the chassis with a pedestal and a torque box, a single front axle coupled to a front end of the chassis, and a single rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis. The ladder assembly is extensible to provide a horizontal reach of at least 100 feet and a vertical height of at least 105 feet. The torque box extends along the longitudinal direction and spans the single rear axle thereby transferring loading along the chassis.

Abstract: A dry pilot actuator provides for a high liquid to gas trip ratio. The actuator includes a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis. The valve further includes a first inlet port; a second pilot port and a third drain port, each in communication with the internal chamber. A first actuator seat is disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis and a second actuator seat is circumscribed about the first actuator seat. A seal member having a sealed position and an open position is substantially aligned with the central axis of the housing in each of the sealed and open positions. The third port is isolated from the first and second port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, and in fluid communication with the first port when the sealing member is in the open position. The second port is isolated from the first and third ports when the sealing member is in the actuated position.

Abstract: Tissue digestion methods and apparatuses that provide easy, safe and inexpensive disposal of biological tissue, for example animal carcasses and human cadavers, are disclosed. Embodiments include tissue digesters with elongated cylindrical vessels for holding digestive fluid and baskets for holding tissue within said vessel. Embodiments include baskets with perforations to allow circulation of digestive fluid around and about the tissue. In one form the basket holding the tissue is horizontally loaded into a horizontally disposed vessel. The vessel is then tilted to a more vertical orientation. Gravity helps to collect the tissue fragments in a sloped collection region of the basket, which is located near a mixer to allow continual agitation of the tissue fragments as they are digested. The tissue digester can operate efficiently at lower temperature and pressures, is mechanically less complicated, consumes less power and is less expensive to manufacture than conventional tissue digesting systems.

Abstract: A trampoline including: a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient plates extending upwards from said frame and connected thereto against relative movement therebetween; and a jumping mat operatively connected to said plates above said frame for movement with said plates upon a person jumping thereon.

Abstract: Jump rope assembly comprising a rope, a handle at one end of the rope, an axially extending axle mounted in bearings within the handle for rotation about its axis, a gimbal head affixed to the axle at one end of the handle including a ring with a circular opening having an axis perpendicular to the axis of the axle, and a spherical ball of greater diameter than the opening pivotally seated against one side of the ring, with an end portion of the rope passing freely through the opening and being attached to the ball in a manner permitting the ball to pivot freely with respect to the axis of the opening as the gimbal head rotates about the axis of the axle.

Abstract: A resistance adjusting apparatus includes a seat having a first shaft, a resistance supplier, and an adjusting assembly. The resistance supplier is mounted in the seat and has a second shaft. The adjusting assembly is mounted on the seat and has a tube, a regulating rod, and a pressing block. The regulating rod is moveably mounted through the tube. The pressing block is mounted on a bottom end of the regulating rod, is connected to the seat, and is located between the first shaft and the second shaft. Therefore, a displacement of the resistance supplier is longer than a displacement of the pressing block, and the sensitivity of the resistance adjustment is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a power rack apparatus for lifting dumbbells. The apparatus can have a conventional cage design or a novel cage design with dual pull up bars. The apparatus also has novel dumbbell trays configured to attach to a novel horizontal support. The horizontal support is configured to attach to the cage in a plurality of vertical positions and the horizontal support contains a plurality of slots for horizontal width adjustment of the dumbbell trays. The slots on the horizontal support are configured to receive a plurality of inclined dumbbell trays. The apparatus can be a combo power rack configured to hold barbells and dumbbells or a simplified power rack apparatus configured to just hold dumbbells.

Abstract: A strength training apparatus comprises a frame and press arm that is connected to a resistance arm at a pivot point so that the press arm is pivotable with respect to the resistance arm and so that the press arm and resistance arm are pivotable together with respect to the frame. A locking device is configured to retain the press arm in first and second fixed angular pivot positions with respect to the resistance arm. A resistance device is configured to resist pivoting movement of the press arm together with the resistance arm with respect to the frame. A biasing device is configured to bias the press arm with respect to the resistance arm so as to remove any slop in the locking device that otherwise would be caused by gravity, and so that an initial movement of the press arm is resisted by the resistance device.

Abstract: The embodiment which has been labeled “one piece exercise weight plate 90” and is shown in renderings attached labeled as FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is a piece of exercise equipment that has the ability to be manipulated to perform exercise movements and motions that other equipment does not offer. This piece of exercise equipment is one whole piece and large enough in span to create an agreeable sense of control and balance with its intended user to perform exercises that complement the human bodies range of motion amongst its extremities. This embodiment is rigid in structure and circular in circumference. The embodiment will vary in weight to accommodate a user's desire for resistance and use. This piece is solid and will be able to be held and used by gripping, pressing, pulling or performing any other type of physical movement with relation to the characteristics/attributes described in the drawings accompanied in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

Abstract: Embodiments of an elliptical exercise machine are provided including an elliptical exercise machine having a rear mechanism that is foldable or collapsible from an operating position to a storage position. In one embodiment, the elliptical machine includes a first assembly pivotally coupled with a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first frame member, a rear rotational mechanism and first and second foot supports operably coupled with the rotational mechanism. The second assembly includes a second frame member, a first reciprocating arm and a second reciprocating arm. The second assembly may be displaced relative to the first assembly from an operating position to a storage position without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the first assembly and without having to alter the operational relationships of the components of the second assembly.

Abstract: A multifunctional sliding exercise machine comprises: a pair of bodies having a symmetric shape, each body being hinge-coupled at one end; a rotating shaft of which one end and another end are rotatably coupled to a hinge portion, respectively, to which the pair of bodies are hinge-coupled; and a pair of slide plates slidably coupled to respective upper surfaces of the pair of bodies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising the upper portions of the human body. The apparatus is a “zigzag” configured rod that has rotatable grips on three parallel sections of thereof. The apparatus preferably can alternatively be configured or re-configured in a U-shape. A user, with or without the assistance of another person grasps two of the grips and rotates the device around its central section to perform a wide variety of exercises. A method is provided for using the apparatus to perform exercises beneficial for the user's arms and upper body.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a head body and a weight-balancing device. The head body is formed with a weighting recess. The weight-balancing device includes a coupling unit having a surrounding wall threadedly engaging the weighting recess, and an intelligent monitoring unit disposed inside the coupling unit. The intelligent monitoring unit includes a shell that is made of a signal-transmittable material and that is partially exposed form the surrounding wall, an intelligent monitoring element that is disposed in the shell and that is operable to detect data related to performance characteristics of a golf swing, and a wireless transmitter that is coupled to the monitoring element and that is operable to output the data.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for measuring or analyzing a golf swing. Measurement or analysis is made relative to energy generation and transfer through a player's body and club. The measurement or analysis data is principally obtained from the player's ground-reaction forces. Processed signals are analyzed with an artificial intelligence system. Ground-reaction forces relate to reaction forces which occur between a standing surface and the player's feet. The apparatus and method measures or analyses a golf swing in an automatic manner or in an automatic and interactive manner.