Abstract: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) delivered to a heart of a patient may be adjusted based on detection of a surrogate indication of the intrinsic atrioventricular conduction of the heart. In some examples, the surrogate indication is determined to be a sense event of the first depolarizing ventricle of the heart within a predetermined period of time following the delivery of a fusion pacing stimulus to the later depolarizing ventricle. In some examples, the CRT is switched from a fusion pacing configuration to a biventricular pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is not detected, and the CRT is maintained in a fusion pacing configuration if the surrogate indication is detected.

Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a signal through an imperfectly-conducting medium includes a transmitter station and a receiver station. The transmitter station has a transmitter and at least one conductor (electrode). The receiving station has at least one conductor (electrode) and a receiver. The transmitter causes a current to flow from the transmitter conductor to the receiver conductor through the imperfectly-conducting medium. Associated with the current flow is an electric field. Because the current flow varies with the signal, the electric field varies with the signal. The receiving conductor senses the electric field and provides a signal to the receiver which detects the signal to be transmitted. The receiving station then passes the signal to an output device to be output.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes: an antenna including: a metal signal layer having a radiating surface; and a feed port; and a waveguide surrounding the antenna and configured to guide electromagnetic energy transmitted from the radiating surface in a direction away from the antenna; and a controller module connected to the feed port and configured to drive the antenna to transmit electromagnetic energy from the radiating surface; wherein the antenna, waveguide, and controller module are configured such that, when the controller module drives the antenna, the transmitted electromagnetic energy matches a reception characteristic of an implantable device and is sufficient for the implantable device to create one or more electrical pulses of sufficient amplitude to stimulate neural tissue of a patient, solely using electromagnetic energy received from the antenna, when the implantable device is located at least 10 centimeters away from the antenna.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to techniques for presenting therapy factors related to medical device therapy in a manner that allows a user, such as a patient or a clinician, to receive, comprehend and evaluate information relating to therapy delivered by the medical device efficiently. In one aspect, a method comprises obtaining a data set corresponding to a therapy factor associated with delivery of a medical therapy to a patient with a medical system including an implantable medical device, receiving a user selection associated with a subset of the data set, the subset of the data set including less than all the information relating to the therapy factor in the data set, and presenting a representation, corresponding to the subset of the data set, of the therapy factor on a display of a programmer.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a housing, a power source and an operational circuit that is coupled to the power source. The operational circuit includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, an output circuit configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy through the first and second electrode terminals and a control circuit configured to evaluate an electrical parameter associated with the output circuit and to control generation of the electrical stimulation therapy responsive to a result of the evaluated parameter. Among other things, the implantable medical device may modify a parameter of the therapy delivery in response to a result of the evaluation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device having an oscillator and high voltage transformer connected to a glass-like tube filled with an inert gas or a mixture of inert gasses. The tube is located at the end of a wand having a handle. The output of the transformer is an RF high voltage signal. The output of the transformer is fed to the tube through a high voltage wire, where the signal excites the gas to produce a plasma-like beam. The tube is then applied to a patient's skin to aid in healing and the relief of additional ailments. The field generated by the tube interacts with the cells in the patient to increase transmembrane potential, stimulate ATP production, and inject negative ions and ozone into the surface of the user's skin to combat infection and disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin tanning chamber, the improvement comprising at least one light emitting diode emitting a UVA light, such as a UVA LED that emits essentially only UVA. Additionally, multiple LEDs of varying types with various characteristic wavelengths are controlled independently to produce an arbitrary light pattern in an arbitrary sequence over time. The chamber can be rigid or flexible. It can be a bed, booth or incorporated into a flexible form, such as a garment or cloth. In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises at least one LED emitting a UVC light, whereby the UVC light sanitizes the chamber surface. Preferably the LED emitting the UVA light is under independent control from the LED emitting UVC light.

Abstract: The invention relates, inter alia, to melanin synthesis inhibitors for use in treating skin illnesses, wherein the skin is additionally irradiated with an artificial radiation source. The invention further relates to cosmetic treatments.

Abstract: A process for using a retinal photostimulation device involves limiting multiple or repeated uses of the device during a particular treatment cycle. Ordinarily a physician would not want to repeat multiple photostimulation treatments on a patient in a short period time. The process would prevent such retreatment during a single treatment cycle where the retina for any subsequent treatment biometrically matches the retina for an earlier treatment. Such subsequent treatments would be permitted within a predefined period of time after the earlier treatment. Such subsequent treatment may also be permitted where the retinas do not biometrically match.

Abstract: Provided is an implantable spacer that can be placed in a body and can be easily removed after placement. The implantable spacer includes a tube which is folded or bent at one or a plurality of positions to form partial sections adjacent to each other; fixing threads which are disposed along a direction transverse to the partial sections in order to maintain the shape of the tube; and a trigger thread for catching the fixing threads being in a releasable state.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, there is a multi-balloon catheter for medical applications that includes a multi-balloon inflator that inflates multiple balloons on a single catheter, an extraction point used to remove human fluids from the human body, and a connecting point that allows a syringe or a machine to insert air or any other liquid, such as a liquid saline solution, for inflation of a corresponding balloon of the multiple balloons or insert radioactive isotopes into the multi-balloon inflator.

Abstract: A system for transporting a source for brachytherapy may include a source guide, a detector, and a controller. The source guide may be configured to guide a source transport for transporting the source, wherein the source guide includes at least one electronic tag. The detector may be configured to detect a frequency signal generated by the at least one electronic tag, wherein the frequency signal varies when the source transport is proximate to the at least one electronic tag. The controller may be configured to receive the frequency signal from the detector and determine a path of the source transport based on the frequency signal. A method for transporting a source used for brachytherapy may include detecting a frequency signal generated by at least one electronic tag associated with a source guide configured to guide a source transport for transporting the source. The frequency may vary when the source transport is proximate to the at least one electronic tag.

Abstract: A radiation therapy planning system (10) includes an isodose line unit (36), a region of interest unit (52), and an optimization unit (58). The isodose line unit (36) receives isodose lines planned for a volume of a subject. The region of interest unit (52) defines at least one isodose region of interest based on the received isodose lines. The optimization unit (58) generates an optimized radiation therapy plan based on the at least one defined isodose region of interest and at least one dose objective for the defined region of interest.

Abstract: A method of image-guided radiation treatment is described. The method may include acquiring digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) of a patient and generating a first set of image data of part or all of the patient using imaging radiation at a first energy level and a second set of image data of part or all of the patient using imaging radiation at a second energy level, wherein the first energy level is an energy level selected within the range of 50-100 kV and the second energy level is an energy level selected within the range of 100-150 kV. The method ma also include processing the first and second sets of image data to generate an enhanced image, wherein the enhanced image comprises a combination of the first and second sets of image data, and wherein part or all of the image data comprises the target.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for calculating the radiation doses received by circulating blood cells. The present method may be applicable for calculating the radiation doses by circulating blood cells through any site in a patient. The present invention also discloses computer systems for calculating radiation doses received by circulating blood cells in a patient.

Abstract: To overcome the difficulties inherent in conventional proton therapy systems, new techniques are described herein for synchronizing the application of proton radiation with the periodic movement of a target area. In an embodiment, a method is provided that combines multiple rescans of a spot scanning proton beam while monitoring the periodic motion of the target area, and aligning the applications of the proton beam with parameters of the periodic motion.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for extracting ions from an ion source, such as for use in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The extraction apparatus uses a triode extraction system, with the ion source and/or first electrode held at a first potential; an extraction electrode held at a second potential; and a gating electrode, positioned between the ion source and the extraction electrode, oscillating and/or alternating between a first suppression potential proximate that of the ion source potential and a second extraction potential between the ion source potential and the extraction electrode potential. Optionally, the ion source comprises an electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

Abstract: An apparatus and as method for generating ultrasound. The apparatus comprises: a signal generator arranged to generate a driving signal; and an ultrasound transducer arranged to transmit an ultrasound beam in response to the driving signal received from the signal generator. The signal generator is arranged to combine a carrier wave and a modulating wave having a lower frequency than the carrier wave to generate an amplitude modulated driving signal. The ultrasound beam is suitable for inducing cavitation in a human or animal body tissue.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: Rescue elevator system, comprising a rescue ladder and an elevator running on rails on a top side of the rescue ladder up to an end position at one end of the rescue ladder, and an elevator drive comprising a rope, a rope winch for pulling the rope and a deflection roller over which the rope is guided from the rope winch to a suspension point at the elevator, wherein the deflection roller is disposed below the rails at or near the one end of the rescue ladder, characterized in that the suspension point is displaced towards a trailing end of the elevator averted from the one end of the rescue ladder such that in the end position of the elevator, the suspension point is located in a distance from the deflection roller in the extension direction of the rails, and the elevator comprises a passage ladder to bridge the distance between the suspension point and the deflection roller in the end position of the elevator, said passage ladder lying on top of the rope and being mounted between the rails at a hinge axis p

Abstract: A protective apparel support (100) system is disclosed comprising a support frame configured to rest on the shoulders of a wearer, the support having a first shoulder member (104a), a second shoulder member (104b) and a shield (202) engagement portion. A shield (202) is selectively coupleable to the support and protective apparel (302) is coupled to the shield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting an inside room of a ship and/or performing works therein, wherein the inside room is preferably a cargo tank, a sludge tank, a ballast tank or a cargo hold. The method comprises the following steps: a) inserting, through an opening preferably provided in a ceiling portion of the inside room, accommodating means (10; 100) for accommodating at least one person; b) attaching at least one rope (12) at an upper part of the inside room, wherein the at least one rope is attached at the upper part of the inside room i. manually by one or a plurality of climbing persons using climbing equipment, and/or ii. by means of a drone, and/or iii. by means of a pivotable rod; and c) moving the accommodating means up and down along the at least one rope for inspecting the inside room and/or performing works therein by at least one service person accommodated by the accommodating means.

Abstract: There is disclosed a passive intumescent fire damper having a metal housing, an inner meltable liner and having a metal and intumescent laminate assembly surrounding the inner liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoke and/or fire protection curtain for the sealing of an opening (12), with a protective element (16) for preventing the spread of smoke or fire through the opening (12), the protective element (16) comprising a wicket door (18), which can be arranged in a slip position, in which it is possible to pass through the protective element (16), and a closed position, in which the spread of smoke or fire through the opening (12) is prevented, with the wicket door (18) forming a tunnel (20) in the slip position. According to the invention, a fixing device (48) is provided for the reversible fixing of a lower wicket door edge (23) when the wicket door (18) is in a closed position, the fixing device comprising at least one magnetic strip (94) for the smoke-proof sealing of the wicket door (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fire extinguishing pod (11) for use in fighting a target area of a fire. The pod comprises a housing (15) for housing a fire retardant (16). The housing comprises a thin-walled outer casing (17) and a light weight container (19) which receives and contains the fire retardant. Upon detonation of the container the housing disintegrates into small pieces and the fire retardant is released from the pod. After detonation the pieces are of a size which will not cause injury should the pieces fall on property or persons.

Abstract: An intumescent fire protection insert for form-fitting insertion in an electrical junction box with a bottom and a peripheral wall which joins the bottom, is disclosed. The fire protection insert includes a planar base body, where the planar base body has a shape of the bottom of the electrical junction box, and a side element, where the side element is pivotably mounted on an edge of the planar base body and where the side element has a shape of a section of the peripheral wall of the electrical junction box.

Abstract: The present technology provides a bi-directional control valve for a fire suppression system. In particular, this bi-directional control valve comprises an inlet, a first fluid communication passageway or outlet (port) and a second fluid communication passageway or outlet (port). The first outlet port is configured to be connected to a detector tube as part of a direct system and the second outlet port is configured to be connected to a discharge tube as part of an indirect system. The detector tube comprises a heat sensitive tube suitably configured to rupture or otherwise lose integrity as a result of exposure to heat associated with exposure to a fire condition. As a result of this rupture, a pressure contained within the detector tube will be released and then acts as a signal to actuate the bi-directional control valve such that the fire extinguishant contained within a cylinder is simultaneously released through the detector tube and the discharge tube.

Abstract: A dry sprinkler for a fire protection system having a configuration with one or more coupling arrangements for connection to a fluid supply piping of the system. The dry sprinkler structure further includes an inner surface and inner assembly to provide a preferred discharge performance. The dry sprinkler provides for a flow rate from the outlet of the sprinkler in accordance with the start pressure at the inlet of the sprinkler and the rated discharge coefficient, K factor, ranging between 16.8 GPM/PSI½ and 33.

Abstract: A material drying and pyrolyzing method includes the following steps: sending material into rotary kettle; making use of microwave energy to heat material within rotary kettle to pyrolyze and decompose material in order to get decomposed gas and solid substance; condensing and recycling gas generated from the decomposing; recycling and disposing solid substance generated from the pyrolyzing. The method makes use of the microwave energy to rapidly heat material inside rotary kettle, and rotates rotary kettle at the same time to make material more uniformly heated, improve material pyrolyzing efficiency, which can greatly improve pyrolyzing and separating efficiency of material and effectively reduce energy consumption, with the improvement of safety performance of the equipment operation. It also avoids secondary pollution to environment caused by burning of heating energy, thus effectively improves economic and social benefits.

Abstract: A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.

Abstract: A training tight having preconfigured compression zones with integrated knit structure patterns is provided herein. The compression zones may have differing compressive properties where zones having a higher compression force are located at the waist and thigh areas of the tight, and zones having a lower compression force are located at the knee and calf area of the tight. The integrated structure patterns modify the compressive properties of the zones in the areas where the patterns are located in order to further customize the compressive properties of the training tight.

Abstract: A cable exercise machine includes a first pull cable and a second pull cable incorporated into a frame. Each of the first pull cable and the second pull cable are linked to at least one resistance mechanism. The at least one resistance mechanism includes a flywheel and a magnetic unit arranged to resist movement of the flywheel.

Abstract: An elliptical trainer with a resilient unit includes a frame, an exercising unit axially disposed on the frame, a pedal unit pivotally mounted to the exercising unit, a damper for providing a damping resistance to the pedal unit, a guide unit for supporting the pedal unit and guiding the pedal unit to slide thereon, and a pair of resilient units respectively disposed in proximity to the pivoted junctions between the exercising unit and the pedal unit for enabling a pair of rear end portions of the pedal unit to be constantly kept far from a pair of pivot-connection portions of the exercising unit so that an inertial-elastic force is produced during operation of the elliptical trainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plyometric exercise device comprising a pair of neoprene bands having loops for engaging clips on the end of resistance cords, a pair of resistance cords with clips at the end and a belt and/or pair of handles for attaching to the resistance cords at the end opposite the neoprene bands. The pair of neoprene bands is sized to fit around the thigh of a user and is made of a unitary construction. The resistance cords are each removeably attached at one end to at least one of the pair of bands and removeably attached at the other end to a belt or handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable sports device and particularly a training device for muscle building, with at least one handle and a centrifugal mass operatively connected thereto and mounted on a shaft, which is rotatable by pulling a pull rope fixed to and wound up on the shaft, and with at least one removable additional mass element arrangeable on the centrifugal mass, the at least one additional mass element being configured in the form of a circular ring piece or a circular segment piece.

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: Provided is an exercise lifting bar having at least two hand grips, an integral loading surface for holding optional plate weights coupled to each hand grip, the paired or coupled grips and loading surfaces thereby defining a member; the members further being substantially cylindrical, collinear, and operable to translate relative to one another. Also included is a translation limiter to limit the motion between the members. A method of assembly and exemplary embodiments of the exercise lifting bar for use in cable exercises are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the head and torso orientation of a subject during physical motion. The method and apparatus employ at least two inertial measurement units (IMUs) being temporally synchronized with each other and each measuring three degrees of freedom of angular velocity, acceleration, and optionally magnetic field. A first IMU being affixed to the head of the subject and the second IMU being affixed to the torso of the subject. The orientation of the head, the orientation of the torso, and optionally the relative orientation of the head and torso are calculated based on the data from the IMU's and optionally magnetometer data. The resultant output data is transmitted to a host device (computer, tablet, smart phone) and can be used for monitoring, training, coaching, worker safety and health, and/or rehabilitation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven device for concentric, isometric and eccentric muscle development, the triggering direction of which is reactive to the direction of the force of the user. The invention specifically relates to a motor-driven device with two operating directions, with reacts to the force of a user in order to counteract with an adjustable muscle development load in a reversible movement. It consists of a reversible motor-driven support which moves a mobile support (2)(30)(51) on which a part of the body is supported, and provides a muscle development load; and a stationary support (3)(33)(52) on which another part of the body is supported so as to counteract the motor-driven force of the mobile support (2)(30)(51).

Abstract: A climbing exercise machine with adjustable inclination includes a frame, an exercising unit including pair of arm members respectively pivotally mounted to the frame, a pedal unit including a pair of pedal shafts respectively pivotally connected to the arm members, a damper including a rotatable wheel with an axle and adapted for providing damping to the pedal unit, a guide unit including a pair of cranks respectively fixedly connected to opposite ends of the axle of the rotatable wheel and respectively pivotally connected to the pedal shafts, a pair of rockers respectively pivotally connected to the cranks and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected to the rockers, and an adjusting unit mounted to the frame and adapted for driving the links to adjust the distance between a rear pivoting portion of each rocker and the frame and to achieve adjustment of the inclination of the climbing exercise machine.

Abstract: At least one elastic link may be simultaneously coupled to two different portions of a limb of a user in order to provide resistance to the limb when the limb attempts to change the distance between the two different portions of the limb.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for automatic identification of at least one player. The system and method are associated with a processing unit, and at least one projectile having a wireless interface and at least one sensor. The sensor collects sensor data at a first moment of time before release of the projectile by the player and communicates the sensor data to the processing unit. The processing unit collects and analyses the sensor data to identify similar data, associates such data to a player, and stores the associated data. The sensor collects further sensor data at a second moment of time before release of the projectile by the player, which second moment of time is later than the first moment of time and communicates the further sensor data to the processing unit. The processing unit compares the further sensor data to the stored associated data to identify the player.

Abstract: An exercise incentive system receives exercise sensor data originating from at least one exercise tracking device. The at least one exercise tracking device transmits exercise sensor data determined from at least one exercise sensor. The exercise incentive system estimates a personalized caloric baseline for an exerciser. At least a portion of incremental calories burned by the exerciser over at least one period of time are determined and converted into at least one exercise credit.

Abstract: System and method for converting testing and/or performance data on a therapeutic or testing device to a percentile impairment score, as used in G-Codes required by Medicaid, using an algorithm or formula, and optionally calculating and/or storing algorithm or formula used for conversion on a server. System and method is integrated into a therapeutic or testing device for easy and reliable use by operators and/or users.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more devices in the vicinity of a user based on biometric of the user and a target user state. The system and method determines the target state, which is characterized by biometric measurements, through either a user entered command or a prediction based on historic user entered commands. Using biometric readings of the user as feedback, the one or more devices are controlled to cause the biometrics of the user to change towards the target state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls, specifically to a golf ball comprising an aerodynamic pattern having novel shaped dimple structures which reduce the variation in airflow turning angle thereby improving the golf ball's flight performance. The dimple structures have a conical shaped base with a dimple in the center and reduced or no flat land areas between the dimples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples covering greater than 70 percent of the outer surface, wherein at least 20 percent of the dimples incorporate directional surface texturing therein. The directional surface texturing preferably comprises substantially parallel channels or protrusions formed within the dimples.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of polyamide/acid anhydride-modified polyolefin blended compositions are provided. Preferably, a transparent polyamide is used. In one version, the composition comprises a blend of polyamide, acid anhydride-modified polyolefin, and plasticizer. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide/acid anhydride-modified polyolefin composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. In one preferred version, the polyamide/acid anhydride-modified polyolefin composition is used to form the inner core, and a rubber composition is used to form the outer core layer.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided. In one version, a six-piece ball having a three-layered core and three-layered cover is formed. Preferably, the inner core is made of a thermoset rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition, and the outer core layer is made of a highly neutralized polymer (HNP) composition. The cover includes inner, intermediate, and outer cover layers, wherein the outer cover is made of a composition comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer or blend thereof. In a second version, a five-piece ball having a two-layered core and three-layered cover is produced. The finished balls have high resiliency and rebounding properties.