Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing hydration fluids. The invention allows for a ‘background’ rate of providing a hydration fluid to be automatically supplied by an apparatus to a patient, for example intravenously, and for the patient to receive an extra amount of hydration fluid, or ‘bolus dose’, to be provided when the patient sends a signal to the apparatus. In preferred embodiments the background supply rate, the volume and rate of supply of the bolus dose and the maximum extra volume that can be provided as bolus doses in a given time can be set, for example, by a nurse.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices that incorporate siRNA. In addition to one or more siRNA constructs, devices include nanostructures fabricated on a surface to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. Microneedles may be incorporated on devices. The pattern including nanostructures may be formed on the surface of the microneedles.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for delivering a rheumatoid arthritis drug across a dermal barrier. The devices include microneedles for penetrating the stratum corneum and also include structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The pattern of structures on the surface of the microneedles may include nano-sized structures.

Abstract: Embodiments include a fiducial deployment system with a handle configured for actuation of same. A fiducial may include one or more protuberances configured to engage one or more slots in a needle of the system. The needle may be configured to deliver a plurality of fiducials to a target location in serial fashion, one at a time. In certain embodiments, echogenic placement of fiducials may present certain advantages. The handle includes an actuation mechanism with a toothed rack and actuation member(s) configured for incrementally or otherwise controlledly deploying one or more fiducials at a time by advancing a stylet through and/or retracting the body of a slotted needle in which fiducials are disposed with a fiducial protrusion extending into the needle slot, which also includes retaining structures that do not impede the needle lumen.

Abstract: A cannula assembly having a retention member and a method of manufacture of the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a sleeve disposed around the cannula from a proximal end to a distal end. The sleeve can include a balloon formed by a stretch blow molding process following local heating once advanced over the cannula. Once formed, the balloon can be conditioned to constrict against the cannula. A conditioning aid can be advanced over the balloon when it is still formable to constrict the balloon against the cannula.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a hemostasis sealing device having a device enclosure with a first seal portion for a medical device and a second seal portion for guide wire sealing. The device enclosure can be generally configured for compressive communication with a housing. The second seal portion can define a split that is in compressive communication with structural elements of the hemostasis sealing device, which can simultaneously provide sealing functionality and allow passage of relatively large-bore devices.

Abstract: A device includes a dispensing mechanism that is operable to dispense a substance from a canister that is connected to the device. The device includes at least one iontophoresis electrode that is chargeable to generate an electric field to enable transdermal delivery of an active ingredient of the substance when the substance is dispensed onto skin.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement for a cochlear implant system is described. The arrangement includes a flexible intracochlear electrode array having an outer surface with electrode contacts for applying cochlear stimulation signals to target neural tissue within the implanted cochlea. A flexible extracochlear electrode lead is coupled at a lead proximal end to an implanted signal processor that provides the cochlear stimulation signals, and connected at a lead distal end to a proximal end of the electrode array. A lead holder is connected to the lead distal end and has an initial shape. The lead holder is malleable and adapted to be intra-surgically deformed into and retain a new desired shape so as to secure the lead distal end at the electrode opening into the implanted cochlea and decouple post-surgical mechanical strain at the lead distal end from the electrode array.

Abstract: A lead adapted to be steerable during insertion into an animal body includes the following. A structure substantially defining at least one principal planar surface, the structure having a proximate end and a distal end. The structure includes a tip portion on the distal end, and a body portion, with the tip portion being flexible in directions substantially parallel to said at least one principal planar surface. A shape of the tip portion is changeable, and an end of the tip portion traces a path within a plane substantially parallel with the at least one principal planar surface. At least one electrode is connected with said structure.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes: a radio-frequency (RF) to direct current (DC) rectifying circuit coupled to one or more antenna on an implantable wirelessly powered device, the rectifying circuit configured to: rectify an input RF signal received at the one or more antennas and from an external controller through electric radiative coupling; and extract DC electric power and configuration data from the input RF signal; a logic control circuit connected to the rectifying circuit and a driving circuit, the logic control circuit configured to: generate a current for the driving circuit solely using the extracted DC electrical power; in accordance with the extracted configuration data, set polarity state information for each electrode; and a driving circuit coupled to one or more electrode, the driving circuit comprising current mirrors and being configured to: steer, to each electrode and via the current mirrors, a stimulating current solely from the generated current.

Abstract: System and methods for programming and delivering electrical stimulation to treat hypertension are described. In various embodiments, an ambulatory stimulator system, such as an implantable medical device, can detect a respiration-mediated heart rate variation (RM-HRV), monitor the efficacy of hypertension therapy and adjust the stimulation parameters using the detected RM-HRV to achieve desired therapy outcome. In some embodiments, the system can be configured to synchronize the detected heart rates to one or more respiration cycles or respiration phases within the respiration cycles, and determine the RM-HRV using the heart rates synchronized with the respiration cycles or the respiration phases. The RM-HRV may be presented to the system operator to monitor the efficacy of the AHT therapy. The ambulatory stimulator system can adjust the stimulation parameters using at least the RM-HRV.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: A method of treating motor deficits in a stroke patient, comprising assessing a patient's motor deficits, determining therapeutic goals for the patient, based on the patient's motor deficits, selecting therapeutic tasks based on the therapeutic goals, performing each of the selected therapeutic tasks repetitively, observing the performance of the therapeutic tasks, initiating the stimulation of the vagus nerve manually at approximately a predetermined moment during the performance of the therapeutic tasks, stimulating the vagus nerve of the patient during the performance of the selected therapeutic tasks, and improving the patient's motor deficits.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optimizing stimulation of a heart of a patient are disclosed. The method comprises: determining recommended pacing settings including recommended AV delays and/or recommended VV delays based on IEGM data. Further, at least one hemodynamical parameter is determined based on measured at least one hemodynamical signal. Reference pacing settings are determined including reference AV delays and/or reference VV delays based on said hemodynamical parameters. An AV delay correction value and a VV delay correction value are calculated as a difference between recommended AV and/or VV delays and reference AV and/or VV delays, respectively. The correction values are used for updating recommended AV and/or VV delays, respectively.

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

Abstract: Techniques for performing a lead integrity test in response to, e.g., during or after saturation of a sensed signal, e.g., a cardiac electrogram (EGM) signal, are described. A lead integrity test may comprise one or more impedance measurements for one or more leads. Possible causes of saturation of a sensed signal include lead conductor or connector issues, or other lead related conditions. A lead integrity test triggered in response to the saturation may be able to detect any lead related condition causing the saturation. A lead integrity test triggered in response to the saturation may advantageously be able to detect an intermittent lead related condition, due to the temporal proximity of the test to the saturation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for remotely and intelligently tuning movement disorder of therapy systems. The present invention still further provides methods of quantifying movement disorders for the treatment of patients who exhibit symptoms of such movement disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonism, Dystonia, Chorea, and Huntington's disease, Ataxia, Tremor and Essential Tremor, Tourette syndrome, stroke, and the like. The present invention yet further relates to methods of remotely and intelligently or automatically tuning a therapy device using objective quantified movement disorder symptom data to determine the therapy setting or parameters to be transmitted and provided to the subject via his or her therapy device. The present invention also provides treatment and tuning intelligently, automatically and remotely, allowing for home monitoring of subjects.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for interacting with targeted tissue of a patient. The apparatus comprises a central control module, a satellite module, and a lead. The satellite module comprises a processor, a communication module, a switching module, a memory, a sense amp, and a A/D converter. The apparatus is adapted for subcutaneous implantation. The central control module is coupled to the satellite module. The lead is coupled to the satellite module. A programming word comprising information to be sent to the satellite module is provided. The programming word is converted into identifiable groups of pulses corresponding to bits of the programming word. The identifiable groups of pulses are sent to the satellite module. The identifiable groups of pulses are converted to information for providing a therapy to the patient. The energy from the identifiable groups of pulses is stored to power the satellite module.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a system and method is provided for providing communications between first and second implantable medical devices (IMDs). The system comprises a first implantable medical device (IMD) configured to transmit a first event message during or preceding a first cardiac cycle, and a second IMD configured to receive the first event message, wherein receipt of the first event message configures the second IMD to generate pacing pulses for only a predetermined number (“n”) of consecutive cardiac cycles, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

Abstract: An implantable electrical medical device includes (i) electronics configured to generate or receive an electrical signal and containing a plurality of channels through which the electrical signal may be transmitted; (ii) a first lead receptacle having a first defined number of internal contacts, wherein each of the internal contacts are independently operably coupled to a discrete channel of the electronics; and (iii) a second lead receptacle having a second defined number of internal contacts, wherein the second defined number is less than the first defined number, and wherein each of the internal contacts of the second receptacle are independently operably coupled to a discrete channel of the electronics. At least one of the internal contacts of the first lead receptacle and at least one of the internal contacts of the second lead receptacle are operably coupled to the same channel of the electronics.

Abstract: A system includes a first implantable medical device configured to receive a first far field radiative signal at a first frequency from an external transmitter to charge a first charge storage device. The first implantable medical device includes a first therapy delivery unit powered by the first charge storage device. The first therapy delivery unit delivers a first therapy to a first target tissue of a patient. The system also includes a second implantable medical device configured to receive a second far field radiative signal at a second frequency from the external transmitter to charge a second charge storage device. The second implantable medical device includes a second therapy delivery unit powered by the second charge storage device. The second therapy delivery unit delivers a second therapy to a second target tissue of the patient.

Abstract: In a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter/defibrillator, cardiac arrhythmias are detected to determine necessary therapeutic action. Cardiac signal information is sensed from far field electrodes implanted in a patient. The sensed cardiac signal information is then amplified and filtered. Parameters such as rate, QRS pulse width, cardiac QRS slew rate, amplitude and stability measures of these parameters from the filtered cardiac signal information are measured, processed and integrated to determine if the cardioverter/defibrillator needs to initiate therapeutic action.

Abstract: Electrical circuit componentry is switchable into a defibrillator circuit to deliver a constant pacing current to a patient. The circuitry may include a constant current source inserted in a leg of the defibrillator circuit or a resistor of selected value inserted between a high voltage source and the high side of a defibrillator circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for use during the administration of CPR chest compressions and defibrillating shock on a cardiac arrest victim. The system analyzes compression waveforms from a compression depth monitor to determine the source of chest compressions, and enables the delivery of defibrillating shock during a compression cycle if the compression waveforms are characteristic of an automated CPR chest compression device.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus includes a rotatable drum on which is mounted a gantry arm carrying a radiation source, the arm extending from the drum to locate the source is offset from the axis of rotation of the drum and oriented towards the axis, and a mechanism to apply a tilt to the arm depending on the rotational orientation of the drum.

Abstract: Switching power supplies made in accordance with the disclosed technology drive flash lamps of dermatologic treatment devices to emit a sequence of relatively small light pulses that are aligned with particular locations within the waveform of the AC line source. Such power supplies not only enable sufficient light energy in aggregate to therapeutically heat target chromophores in a skin region without causing undesired damage to surrounding tissue, but also provide the added benefit that the corresponding electrical energy need not be substantially drawn from any charged capacitor. The disclosed power supply further compensates for performance degradation of the flash lamps during their usable life, by modifying its operation based on predetermined values that are indicative of flash lamp aging/efficiency characteristics. The flash lamps and their associated stored values are preferably incorporated into a replaceable cartridge that facilitates user maintenance of the dermatologic treatment device.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising lanthanide-doped nanoparticles which upconvert electromagnetic radiation from infrared or near infrared wavelengths into the visible light spectrum. Also provided herein are methods activating light-responsive opsin proteins expressed on plasma membranes of neurons and selectively altering the membrane polarization state of the neurons using the light delivered by the lanthanide-doped nanoparticles.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for minimally-invasive selective fat removal from a target area by injecting the area with a solution of photo-absorbing nanoparticles and irradiating the injected area with a beam of near infrared (NIR) light. The NIR emission wavelength excites the nanoparticles to melt fat within the target area so that the liquefied fat can be aspirated from the target area. The nanoparticles may be gold nanorods having aspect ratios selected to produce surface plasmon resonance when irradiated with NIR light around 800 nm.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fire extinguishing apparatus being inexpensive in manufacturing cost, easy to handle, and it enables a storage tank to be refilled with fire extinguishing sand during a fire extinguishing. A fire extinguishing apparatus of the present invention includes a sand container having fire extinguishing sand a nitrogen gas cylinder, and an ejector provided nitrogen gas taken out via a decompression valve from the nitrogen gas cylinder. The ejector is connected to a suction tube sucking the fire extinguishing sand from the sand container using negative pressure generated by a nitrogen gas stream and a delivery tube delivering the sucked fire extinguishing sand and the nitrogen gas. The sand container has a lid plate provided with a sand inlet enabling opening and closing, which enables the sand container to be refilled with the fire extinguishing sand during a fire extinguishing.

Abstract: A combination of a cover and a sprinkler head. The sprinkler head includes a fusible linkage mounted within a frame and having a protruding portion. The cover includes a first member adjacent to the protruding portion of the fusible linkage. The first member has a first connecting end and a first fastening end opposite the first connecting end. A second member is opposite to the first member and has a second connecting end and a second fastening end opposite the second connecting end. The first and second connecting ends are coupled to each other. A first projection and a second projection extend from the first member toward the second member and are in spaced relation to each other for receiving the protruding portion of the fusible linkage.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a flexible base member for placement between a seat and a person's buttocks. The flexible base member including proximate to at least two of the periphery edges one or more apertures as attachment points within the confines of the periphery edges of the base member. The flexible base member is capable of being folded, crumpled and rolled for portability and ease and flexibility of storage. The device also comprises at least one resilient resistance member having a handle end and an attachment end for attachment to the base member.

Abstract: One embodiment of a simple and portable wrist, arm and shoulder exercise device is structured with a hand cycling means. One elongated and flexible member of the embodiment coupled to the hand cycling means, carries a weight support member on the other end. The said weight support member accommodates weight disc loading/unloading, also allowing plurality of discs.

Abstract: A cross-training flutter-kick boot system includes the use of a weighted elongate base having the general geometry of the bottom of the human foot. The base including an elevated central platform located opposite to an arch of the foot. The base also includes two pairs of hollow cylindrical elements, one element of each pair secured at a toe end of the weighted base and the other pair secured at a heel end of the base. A position control assembly (PCA) is securable upon the weighted base and includes respective front and rear hollow cylindrical elements which are securable within respective front and rear pairs of hollow elements by a platform connecting the front and rear I elements. The PCA, when secured to the weighted base, permits a bar having a channel to receive a second bar.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a shaft provides secure frictional engagement to the shaft while manually operable to be removed from the shaft. There is a first cylinder allowable to slide freely on the shaft. One or more holes retaining one or more balls allow a projection of the balls into an interior of the first cylinder. A tensioning ring (second cylinder) partially overlaps the first cylinder, retains the balls within the holes, and has at least a portion of the inside diameter increasing in diameter. A biasing mechanism acts against the second cylinder to urge the balls into the first cylinder interior to frictionally engage the shaft. Two release mechanisms movable with the biasing mechanism manually actuated against the bias move the second cylinder to allow the balls to freely move within the holes and the locking mechanism to be slid onto and removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A swiveling user support assembly has a user support or seat rotatably mounted on a user support mounting device or frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, while the mounting device or frame is pivotally or rigidly connected to a main frame of an exercise machine. The user support has a base, and a primary user support and stabilizing device mounted on the base. A pivot connection between the base and mounting device or frame allows the user support to swivel from side to side about the first pivot axis. A centering mechanism helps to orient the user support in a central position for user entry or exit.

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

Abstract: A multiple position locking handle for an exercise machine for that is movable into a plurality of different positions when unlocked and that is retained in a single secure position when locked. The multiple position locking handle for an exercise machine generally includes a tubular base having a lower end and an upper end, an elongated member extending through the opening of the upper end of the tubular base and extending downwardly through at least a portion of the tubular base, a handle extending outwardly from the elongated member at an angle, and a locking device. The elongated member is movable within the tubular base when the locking device is in the unlocked state and is substantially not movable within the tubular base when the locking device is in the locked state.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has guide links pivotally attached to a frame and foot support links pivotally attached to the guide links. Vertical control links couple a cam drive to forward ends of the foot support links such that rotation of the cam drive moves foot receiving areas vertically. Horizontal control links couple a crank system to the guide links such that rotation of the crank system pivots the guide links and moves the foot receiving areas horizontally. The vertical and horizontal movement is generally out of phase to move the foot receiving areas in an elliptical path.

Abstract: A curl-up device includes a base; and a counter arrangement. The base defines a foot placement indicator, a first start position indicator, and optionally a second start position indicator. The counter arrangement includes a button disposed between the foot placement indicator and the start position indicators. The counter arrangement also includes an electronic counter that tracks depression of the button. In use, a user touches the button while performing a curl-up to track the number of curl-ups performed.

Abstract: A flipper device that provides a swimmer with functional use of the flipper when fully assembled, and easy, convenient use of same when the swimmer desires to walk in the flipper. In embodiment, the flipper device includes a boot and a fin that is at least partially collapsible, removable from the boot, stored in a substantially vertical orientation on the boot, and secured in its substantially vertical orientation by a securing component. The boot includes a first portion of a fastener, and the securing component. The fin includes a second portion of the fastener that is capable of engaging the first portion of the fastener to removably attach the fin to the boot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swimming assistance apparatus, which is worn on a user's both feet to provide the user with buoyancy, such that the user can float on water and swim in a good swimming style while repeatedly moving the waist from side to side like a fish, thereby reinforcing the user's waist muscles. Persons who have knee joint arthralgia or backache or persons who have disability in the lower body can use the swimming assistance apparatus for medical purposes, such as pain relief or treatment.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic polyamide composition, comprising a blend of polyamide, ethylene acid copolymer ionomer, fatty acid amide, and plasticizer. A polyamide having a transparent optical nature is preferably used in the composition. A fatty acid ester such as dipropylene glycol dibenzoate and propylene carbonate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The ball may contain an inner core and surrounding outer core layer. A rubber composition is preferably used to form the inner core and the polyamide-based composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein at least one of the core or cover layer comprises a plasticized polyurethane composition comprising at least one polyurethane and at least one plasticizer.

Abstract: A sports ball for calculating movement characteristics has a spherical core. A spherical circuit board is mounted within the spherical core. The spherical circuit board has components for monitoring and calculating the movement characteristics of the sports ball. The components are mounted on the spherical circuit board so the spherical circuit board is balanced. A winding is wrapped around the spherical core. A cover is positioned around the winding.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for providing a golf ball that is customizable by a golfer to achieve a golfer's desired playing characteristics. The customizable golf ball includes multiple layers of customizable thermoplastic or thermoset materials in varying hardness levels that may be assembled by the golfer to achieve a desired feel in play. After play, the customizable golf ball may be disassembled to again vary the playing characteristics of the ball by substituting layers of varying hardness levels, or to simply replace old or worn out parts.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to structures and methods for connecting golf club heads to shafts in a releasable and adjustable manner allowing independent adjustability of face angle, loft angle, and lie angle of a club head. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a hosel assembly; (b) an adjustment member; and (c) a securing system for releasably and adjustably securing the hosel assembly and adjustment member to the club head. The face angle, loft angle, and lie angle may be independently adjusted by releasing the securing system and rotating the different structures or exchanging the original parts with different parts.

Abstract: In general, aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs or golf club components incorporating adjustment members that permit ready adjustability of golf club parameters and/or interchangeability of golf club components to change a golf club configuration, and methods for providing golf clubs. According to aspects of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of a golf club parameter to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics. According to another aspect of this invention, an adjustment member may be utilized to allow the adjustability of two golf club parameters independently to change a golf club configuration, while ensuring there is substantially no change to other club or club head variables, parameters or characteristics.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head has a crown portion extending from a face portion and configured so as to generate good ball hitting sound. The crown portion is provided with a first region having a first thickness, a second region having a second thickness and a third region having a third thickness, wherein the third thickness is less than the second thickness which is less than the first thickness. The first region is disposed in a face portion side of the crown portion and extending in the toe-heel direction. The third region is disposed backward of the first region. The second region surrounds the third region.