Abstract: A granule delivery system contains a plunger and a divided tube, wherein the divided tube has two or more partial shells which are suitable to be coupled to each other, so that a longitudinal channel is formed in the divided tube, each of the partial shells is able to move longitudinally in relation to the other, and the plunger is able to be inserted into the longitudinal channel, when the two or more partial shells are coupled to each other.

Abstract: A body art transfer device is disclosed which comprises a base support having a generally planar shape, a substantially nonabsorbent textured surface, and a surface area, a body art coating upon the nonabsorbent textured surface, the coating having a pigmented composition of oils and waxes having a thickness of uniform homogeneous consistency and an amorphous non-crystalline structure, and a cover for covering the body art coating and for forming stilting of the body art coating between the nonabsorbent textured surface of the base support and the cover, the stilting for preventing wicking of body art coating, and the body art coating for releasing from the base support when the cover is removed and the body art covering is placed against skin of a user.

Abstract: A luer lock adaptor including a housing defining an axis, an internal luer lock element having a threading, the internal luer lock element being located internally of the housing and being rotatably mounted thereto for rotation about the axis relative to the housing, in a manner which permits rotation of the luer lock element relative to the housing in a first rotation direction about the axis and limits rotation of the luer lock element relative to the housing in a second rotation direction about the axis, opposite to the first rotation direction, whereby the location of the internal luer lock element internally of the housing prevents manual access to the internal luer lock element for limiting rotation thereof in the first rotation direction.

Abstract: A tubular body is configured to be disposed around and to apply compression to an extremity. The tubular body includes a treatment area having a first filament and a second filament. Both the first filament and the second filament are disposed to engage the surface of the extremity. The first filament includes AgNP in a concentration effective to promote healing of a wound on the surface of the extremity. The second filament includes a metal having a composition that forms a galvanic couple with silver. The first filament and the second filament are arranged in the tubular body such that the AgNP and metal form galvanic couples across at least a portion of the treatment area when in the presence of a fluid in the wound of the extremity that produce an electric current in an amount effective to further promote healing of the wound.

Abstract: A dual-sided electrode pad assembly is configured to be placed upon a patient's skin and includes an upper conductive gel layer, a middle conductive layer comprising a highly conductive foil, a highly conductive plastic film or a gel with suspended highly conductive particles, and a lower conductive gel layer. The upper and lower conductive gel layer comprise hydrogel, silicone or hydrocolloid. A removable upper and lower protective liner are disposed on the upper and lower conductive gel layers, wherein the upper and lower protective liners are larger in surface area in comparison to the upper conductive gel layer, the middle highly conductive layer and the lower conductive gel layer. The middle highly conductive layer may be smaller in surface area in comparison to the upper and lower conductive gel layers allowing a perimeter edge of the upper and lower conductive gel layers to be disposed past a perimeter edge of the middle highly conductive layer.

Abstract: Tools and methods for removing anchors from medical leads involve a guide portion and a blade. The lead is inserted within a lead passageway of the guide portion of the tool and the tool is moved along so that the blade contacts the anchor and cuts a slit in the anchor as the tool. Once the blade has cut the slit through the entire anchor, the anchor comes free of the lead and the tool can be removed. The tool may include a manner of opening and closing the guide portion so as to provide access to the lead when open and to contain the lead when closed. Opening the guide portion allows the lead to be inserted or removed by laterally moving the lead into or out of the lead passageway such that the tool may be installed or removed at any available point along the lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a tip of a pacemaker lead that has passed through coronary sinus into an interventricular septum. More particularly, it relates to a method for positioning a tip of a pacemaker lead that has passed through a coronary sinus into an interventricular septum in order to more effectively transmit an electrical stimulus in a treatment using a pacemaker for patients with arrhythmia. A method of positioning a tip of a pacemaker lead, which has passed through a coronary sinus, into an interventricular septum, in order to effectively transmit electrical stimulus, includes: inserting into an intervention wire through a superior vena cava and a coronary sinus to pass through the interventricular septum and then guiding the intervention wire to an inferior vena cava; and positioning the tip of the lead into the interventricular septum by inserting the pacemaker lead along the intervention wire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deep brain electrode placement and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment of conditions such as obesity are disclosed. In one example approach, during placement of a deep brain stimulating electrode in a target region of the brain of a patient, a temperature of brown adipose tissue (BAT) may be monitored, e.g., via a supraclavicular temperature sensor implanted in the patient, and used to identify an optimal location of electrode stimulation which causes an increase in BAT temperature. Additionally, BAT temperature measurements may be used to provide regulated closed-loop control to increase efficiency of DBS while reducing energy consumption of the pulse generator. Further, core temperature measurements may be obtained from the electrode in the brain and used to adjust DBS.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes ventricular and atrial portions, and a flexible leadlet that extends therebetween. An open channel of the atrial portion, formed along a core thereof, is sized to receive the leadlet therein, when the leadlet is folded over on itself. An interventional medical system includes the device and a delivery tool; a tubular sidewall of the tool defines a lumen and has a tether extending therein. A slot formed in the sidewall extends proximally from an open end thereof, coincident with a distal opening of the lumen. When the atrial portion is contained within the lumen, a segment of the leadlet extends alongside the atrial portion; another segment of the leadlet, being folded over on itself, proximal to the atrial portion, has the tether engaged therewith. The slot may allow passage of the leadlet therethrough, when the atrial portion is positioned for deployment through the distal opening.

Abstract: A fixation mechanism of an implantable medical device is formed by a plurality of tines fixedly mounted around a perimeter of a distal end of the device. Each tine may be said to include a first segment fixedly attached to the device, a second segment extending from the first segment, and a third segment, to which the second segment extends. When the device is loaded in a lumen of a delivery tool and a rounded free distal end of each tine engages a sidewall that defines the lumen, to hold the tines in a spring-loaded condition, the first segment of each tine, which has a spring-biased pre-formed curvature, becomes relatively straightened, and the third segment of each tine, which is terminated by the free distal end, extends away from the axis of the device at an acute angle in a range from about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees.

Abstract: Methods and systems for positioning a leadless pacing device (LPD) in cardiac tissue are disclosed. A delivery device is employed that comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween sized to receive the LPD. The LPD has a leadlet extending therefrom that includes a means to fixate the leadlet to tissue. The delivery device comprises an introducer to introduce the LPD into the lumen of the delivery device. The LPD is loaded in the distal end of the lumen of the delivery device. The leadlet extends proximally from the LPD while the fixation means extends distally toward the LPD. A LPD mover is configured to advance the LPD out of the delivery device. A leadlet mover is configured to advance the leadlet out of the lumen delivery device and cause the leadlet to engage with cardiac tissue.

Abstract: This document provides devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions. For example, this document provides a percutaneous temporary epicardial pacemaker device and system for treating heart arrhythmia.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device includes a head portion that supports cleaning elements, a handle portion extending from the head portion, an RF generator disposed in the handle portion, connected to electrodes located on the head portion, and additionally or alternatively, a microcurrent source disposed in the handle portion, connected to a conductive surface located on the handle and to one of the electrodes located on the head portion, and a non-conductive barrier located on the head portion that separates the electrodes from each other.

Abstract: Provided is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) apparatus, which includes an electric signal generator configured to generate an electrical stimulation signal, an electrode configured to transmit an electrical stimulation corresponding to the electrical stimulation signal generated by the electric signal generator to a user, and a connection unit configured to connect the electric signal generator to the electrode, wherein the electrode includes a pair of annular contact points for an electrical connection with the electric signal generator. Here, the connection unit may include magnetic material.

Abstract: A device is used to apply an electric pulse or spike to a patient to treat the patient. The device can have a series of preset treatments programmed therein. A user can select a treatment from menus displayed on a display. The impedance of the skin and underlying tissue to be treated can be measured prior to the treatment to locate active areas on the skin for treatment. The impedance measurement can be made at a sufficiently low level to avoid treatment of the patient that could cause a change in the impedance.

Abstract: A system for delivering energy into a body tissue. A tissue puncturing device is adapted to puncture a tissue surface and generate micro-channels from the tissue surface into the body tissue. A stimulator is adapted to deliver energy to the body tissue over or adjacent to the micro-channels.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for prevention and/or remediation of cardiac arrhythmias, e.g., for optimizing anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) algorithms. More particularly, implantable devices are provided that measure and treat cardiac arrhythmias. By monitoring the ATP attempt from additional electrodes, far-field morphology analyses, and/or measuring the return interval from a failed ATP attempt, the devices may estimate when entrainment has occurred, the amount of delay within the reentrant tachycardia, and/or tachycardia termination/acceleration. These variables and occurrences can be used to optimize the first and/or subsequent ATP attempts. Furthermore, other exemplary embodiments describe methods to integrate electrical restitution properties into the design of ATP pacing algorithms to facilitate tachycardia termination.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating cellular function in biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for stimulating cellular function within tissue that involves providing a first type of energy to a region of tissue, in which the first type is provided in an amount that inhibits cellular function within the region of tissue, and providing a second type of energy to the region of tissue, in which the second type is provided in an amount that facilitates cellular function within the region of tissue, wherein the combined effect stimulates cellular function within the tissue.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method. The method may include receiving three-dimensional image data representative of a heart; receiving electrical data representative of an electrophysiology of the heart; and generating, based on the received three-dimensional image data and the received electrical data, a computational model of the heart. Related systems and articles of manufacture may also be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating congestive heart failure with high frequency stimulation are disclosed. A representative method for treating a patient includes applying an electrical signal having a frequency of from about 1 kHz to about 100 kHz to the patient via a treatment system that includes a signal delivery element in electrical communication with the patient's vagus nerve at a portion of the vagus nerve located at or proximate to the anterior interventricular junction of the patient's heart. The method can further include automatically detecting at least one physiological parameter of the patient, automatically determining at least one of an ejection fraction of the patient's heart and a correlate of the ejection fraction based on the detected parameter, and automatically adjusting the applied signal based on the determined ejection fraction.

Abstract: The vagus nerve and branches of the vagus nerve are stimulated below the laryngeal nerve branch bifurcation in order to induce desired parasympathetic responses, such as decreased heart rate, without also triggering any adverse sympathetic responses. Stimulating surfaces of an open field bipolar electrode are positioned on or inserted through the pleural membrane overlying the vagus nerve at a location having substantially no cardiac sympathetic fibers adjacent to the vagus nerve. The open field bipolar electrodes can be securable-wire, needle, plate, or any other type of electrode suitable for being secured to the pleural membrane using one or more fastening mechanisms. Electrical stimuli are generated by a stimulator connected to the stimulating surfaces of the open field bipolar electrode by one or more leads.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation are provided. In some aspects, a method includes selecting a treatment protocol based on a determined condition of a subject, the treatment protocol comprising intermittent periods of electrical stimulation separated by periods of non-stimulation. The method also includes applying an electrical stimulation, according to the selected the treatment protocol, using an electrical source and at least one electrode positioned at locations associated with a vagal nerve of the subject to control a ventricular rate during atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system and method of providing sub-threshold therapy to a patient. An anodic perception threshold of super-threshold electrical energy and a cathodic perception threshold of super-threshold electrical energy are determined for a plurality of electrode sets. A ratio between the anodic perception threshold and the cathodic perception threshold is calculated for each of the electrode sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for positioning of an implantable lead in a patient with an integrated EMG and stimulation clinician programmer. The integrated clinician programmer is coupled to the implantable lead, wherein the implantable lead comprises at least four electrodes, and to at least one EMG sensing electrode minimally invasively positioned on a skin surface or within the patient. The method comprises delivering a test stimulation at a stimulation amplitude level from the integrated clinician programmer to a nerve tissue of the patient with a principal electrode of the implantable lead. Test stimulations are delivered at a same stimulation amplitude level for a same period of time sequentially to each of the four electrodes of the implantable lead.

Abstract: An electrical neuromodulation system configured for minimizing energy consumption of a neuromodulation device includes an external control device configured for receiving input from a user, the neuromodulation device in communication with the external control device, and control/processing circuitry. The control/processing circuitry is configured for automatically (a) adjusting a modulation parameter value (e.g., by a step size) to create a currently adjusted modulation parameter value that decreases the energy consumption of the neuromodulation device, (b) instructing the neuromodulation device to deliver electrical energy to at least one electrode in accordance with the currently adjusted modulation parameter value, (c) determining whether a manual parameter adjustment was made by the user in response to step (b), and (d) if the manual parameter adjustment was not made, deeming the currently adjusted modulation parameter value as a previously adjusted modulation parameter value and repeating steps (a)-(d).

Abstract: Leadless, implantable microstimulators for treating chronic inflammation. These devices can include a static magnetic field detector (e.g., non-Hall effect sensors/detectors, including those based on a Wiegand effect or generating pulses at a predetermined frequency range and using a detection circuit to determine the decay rate of the pulses), to trigger an emergency shut off of the microstimulator. Also described are methods and apparatuses for regulating the temperature of an implant based applied power from a charger (e.g., voltage across the charger when unloaded and when loaded by the implant) to yield a power control loop correlated with the power drawn by the implant to determine temperature of the implant. A negotiation protocol can exchange data between the charger and the implant (e.g., type of charger, type of implant, nature of the coupling between the two, etc.) to set target power control loop parameters to estimate and regulate implant temperature.

Abstract: A system for managing care of a person receiving emergency cardiac assistance is disclosed that includes one or more capacitors for delivering a defibrillating shock to a patient; one or more electronic ports for receiving signals from sensors for obtaining indications of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for the patient; a patient treatment module executable on one or more computer processors to provide a determination of a likelihood of success from delivering a future defibrillating shock to the person with the one or more capacitors, using (a) information about a prior defibrillating shock, and (b) a value that is a function of current ECG signals from the patient.

Abstract: A device for vaginal remodeling includes a preferably disposable, sterilizable handpiece which is an elliptical or preferably cylindrical applicator, adapted to be inserted in vagina. An one electrode is positioned either on the outer surface of the handpiece or on the inner surface of the handpiece. A machine emits an RF sinusoidal signal, either continuous or pulsed, to cause heating in the tissues, or a plasma discharge, having a frequency from 10 kHz to 6 MHz, preferably between 50 kHz and 2 MHz, or between 200 kHz and 6 MHz, and connected to the electrode. Temperature sensors detect the temperature and are positioned on the handpiece. A PID algorithm is based software for feedback control of the power delivered on the basis of the detected temperature. The curvature radius of the electrode is equal to that of the handpiece on which it is positioned and is preferably tubular or annular.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue treatment produce a mechanical stimulation therapy and electromagnetic field therapy. The mechanical stimulation therapy provides stimulation of blood circulation and stimulates treated cells. The electromagnetic field enables thermal treatment of tissue. Combination of both therapies improves soft tissue treatment, mainly connective tissue in the skin area and fat reduction.

Abstract: An apparatus for pigment and vascular treatment, including: a treatment main portion including a low-peak-power laser configured to output a laser light spot; a controller configured to perform laser treatment control; and a treatment handle connected to the treatment main portion via an optical path and an electrical circuit; the treatment handle including: a scanning resonance optical structure optically coupled to the laser via the optical path and configured to cause the laser to have a scanning output in accordance with a program of pulse widths and light spot positions set by the controller; and a treatment window member coupled to an output end of the scanning resonance optical structure and configured to adjust a surface area of the laser light spot on a treatment surface; wherein the treatment window member is disposed between a field lens of the scanning resonance optical structure and the treatment surface.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A method for generating a radiation treatment plan is provided where uncertainties in the definition of regions of interest are incorporated and utilized by a treatment planning system for optimizing a treatment plan.

Abstract: A method for fiducial-less real-time motion tracking of abdominal tumors based on the correlation between the patient's breathing pattern and the diaphragm/lung border during treatment delivery. This invention utilizes an edge detection technique to delineate the diaphragm/lung border on radiographic images in order to calculate or determine tumor locations in the abdomen. The position of the diaphragm/lung border is synchronized with the breathing pattern obtained from continuous optical monitoring of a patient's respiratory cycle. The real-time optical breathing pattern obtained from monitoring is used to determine or calculate the position of the diaphragm/lung border during treatment delivery. The position of the diaphragm/lung border is then used to determine the tumor location in real-time.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor using positively charged particles having passed through an intervening object, comprising the steps of: predetermining an energy reduction of the positively charged particles resultant from the positively charged particles traversing the intervening object along a beam treatment path as a function of relative rotation of the patient and the beam treatment path; generating a radiation treatment plan adjusting energy of the positively charged particles delivered from the synchrotron to the intervening object to yield a desired beam treatment energy of the positively charged particles entering the tumor after compensating for the energy reduction; and optionally detecting a set of the positively charged particles after traversing the intervening object to yield a signal, where the signal is used with knowledge of energy of the positively charged particles exiting the synchrotron to pre-determine the energy reduction along the beam treatment pat

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) a main controller implementing an initial radiation treatment plan, as a current radiation treatment plan, using positively charged particles delivered from a synchrotron, along a beam transport line, through a nozzle system proximate the treatment room, and into the tumor; (2) concurrent with the step of implementing, imaging the tumor, such as with protons, to generate a current image; (3) upon detection of movement of the tumor relative to surrounding constituents of the patient using the current image, the main controller, using computer implemented code, automatically generating an updated treatment plan, the updated treatment plan becoming the current radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing, imaging, and generating an updated treatment plan at least n times, where n is a positive integer of at least one.

Abstract: Images that are associated with an identification of a tracking target of a patient to receive radiation treatment may be received. The images may be sorted into a sequence based on a motion of the patient. The sorted images may be provided via a graphical user interface. The sequence of the sorted images that are based on the motion of the patient may be provided.

Abstract: A device for treating infection within a subject includes an ultrasound transducer for applying ultrasound to a treatment site of the subject.

Abstract: A medical device includes a treatment module configured to apply a treatment to a patient. The medical device includes an interface configured to operatively connect to a removable storage device storing authorization data that identifies a level of treatment authorization. The medical device includes a processing device configured to perform operations in response to receiving user input indicating a treatment should be initiated. The operations include determining whether the removable storage device is valid for use with the medical device. If the removable storage device is determined to be valid, the authorization data is accessed. The processing device determines whether the treatment is authorized based on the accessed authorization data. If the treatment is determined to be authorized, the treatment module is controlled to apply the treatment. If the treatment is determined to not be authorized, the treatment module is controlled such that the treatment is not applied.

Abstract: A sterilization germ killing comfort mask, including mask layers held in the mask with a fixed belt. There is a sterilization filter layer, an electrostatic layer, a far-infrared superfine calcium layer, and a facial protection layer from outside to inside of mask body. In use, the outside air passes through a first sterilization filter layer, the preliminary filtration sterilization filter layer removes larger grains of dust and sterilization, electrostatic layer can filter through the sterilization of dust. Superfine calcium far-infrared layer removes acidic dust, bacteria and oily molecular adsorption, and neutralize the acid molecules, sterilization and decomposition of oily molecules absorbed. Facial protection layer strengthen filtering and protection of facial skin.

Abstract: A protective and thermally insulating mask useful in preventing inhalation of airborne materials and keeping a user's face, ears and neck warm. The protective mask allows the user to comfortably and conveniently wear it around the neck, yet readily position it on the face whereby it conforms to the contour of the particular user's face. The mask has a removable pocket positioned to cover the nose and mouth of a user. The pocket can accept one or more filters, depending on the needs of the user, to provide protection from airborne contaminants. The pocket is typically of the same material as the body of the mask, and is removable and can be washed or replaced as needed.

Abstract: A rope safety device (10,10-1) installed as a sub-roof element on a roof (T), a covering or a similar structure, comprising: a fixing and damping plate (11), perforated, fixed to the roof structure (T): and a rope (12) associated with the fixing and damping plate, wherein the rope (12) has an attachment portion (12a), in the form of an eyelet (12?), via which an operator can attach to the rope (12), so as to operate in a safe condition on the roof on which the device is installed: wherein the plate (11) has a configuration with one or more holes (13, 13b) used to insert the rope (12) and wherein the rope (12) is configured and set with respect to the plate, in whose holes (13b) is inserted, in such a way that the rope (12), when it is subject by the operator, attached to the same rope, to a given traction force (FT), slides (f) along a certain stroke (D) in the holes (13b) of the fixing and damping plate (11) before being retained by the latter.

Abstract: Fire block devices for application to a wall component. The fire-block device can be a wall component that includes a fire-resistant material strip that expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier. In some applications, the fire-block wall component is positioned to extend lengthwise along and across a gap between wallboard members. The fire-block wall component may have a U-shaped central portion and a pair of side portions extending in opposite directions from the central portion. The fire-resistant material may be positioned on the central portion of the fire-block device. The central portion may be positioned within the gap such that the fire-resistant material expands in response to sufficient heat to create a fire-resistant barrier.

Abstract: A receptacle for use with lithium ion charging stations. The receptacle contains an admixture for use in suppressing a cellular telephone battery fire. The admixture is a hydrated super absorbent polymer having substantially superior fire suppression properties. When used with lithium ion batteries, once a battery is arcing or an excess buildup of heat occurs, the walls of the receptacle will rupture and the admixture will cover the specific area causing a thermal event. These particular properties and ratios of the admixture will enable a fire to be extinguished. The receptacle may include heat or pressure sensors.

Abstract: The invention includes components and methodology for fixed and semi-fixed systems for extinguishing fire in large industrial flammable liquid storage tanks, including aerated foam projecting nozzles discharging substantially focused streams together with aeration chambers and risers and the formation of wand heads and wands.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe apparatus, methods and systems for monitoring the operational status of fire extinguishers through the utilization of optically sensed, color profile determinations of a pressure gauge positioned on the fire extinguisher as well as the utilization of vibrational, and location sensing devices. Advantageously, monitoring apparatus according to the present disclosure are networkable, and a number of their operational characteristics may be configured via the network and associated servers. Furthermore, monitoring apparatus according to the present disclosure may employ vibrational, acceleration, GPS, RFID, and ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, location, and obstructions. In sharp contrast to the prior art, apparatus, methods and systems according to the present disclosure operate with existing fire extinguishers and provide a convenient, cost effective, and highly functional upgrade path for deployed fire extinguishers.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe apparatus, methods and systems for monitoring the operational status of fire extinguishers through the utilization of optically sensed, color profile determinations of a pressure gauge positioned on the fire extinguisher as well as the utilization of vibrational, and location sensing devices. Advantageously, monitoring apparatus according to the present disclosure are networkable, and a number of their operational characteristics may be configured via the network and associated servers. Furthermore, monitoring apparatus according to the present disclosure may employ vibrational, acceleration, GPS, RFID, and ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, location, and obstructions. In sharp contrast to the prior art, apparatus, methods and systems according to the present disclosure operate with existing fire extinguishers and provide a convenient, cost effective, and highly functional upgrade path for deployed fire extinguishers.

Abstract: A fitness apparatus and a method for assembly are disclosed. The fitness apparatus comprises a wheel assembly that includes a first circular side parallel to a second circular side, both bounded by a curved tread. Within the wheel assembly is an enclosable storage chamber. The fitness apparatus also includes an axis perpendicular to the first circular side and the second circular side, and when the fitness apparatus is in an abdominal exercise wheel configuration, at least a portion of the wheel assembly rotates around the axis. The fitness apparatus also includes a centerbore along the axis that supports a first removable handle and a second removable handle when the fitness apparatus is in the abdominal exercise wheel configuration.

Abstract: An exercise machine resistance adjustment system for providing an exerciser the ability to immediately adjust the resistance force by changing their body position on the movable carriage or end platforms. The exercise machine resistance adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned on the frame, a spring connected to the carriage to apply a biasing force to the carriage, one or more left projections within the carriage adapted for a left hand of an exerciser to grasp, and one or more right projections within the carriage adapted for a right hand of an exerciser to grasp. The exerciser is able to efficiently adjust the amount of resistance force applied to the carriage by repositioning their hands (or feet) from a first set of projections at a first distance to a second set of projections at a second distance from the first end of the exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine assembly provides a fluid-based resistance force and allows a user to exert a force against the resistance force. A fluid displacement device is coupled to the exercise machine assembly and rotatably driven by the force exerted by the user. A fluid container has a hollow body enclosing the fluid displacement device, allowing for the fluid displacement device to rotate therein, and encloses a fluid. The fluid container includes an inner reservoir and an outer reservoir that cause the fluid-based resistance force to vary based on amounts of fluid in the inner and outer reservoirs, respectively. Further, the inner reservoir has one or more openings through which fluid can flow from either of the inner reservoir or the outer reservoir to the other.