Abstract: The present invention provides a method for activating a pro-drug in vivo comprising the steps of: (a) administering a pro-drag to a subject; (b) locating a target site which has been at least partially dosed with the pro-drug at a predetermined concentration; and (d) exposing the target site to X-ray radiation. The step of exposing the target site to X-ray radiation is characterized by providing a converging X-ray of a controllable waist, substantially uniform at the target site, sufficient to convert the pro-drug to an active drug, whilst the X-ray photon dosage at the target site is higher than the X-ray photon dosage at an adjacent non target site.

Abstract: A needle assembly for transdermal administration including a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and fine needles projecting perpendicularly from the first surface. The substrate has grooves on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, and the grooves are formed such that the substrate is deformable following a surface shape of a skin to allow axes of the fine needles to extend in a direction normal to the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A pinch clamp for use in occluding intravenous tubing or other similar tubing can include patient comfort features and/or lateral disengagement prevention features. These features can also be designed in a manner that allows the pinch clamps to be more easily manufactured. A pinch clamp can include a first arm that is coupled to a second arm by hinges. Each of the first and second arms can form a clamping surface that are aligned when the first arm is positioned overtop the second arm. The first arm can include opposing openings and the second arm can include opposing tabs which insert through the openings when the first arm is positioned overtop the second arm. The retaining tabs interface with the openings to prevent the first arm from separating from the second arm.

Abstract: A multi-axis defibrillator electrode band includes a stretchable band having a first end and a second end; and at least one pair of defibrillation electrodes embedded in the stretchable band between the first end and the second end, wherein a first electrode in the electrode pair is disposed opposite a second electrode in the electrode pair to define a conduction channel from the first electrode to the second electrode when the band is in a usage position for a defibrillation event.

Abstract: Provided is a patch able to produce micro-current to be applied on human skin including a support for electrodes spaced from each other and apt to create voltages typical of galvanic piles, connection means between the electrodes, an adhesive layer applied on one side of the support and apt to adhere to the skin and a protection liner applied on the adhesive layer, the support being a membrane permeable to the moisture inside the electrodes, and the connection means being defined by a material that is avid of moisture, such as silica impregnating the membrane.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal polymer-based electrode array for a neural implant, according to the present invention, can comprise the steps of: forming a seed layer on a liquid crystal polymer substrate; forming a plating mold having a pattern selectively exposing a part of the upper part of the seed layer; plating an electrode material on the exposed seed layer by using the plating mold as a plating barrier layer; forming an electrode by removing the plating mold and the seed layer therebelow; embedding the electrode by compressing a liquid crystal polymer cover layer on the electrode; and forming an electrode site exposing the upper part of the electrode by selectively removing a part of the liquid crystal polymer cover layer.

Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array with more than one layer of metal traces comprising: a polymer base layer; more than one layer of metal traces, separated by polymer layers, deposited on the polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; and a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and the metal traces. Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, or cortical stimulation many purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow.

Abstract: Example devices and methods of tongue stimulation for communication of information to a user are disclosed herein. In an example, a tongue stimulation device may include a body configured to be placed entirely within a mouth of the user and atop the tongue of the user. An array of electro-tactile elements may be distributed on the body, wherein each of the electro-tactile elements is configured to stimulate an area of the tongue adjacent the electro-tactile element. A wireless receiver coupled to the body may be configured to receive stimulation information wirelessly from outside the mouth of the user. At least one processing unit coupled to the body may be configured to transform the received stimulation information into a stimulation signal for each of the electro-tactile elements, and to provide the stimulation signals to the electro-tactile elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices utilizing bioelectrodynamics for the therapeutic treatment of disorders in a subject in need thereof with an electric field or electromagnetic field therapy. The methods and devices provide an inhibitory effect on growth of cancer cells that are exposed to an electromagnetic field generated by a CETS unit. Cancer cells may arrest proliferation and enter apoptosis by activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), TNF/TRAIL, and p53 oncogene activation. The methods and devices may be used to enhance wound healing with exposure to an electromagnetic field generated by a CETS unit. Noncancerous cells may show a significant increase in cell migration with no activation of apoptosis pathways.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) trial system. The SCS trial system includes at least one rigid needle lead including a biocompatible conductor extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and insulation surrounding at least a portion of the biocompatible conductor, wherein the at least one rigid needle lead is configured to pierce the skin of a patient and be percutaneously implanted in the patient such that the distal end is proximate to at least one of a dorsal column, a dorsal root, dorsal root ganglia, and a peripheral nerve of the patient. The system further includes an external pulse generator (EPG) coupled to the at least one rigid needle lead and configured to apply electrical stimulation to the patient via the at least one rigid needle lead.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for controlling one or more functions of a device utilizing one or more tags. In one example, a method for controlling one or more functions of a medical device includes scanning a data interface of the medical device for signals induced wirelessly by one or more gestures made with one or more tags associated with a recipient of the medical device and controlling one or more functions of the medical device based on the wirelessly induced signals.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes an electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) sound processor, a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor, an electrode array communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant, and a receiver communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and configured to be in communication with an ear of a patient. The EAS sound processor 1) directs, while in a self-fitting mode, the receiver to apply acoustic stimulation to the patient, 2) records, using at least one electrode included in the electrode array, an evoked response that occurs in response to the acoustic stimulation, 3) compares the evoked response to a baseline evoked response recorded by the EAS sound processor prior to recording the evoked response, and 4) performs a predetermined action based on the comparison between the evoked response and the baseline evoked response. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, device and/or system for generating arbitrary waveforms of a desired shape that can be used for generating a stimulation pulse for medical purposes such as for spinal cord stimulation therapy, including the option of using such arbitrary waveforms for charge balancing purposes.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a pulse generator, a first monitor and a controller. The pulse generator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The neural stimulation signal has at least one adjustable parameter. The first monitor is adapted to detect an undesired effect. In some embodiments, the undesired effect is myocardial infarction. The controller is adapted to respond to the first monitor and automatically adjust the at least one adjustable parameter of the neural stimulation signal to avoid the undesired effect of the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: A medical device for providing an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient includes a microcontroller configured to generate a plurality of electrical pulses and a control signal. The medical device includes a stimulation driver coupled to the microcontroller. The stimulation driver is configured to amplify the electrical pulses into amplified electrical pulses to be delivered to the patient as a part of the electrical stimulation therapy. The medical device includes a battery configured to supply a first voltage. The medical device includes a voltage up-converter coupled between the battery and the stimulation driver. The voltage up-converter is configured to convert, in response to the control signal from the microcontroller, the first voltage to a compliance voltage for the stimulation driver. The compliance voltage is a fraction of the first voltage, and the fraction is greater than 1.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system is configured to deliver cardiac pacing by receiving a cardiac electrical signal by sensing circuitry of a first device via a plurality of sensing electrodes, identifying by a control module of the first device a first cardiac event from the cardiac electrical signal, setting a first pacing interval in response to identifying the first cardiac event, controlling a power transmitter of the first device to transmit power upon expiration of the first pacing interval, receiving the transmitted power by a power receiver of a second device; and delivering at least a portion of the received power to a patient's heart via a first pacing electrode pair of the second device coupled to the power receiver.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulation system and associated capture management method are provided in which capture and device longevity are improved. The device determines a series of capture thresholds. Capture threshold is the minimum pulse level (pulse energy or pulse amplitude or pulse width) that captures the heart. Each determination requires delivery of pacing pulses at several (at least two) known levels (pulse energy, pulse amplitude and/or pulse width) over time. The individual determined capture thresholds are combined into a set and the variability of the set is used to set the safety margin. The greater the variability in the capture thresholds, the bigger the safety margin.

Abstract: An example system and method associated with identifying and treating a source of a heart rhythm disorder are disclosed. In accordance therewith, a spatial element associated with a region of the heart is selected. Progressive rotational activations or progressive focal activations are determined in relation to the selected spatial element over a period of time. The selecting and determining are repeated over multiple periods of time. A source parameter of rotation activations or focal activations is determined, wherein the source parameter indicates consistency of successive rotational activations or focal activations in relation to a portion of the region of the heart. The determining of a source parameter is repeated for multiple regions of the heart. Thereafter, representation of the source parameter is displayed for each of the multiple regions of the heart to identify a shape representing the source of the heart rhythm disorder.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system includes a lead having lead conductors, electrodes, a lead extension having conductors, and terminals. The system includes a connector having a first and second connection elements that each have sealing members and contacts at least partially disposed within the sealing members. The lead and lead extension are coupled to one of the connection elements, respectively, and the contacts are electrically coupled to lead or lead extension conductors. The connection elements electrically couple the lead conductors with the lead extension conductors. Lastly, the connector includes a coupler engageable with the connection elements to urge the respective sealing members together to resist bodily fluid interaction with the conductors and contacts.

Abstract: Electrode voltage monitoring circuitry for an implantable neurostimulator system having a plurality of electrode-driver integrated circuits (ICs) in provided. Electrodes from either or both ICs can be chosen to provide stimulation, and one of the IC acts as the master while the other acts as the slave. Electrodes voltages on the slave IC are routed to the master IC, and thus the master IC can monitor both electrode voltages on the slave as well as electrode voltages on the master. Such voltages can be monitored for a variety of purposes, and in particular use of such voltage is disclosed for determining the resistance between electrodes and to set a compliance voltage for stimulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating cardiac arrhythmias are disclosed. In one embodiment, an SICD comprises two or more electrodes, a charge storage device, and a controller operatively coupled to two or more of the electrodes and the charge storage device. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to monitor cardiac activity of the heart of the patient, detect an occurrence of a cardiac arrhythmia based on the cardiac activity, and determine a type of the detected cardiac arrhythmia from two or more types of cardiac arrhythmias. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is one of a first set of cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller sends an instruction for reception by an LCP to initiate the application of ATP therapy by the LCP. If the determined type of cardiac arrhythmia is not one of the first set cardiac arrhythmia types, the controller does not send the instruction.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) system detects the proximity of a TMS coil assembly to a position at which the coil is to receive pulses during TMS treatment and provides feedback to the operator so that the operator may adjust the coil assembly to maintain optimal positioning during treatment. A flexible substrate containing a sensor or sensor array is disposed between the TMS coil assembly and the position such that the coupling of the TMS assembly to the position may be detected by the sensor(s). Sensor outputs are processed by signal processing circuitry to provide an indication of whether the TMS coil assembly is properly disposed with respect to the position during TMS treatment. A display provides an indication of how to adjust the TMS coil assembly to improve the positioning of the TMS coil assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic light emitting diode lighting system to treat seasonal affective disorder, to be provided at an upper portion of a hot tub basin above an indicated maximum water level, the hot tub basin defining at least one seat portion and corresponding headrest defined by the hot tub basin such that a facial region corresponds to the headrest, the facial region corresponding to a facial area of a person seated in the seat portion and supported by the headrest, the therapeutic light emitting diode lighting system including at least one array of light emitting diode (LED) bulbs provided on the upper area, the LED bulbs configured to illuminate colors and wavelengths selected to treat seasonal affective disorder, the LED bulbs being angled to direct light at the facial region of the hot tub body.

Abstract: A process that provides protective therapy for biological tissues or fluids includes applying a pulsed energy source to a target tissue or a target fluid having a chronic progressive disease or a risk of having a chronic progressive disease to therapeutically or prophylactically treat the target tissue or target fluid. The pulsed energy source has energy parameters selected so as to raise the target tissue or bodily target fluid temperature up to a predetermined temperature for a short period of time to achieve a therapeutic or prophylactic effect, while the average temperature rise of the target tissue or target fluid over a longer period of time is maintained at or below a predetermined level so as not to permanently damage the target tissue or target fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for locating radioactive material implanted in a living body, the method having the steps of implanting a stent into the body, the stent containing the radioactive material; imaging the body to determine a first position of the stent relative to remote points on the body; determining a second position of the stent at a second time later than the time of the implanting step; and measuring the distance between said first position and said second position. Also provided is a system for determining movement of a radiation source implanted in a living body, the device having a radiographic film overlaying a region of the body so as to oppose the radiation source, whereby the film is positioned relative to a reference point on the body; a grid disposed between the film and the body; and a radio-opaque substrate overlaying the film.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: A catheter treatment apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member and an expandable support. The expandable support comprises a radioactive substance to treat cancerous tissue and is configured to expand from a narrow profile for insertion to a wide profile to engage and treat tissue remaining after resection. The expandable support can be sized to fit within a volume of removed tissue to place the radioactive substance in proximity to the capsule and remaining tissue, to spare the capsule and proximate nerves and vessels to treat tissue in proximity to the capsule. The elongate tubular member may comprise a channel such as a lumen to pass a bodily fluid such as urine when the expandable support engages the tissue to treat the patient for a plurality of days. The treatment apparatus can be used to resect and diagnose tissue concurrently. Based on the diagnosis, targeted segmental treatment may be given.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (DMS) for dosage management in radiation therapy planning and/or delivery. Images of a region of interest ROI are acquired at different times. A registration transformation is computed that deforms one of the two images into the other. A magnitude of the transformation is then computed based on a suitable metric. If the computed magnitude is found to comply with a pre-defined criterion, the transformation is used to deform a dose distribution map and compute, based on the deformed dose map, therefrom a new fluence map.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: Provided are methods for treating fibrosis of tissues or organs in a subject in need thereof comprising the steps of administering a therapeutically effective amount of energy from an energy source to the targeted tissue or organ; and administering a therapeutically effective amount of stem cells to the tissue or organ. Further provided are methods for monitoring fibrosis in the treated tissue or organ after administration of the energy.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the custom transducer housings can be manufactured using a rapid-prototyping method to arrange a plurality of single-element, substantially flat transducers to share a common focal point. The rapid-prototyping method can include, for example, fused-deposition modeling, 3D printing, and stereolithography. In some embodiments, the therapy system can include a plurality of transducer modules insertable into the openings of the transducer housing. Methods of manufacture are also described, including designing a transducer housing shell to a desired geometry and a plurality of acoustic focusing lenses integral to the transducer housing shell in a 3D computer aided design software, and constructing the transducer housing shell and the plurality of acoustic focusing lenses integral to the transducer housing shell using a rapid-prototyping method.

Abstract: A method of making a filtering face piece respirator, which method includes: providing a cup shaped mold 20; providing a forming chamber 24 where the mold 20 is located and where loose fibers 22 are introduced into air in the forming chamber 24; causing the loose fibers 22 to be accumulated 10 on the mold 20 in the forming chamber 24; and bonding 12 the accumulated fibers to each other at points of fiber intersection, The inventive method thus is beneficial in that it eliminates steps in the manufacturing process. The fibers also are uniformly distributed throughout the mask body, and because the webs do not have to be cut during respirator manufacture, less web waste is generated.

Abstract: A trolley for use with a fall arrest system, the trolley providing active control of both downward movement of a body attached to a rope or cable and horizontal position along a track.

Abstract: A fall arrest apparatus including a force damping subsystem having a damper, a brake release mechanism connected to the force damping subsystem and arranged to trigger when a force having a sufficient magnitude is transmitted to the brake release mechanism, and a brake mechanism including an energy storage device arranged to deploy at least one anchor when the brake release mechanism is triggered. The force is provided by a falling object to the force damping subsystem and the force damping subsystem is arranged to decelerate the falling object after the brake release mechanism is triggered.

Abstract: The fire and smoke containment services transit unit includes a casing constructed from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 5 watts per meter per Kelvin. The casing defines a first opening at a first end and a second opening at the second end. Intermediate the first and second end is the internal volume that is encased by the casing. The internal volume and each of the openings are sized to allow services such as cables, pipes, etc. to be threaded through the services transit unit. An intumescent material is housed centrally within the internal volume. Prior to exposure to the heat of a fire, the intumescent material maintains a slim profile. However, when the transit unit is exposed to the heat associated with a building fire, it swells and thereby seals the internal volume against the passage of fire, smoke or heated gases through the transit unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid aerosol detonator capable of generating a fire extinguishing gas by vaporizing an internal solid fire extinguishing agent in order to extinguish a fire which may be generated in a place to live or an industrial place and a fire extinguishing apparatus using the same. The solid aerosol detonator and the fire extinguishing apparatus using the same can be detonated using only a fire extinguishing agent of a solid form without using an electronic match or an ignition agent, that is, a material coated on an electrical percussion. Accordingly, the combustion action of a solid aerosol can be stably generated because the solid aerosol detonator and the fire extinguishing apparatus using the same are not sensitive to a change in the physical properties and a change in the temperature even after a lapse of a specific time.

Abstract: A fire-fighting appliance for distributing water droplets includes a rotating nozzle unit configured with nozzles distributed about the periphery of the nozzle unit, and a tubular element that is prepared for connection to a source of water for supply of water to the nozzles. Furthermore, the fire-fighting appliance includes a motor that is attached to the tubular element and is driven by the water pressure from the water source. The motor is rotatably connected to the nozzle unit and an adjusting device is provided for controlling the rotational speed of the motor for dispersing water droplets through the nozzles in a pulsating action.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fire protection of a fixed space using a fire protection unit having a fixed volume of firefighting agent; a manifold coupled to the fixed volume and an actuator axially aligned with the manifold to pressurize the firefighting agent within the manifold for discharge and dispersion to protect the fixed space.

Abstract: A valve gear box has a valve monitoring function. The valve gear box is for mounting to a valve that has a fluid passageway and a gate therefor, the gear box providing a gear driven link for moving the gate between open and closed conditions of the fluid passageway, the valve gear box being in a housing that has a mounting for permitting operative connection to the valve via a mounting flange of the valve. The mounting and the mounting flange have a valve monitoring sensor operatively positioned therewith, the sensor being settable in one state when the mounting and the mounting flange are in assembled relationship to each other but being configured to change from the one state if there is a separation of the fastened connection of the mounting and the mounting flange, whereby a change in state from the one state can be used to monitor a separation of the assembled relationship of the mounting and the mounting flange and trigger an alarm condition.

Abstract: Provided is a method of asbestos detoxification including: preparing asbestos which is a treatment target for detoxification and carbon dioxide; and pressing the asbestos and the carbon dioxide with a pressure of 1 to 5 GPa and treating the asbestos and the carbon dioxide at a temperature of 100 to 250° C., wherein since the asbestos is not subjected to chemical pre-treatment, as compared to the existing technologies in which the chemical pre-treatment is necessary, treatment cost may be reduced, and another concern for environmental contamination may be prevented in advance, and accordingly, the asbestos is appropriate for recycling through detoxification as well as waste treatment.

Abstract: Described is a process for treatment of a fluid comprising an oxidizable contaminant selected from one or both of a sulfide and a thiol, the process comprising the step of contacting the fluid with a first complex of ferric iron and a polyphosphate to oxidize the oxidizable contaminant and generate a second complex of ferrous ion and the polyphosphate.

Abstract: A foldable trampoline includes a tubular frame having a first section and a second section coupled to each other via a pair of frame hinges. The device further includes a flexible fabric stretched outwardly attached to the tubular frame to form a trampoline mat, wherein the tubular frame is configured to in an unfolded position or a folded position via the pair of frame hinges. When the tubular frame is in the unfolded position, the first section and the second section are laid out flat away from each other via the frame hinge to form a full-pie shape. When the tubular frame is in the folded position, the first section and the second section are folded towards to each other via the pair of frame hinges to form a half-pie shape, without having to remove the flexible fabric from the first section and second section.

Abstract: Exercise apparatuses that may be particularly useful or treating and strengthening connective tissue. For example, apparatuses that may have or be reconfigured to have multiple (e.g., three or more) configurations that are suspended from above by a ceiling or stand. The equipment facilitates the stabilization of the body according to the principle of tensegrity, so that the tension in all movements is omni-directionally coherent, thus creating omni-tensional integrity, which may be helpful in treatment and strengthening of muscular connective tissue (fasciae) in musculoskeletal dynamics, to restore, rebuild, strengthen and regain elasticity within the human fascial network. These apparatuses can support the user at an oblique body angle while the user performs various movements.

Abstract: A chest and arm exercise device provides a chest spanning elastic member including a rubber sheet connected to a pair of elastic arm cuffs. A weight lifter's shirt includes a fabric body covering including an elastic chest spanning member and a pair of elastic sleeves or cuffs.

Abstract: An exercise cable handle assembly is disclosed comprising a locking mechanism including a handle base and a flexible retaining clip. The handle base comprises a cable opening and two side clamps defining a locking channel. The two side clamps comprise gradated edges. The flexible retaining clip is U shaped and comprises at least one curved hook end configured to engage with the gradated edge when the flexible retaining clip is positioned in the locking channel. The exercise cable handle assembly further comprises a segment of an exercise cable comprising a tapered plug along the segment of cable and a handle frame coupled to the handle base. The locking mechanism secures the segment of the exercise cable to the handle base when a portion of the tapered plug is positioned in the cable opening and the flexible retaining clip partially surrounds the tapered plug when positioned in the locking channel.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing a back extension exercise comprising: a frame, a seat having a seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad having a lower back engagement surface, an input arm assembly interconnected by a first interconnection to a first resistance mechanism, the input arm assembly including a manually graspable mechanism and being arranged on the apparatus such that the input arm assembly is pivotable beginning from a start motionless position along a path of travel toward the pelvic stabilization pad under resistance exerted by one or both of the resistance mechanisms, wherein the first resistance mechanism is adapted to increase resistance as the degree of pivoting of the input arm assembly increases along the path of travel away from the start motionless position rearwardly toward the pelvic stabilization pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles of the human body is disclosed. The abdominal exercising apparatus comprises a long hollow metallic square tubing having three spaced stabilizing bars extending perpendicular from top to bottom to hold and stabilize the leg near the knee portion keeping the ankle and feet portion flat on the ground. The abdominal exercising apparatus at its bottom additionally comprises another tubing perpendicular to the main square tubing to hold standard size weights to be carried using the leg portion. In use, the abdominal exercise apparatus is held by the user's legs and attached securely to the bottom half of the user's legs to add weight to perform a routine leg assisted abs workout. The exercising apparatus builds stronger better looking abs without straining the user's back and neck and facilitates the performance of sit-up exercises for strengthening and toning abdominal muscles.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that use sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes or magnometers, located in wearable technology or affixed to a weight or tool. The sensors capture the motions of a user, weight or tool, and the sensor signals are analyzed to determine a list of movements, exercises and/or activities that were performed by the user, weight, or tool. An example computer-implemented method includes: receiving a signal from one or more sensors attached to an object; splitting the signal into a plurality of segments, each segment including a discrete time interval of the signal; providing one or more of the segments to a machine learning algorithm trained to recognize specific movements of the object based the signal; and receiving from the machine learning algorithm a label for each of the one or more segments, each label identifying a specific movement of the object.