Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices to consolidate memory and/or cognitive functions by monitoring brain rhythms and delivering a stimulus at an appropriate stage of sleep cycle.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a device operates by comparative morphological analysis of depolarization signals collected in spontaneous rhythm on separate respective channels, with two temporal components combined into a single 2D parametric VGM vectogram characteristic. Similarity quantification methods evaluate a variation over time of a descriptor parameter of a current VGM compared to a stored previous reference VGM. This variation is compared with predetermined thresholds to diagnose an occurrence of remodeling or reverse remodeling in a patient, and/or to detect a lead failure or an occurrence of ischemia. The descriptor parameter is a function of a velocity vector of the VGM, a comparison relating to a correlation coefficient between respective magnitudes of a current VGM velocity vector and of a reference VGM velocity vector, and an average angle between these respective velocity vectors.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system comprising an external component having an external speech processor unit, and an internal component. The speech processor unit monitors one or more parameters, and the speech processor unit is configured to reduce the power consumption of the cochlear implant system in the absence of one or more parameters.

Abstract: Intraocular apparatus is provided for be implantation entirely in a subject's eye. The intraocular apparatus includes a photosensor array including a plurality of photosensors configured to receive an ambient image, and a power source, for powering the apparatus. The intraocular apparatus additionally including a flexible 0.4-3 mm electrical connector, connecting the photosensor array to the power source. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A device may include an implantable circuit and at least one pair of implantable electrodes, in electrical communication with the implantable circuit. The circuit and the electrodes may configured for implantation in a subject in the vicinity of a nerve. The circuit may be configured to deliver to the electrodes an electrical signal having a current less than about 1.6 milliamps, and the electrodes may be configured to emit an electric field such that a portion of the field lines extend along a length of the nerve such that the delivery of the electrical signal of less than about 1.6 milliamps causes modulation of the nerve.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device including a plurality of electrodes for stimulation of both ventricles with application of an atrioventricular delay and of an interventricular delay, a processor configured to multidimensionally measure an interventricular conduction delay, and monitor the evolution of a patient's condition. For the multidimensional measurement of the interventricular conduction delay, the device produces stimulation of one of the ventricles and collects, in the other ventricle, two endocardial electrogram signals on separate respective channels, giving two respective temporal components. Both temporal components are combined in one single parametric 2D characteristic representative of the cardiac cycle, and a comparison is made with reference descriptors for deriving an index representative of the evolution of the patient's condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving cognitive function within a human. The invention utilizes an implanted device, such as an implantable signal generator or an implantable pump, to affect tissue elements within a Papez circuit of the human brain as well as tissue upstream or downstream from the Papez circuit. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to thereby improve cognitive function by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of the cognitive disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate delivery of the stimulation and/or drug therapy.

Abstract: A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.

Abstract: One aspect provides a housing for an implantable medical device, the housing including a metal substrate having an external surface, and a polymer coating disposed on the external surface of the metal housing, the polymer coating comprising at least one layer of polymer material.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and related methods are described. The surgical instrument includes a first jaw including a first structural jaw element and a first sealplate fixed to the first structural jaw element and a second jaw including a second structural jaw element and a second sealplate fixed to the second structural jaw element. The second structural jaw element is moveably coupled to the first structural jaw element to facilitate pinching tissue between the first and second sealplates. The first and second sealplates are configured to facilitate sealing tissue pinched therebetween. The first jaw further includes a metallized tie layer between the first sealplate and the first structural jaw element, wherein the first sealplate is fixed to the first structural jaw element via a metal to metal joint between the first sealplate and the metallized tie layer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an optoelectronic stimulating device for use in a medical treatment involving delivering an electrical current to an electrically excitable tissue (Zbio) by means of two electrodes (3n, 3p) electrically coupled to said tissue, said optoelectronic stimulating device comprising: (a) a source (4) of electrical impulses, which is electrically connected to (b) a source of light emission (2), in optical communication with (c) a photovoltaic cell (1) electrically connected to two electrodes (3n, 3p) for establishing two electrical contacts with said tissue and thus forming an electrical stimulating circuit fed by the photovoltaic cell (1) which is energized by the radiation of the source of light emission (2).

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for increasing tear production by stimulating the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. In some variations, the devices may be in the form of a contact lens. The contact lens may comprise a lens body and a stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body. An external power source wirelessly transmits energy to the stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip may convert the energy to an electric waveform to stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. Stimulation may activate the lacrimal reflex to increase tear production. The devices and systems for increasing tear production may be used in methods of treating dry eye, reducing the symptoms of tired eye, increasing comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the number of years a contact lens user can wear contacts. Also described are methods of manufacturing a contact lens.

Abstract: Systems, methods and implantable devices configured to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy and/or bradycardia pacing therapy. A first device located in the heart of the patient is configured to receive a communication from a second device and deliver a pacing therapy in response to or in accordance with the received communication. A second device located elsewhere is configured to determine an atrial event has occurred and communicate to the first device to trigger the pacing therapy. The second device may be configured for sensing the atrial event by the use of vector selection and atrial event windowing, among other enhancements. Exception cases are discussed and handled as well.

Abstract: A wearable medical device includes a garment and a medical device. The medical device has a functionality that can transition between an operative state and an inoperative state. When the functionality is in the inoperative state, a protrusion extends so as to poke the patient, as an indication that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that identify a type of cable coupled to a receptacle of a defibrillator and that activate one or both of an ECG monitoring module and an energy storage circuit based at least in part on the identified cable type. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either or both of an ECG monitoring mode and/or a therapy mode, based on the type of cable that is coupled to the defibrillator. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods can monitor an ECG of a patient and deliver defibrillation therapy to the patient, depending on the type of cable coupled to the defibrillator and/or the type of detected ECG signal of the patient.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may output a closing human-perceptible indication, after detecting a shockable cardiac arrhythmia, and after further determining that it will not shock. This may succeed in informing the patient that the WCD system will not deliver a shock responsive to the cardiac arrhythmia, which may have just self-terminated. The information may give comfort to the patient who may be conscious, and may recognize that his or her ventricular tachycardia has self-terminated. Moreover, the patient will know that he or she will not be unnecessarily shocked while conscious, and will not even need to press a cancel switch.

Abstract: Components of wearable cardiac defibrillator (WCD) systems, software, and methods are provided. A WCD system includes a support structure that a patient can wear and electrodes that can capture at least two of the patient's ECG signals. A component includes an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, a discharge circuit, and a processor that can make a shock/no shock determination, and cause the discharge circuit to discharge the stored charge, if the determination is to shock. In some embodiments, the processor discards at least one of the ECG signals prior to making the shock/no shock determination. The determination can be made from the remaining one or more ECG signals. In some embodiments, the processor makes an aggregate shock/no shock determination from two or more of the ECG signals.

Abstract: An assay device and method of assaying the application of energy to a plurality of samples in vitro. The assay device includes a housing, an array, and a control module. The housing includes a socket sized to receive a culture plate. The array includes a plurality of emitters and is positioned within the housing adjacent to the socket so that the plurality of emitters are each aligned with at least one culture well of the culture plate when the culture plate is received in the socket. The control module is operably coupled to the array and is configured to individually drive the plurality of emitters. The control module is configured to drive at least two of the plurality of emitters at different frequencies simultaneously.

Abstract: A transcranial magnetic stimulation device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises a head mount for disposition on a head of a patient and configured with a plurality of attachment points, a plurality of magnetic assembly devices connected to the plurality of attachment points, a given magnetic assembly device equipped with an actuator device to actuate a magnet, is addressable, and configured to receive a control signal addressed to the given magnetic assembly device, and a processor having a memory and configured by program code. The processor is configured to: select one or more treatment protocol units, generate a control signal using at least information contained in the selected treatment protocol units, energize at least one magnetic assembly device over a period of time to cause the magnet to actuate according to the control signal, and monitor the patient response to energizing to addressable actuator.

Abstract: A light emission apparatus emits light that activates a human body. The light emission apparatus includes a light-emitting module that emits light from a light emission region. The light emission region includes a first light emission region that emits light having a first luminance and a second light emission region that emits light having a second luminance greater than the first luminance. The second light emission region is a different region than the first light emission region. The first light emission region is located in a central region of the light emission region. The second light emission region is peripheral to the first light emission region. The light having the first luminance emitted from the first light emission region has a predetermined wavelength that activates the human body.

Abstract: An intervention system employing an interventional device (10), and a sensor wire (20) manually translatable within the lumen (11). The intervention system further employs a reconstruction controller (44) for reconstructing a shape of the interventional tool (10) responsive to a sensing of a manual translation of the sensor wire (20) within the lumen (11) (e.g., a EM sensor being attached to/embedded within a guide wire), and for determining a reconstruction accuracy of a translation velocity of the sensor wire (20) within the lumen (11) to thereby facilitate an accurate reconstruction of the shape of the interventional tool (10). The reconstruction accuracy may be determined by the reconstruction controller (44) as an acceptable translation velocity being less than an acceptable threshold, an unacceptable translation velocity being greater than an unacceptable threshold, and/or a borderline translation velocity being greater than the acceptable threshold and less than the unacceptable threshold.

Abstract: A data processing method for determining the position of a target, comprising the steps performed by a computer: a) acquiring a target movement model specifying a movement cycle of the target; b) acquiring a target position signal representing a view of the target from a single direction and/or provided by a single imager; c) determining, based on the acquired target position signal and the target movement model, the position of the target.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system for monitoring a patient undergoing radiotherapy comprising a projector operable to project a pattern of light onto a patient undergoing radiation treatment, a patient restraint operable to restrain the patient relative to a treatment apparatus, an image detector operable to obtain images of the patient, and a model generation module operable to process images of the patient obtained by the image detector to generate a model of the surface of a portion of the patient, wherein at least a portion of the patient restraint is colored and the model generation module is inhibited from generating a model of the colored portion of the patient restraint.

Abstract: A particle beam adjustment device includes: a position monitor that detects a positional deviation of a particle beam transported from a beam transport section; an interlock device to interrupt irradiation of the particle beam when a positional deviation of the particle beam is detected by the position monitor; a pair of screen monitors that measure position and angle of an axis of the particle beam; a correction electromagnet that controls the axis of the particle beam by adjusting a magnetic field on a basis of a signal indicating the particle beam position and angle measured by the screen monitors; and a beam scanning electromagnet that irradiates an irradiation target with the particle beam. One of the screen monitors is installed outside a treatment room, and the other screen monitor and the position monitor are installed inside the treatment room.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for positioning a radiation source with respect to one or more regions of interest in a coordinate system. Such systems and methods may be used in emission guided radiation therapy (EGRT) for the localized delivery of radiation to one or more patient tumor regions. These systems comprise a gantry movable about a patient area, where a plurality of positron emission detectors, a radiation source are arranged movably on the gantry, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify a coincident positron annihilation emission path and to position the radiation source to apply a radiation beam along the identified emission path. The systems and methods described herein can be used alone or in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or brachytherapy for the treatment of tumors.

Abstract: Conventional single fraction 20-Gy broadbeam photonbeam or protonbeam chemo-radiosurgery does not sterilize EMT-MET cancer stem cell radiodurans but single fraction 100 to 10,000 Gy microbeam radiosurgery sterilizes them. Device and methods for microbeam chemo-radiosurgery including 250 MeV wakefield electronbeam is disclosed. Surgery, chemotherapy and broadbeam and microbeam radiosurgery releases billions of abscopal metastasis causing, tumor specific plasma soluble proteins, cell membranes, apoptotic bodies, DNA and RNAs, exosomes like telomere-telomerase, ATM-ATM kinase and others. They and adaptive resistance to chemo-radiosurgery, paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic diseases causing immune complexes are removed by pulse flow combined continuous flow ultracentrifugation apheresis and immune affinity chromatography.

Abstract: An aerosol cosmetic exhibits an improved feeling of use while having high UV blocking properties. An aerosol cosmetic is filled up as a bulk solution together with a propellant in a pressure-resistant container and includes ethyl alcohol that is a main dispersion medium, an organic ultraviolet absorber, and an ester oil. The organic ultraviolet absorber includes an organic ultraviolet absorber that is solid at room temperature. The solid organic ultraviolet absorber is dissolved in the ester oil.

Abstract: Provided herein is an oral care composition comprising a basic amino acid or a salt thereof in an amount of from 0.001 weight % to 0.08 weight % by total weight of the composition, and an orally acceptable carrier. The composition is effective in accelerating HSP 27 production in damaged tissues of the oral cavity and enhances repair of the damaged tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to oral care compositions comprising zingerone, bisabolol, a stannous ion source, zinc oxide, and zinc citrate, as well as to methods of using and of making these compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions comprising panthenol-citrate containing materials. In particular, panthenol citrate compounds, oligomers, and polymers, and methods of use and synthesis thereof, are provided herein. Panthenol-citrate containing materials are a class of nontoxic, photoluminescent-chromophore-containing compounds, oligomers, and polymers with high absorption in the UVA and UVB range that can be incorporated and/or engineered into a variety of optically-active biomaterials (e.g., sunscreen products).

Abstract: Provided herein is a scar dressing formulation comprising a blend of a high molecular weight silicone elastomer crosspolymer and a silicone oil, wherein said silicone elastomer crosspolymer is in a volatile fluid. The formulation has a soft, silky feel without being greasy and dries quickly to form a durable, flexible scar dressing.

Abstract: A descent control device to facilitate rapid descent and abseil (rappelling) maneuvers, including a body, a handle integrally affixed to the body to define a longitudinal axis for the device, an attachment lug disposed on the body, and a combination of through holes through the body through which a safety line is threadably inserted in a specific pattern, and shallow channels between the through holes, thereby giving rise to configurations that allow the safety line to payout freely through the descent device, to be locked in relation to the descent device, or to payout in a controlled pace, all configurations depending on the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the device to the anchored upper portion of the safety line.

Abstract: A method of purifying air for inhalation. The method includes the steps: use of an ionizing device, electrically charging airborne particles; outputting the charged airborne particles, and filtering air through a filter included in a respiratory mask worn by a user present, wherein the filter includes filter fibers of a material attracting at least some of the charged airborne particles. A related system for purifying air for inhalation is also provided.

Abstract: An exposure-indicating supplied air respirator system comprises a head top, a clean air supply source and a portable personal communication hub. The head top comprises a visor that is sized to fit over at least a user's nose and mouth, a position sensor secured to the head top, and a head top communication module. The clean air supply source is connected to the head top that supplies clean air to the interior of the head top. The position sensor detects whether the visor is in a closed position or in an open position and the head top communication module communicates the visor position to the personal communication hub. If the personal communication hub receives a signal indicating the presence of a hazard, and if the visor is in an open position, an alert is generated.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a functional protective material, especially with the function of protecting against chemical and/or biological poisons and/or noxious materials, such as combat agents, wherein the functional protective material comprises a multilayer construction. The multilayer construction has a two-dimensional backing material, especially a textile backing material and a membrane, which is assigned to the backing material and, in particular, is connected therewith. The membrane is provided with a reactive finish, especially with a component having catalytic activity preferably with respect to chemical and/or biological poisons and/or noxious matter. The adsorption filter material is suitable particularly for use in ABC protection objects (such as ABC protective clothing).

Abstract: The present disclosure presents a patient respiratory mask that is configured to pick up patient speech from within the patient respiratory mask utilizing a microphone and to transmit that speech to a speaker or other communications device and a method of patient communication utilizing the same.

Abstract: A respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that is air permeable. The mask body 12 has a sinus region 40 and a primary filtering region 44 and comprises at least one nonwoven fibrous webs, which web includes a layer of filter media. The sinus region 40 of the mask body 12 exhibits a resistance to airflow that is greater than the primary filtering region 44. This resistance to airflow is achieved through an alteration of the intrinsic structure of the plurality of nonwoven fibrous layers in the sinus region 40 without adding additional material to the mask body. The alteration of the intrinsic structure assists in preventing eyewear fogging.

Abstract: A deployment unit for an avalanche rescue system with an actuating handle has a coupling piece and a a coupling element that can be connected to a function unit of the avalanche rescue system. The coupling piece and the coupling element are displaceable in a coupling channel in a handle holder of the deployment unit and are held in coupling connection by the coupling channel. The coupling connection is releasable when the coupling piece, the coupling element or both exit(s) from the coupling channel.

Abstract: A fall protection and buffering device includes a retaining strip, a buffer strip, and a compensating arrangement. The buffer strip includes first and second textile layers overlappedly affixed with each other. The first and second textile layers are separated at one end of the buffer strip at the first strip section thereof and are affixed to top and bottom ends of the retaining strip respectively. The first and second textile layers are torn from each other sequentially along the buffer strip in response to a falling force applied to the retaining strip. The compensating arrangement has at least a binding section provided at the retaining strip to fasten the retaining strip in a folded state, such that the binding section compensates a tensile strength of the buffer strip for resisting a tearing between the first and second textile layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a variable length self-locking lifeline system that prevents a user from falling off an elevated surface. In one example, a variable length self-locking lifeline system includes a processor and a lanyard. The lanyard is coupled between an anchor point and a user. One or more sensors determine, in real time, a current length and orientation of the lanyard as the lanyard responds to a user moving on an elevated surface. The processor is configured to trigger a locking mechanism to selectively lock the lanyard from further extension when a determined current length and current orientation exceeds a predefined safety perimeter of the elevated surface.

Abstract: A multifunction NFPA escape and ladder belt having multiple functions for firefighter and rescue worker work. The belt includes a front buckle and right and left side buckles, straps coupling the left and right side buckles to the front buckle and to one another. At least one of said straps includes a stitched loop portion formed with a stitching pattern configured to fail, and for the loop portion to unfold, when the side straps are under a sufficient tension load exceeding the breaking strength of the stitching pattern; that failure will occur before a structural failure in any other element or component of the belt.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve with a valve body and chamber. A poppet with a stem and piston is slidably engaged inside the valve body. A poppet release mechanism is included for releasing the poppet from a closed position. A mechanism cover is attached to the valve body. A safety mechanism with a pin, spring, and lever is included for preventing the poppet from moving into a fully open position. A first end of the pin extends into the chamber into a pathway of the poppet and a second end of the pin extends into the valve body of the valve. The spring is positioned between and in contact with the pin and the mechanism cover to bias the pin toward the poppet. A first end of the lever is pivotably attached to the pin and a second end of the lever extends out from the valve body.

Abstract: A system for preventing and/or extinguishing a fire in an enclosed target area in a vehicle. The system having a central compressed air source for supplying compressed air to a load circuit. A supply of compressed air is provided in a compressed air buffer tank is supplied to a gas separation device from the compressed air buffer tank. A nitrogen-enriched gas mixture is provided at an outlet of the gas separation device, and introduced into the target area. An inlet of the compressed air buffer tank is at least temporarily fluidically connected to an outlet of a central compressed air source, wherein compressed air can be supplied to the compressed air buffer tank. A fluidic connection is provided between the central compressed air source and the compressed air buffer tank if a load circuit is not drawing any compressed air from the central compressed air source.

Abstract: A device for suppressing fire inside a container includes a support structure configured to be mounted inside a vehicle at a position associated with at least one location configured to receive a container. The device further includes a deployment structure coupled to the support structure and a penetrator assembly coupled to the deployment structure. The penetrator assembly includes a nozzle having a tip configured to pierce a container and an actuator associated with the nozzle. The actuator is configured to extend the tip of the nozzle such that it pierces a container. The support structure and the deployment structure are configured such that the penetrator assembly is movable in at least one plane with respect to the support structure, and the penetrator assembly is configured to receive fire suppressant and direct the fire suppressant into the container.

Abstract: Described are flame retardant, porous plastic flame arrestors. The flame retardant, porous plastic flame arrestor is formed by irradiating a flame retardant polymer resin to achieve a fractional melt index, grinding the flame retardant polymer resin into a powder, and sintering the flame retardant polymer resin to form a porous structure. Irradiating the flame retardant polymer resin increases the resin's molecular weight and reduces the resin's melt index through crosslinking.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic controller includes a base having a body, a top surface, and a bore formed within the body; a cover coupled to the base, the cover having an open end with a rim, the rim contacting the top surface of the base; a plurality of fluid flow paths formed within the base; and at least one flame arrestor disposed within one of the fluid flow paths.

Abstract: The invention generally encompasses fire suppressant compositions and methods. In certain embodiments, the composition is configured to the heating device, for example, a stove or microwave. In certain embodiments, the invention includes holes to allow heat to enter into a compartment/shell and impinge upon a pressurized pouch containing a suppressant agent. In other embodiments, when a fire occurs it causes an exterior layer or relief valve to rupture the suppressant agent discharging towards the heat source and extinguishing the fire. In another application this complication is connected to an electrical or gas system and cuts the supply when the exterior layer of the device ruptures and releases a suppressant.

Abstract: A fire fighting composition according to the invention comprises a first surfactant selected from alkyl group-containing amphoteric surfactants, wherein the alkyl group contains at least 8 carbon atoms, and alkyl group-containing zwitterionic surfactants, wherein the alkyl group contains at least 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof, and a second surfactant selected from alkyl group-containing anionic surfactants, wherein the alkyl group contains at least 8 carbon atoms, and wherein the weight ratio of the surfactant to the second surfactant is in the range of from 3:1 to 1:1.5, wherein the fire fighting foaming composition is essential free of fluorine. Typically, the first surfactant is selected from alkyl amine oxides, betaines and N-alkyl pyrrolidones. Typically, the second surfactant is selected from alkyl sulphates, alkyl phosphates, dialkylsulphosuccinates, sodium alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl carboxylates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes contacting a phosphotriester and a halogen salt in a polar solvent. In another embodiment, a method for dealkylating tributylphosphate includes contacting tributylphosphate and a halogen salt in a polar solvent.

Abstract: A rebounder assembly (10) includes a rebounder bed (12), a rebounder frame (14), and a plurality of spaced apart rebounder connectors (15) that connect the rebounder bed (12) to the rebounder frame (14) in tension. At least one of the rebounder connectors (15) includes a resilient member (16) and a rebounder A fastener (18). The rebounder fastener (18) includes an outer frame (224) that defines a portion of a first retaining area (220) and a first cantilevering arm (226) that extends away from the outer frame (224), the first cantilevering arm (226) defining at least a portion of a second retaining area (222). The resilient member (16) is selectively movable relative to the rebounder fastener (18) between a first position where the resilient member (16) engages the first retaining area (220), and a second position where the resilient member (16) engages the second retaining area (222) to selectively adjust the tension of the rebounder bed (12).