Abstract: A system for delivering a therapeutic agent to nasopharyngeal mucosa tissue has a shaft, a porous pad of compliant material coupled to the shaft near the distal end, and a drug reservoir. The porous pad is configured to expand from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration is adapted to engage and conform to the mucosa tissue in a nasal cavity, and the contracted configuration has a size suitable for introduction into the nasal cavity. The drug reservoir holds a therapeutic agent and is at least partially covered by the porous pad. The drug reservoir is configured to release a fixed volume of the therapeutic agent into the porous pad within a period of less than about 120 minutes, and has a wall with a plurality of channels fluidly coupled with the porous pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug implant device which delivers a drug load to the body painlessly. The present invention achieves the painless drug implantation by adopting two principles: (1) rapid perpendicular insertion of fine cannula is painless and that (2) pain is incurred only when the occupied volume caused by the implant process is increased. Therefore, instead of inserting a cannula and injection a volume of drug, which increases the occupied volume of the injection process due to additional volume of the drug, the present invention retracts the cannula in order to dispose the drug into the body. The retraction of cannula does not increase the occupied volume therefore incurs no pain.

Abstract: The present disclosure described methods, systems, and techniques for applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound to locate areas of blockage within retinal vessels and to break up clots that are causing damage. In addition to identifying the damaged area, the researchers anticipate that the initial image may serve as a baseline for monitoring the effect of treatment on the vessel, which may be achieved in multiple ways. The vibration effect of the ultrasound itself may suffice to dislodge clots. The microbubbles may also be coated or filled with medication, with ultrasonic shock waves activating the coating or causing mini explosions to release the medicine. Loading the microbubbles with a therapeutic agent, visualizing their presence at the diseased site using the ultrasound diagnostic mode, and then activating the microbubbles to release their contents at the targeted lesion could be a powerful and effective way to reverse occlusion without harming other areas of the eye or body.

Abstract: The invention is a device for transmitting acoustical energy through the surface of the skin of a patient, coupled with the administration of a compound, for example an acne medication, for the purpose of temporarily expanding the patient's pore size and enhancing the delivery of the compound to the patient's pores. The ultrasonic transducer emits a sonic transmission of variable intensity and frequency for the purpose of enhancing the absorption of compounds that have first been deposited onto the surface of the skin and into skin pores that have been expanded by the ultrasound transmission.

Abstract: A system and method of using a high-aspect ratio microdevice for treating, preventing or ameliorating a medical condition is provided.

Abstract: A medical connector includes: a housing including a male connector connection portion comprising a male connector connection port having a cylindrical shape, a medical instrument connection portion, and a valve body housing portion; and a valve body configured to open and close the male connector connection port, the valve body including a head portion, and a barrel portion that connects to the head portion. When a male connector is inserted into the male connector connection port, the head portion moves from the male connector connection port into the valve body housing portion and a slit in the head portion opens, such that a flow passage from the male connector connection portion to the medical instrument connection portion is formed.

Abstract: A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway. A valve member with sealing rings helps preclude undesired accumulation of fluid within the connector. A branched connector includes a fluid diverter extending away from a port of the branched connector. The fluid diverter is configured to divert fluid flowing through the branched connector and into a medical connector attached thereto, flushing a distal portion of the medical connector.

Abstract: Various surgical devices and methods are provided for monitoring and regulating tissue compression and cutting to improve tissue effect. In general, these devices include a handle portion, an elongate shaft, and an effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft and configured to engage tissue. In one embodiment, one or more sensors can be positioned at various locations on the device and can determine a force applied to tissue engaged by the end effector. When the force exceeds a threshold, a notification signal can be issued to a user. In another embodiment, a sensor can determine an amount of current moving between jaws of the end effector and a controller can slow a speed of the cutting element when the sensed current exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is an iontophoretic device (100) for applying a cutaneous DC electrical field, the device comprising a first skin contact electrode (120) comprising a free sodium ion reservoir (122) separated from the skin (300) by a first ion-permeable barrier (124); and a second skin contact electrode (130) spatially separated from the first skin contact electrode, the second skin contact electrode comprising a free chloride ion reservoir (132) separated from the skin by a second ion-permeable barrier (134). Also disclosed is an arrangement including such a device and a method of operating such a device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a nerve stimulation system includes a headset and an earpiece which includes two or more ear-contacting elements, for example an ear canal insert, and a concha insert. Ear-contacting elements may be mounted onto an earpiece housing have projecting mounting structures, which provide mechanical and electrical connection between ear-contacting elements and housing through various materials and configurations. In an embodiment, a nerve stimulation system includes a neural stimulation subsystem including neural stimulation device control circuitry for use in combination with a personal computing device to control a neural stimulation device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substantially rigid base and a flexible substrate. The substantially rigid base has a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and is configured to be coupled to an electronic device. The flexible substrate has a first surface and a second surface, and includes an electrical circuit configured to electronically couple the electronic device to at least one of an electrode a battery, or an antenna. The flexible substrate is coupled to the base such that a first portion of the second surface is in contact with the first protrusion. A second portion of the second surface is non-parallel to the first portion.

Abstract: An electroacupuncture device for treating hypertension in a patient includes 1) a housing configured to be implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient at an acupoint corresponding to a target tissue location within the patient, the acupoint comprising at least one of PC5, PC6, ST36, and ST37, 2) a central electrode of a first polarity and centrally located and substantially planar on a first surface of the housing, 3) an annular electrode of a second polarity and that surrounds the central electrode on the first surface of the housing, the annular electrode being spaced apart from the central electrode, and 4) pulse generation circuitry located within the housing and electrically coupled to the annular and central electrodes.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) is configured to sense cardiac activity and to pace a patient's heart and is disposable within a ventricle of the patient's heart. The LCP may include a housing, a first electrode and a second electrode that are secured relative to the housing and are spaced apart. A controller is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode such that the controller is capable of receiving, via the first electrode and the second electrode, electrical cardiac signals of the heart. The LCP may include a pressure sensor and/or an accelerometer. The controller may determine a pace time for a cardiac cycle based at least in part upon a signal from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic implant comprising an elongate electrode carrier having a plurality of stimulation electrodes that can be introduced into a cochlea and comprising a flat sound transducer that is excitable to vibrate at least regionally by applying a voltage, with the sound transducer being configured such that it is arrangeable in, on and/or in front of a round window or an oval window or a surgically created third window of an ear and/or in a round window niche of an ear, covering the corresponding window at least partially or completely, such that vibrations of the sound transducer effect sound vibrations through the corresponding window, with the elongate electrode carrier extending through a surface of the flat sound transducer that extends, when the sound transducer is arranged in front of the corresponding window, at least partially over the corresponding window.

Abstract: A method for implanting a lead for stimulation of a dorsal root ganglion of a patient includes advancing a distal portion of a guidewire using an introducer into an epidural space of the patient and through a foramen of the patient to a position near the dorsal root ganglion, the guidewire including an electrode in the distal portion of the guidewire; mapping a region around the dorsal root ganglion using the electrode of the guidewire to identify a lead implantation site; removing the introducer; and advancing the lead over the guidewire, with a portion of the guidewire disposed in a lumen of the lead, to position a distal portion of the lead at the lead implantation site.

Abstract: An Implantable Medical Device (IMD) configured to be implantable in a ventricle of a patient's heart may include a housing, a first electrode secured relative to the housing, a second electrode secured relative to the housing, the second electrode spaced from the first electrode, and circuitry in the housing operatively coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The circuitry may be configured to identify a measure of impedance between the first electrode and the second electrode at each of a plurality of times during a cardiac cycle. Each measure of impedance may represent a measure of volume of the ventricle in which the IMD is implanted. In some cases, the circuitry may generate a pacing pulse, the timing of which is based at least in part on the measure of volume of the ventricle at two or more of the plurality of times during the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a cap and a spring-biased tethering member coupled thereto. The cap includes first and second portions, and a transition zone extending therebetween. A girth of the first portion is sized to fit within a distal-most opening of the catheter assembly; and a girth of the second portion tapers from a first size at the transition zone, which is too large to fit within the distal-most opening, to a smaller size at a distal end of the cap. The spring-biased tethering member holds the cap in open and closed positions, when the cap first portion extends within the distal-most opening, and when the cap is separated from the distal-most opening, respectively. At the closed position, the first portion is approximately concentric with the distal-most opening, and at the open position, an entirety of the cap is laterally offset from the distal-most opening.

Abstract: A lead receptacle having a lumen configured to traverse from an outer side of an outermost intercostal muscle to an inner side of an innermost intercostal muscle of an intercostal space of a patient and to support a lead traversing through the lumen. The lumen being configured to support one or more cardiac leads traversing through the intercostal space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide patch assemblies for iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. An embodiment provides a patch assembly comprising a conformable patch for delivery of the agent and having a tissue contacting side including an adhesive. The housing has a bottom surface for engaging a non-tissue contacting side of the patch, a current source such as a battery and a controller for controlling the delivery of the agent. The housing has sufficient flexibility such that when it is engaged with the patch to form the patch assembly and the patch is adhered to a target site on the patient's skin, the assembly has sufficient flexibility to deform with movement of the patient's skin to remain sufficiently adhered to the skin over an extended period of time to transdermally deliver a desired dose of the agent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for multi-vessel neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such multi-vessel 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, the multi-vessel neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation optionally may be performed bilaterally.

Abstract: A method for preventing falling asleep and improving human performance, comprising: impacting on human skin with regular electrical impulses and receiving such impact, wherein the regular electrical impulses are fed at short intervals of equal or random length that is adjusted to change the intensity of exposure. Also disclosed a compact device such as a wrist watch or bracelet for providing preventing falling asleep and improving human performance, comprising: a voltage source, a control system and electrodes adjacent to the skin.

Abstract: A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremor, and other forms of tremor. The stimulator can have electrodes that are placed circumferentially around the patient's wrist or arm. Specific nerves in the wrist or arm can be targeted by appropriate spacing of the electrodes. Positioning the electrodes on generally opposing sides of the target nerve can result in improved stimulation of the nerve. The stimulation pattern may alternate between the nerves. Improved stimulation algorithms can incorporate tremor feedback, external data, predictive adaptation, and long-term monitoring data.

Abstract: An electrical venous stimulation apparatus comprising a powered signal generator, the signal generator configured to generate a specified electrical output signal. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with the signal generator and configured, to be placed in electrical communication with a subject, The electrical output signal sent to the subject, includes an output voltage, electrical current, and waveform that changes with time in a preprogrammed repeating cycle. The output voltage, electrical current, and waveform are configured to elicit a physiological response that stimulates a plurality of peripheral nerves in the subject, activates a venous muscle pump mechanism in one or more limbs of the subject, and non-invasively alter the physiology of target vein(s), wherein the target vein(s) is caused to distend under the surface of the subject's skirt.

Abstract: A method of providing electrical stimulation to the sole of a patient's foot is disclosed. An assembly is disclosed that comprises a non-conductive mat having an aperture and a piezoelectric device positioned to fill at least a portion of the aperture. A flexible conductive material is positioned to be in electrical contact with a first and a second primary surface of the piezoelectric device, and with the surface of the skin, providing an electric current to the skin when the piezoelectric is mechanically compressed.

Abstract: A method for delivering electrical stimulation to alter a cognitive state of a user, the method comprising: monitoring a brain signal from the user via one or more intracranial electrodes implanted in the brain of the user while the user is presented with a stimulus; comparing the brain signal to a testing phase biomarker, wherein the testing phase biomarker is derived from a cognitive test performed on a contributor during a testing phase; delivering electrical stimulation to a brain of the user based on the comparing step to steer the brain of the user towards a high performance cognitive state.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for treating a subject having a disease or disorder comprising stimulating a nerve of the subject with a corrective stimulus pattern derived from a disease-specific, condition-specific, endogenous mediator-specific or pharmacologic agent-specific neurogram in an amount and manner effective to treat the disease or disorder.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) is configured to sense cardiac activity and to pace a patient's heart and is disposable within a ventricle of the patient's heart. The LCP may include a housing, a first electrode and a second electrode that are secured relative to the housing and are spaced apart. A controller is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode such that the controller is capable of receiving, via the first electrode and the second electrode, electrical cardiac signals of the heart. The LCP may include a pressure sensor and/or an accelerometer. The controller may determine an atrial contraction timing fiducial based at least in part upon two or more of a signal from the pressure sensor, a signal from the accelerometer representing, and an electrical cardiac signal.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) is configured to sense cardiac activity and to pace a patient's heart and is disposable within a ventricle of the patient's heart. The LCP MAY include a housing, a first electrode and a second electrode that are secured relative to the housing and are spaced apart. A controller is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode such that the controller is capable of receiving, via the first electrode and the second electrode, electrical cardiac signals of the heart. The LCP may include a pressure sensor and/or an accelerometer. The controller may determine a pace time within a cardiac cycle based at least in part upon an indication of metabolic demand.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for managing synchronous conducted communication for an implantable medical device (IMD). The IMD further comprises electrodes and sensing circuitry. The sensing circuitry is configured to detect physiologic events. A receiver amplifier is coupled to the electrodes. The receiver amplifier is configured to receive conducted communications signals via the electrodes. A controller is configured to establish synchronous conducted communication with a transmit device. The controller includes a receive window timing (RWT) module configured to manage an on-off cycle of the receiver amplifier based on first and second receive window timing schemes. The RWT module switches between the first and second receive window timing schemes based on a condition of the synchronous conducted communication.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) configured to sense cardiac activity and to pace a patient's heart. The LCP may include a housing, a first electrode secured relative to the housing, a second electrode secured relative to the housing, and a pressure sensor secured relative to the housing and coupled to the environment outside of the housing. The LCP may further include circuitry in the housing in communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, and the pressure sensor. The circuitry may be configured to determine and store a plurality of impedance-pressure data pairs, from which a representation of a pressure-volume loop may be determined.

Abstract: A medical system includes two or more leadless implantable medical devices, each implanted in a different ventricle of the heart and each including a housing, a first electrode secured relative to the housing, a second electrode secured relative to the housing, and a pressure sensor secured relative to the housing. Each of the leadless implantable medical devices may further include circuitry in the housing operatively coupled to the corresponding first electrode, second electrode, and pressure sensor. The medical system may be configured to determine and store a plurality of pressure-pressure data pairs and/or impedance-impedance data pairs generated by the two or more leadless implantable medical devices, from which a representation of a pressure-pressure loop or volume-volume loop may be determined, to facilitate cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), patient health status monitoring, and/or the management of a non-CRT cardiac therapy.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a device for conveying power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject The device may include a flexible carrier, an adhesive on a first side of the carrier, a coil of electrically conductive material associated with the flexible carrier, and a mechanical connector extending from a second side of the carrier opposite the adhesive. The mechanical connector may be configured to be received by and retained by a receiver associated with a housing configured for mounting on the carrier.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide a stimulation system for prosthetic or therapeutic stimulation of muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and a lead sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneously in a tissue region. An external controller includes circuitry adapted for wireless telemetry and a charging coil for generating the radio frequency magnetic field to transcutaneously recharge a rechargeable battery in the pulse generator. Using wireless telemetry, the pulse generator is adapted to transmit status information back to the external controller to allow the external controller to automatically adjust up or down the magnitude of the radio frequency magnetic field and/or to instruct a user to reposition the charging coil, the status information adapted to allow optimal recharging of the pulse generator rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An implant includes tissue-contacting electrodes; at least one implant antenna configured to receive wireless power; and implant circuitry configured to use the received wireless power to drive the one or more electrodes to apply a current. A hand-held controller includes: (i) one or more controller antennas, configured to transmit the wireless power, and to communicate with a consumer device; (ii) a battery configured to store battery power; and (iii) controller circuitry configured to: (a) use the battery power to drive at least one of the controller antennas to transmit the wireless power, (b) identify a position of the controller with respect to the implant, and (c) drive at least one of the controller antennas to transmit juxtaposition information to the consumer device about the position of the controller with respect to the implant.

Abstract: Methods and devices for managing establishment of a communications link between an external instrument (EI) and an implantable medical device (IMD) are provided. The methods and devices comprise storing, in memory in at least one of the IMD or the EI an advertising schedule defining a pattern for advertisement notices. The advertisement notices are distributed un-evenly and separated by unequal advertisement intervals. The method transmits, from a transmitter in at least one of the IMD or the EI the advertisement notices. The advertisement notices are distributed as defined by the advertising schedule. The method establishes a communication session between the IMD and the EI.

Abstract: Signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In some examples, detected events are analyzed to identify changes in detected event amplitudes. When detected event amplitudes are dissimilar from one another, a first set of detection parameters may be invoked, and, when detected event amplitudes are similar to one another, a second set of detection parameters may be invoked. Additional examples determine whether the calculated heart rate is “high” or “low,” and then may select a third set of detection parameters for use when the calculated heart rate is high.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a method and system of non-surgical, non-invasive body contouring and weight reduction treatments may be shown and described. These treatments may provide tissue remodeling, such as skin tightening and skin contour smoothening, as well as provide other cosmetic applications. The method and system may include determining an area of tissue suitable for a noninvasive cosmetic treatment, targeting the area with radiant energy, stimulating the area with a series of micro-pulses, and massaging the area with a vibrational plate. The system and method may result in the reduction of undesired fat deposits and correction of other skin conditions, such as loose skin and cellulite. Furthermore, all aspects of the present method and system may be performed in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: The current invention includes a device and method for the promotion and stimulation of hair growth using one or more light sources such as a diode laser, each light source operating at a low wattage, collectively less than about 1000 mw, with the power level typically being in the region of 500 mw, in the infrared range at wavelengths in a range from about 2500 nm to about 10,000 nm. A diode laser operating in this range will have a greater dispersion rate than heretofore, thus requiring fewer diodes to cover the same area of scalp with less power required per diode laser.

Abstract: A light source and a method of generating a light using the light source is disclosed. The light source is configured to produce a plurality of distinct colors in generating the light, one of the distinct colors falling within a blue spectral light band. A light controller modulates the spectral light produced by the plurality of distinct colors. The modulation provides melanopsin contrast in order to increase melanopsin responsiveness of a subject exposed to the generated light and maintains the color temperature, color quality, and color constancy experienced by the subject in a lit viewing environment within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A method includes determining a set of candidate beam directions. The radiation therapy method further includes selecting a sub-set of non-coplanar beam directions of interest from the set of candidate beam directions based on a fluence optimization using a beam angle selection algorithm. The radiation therapy method further includes determining a set of delivery options based on a beam trajectory algorithm, wherein the delivery options at least include a non-coplanar trajectory during radiation treatment delivery. The radiation therapy method further includes optimizing the delivery options to generate a VMAT radiation plan with non-coplanar beam trajectories. The optimizing of the delivery options includes optimizing at least one machine parameter.

Abstract: System includes a beam generator to generate beam(s) for patient treatment and a computing device that obtains three-dimensional image(s) of a target structure that repositions with respect to surrounding tissue of the patient. The computing device creates plan(s) including a first three-dimensional probability distribution of patient's position and a second three-dimensional probability distribution of the repositioned structure's internal position. The computing device combines the first distribution with the second distribution to generate a joint distribution and selects a probability level from the joint distribution. The probability level defines an enclosed surface. A distance defined between the surface and a point of origin in at least one direction is equal to a threshold value of a parameter of the repositioned target in the direction.

Abstract: This multileaf collimator is provided with multiple leaves which limit the area irradiated by a radiation beam and which are arranged in the thickness direction. Each of the leaves is provided with a protruded portion which is formed protruding towards a first surface of the leaf, a depressed portion which is formed in the second surface of the leaf and into which the protruded portion formed on another leaf is inserted, a first curved surface which is formed between the first surface of the leaf and the lateral surface of the protruded portion, and a second curved surface which is formed between the second surface of the leaf and the lateral surface of the depressed portion.

Abstract: A data processing method performed by a computer for monitoring the position of a patient, comprising the steps of: acquiring a 3D image dataset of the patient; acquiring an initial real image of the patient from a medical imaging system having a known and fixed location in space, thus defining a known viewing direction of the initial real image in space, the real image being taken at a first point in time; —performing 2D/3D registration by calculating a simulated image from the 3D image dataset which matches the initial real image best, the simulated image having a viewing direction onto the 3D image dataset; storing an initial similarity measure value for the pair of the initial real image and the calculated simulated image; —acquiring a subsequent real image from the medical imaging system taken at a second point in time later than the first point in time; calculating a subsequent similarity measure value for the pair of the subsequent real image and the calculated simulated image; and outputting an indica

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus includes a fixed support and a gantry including a chassis part and a source part, the chassis part being rotatably attached to the fixed support to allow rotation thereof about a generally horizontal axis, and the source part being connected to the chassis part via a rotatable connection allowing the source part to rotate relative to the chassis part around a transverse axis. The source part includes a source of therapeutic radiation directed towards the intersection of the transverse axis and the horizontal axis. The chassis part and the source part together define an annular ring that encircles the horizontal axis. In this way, the radiotherapy apparatus can provide the full usual range of treatments, but can also adapt itself to adopt a non-coplanar geometry when required, for example to treat difficult locations in the head and neck.

Abstract: As various embodiments of the present disclosure related to an electronic fat removing apparatus using ultrasonic waves are described, a fat removing apparatus according to an embodiment may include: a fat removal body part; a handpiece including an ultrasonic wave generating unit electrically connected to the fat removal body part; a tip part provided in the handpiece; a temperature sensor unit for detecting the temperature of the tip part, the temperature sensor unit being provided in the tip part; an interlocked pump part for feeding cooling water to the tip part, the interlocked pump part being disposed in the fat removal body unit and being connected to the handpiece; and a controller for receiving a signal detected by the temperature sensor unit, and operating the interlocked pump part at a preconfigured temperature. In addition, there may be various other embodiments related to the fat removing apparatus.

Abstract: A first agent for oxidative hair dye of the present disclosure includes: an (A) component, which is at least one selected from the group consisting of resorcin, derivatives thereof, and salts thereof, in a content not exceeding 0.15% by mass; a (B) component, which is a coupler such as m-aminophenol, a (C) component, which is a dye intermediate such as p-phenylenediamine in a content between 0.01% by mass and 0.45% by mass; and a (D) component, which is an alkanolamine.

Abstract: Coloring agents for keratin fibers and methods for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers are provided herein. In an embodiment, a coloring agent for keratin fibers includes, based on its weight, a) at least one compound selected from the group of oxidation dye precursors, direct dyes, or mixtures thereof, b) at least one dicarboxylic acid having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and/or at least one salt of this/these acid(s) in a total quantity of from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight, calculated respectively on the undissociated dicarboxylic acid and based on the weight of the coloring agent, c) at least one keratin hydrolyzate having an average molecular weight Mw in the range from about 2000 to about 7000 daltons, d) from about 20 to about 95% by weight of water and e) from zero to less than about 0.1% by weight of peroxide compound(s).

Abstract: A descender (10) comprises a rear or base plate (20), a front plate (22) which is fixedly mounted to the base plate, generally parallel to and spaced from the base plate and an arm (30) which is pivotally mounted to the base plate and/or the front plate for movement between the two plates. The arm (30) defines a generally curved channel (38) through which a rope (14) may pass. The channel is defined between a sheave (34) and a wall (37) of the arm and defines an entrance (38a) and an exit (38b) for the rope. The sheave (34) is pivotable about an axis, the sheave being lightly biased towards a first or rest position. Pivoting of the sheave about the axis in a first direction, away from the rest position, causes an increase in the friction applied to the rope passing through the channel, typically by causing the exit of the channel to narrow.

Abstract: A hydraulic implement (1) for portable use includes a hydraulic pump (2), a pump housing (10), a hydraulic cylinder (3) with a piston rod (11), a hydraulic tank (4), hydraulic lines, a compensating device, a manually operable hydraulic control valve (8), a rechargeable battery (9) which is accommodated on the implement (1), and two tool halves (16, 17) that are connected to the piston rod (11) via pivoting arms (12, 13). Each tool half (16, 17) has a wall section (20, 21) that extends perpendicularly to the extension of the longitudinal axis of the piston rod (11). When the tool halves are closed, both wall sections (20, 21) together form a flattened end region (24) that runs perpendicularly to the extension of the longitudinal axis of the piston rod (11).

Abstract: A kinetic breaching assist tool includes a ram slidably positioned within a ram housing to be extendable forwardly out of the housing for breaching doors and other barriers. The ram housing is connected to an intermediate propulsion section that generates high pressure gas to drive the ram forwardly. The rear end of the propulsion section is connected to a firing mechanism assembly, which is actuated by an elongated trigger positioned within the confines of a manually graspable rear handle assembly. A forward handle assembly is mounted at the forward portion of the propulsion section to enable to tool to be conveniently and securely grasped by both hands.