Abstract: An external component housing is described for a cochlear implant system. A signal processing stage is contained within the housing for generating an electrical signal for an implanted portion of the system. An external coil is also within the housing for transmitting the electrical signal transcutaneously through the skin of a patient to the implanted portion. An impact absorber shields the system components from the impact energy associated with a mechanical impact to the housing.

Abstract: Medical devices provide metallic connector enclosures. The metallic connector enclosures may be constructed with relatively thin walls in comparison to polymer connector enclosures to aid in miniaturizing the medical device. The metallic connector enclosures may be constructed with interior surfaces that deviate less from an ideal inner surface shape in comparison to polymer connector enclosures to allow for better concentricity of electrical connectors. The metallic connector enclosures may include a panel that allows access to the cavity of the connector enclosure where set screw blocks, lead connectors, spacers, seals, and the like may be located. Furthermore, the lead connectors within the metallic connector enclosures may be separated from the metallic connector enclosure by being positioned within non-conductive seals that reside within features included in cavity walls of the connector enclosure.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices include header structures with conductive paths from the feedthrough conductors that may be located on one side of the device to electrical connectors that may be located on an opposite side of the device. The conductive paths may include conductive interconnect pins and lead frame conductors. The conductive interconnect pins may be located in holes present in a header body where the conductive interconnect pins are attached to the feedthrough conductors on one end and are attached to the lead frame conductors on the opposite end. The lead frame conductors then extend to the corresponding electrical connectors. The header body may provide cavities on each side to allow for the insertion of stack assemblies that include the electrical connectors and lead frame conductors.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system provides stimulation therapy to a patient. The system includes a neurostimulation lead that contacts patient tissue and couples with an implantable stimulation device, such as an implantable pulse generator, that receives stimulation parameters for providing stimulation therapy to a patient. The implantable stimulation device includes a header with a plurality of connector assemblies that receive an end of the neurostimulation lead, and a case containing a charging coil and a telemetry coil coupled to programming circuitry on a printed circuit board, which is in turn coupled to the connector assemblies via a feedthrough assembly. The telemetry coil receives data from an external programmer and transmits the data to the programming circuitry, which in turn uses the data to communicate to the connector assemblies and the neurostimulation lead to provide stimulation therapy to a patient.

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: Delivery of an implantable wireless receiver-stimulator (R-S) into the heart using delivery catheter is described. R-S comprises a cathode and an anode and wirelessly receives and converts energy, such as acoustic ultrasound energy, to electrical energy to stimulate the heart. Conductive wires routed through the delivery system temporarily connect R-S electrodes to external monitor and pacing controller. R-S comprises a first temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the cathode, and a second temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the anode. Temporary electrical connections allow external monitoring of heart's electrical activity as sensed by R-S electrodes to determine tissue viability for excitation as well as to assess energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: An external device is provided for use with an intraocular device configured to be implanted entirely in an eye of a subject. The external device includes a mount configured to be placed in front of the eye and a sensor coupled to the mount and configured to sense a level of ambient light. The external device additionally includes an external power source coupled to the mount and configured to (i) emit toward the eye non-visible light that is outside of 380-750 nm, and (ii) modulate the non-visible light based on the level of ambient light sensed by the sensor. Other application are also described.

Abstract: A therapeutic signal delivery system and method that delivers a dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic pulse are provided. The dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic therapeutic pulse may be used for a variety of therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a medical device, such as a defibrillator, for use with an accessory capable of collecting a parameter of a patient. The medical device is capable of at least performing a basic functionality, an advanced functionality, and of defibrillating the patient. The medical device includes an energy storage module within a housing for storing an electrical charge that is to be delivered to the patient for the defibrillating. The medical device includes a processor structured to determine whether a data set received from the accessory confirms or not a preset authentication criterion about the accessory. Although when the accessory is coupled to the housing the medical device is capable of the defibrillating and the basic functionality, the medical device is capable of the advanced functionality only when the accessory is coupled to the housing and it is determined that the preset authentication criterion is confirmed. Embodiments also include methods of operation and a programmed solution.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an implantable cardiac system, including a housing, electronic circuitry for controlling one or more of power management, processing unit, information memory and management circuit, sensing and simulation output. The system also includes diagnosis and treatment software for diagnosing health issues, diagnosing mechanical issues, determining therapy output and manage patient health indicators over time, a power supply system including at least one rechargeable battery, a recharging system, an alarm (or alert) system to inform patient of energy level and integrity of system, communication circuitry, one or more electrodes for delivering therapeutic signal to a heart and one or more electrodes for from delivering electrocardiogram signal from the heart to the electronic circuitry. The present embodiments further include a body orientation unit to determine body position and use same to control therapy.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is described which spends an increased proportion of a rescue in a CPR mode. This is accomplished by use of a single shock protocol which causes the AED to spend less time in shock analysis and delivery activities as compared with the typical multiple shock protocol. An AED of the present invention preferably is configured such that the rescue protocol can be modified or changed easily without the need to remove the battery or use specialized hardware or software. Preferably the shock waveform of the single shock is a biphasic waveform delivering at least 150 Joules of energy and more preferably at least 200 Joules of energy.

Abstract: The invention is applicable to the field of medical care products, and provides a wound care apparatus. The wound care apparatus comprises a pump and a sealed dressing connected to the pump via a first pipeline, a laser being disposed at the upper end of the sealed dressing. The wound care apparatus further comprises a pus bottle that is connected with a piece of sponge and the pump via rubber hoses, respectively. In the invention, the pump of the wound care apparatus is connected with the sealed dressing via the first pipeline, after the wound is dressed by the sealed dressing, the pump is controlled to pump the wounded area into a vacuum state, and ulceration caused by airborne bacterial infection is thus prevented. More importantly, the wound healing rate under a near-negative pressure environment is two to three times of that under normal environment.

Abstract: A method for transdermally treating selected tissue and/or for facilitating the release and/or differentiation of stem cells, including exposing the selected tissue to laser light having a wavelength between approximately 600 and 1400 nm, and maintaining such exposure of the selected tissue or bone to the laser light for a period of time sufficient to deliver a laser light dosage of at least 3 Joules/cm2 per treatment and maintaining such exposure for a period of time sufficient to deliver a laser light dosage of at least 1000 Joules per treatment within a 24 hour period of time. The method also includes upcollimating the laser light such that the laser delivers to the selected tissue a substantially coherent beam of laser light having a cross-sectional area of at least 5 cm2, and, further, delivering the laser light to a depth of at least 5 mm in the selected tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for light stimulation within a medium. The system has a reduced-voltage x-ray source configured to generate x-rays from a peak applied cathode voltage at or below 105 kVp, and a plurality of energy-emitting particles in the medium which, upon radiation from the x-ray source, radiate at a first lower energy than the x-ray source to interact with at least one photoactivatable agent in the medium. The method introduces the plurality of energy-emitting particles into the medium, radiates the energy-emitting particles in the medium with x-rays generated from a peak applied cathode voltage at or below 105 kVp; and emits a lower energy than the x-ray source to interact with the medium or with at least one photoactivatable agent in the medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the cross-linking of eye tissue. Embodiments of the disclosure relate to the activation of a photosensitizer and/or nanoparticles for the cross-linking of eye tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive method for treatment of arrhythmia. In a first aspect, a method for treatment of atrial fibrillation in a heart of a patient comprises directing radiation from outside the patient toward one or more target treatment regions of the heart so as to inhibit the atrial fibrillation. The radiation may induce isolation of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: An existing radiation treatment plan is accessed for a given patient as well as first information (such as automatically generated updated information) regarding at least one physical characteristic as corresponds to the radiation treatment of this patient. One then initiates, prior to receiving second information (such as user input) regarding the first information, an automatic adaptation process to adapt the treatment plan to accommodate the first information. Upon later receiving second information regarding the first information, one then modifies the automatic adaptation process itself to incorporate the second information regarding the first information.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring radiation levels in vivo in real time. Apparatus and methods include a scintillating material coupled to a retention member.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for patient specific control of charged particles in a charged particle beam path using one or more trays inserted into the charged particle beam path, such as at the exit port of a gantry nozzle in close proximity to a tumor of a patient. Each tray holds an insert, such as a patient specific insert for controlling the energy, focus depth, and/or shape of the charged particle beam. Examples of inserts include a range shifter, a compensator, an aperture, a ridge filter, and a blank. Trays in a tray assembly are optionally retracted into an output nozzle of a charged particle cancer treatment system. Optionally and preferably, each tray communicates a held and positioned insert to a main controller of the charged particle cancer therapy system.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis and treatment of tumors using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is provided. The method of diagnosing the presence of a tumor in a patient comprises the steps of subjecting a tumor to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to cause the tumor cells to release cellular material and evaluating the cellular material for a tumor marker. The method of treating a tumor in a patient can also comprise the step of subjecting a tumor to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to provoke an immune response.

Abstract: A tissue ablation method for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises locating an ostium of a pulmonary vein and positioning an interventional catheter adjacent the ostium. The interventional catheter has an energy source. Collateral tissue adjacent the ostium is located and tissue around the ostium is ablated with energy from the energy source so as to form a contiguous lesion circumscribing the ostium. The lesion blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the tissue so as to reduce or eliminate the atrial fibrillation. The ablating is modified so as to avoid ablating or otherwise damaging the collateral tissue.

Abstract: A victim retrieval apparatus for use with a vehicle. In some embodiments, the rescue basket comprises one or more wheels. The articulating head of the boom comprises a rotatable pulley for receiving the rescue line and is able to allow the vehicle to be parked in any position necessary while rescuing the victim. A knot-passing pulley enables a safety line (with emergency brake device) to be coupled to the basket thereby ensuring the safety of the victim in the basket at all times. The rescue basket comprises a remote control for controlling the winch speed that is able to be located at the winch itself, or be of a hand-held nature and attached at the rescue basket instead of at the vehicle if visual contact is problematic.

Abstract: A gas pipe terminal assembly for minimization of fire hazards associated with conductance of a flammable substance. The system includes a pipe having a flange at each end. Each flange includes at least one check valve and a flame screen mounted in the interior of the flange to control a gas flow through the flange. The flange includes wire guide holes and set screw holes within the outside diameter of the pipe, and at least one wire segment in tension inside the pipe and connected to at least one fusible link. At least one fusible link is configured to fuse upon exposure to a temperature above 100° C. and thereby release the tension and activate at least one fire suppression device.

Abstract: An exemplary fire suppression system includes a sprinkler nozzle. At least one conduit is connected to the nozzle for delivering a fire suppression fluid to the nozzle. The conduit and the nozzle establish a discharge path. A pneumatically driven pump is connected with the conduit for pumping fluid into the conduit. A gas source provides pressurized gas to the pump for driving the pump. The gas source also provides gas to the discharge path for achieving a desired discharge of the fluid from the nozzle.

Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes one or more sound waves fire extinguishers. Additionally, the fire extinguisher includes processing circuitry configured to receive output from one or more sensors, determine if a fire related event is detected based on the output from the one or more sensors, and activate the one or more sound waves fire extinguishers in response to detection of the fire related event to minimize the fire related event via mechanical pressure waves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for decontaminating surfaces contaminated with one or more toxic agents. The processes include contacting a contaminated surface with a porous metal hydroxide which rapidly absorbs the toxic agent from the surface, then decontaminates the agent via reactions involving surface functional groups.

Abstract: An exercise device includes an arrangement of components to strengthen muscles in a physical body of an individual. In particular, the exercise device can be used to perform exercised to strengthen at least abdominal muscles.

Abstract: A weighted exercise apparatus including an annular body having axially spaced annular faces and inner and outer side walls, the body section having a core including at least one weight member, a resilient material provided either side of the weight member at least in the axial direction, and a flexible cover layer.

Abstract: A fitness bar catch includes a first side plate, a central plate perpendicular and adjacent to the first side plate, a second side plate perpendicular and adjacent to the central plate and parallel to the first side plate, a stud extending perpendicular from the second side plate, a bar rest extending from the second side plate, and a safety mechanism extending from the first side plate. The safety mechanism may be engageable to prevent lateral movement of the fitness bar catch relative to a vertical support member.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism for an exercising device is provided. The resistance mechanism comprises a housing configured to engage the exercise device. The housing is configured to translate a resistance from a resistance generator to the exercise device. The resistance mechanism also comprises a resistance adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a level of resistance provided by the resistance mechanism. Adjustment in a first direction increases a provided resistance, and adjustment in a second direction decreases the provided resistance. The resistance generator comprises a flywheel coupled to an indexing wedge. The resistance mechanism is configured to, when the adjustment mechanism adjusts in the first direction, push against the indexing wedge in a linear direction towards and against a brake arm, causing the brake arm to engage the flywheel, thereby increasing the level of resistance provided by the resistance mechanism to the outdoor exercise device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular elastomeric grip with raised or embossed geometric designs arrayed around its circumference with an axial cut along its length adapted to be removably attached to a cylindrical bar such as those used while participating in fitness activities associated with the gripping of a bar or handle.

Abstract: A treadmill exercise machine may include a frame having a base and upright supports extending upward from a base. A handlebar assembly may be rotatably connected proximate the distal ends of the upright supports. The handlebar assembly may be moved from a non-deployed position to an upright locked position accessible to a user to grasp and pull down on an overhead hand bar of the handlebar assembly to reduce the weight load transmitted to the user's lower body.

Abstract: An exercise device has guide links each having a first attachment point pivotally attached to an upper part of a frame. Foot support links each have a foot receiving area to support a user's foot and are pivotally connected to a second attachment point of one of the guide links so that when the guide links pivot relative to the frame, the foot support links move in a path of travel having a horizontal component of motion. A first and a second control pulley are each pivotally connected to a respective one of the guide links and offset from the first pivot axis so as to move in an arc. A first and a second flexible element each couple the vertical drive assembly to a respective one of the foot support links. Each flexible element has a midportion extending about a respective one of the control pulleys.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right rocker linkages may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and rocker linkages in such a manner that the force receiving members move through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving, by a wrist device, a notification of an event, wherein the notification is indicated to a user of the wrist device; in response to receiving the notification, initiating at least one measurement; determining, based on the at least one measurement, that a predetermined condition is met; and in response to the determining that the predetermined condition is met, performing an action having an effect on the indication of the notification.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tracking, collecting, or analyzing user data for gyms. For example, the system can include a mobile device associated with a user and a tracking device attached to an exercise device. The tracking device can be configured to detect when the mobile device or the user enters within a proximity value of the tracking device and notify the mobile device with a notification signal and identification information of the exercise device. The mobile device can be configured to receive the notification signal from the tracking device, detect a received signal strength (RSS) of the notification signal, and determine whether the RSS is above or at a pre-determined threshold. When the RSS is above or at the pre-determined threshold, the mobile device records the identification information of the exercise device. When the RSS is below the pre-determined threshold, the mobile device ignores the notification signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring athletic performances include determining “flight time,” e.g., the amount of time both feet are off the ground, and optionally “flight time” resulting from different types of activities, such as jogging, running, sprinting, jumping, etc. “Flight time” may help a player or coach better understand the effort the athlete is putting out, compare efforts of two or more players, gauge the athlete's performance change over time, and/or identify conditioning needs and/or areas for improvement. Such systems and methods also may generate and display various athletic performance metrics, such as: instantaneous flight time; average flight time; cumulative flight time during an athletic performance or other time period; instantaneous jump height; average jump height; cumulative jump height during an athletic performance or other time period; and comparisons of any flight time and/or jump height metric(s) of one player against another player and/or against himself/herself; etc.

Abstract: Portable fitness monitoring systems with displays, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method of providing performance feedback to an individual using a portable fitness monitoring device is provided. The method may include sensing performance parameter information during the physical activity, generating a first visual output that includes an indication of the intensity level that the individual should be performing at, and generating a second visual output that includes an indication of the intensity level that the individual is currently performing at.

Abstract: A tipping chair (10) includes a main strut (12),a pivot seat (34) on the main strut (12), a pivot slot (18) defined the main strut (12) and a pivot strut (24) pivotally secured within the pivot slot (18). Pivoting a prop end (28) of the pivot strut (24) out of the pivot slot (18) of the main strut (12) backward toward a bottom end (14)of the main strut (12) causes a seat end (26) of the pivot strut (24) to raise the pivot seat(34) , and the seat end (26) becomes secured to a latch (42) on a brace surface (40) opposed to a seating surface (38) of the pivot seat (34) to postion the chair (10) in a seated.configuration. Reversing the process returns the chair (10) to a flat, stored configuration to be optionally stored as wall art.

Abstract: An exercise pad has a base and a pad body. The base is annular and is composed of multiple curved base units. Each base unit has a concave top surface, a bottom surface, an inner edge, two ends, and a curved recess. The ends of the base unit are provided respectively with at least one connection recess and at least one connection post. The curved recess is defined in the bottom surface, and the curved recesses of the multiple base units form an annular recess. The pad body is inflatable, is combined with the base, and has a convex bottom and an annular connection flange. The convex bottom is complementary in shape with the concave top surfaces of the base units. The annular connection flange is formed around a bottom edge of the convex bottom and extends into the annular recess.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the selection of the plan shapes of the dimples thereon. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a plan shape defined by low frequency periodic functions along a closed simple path. In addition, the present invention provides methods for designing dimples having a plan shape defined by a low frequency periodic function along a closed simple path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the selection of the plan shapes of the dimples thereon. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a plan shape defined by low frequency periodic functions along a closed simple path. In addition, the present invention provides methods for designing dimples having a plan shape defined by a low frequency periodic function along a closed simple path.

Abstract: Use of highly phase separated thermoplastic polyether ester elastomers for injection molded golf ball core layers is disclosed herein. The thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer comprises a polytetramethylene glycol (PTMO), a cycloaliphatic diol, and dimethyl terephthalate.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a rubber two-layer core consisting of an inner layer and an outer layer, a cover, and at least one intermediate layer therebetween, the inner core layer has a diameter of at least 30 mm, the difference in JIS-C hardness between the center of the inner core layer and the surface of the outer core layer is at least 25, the ball satisfies the relationship A/B?1.5, where A and B are the deflections of, respectively, the inner core layer and the two-layer core when compressed under specific loading conditions, and the intermediate layer has a higher material hardness than the cover. This ball enables mid- to high-level golfers both to achieve even longer distances and to maintain the spin performance on approach shots at a high level.

Abstract: A ball includes a first housing, at least a fixing body, at least a ceramic vibration unit and a second housing. The fixing body is disposed on the internal wall of the first housing. The ceramic vibration unit is configured to make a sound and is fixed on the fixing body. The ceramic vibration unit includes a vibrating plate, a ceramic sheet and a cover body. The ceramic sheet and the cover body are disposed on the vibrating plate, and the ceramic sheet is located between the vibrating plate and the cover body. The second housing covers the first housing.

Abstract: A string clamping device of a threading machine for a racket contains: a clamp unit, a tightening unit, an adjustment disc, a connection column, and a fixing structure. The clamp unit includes a body, a locking seat, and two first springs. The body has multiple first paws, the locking seat has multiple second paws, and among the multiple first and second paws is defined a gap of the clamp unit. The tightening unit includes an abutting block and an operation handle, the body has a first protrusion with a first through orifice, and the adjustment disc includes multiple teeth, wherein between any two adjacent teeth is defined a recess. The fixing structure includes an affix member, a coupling shaft, a second spring, a screwing element, and a support part, wherein the affix member has a retaining portion, and the second spring contacts with a drive tab of the support part.

Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the face. The body has an impact-influencing structure in the form of a channel positioned on at least one surface of the body. A majority of a force generated by impact with a ball is absorbed by the impact-influencing structure, and a majority of a response force generated by the head upon impact with the ball is generated by the impact-influencing structure. The face may have increased stiffness as compared to existing faces, and may include a stiffening structure to create the increased stiffness, such as a porous or cellular stiffening structure.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the face. The body has an impact-influencing structure in the form of a channel positioned on at least one surface of the body. A majority of a force generated by impact with a ball is absorbed by the impact-influencing structure, and a majority of a response force generated by the head upon impact with the ball is generated by the impact-influencing structure. The face may have increased stiffness as compared to existing faces, and may include a stiffening structure to create the increased stiffness, such as a porous or cellular stiffening structure.