Abstract: Radiopaque markers represent that a lead is suitable for a particular medical procedure such as a magnetic resonance image scan and are added to the lead or related device. The markers may be added after implantation of the lead in various ways including suturing, gluing, crimping, or clamping a radiopaque tag to the lead or to the device. The markers may be added by placing a radiopaque coil about the lead, and the radiopaque coil may radially contract against the lead to obtain a fixed position. The markers may be added by placing a polymer structure onto the lead where the polymer structure includes a radiopaque marker within it. The polymer structure may include a cylindrical aperture that contracts against the lead to fix the position of the structure. The polymer structure may form a lead anchor that includes suture wings that can be sutured to the lead.

Abstract: An active transdermal medicament patch includes a planar substrate with a therapeutic face releasably retainable against the skin of a patient. A return electrode and a medicament matrix susceptible to permeation by medicament are secured at separated locations on the therapeutic face and electrically conductively engage the skin. A detector monitors iontophoretic medicament migration into the skin. An integrator operating on the output of the detector produces a running cumulative total of the amount of medicament delivered during a plurality of temporally non-contiguous therapy subsessions. A circuit breaker terminates medicament migration, when the output of the integrator equals a predetermined medicament quantity. A timer active during medicament migration stimulates a driver to operate a light-emitting diode in a distinct delivery confirmation mode during each a sequence of non-overlapping predetermined therapy subsessions, respectively.

Abstract: In one example, a method including generating electrical stimulation therapy with a frequency of approximately 500 hertz or greater, and controlling delivery of the electrical stimulation therapy to a patient via a medical device between at least one of contractions of a bladder or contractions of a bowel of a patient, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bladder when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bladder, wherein the electrical stimulation therapy comprises electrical stimulation therapy configured to inhibit contraction of the bowel when the electrical stimulation is delivered between the contractions of the bowel, and wherein at least one of the generating and controlling is performed via one or more processors.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for the application of transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) in order to modulate a user's cognitive state to induce a state of calm or relaxation. The apparatuses described herein include neck-worn devices having electrodes (or configured to connect to electrodes, including automatically self-connecting to electrodes) adapted to couple to the midline of the back of user's neck. A neck-worn controller may be configured as a cord, band, wire, torc, necklace, loop, strap, or the like, and may be rigid or semi-rigid and may be worn at least partially around the subject's neck. The controller may controllably apply one or more waveforms to the electrodes of the electrode pad (e.g., patch) to deliver TES adapted to induce or enhance a relaxed cognitive state.

Abstract: A method including reducing a stimulation artifact of an implantable stimulator including a plurality of stimulating electrodes by obtaining respective information on respective artifact voltages at a first location resulting from stimulation by one electrode group or respective electrode groups of the implanted stimulator and determining an adjustment regime based on the obtained information that results in a reduction of the stimulation artifact at the first location relative to that which would be the case in the absence of the regime.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for compensating for tonal deafness experienced by a recipient of an auditory prosthesis. More specifically, an auditory prosthesis system includes an external device configured to generate a graphical representation that enables the recipient to compensate for reduced tonal perception associated with delivery of the stimulation signals representative of speech signals. The external device is configured to analyze received speech signals to determine vocal articulator movement of the speaker of the speech signals and/or emotion of the speaker. The external device is further configured to display one or more animated visual cues representative of the detected vocal articulator movement and/or emotion.

Abstract: A method for reducing spasticity applied with an electrical stimulation device to electrically stimulate a target zone of an organism suffering from spasticity. The electrical stimulation device comprises at least one electrical stimulation unit. The electrical stimulation unit includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The method includes the following steps. The electrical stimulation unit is placed near the target zone. The electrical stimulation unit generates an electrical stimulation signal and the electrical stimulation signal is introduced to the target zone so as to stimulate the target zone. An electric field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode and covers the target zone. The strength of the electric field ranges from 100 V/m to 1000 V/m.

Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: A current generation architecture for an implantable stimulator device such as an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed. Current source and sink circuitry are both divided into coarse and fine portions, which respectively can provide coarse and fine current resolutions to a specified electrode on the IPG. The coarse portion is distributed across all of the electrodes and so can source or sink current to any of the electrodes. The coarse portion is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking a coarse amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes on the device. The fine portion of the current generation circuit preferably includes source and sink circuitry dedicated to each of the electrode on the device, which can comprise digital-to-analog current converters (DACs).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a user interface that receives user input linking a plurality of posture states of a patient, and selecting a set of therapy parameter values for delivery of therapy to the patient for each of a linked posture states, a processor that defines the therapy to be delivered to the patient for each of the linked posture states based on the selection, and an implantable medical device that delivers the therapy to the patient for each of the linked posture states based on the selection.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices to deliver packed pacing using split or bifurcated pulses of opposing polarity in different cardiac cycles. In one example, packed single-phase pulses are delivered by the device during a first cardiac cycle that serve to stimulate heart tissue. During the next cardiac cycle, packed single-phase stimulation pulse of opposing polarity are delivered that serve to recharge the pacing capacitors and also serve to stimulate heart tissue. By separating the pulses into separate cardiac cycles, near simultaneous multisite packed stimulation can be achieved within each cardiac cycle while providing for charge balancing and without interfering with sensing. Non-packed pacing with bifurcated pulses is also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices for configuring the use of a motion sensor in an implantable cardiac device. The electrical signals of the patient's heart are observed and may be correlated to the physical motion of the heart as detected by the motion sensor of the implantable cardiac device in order to facilitate temporal configuration of motion sensor data collection that avoids detecting cardiac motion in favor of overall motion of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments include an epicardial heart stimulator that includes a housing and electric components arranged in the housing. The electric components include a stimulation unit, a stimulation control unit, and at least one stimulation electrode on the housing. The stimulation electrode is connected to the stimulation unit and to the stimulation control unit. The stimulation unit provides electric energy that corresponds to a stimulation pulse and delivers the stimulation pulse via the stimulation electrode upon a corresponding trigger signal of the stimulation control unit. The epicardial heart stimulator includes a sensing electrode on the housing that senses electric potentials and that is electrically connected to a sensing unit in the housing. The sensing unit is connected to the stimulation control unit. The stimulation control unit, in a corresponding operating mode, controls the delivery of a respective trigger signal in accordance with an output signal of the sensing unit.

Abstract: Methods and/or devices may be configured to track effectiveness of pacing therapy by monitoring activation times over time, e.g., between pacing stimulus and electrical activity resulting from the pacing stimulus. Generally, the methods and/or devices may determine whether the delivered pacing therapy was effective based on the measured activation times.

Abstract: A technique for identifying lead-related conditions, such as insulation breaches and/or externalization of lead conductors, includes analyzing characteristics of electrical signals generated on one or more electrode sensing vectors of the lead by a test signal to determine whether a lead-related condition exists. The characteristics of the electrical signals induced on the lead by the test signal may be significantly different on a lead having an insulation breach or externalized conductor than on a lead not having such lead-related conditions. As such, the implantable medical device may be subject to a known test signal and analyze the signals on the lead to detect lead-related conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system that displays graphical representations of posture zones associated with posture states of a patient, on a display device communicatively coupled to a medical device. The medical device is configured to deliver therapy to the patient based on detected posture states of the patient, where the detected posture state is based on the posture zones. The display device may allow a user to manipulate the graphical representations of the posture zones, including changing the size of the posture zones. Additionally, the display device may allow a user to change transition times associated with transitions between posture states, and displaying an indication of the changed transition time by highlighting the two graphical representations of the posture zones corresponding to the posture states associated with the changed transition time.

Abstract: A system for identifying potential portions of a body in which electrical stimulation to treat a condition or disorder affects at least one symptom of the condition or disorder, stimulation effect, or side effect performs the following acts: obtaining, for each of multiple stimulation instances, an estimation of a region of the body stimulated during the stimulation instance and a score for each of at least one symptom, stimulation effect, or stimulation side effect; and determining, for each of multiple portions of the body using the scores and the estimates in a permutation test, a likelihood that stimulation of that portion of the body affects at least one symptom, stimulation effect, or stimulation side effect. In other embodiments, the system sets up a relationship between the outcomes of stimulation and influence of a particular part of the body on the outcome, and derives this influence using a pseudoinverse.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) has a housing enclosing an electronic circuit. The housing includes a shield member defining a first portion of an interior cavity of the implantable medical device and a skirted feedthrough assembly. The feedthrough assembly includes a shield extender having a top face and a sidewall that extends from the top face so that the top face and the sidewall are a single continuous component. At least one feedthrough aperture extends through the top face.

Abstract: Designs and methods of construction for an implantable medical device employ an internal support structure. The single-piece support structure holds various electronic components such as a communication coil and a circuit board, and further is affixed to a battery, thus providing a subassembly that is mechanically robust. The support structure further provides electrical isolation between these and other components. A method of construction allows for the subassembly to be adhered to a case of the implantable medical device at the support structure, and possibly also at the battery, without electrically shorting the battery to the case.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an induction waveform for performing threshold testing in an implantable medical device are disclosed. Such tests may be performed during the implant procedure, or during a device checkup procedure, or routinely during the lifetime of the device. The threshold test may include induction of an arrhythmia (such as ventricular fibrillation) followed by delivery of therapy at various progressively-increasing stimulation parameters to terminate the arrhythmia. As such, the capability to induce fibrillation within the device is desired. Induction of the arrhythmias may be accomplished via delivery of a relatively low energy shock or through delivery of an induction stimulation pulse to the cardiac tissue timed concurrently with the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: An extra-cardiovascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator senses R-waves from a first cardiac electrical signal by a first sensing channel and stores a time segment of a second cardiac electrical signal in response to each sensed R-wave. The ICD determines intervals between successively sensed R-waves and, in response to at least a predetermined number of the intervals being less than a tachyarrhythmia detection interval, analyzes at least a portion of the time segment of the second cardiac electrical signal corresponding to a most recent one of the sensed R-waves to confirm the most recent one of the R-waves. The ICD updates an unconfirmed beat count in response to the most recent one of the R-waves not being confirmed and withholds detection of a tachyarrhythmia episode in response to the unconfirmed beat count being equal to or greater than a rejection threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treatment of a pathology-affected site in a subject, the method comprising providing said site with a net electrical charge for a period of time by subjecting the subject to a flux of ionized gas molecules whereby is provided an electrical current between said site and tissue outside said site.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to controllably regulate cells at a target site. A quantum dot-targeting agent complex is administered to a patient in need of therapy, and the complex is stimulated using an implanted fiber optic system. In embodiments, the system includes an electrical sensor that detects and monitors electrical activity of the stimulated controllably regulated cells, and relays this information to a controller that can regulate further stimulation.

Abstract: Provided herein are lanthanide-containing upconverting nanoparticles, methods of their preparation, compositions, and methods of using the same. The polymers and compositions provided herein may be used, for example, in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: A radiation therapy apparatus includes a radiation irradiation unit 35, an X-ray imaging unit 36, a CT imaging device 37, a treatment planning device 38, and a controller 10. The controller 10 includes a CT image deformation amount calculation unit 11, a shape calculation unit 12, an irradiation region determining unit 13, an X-ray image deformation amount calculation unit 14, a position calculation unit 15, a template matching unit 16, a comparison unit 17, a correction unit 18, and an image processing unit 19, and by comparing the positions of a treatment target locus in respective breathing phases and the positions of the treatment target locus in corresponding ones of the respective breathing phases identified by the template matching unit 16, identifies the error values between the positions and the positions identified by the template matching unit 16 for each of parameters.

Abstract: Multiple tumors are grouped into multiple treatment groups. Tumors in different treatment groups are treated by a radiosurgery in different treatment sessions than the tumors in the same treatment groups. The tumors can be grouped so as to decrease the biologically effective dose received by normal tissue in the treatment area. The radiosurgical planning system can divide the tumors into groups based on their location relative to each other and the radiation the tumors will be treated with and create a plan for treating the tumors according to the treatment groups.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a portal dose image includes obtaining a template from a database, the template prescribing one or more evaluation criteria, receiving a first portal dose image, and using a processor to evaluate the first portal dose image based at least in part on the one or more evaluation criteria from the template. In some embodiments, a second image is automatically evaluated after the first image is evaluated. A system for evaluating a portal dose image includes a processor that is communicatively coupled to a database, the database having a template that prescribes one or more evaluation criteria, wherein the processor is configured to obtain the template from the database, receive a first portal dose image, and evaluate the first portal dose image based at least in part on the one or more evaluation criteria from the template.

Abstract: A remote control system is configured to support communication between a first environment having a first neutron radiation level and a second environment having a second neutron radiation level includes a first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is configured to control a treatment system in the first environment. The second computing device is configured to issue commands in the second environment for the treatment system. The first computing device is further configured to determine whether to enable or disable a function supported by the treatment system, determine whether there is pending time-sensitive data to transmit, and periodically transmit a first radiation therapy data collected in the first environment and a first interrupt to the second computing device in a servo loop.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic oscillator that heats a target using ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic oscillator includes: a plurality of ultrasonic oscillation elements that oscillates the ultrasonic waves; a retention portion that retains the plurality of ultrasonic oscillation elements in a state where the ultrasonic oscillation elements are arranged along a concave thereof opposing the heating target; and a controller that controls the ultrasonic oscillation elements so as to oscillate the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for preventing or reducing loss of color from color-treated keratin fibers by forming a water-resistant coating on hair comprise a combination of a hydrophobic particulate material comprising a hydrophobically surface-modified oxide and one or more hydrophobic film formers in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to foamable oil-in-water emulsions containing: A) one or more emulsifiers, at least one of which is a non-ionic emulsifier, B) one or more cotensides, C) one or more oils, D) optionally, one or more polar solubilizers, E) optionally, auxiliary and additive substances, F) one or more surfactants, G) water, H) optionally, water-soluble substances, provided that the water content of the emulsion is ?70% by weight and the concentration of surfactant(s) F) is from 0.01 to less than 10% by weight, each based on the entire emulsion. The invention further relates to a method for producing the oil-water emulsions according to the invention, to foams obtained from these oil-water emulsions, to a method for producing the foams, and to the application of the oil-water emulsions according to the invention and to the foams produced therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a mixture: of hydrophobic silica aerogel particles having a specific surface area per unit of mass (SM) ranging from 500 to 1500 m2/g and a size expressed as the volume-average diameter (D[0.5]) ranging from 1 to 1500 ?m, and of at least one first linear silicone oil having a viscosity greater than 50 mm2/s and of at least second and third linear silicone oils having a viscosity less than or equal to 50 mm2/s. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising a mixture: of hydrophobic silica aerogel particles having a specific surface area per unit of mass (SM) ranging from 500 to 1500 m2/g and a size expressed as the volume-average diameter (D[0.5]) ranging from 1 to 1500 ?m, and of at least one first linear silicone oil having a viscosity less than 10 mm2/s and of at least one second linear silicone oil having a viscosity greater than or equal to 10 mm2/s.

Abstract: This invention provides novel injectable compositions comprising botulinum toxin that may be administered to a subject for various therapeutic, aesthetic and/or cosmetic purposes. The injectable compositions contemplated by the invention exhibit one or more advantages over conventional botulinum toxin formulations, including reduced antigenicity, a reduced tendency to undergo unwanted localized diffusion following injection, increased duration of clinical efficacy or enhanced potency relative, faster onset of clinical efficacy, and/or improved stability.

Abstract: A fall restraint kit for rope access work may include a length of rope (1), at least two rope braking devices (2a, 2b) permanently attached to the rope, at least two rope ascender devices (3) at least five karabiners (4, 5) at least two rope pulleys (6) and at least two slings (7, 8). The application discloses improved roping arrangements suitable for working at heights using a number of those components. In one basic fall restraint arrangement a first rope braking device (2a) is attached to an anchor point (18), a second rope baking device (2b) is attached to a person (22), typically via a harness and a length of rope (1) extends between the first and second rope braking devices. In the event of a fall, or accident, the person may safely lower themselves to ground using the second rope braking device (2b), or may be lowered to ground by a colleague/operator (20) located at the anchor point (18) operating the first rope braking device.

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: The invention concerns a punch device that includes an actuating member of flat proportions, a penetrating tool with a sharp tip carried by the actuating member, a compressible spacer attached to the surface of the actuating member alongside the penetrating tool and mounting means for mounting the punch device on a glass sheet with the tip of the penetrating tool directed towards the glass sheet. The arrangement is such that a force of sufficient magnitude applied to the actuating member in an axial direction towards the glass sheet compresses the spacer and drives the tip of the penetrating tool into contact with the glass sheet thereby to break the glass sheet. In one application the punch device can be used to break an emergency exit window in a bus.

Abstract: An apparatus, breathing equipment training device, and method for breathing equipment training. The apparatus includes a shell and a diaphragm. The shell includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is configured to be inserted into a breathing opening in a mask to form a connection with the breathing opening of the mask. The diaphragm is inside the shell and positioned about the second opening. The diaphragm is configured to impede airflow into the shell through the second opening. The first opening can be defined by a first ellipse insertable into the breathing opening of the mask. The second opening can be defined by a second ellipse through which airflow enters into the shell. A diameter of the second ellipse can be greater than a diameter of the first ellipse.

Abstract: An oxygen supply system for a station operator includes an oxygen cylinder; a mask operably connected to the oxygen cylinder; a pouch operably connected to the mask; carbon dioxide scrubber disposed inside the pouch; first one-way valve operably connected between the mask and the pouch for allowing one-way flow of gases exhaled by the operator from the mask to the pouch; and second one-way valve operably connected between the mask and the pouch for allowing one-way flow of gases from the pouch to the operator.

Abstract: Gravity-laid inorganic fiber webs and methods of making and using are disclosed. The gravity-laying process comprises mechanically separating inorganic fibers and collecting the fibers as a web, and may comprise blending of multiple types of inorganic fibers and/or blending of inorganic particulate additives with the fibers.

Abstract: A curtain is wound on a roller (2), provided in a head box (4), mounted in a ceiling (6). The curtain is also provided with a bottom bar (10). When the curtain is drawn up onto the roller, the bottom bar (10) can be used to close the head box (4). When deployed the bottom bar provides stability to the descending curtain, and in full deployment rests on the floor. The curtain is provided with additional strips (30) of fabric, to allow ease of roll up onto the roller. The strip(s) arc attached at their top end only, to the curtain. Typically this will be by sewing (32), but also may be rivets or other form of heat resistant connection. The strip(s) are also connected to the bottom bar. A cable (34) is attached to the strip(s), usually through a rivet, but any other form of secure attachment may be used. The cable is then connected to the bottom bar, via a spring (36). This connects to keep the strip(s) in tension, to enable ease of rolling of the curtain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the protection of an attic or concealed combustible space defined by a ceiling base and a roof deck disposed above a ceiling base defining a peak are provided. A plurality of fluid distribution devices are spaced above the ceiling base and below the roof deck to define a peak region. At least one fire detection assembly is disposed in the peak region above the fluid distribution devices to detect a fire in the attic space. A controller couples the plurality of distribution devices to the fire detection assembly. The fluid distribution devices are disposed at a working clearance distance above the ceiling base to provide an extended protected eaves region of the attic space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas extinguishing system for a predefined protected area, particularly small-parts storage systems, wherein the gas extinguishing system comprises an inert gas source and a diffuser system fluidly connected to the inert gas source by a tubing system. The diffuser system comprises a diffuser tube having a plurality of drill holes provided in the surface of the diffuser tube and a pressure reducer allocated to the diffuser tube. In order to be able to achieve non-interactiveness with respect to the diffuser system from the standpoint of the design of the gas extinguishing system, the inventive provides for designing the diffuser system such that a primary baffle pressure measured in absolute bar is at least twice as high as the internal pressure of the diffuser tube during the flooding period dimensioned for the protected area and that the internal pressure of the diffuser tube during the dimensioned flooding period is at a maximum of 2 bar absolute.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for a fire zone including a first tank containing a first liquid component of a two-part foam and a second tank containing a second liquid component of the foam. The system includes at least one liquid component release device configured to be selectively capable of releasing the first and second components from their respective containers upon receipt of a signal from a fire detector upon detection of a fire. The two-part foam components are propelled through the system by a pressurized propellant that, upon release of the release device, causes the exit of the foam components from their respective tanks, through a mixing conduit to at least one nozzle. The nozzle is configured to spray the liquid component foam mixture into the fire zone wherein the foam cures into a substantially semi-rigid, closed cell foam that is substantially impermeable and may have charring and/or intumescence properties.

Abstract: Various mist-type fire protection systems for the protection of light and ordinary hazard occupancies of reduced water demand as compared to known mist type systems or sprinkler systems configured to protect the same occupancies. Three system configurations are defined by varying design criteria for the installation of: mist devices having an enlarged coverage area alone or in combination with known nozzles or sprinklers. The preferred mist devices provide for the protection of at least one of a light hazard occupancy only and a light and ordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling with a maximum ceiling height of at least 8 ft. The preferred device include a body having a passageway defining a K-factor of less than 1 gpm/psi1/2. The preferred device includes means for diffusing the fluid at a flux density of less than 0.1 gpm/sq. ft. for a fluid pressure at the inlet of less than 500 psi. to define a coverage area of the device of over than 132 sq. ft., preferably to a maximum of 256 sq. ft.

Abstract: New high molecular weight fluoropolymers (fluoropolymer surfactants) are provided that are useful in compositions for use as fire extinguishing concentrates. The fluoropolymers contain C4-C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, and substantially lack perfluoroalkyl groups containing more than 6 fluorine-substituted carbon atoms.

Abstract: Novel fluorosurfactants are provided that contain perfluoroalkyl groups no longer than perfluorohexyl (C6). The surfactants are useful in the preparation of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) and alcohol-resistant film-forming foams (AR-AFFF) for firefighting. Unexpectedly, these compounds have activity in AFFF and AR-AFFF applications that is comparable and even superior to conventional surfactants that contain perfluoroalkyl groups that are perfluorooctyl (C8) and longer. Also provided are methods of making the novel surfactants, as well as foam concentrates, methods of making foam and methods of fighting fires using foam containing the novel surfactants.

Abstract: Trampoline systems containing at least one platform that extends over and above adjacent trampoline jumping surfaces is disclosed. Methods of making and using trampoline systems containing at least one platform that extends over and above adjacent trampoline jumping surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually operated treadmill adapted to generate electrical power comprising a treadmill frame, a running belt supported upon the treadmill frame and adapted for manual rotation, and an electrical power generator mechanically interconnected to the running belt and adapted to convert the manual rotational motion of the running belt into electrical power.

Abstract: An adjustable barbell or dumbbell or exercise device includes a handle device having a handle bar engageable into grooves of a number of weight members, the weight members each having two pivotal arms, a hand grip disposed on the handle bar, and a number of plates disposed on the handle bar and rotated in concert with the hand grip, the plates are engageable between the weight members, and the plates each include an engaging element for engaging with the weight members and for moving the arms toward each other to engage with the handle device when the plates and the hand grip are rotated relative to the handle bar, and for anchoring a selected number of weight members to the handle device with the plates.