Abstract: In some embodiments, a device for coupling a fluid source to a medical device includes a housing. The housing includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a passageway therebetween. The proximal portion is configured to be coupled to the fluid source and the distal portion is configured to be coupled to the medical device such that the medical device is in fluidic communication with the fluid source via the passageway. A deformable member is disposed on the distal portion and is configured to deform to removably couple the housing to the medical device. In some embodiments, the deformable member is configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the medical device. In some embodiments, the distal portion includes a sealing member configured to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the medical device.

Abstract: A fluid connector includes first and second fluid connector elements with respective first and second base portions. The first and second fluid connector elements each include a pair of extension portions extending from the respective first and second base portions. First and second face seal elements are respectively carried by the first and second base portions and are contained within the pair of extension portions of the associated fluid connector element. A locking coupling allows the first and second fluid connector elements to be coupled together with the face seal elements in facing and sealing engagement, and then rotated relative to one another and locked together to form a fluid tight joint between the face seal elements and a fluid flow path through the first and second face seal elements and the first and second fluid connector elements.

Abstract: The anti-back-flow devices and methods prevent fluid from leaking proximally from a catheter, but allow ready access to the catheter using any male luer device. The devices include proximal surfaces that urge open a valve in response to force from a male luer tip. The valves are associated a female luer hub and adapted to function with standard and typical non-standard male luer fittings.

Abstract: A method, programmer for a neurostimulator, and neurostimulation kit are provided. The kit comprises a neurostimulator, and a plurality of elongated lead bodies configured for being coupled to the neurostimulator, each having a plurality of proximal contacts and a plurality of distal electrodes respectively electrically coupled to the proximal contacts, wherein an in-line connectivity between the electrodes and proximal contacts carried by the different lead bodies differs from each other. Electrical energy is conveyed between the electrodes of the selected lead body and the tissue, an electrical fingerprint is measured at the proximal contacts of the selected lead body in response to the conveyed electrical energy, and the selected lead body is identified based on the measured electrical fingerprint. These steps can be performed by the programmer.

Abstract: Improved low-cost, highly reliable methods for increasing the electrochemical surface area of neural electrodes are described. A mono-layer of polymeric nanospheres is first deposited on a metallization supported on a dielectric substrate. The nanospheres self-assemble into generally repeating lattice forms with interstitial space between them. Then, the geometric surface area of the metallization material is increased by either selectively etching part-way into its depth at the interstitial space between adjacent nanospheres. Another technique is to deposit addition metallization material into the interstitial space. The result is undulation surface features provided on the exposed surface of the metallization. This helps improve the electrochemical surface area when the treated metallizations are fabricated into electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is a perineal probe for asymmetric treatments extending primarily along a longitudinal axis and including: a main rod extending primarily along the longitudinal axis; a plurality of electrodes, the perpendicular projection of which along said longitudinal axis is substantially in the same position, and reciprocally spaced in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and connected to the main rod by means of deformable arms, and sensing means to detect the deformation of the arms.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with at least one package that houses electronics that receives input data or signals, and optionally, power, from an external system through at least one coil attached to the at least one package, processes the input data and delivers electrical pulses to neural tissue through at least one array of multiple electrodes that is/are attached to the at least one package. The invention, or components thereof, is/are intended to be installed in the head, or on or in the cranium, or on the dura, or on or in the brain.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing interference in a therapeutic energy delivery system by delivering an electrical therapeutic signal to a patient to provide a therapeutic benefit to the patient, and delivering an electrical counter signal to the patient that destructively interferes with an electrical interference signal resulting from delivering the electrical therapeutic signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computing devices for fitting bilateral hearing prostheses. An example method includes sending a signal to a first hearing prosthesis and a second hearing prosthesis. The signal causes the first hearing prosthesis to deliver a first stimulus to a body part in a left auditory pathway of a user. The signal also causes the second hearing prosthesis to deliver a second stimulus to a body part in a right auditory pathway of the user. The first stimulus and the second stimulus cause the user to perceive a sound and are delivered simultaneously. The method also includes receiving an indication of a perception of the sound by the user. The method further includes determining an adjustment to at least one of the first stimulus or the second stimulus based on the perception of the sound by the user.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis apparatus and a method for providing artificial vision are disclosed in the present disclosure. The visual prosthesis apparatus comprises a camera for capturing a video image, a video processing unit configured to convert the video image to stimulation patterns, and a retinal stimulation system configured stimulate neural tissue in a subjects eye based on the stimulation patterns. An artificial vision may be provided by capturing a video image, converting the video image to stimulation patterns, and stimulating neural tissue in a subjects eye based on the stimulation patterns.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved spatial fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. The system of the present invention maps projected locations of percepts, where a person perceives a percept from a visual prosthesis to the intended location of the percepts. The projected location may vary over time. These test results can be used to correct a visual prosthesis or spatially map the visual prosthesis.

Abstract: A cochlear implant sound processor including processor apparatus that, in response to being paired with a cochlear implant, converts audio signals from a microphone into stimulation data and transfer the stimulation data to cochlear implant, and in response to a failure to detect the cochlear implant, transfers the audio signals to a contralateral sound processor. Systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.

Abstract: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) electrodes are positioned within (or adjacent to) white matter fiber tracts in a brain of patient. The DBS electrodes may be positioned near one or more stimulation sites within the white matter fiber tracts. The stimulation sites may be selected based on the disorder of the patient. In some examples, the stimulation sites may be selected based on one or more symptoms of the patient. In some examples, additional electrodes may be positioned in another area to collect bioelectrical brain signals. The area in which the additional electrodes are placed is an area that is different from the stimulation site but is targeted by stimulation therapy provided at the stimulation site.

Abstract: In some examples, a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit outputs a timing signal having a frequency and phase that is the same as a patient signal that is an input to the PLL circuit. The PLL circuit includes or is coupled to a storage circuit that stores information needed to cause the PLL circuit to maintain the frequency of the timing signal to the same frequency even after the patient signal is not available as an input.

Abstract: Adaptive methods for initiating charging of the high power capacitors of an implantable medical device for therapy delivery after the patient experiences a non-sustained arrhythmia, and devices that perform such methods. The adaptive methods and devices adjust persistence criteria used to analyze an arrhythmia prior to initiating a charging sequence to deliver therapy. Some embodiments apply a specific sequence of X-out-of-Y criteria, persistence criteria, and last event criteria before starting charging for therapy delivery.

Abstract: A refractory period for a pacemaker sensing channel refers to a period of time during which the sensing channel is either blind to incoming electrical signals, termed a blanking interval, and/or during which the device is configured to ignore such signals for purposes of sense event detection. Methods and devices for implementing refractory periods in the context of multi-site left ventricular pacing are described.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus is configured for subcutaneously inserting an implantable device within a patient. The apparatus includes a dilator portion including a dilator including a dilator length. The dilator portion is configured to separate tissue to create a subcutaneous pocket within the patient sized and shaped to accommodate an implantable device within the subcutaneous pocket. A sheath portion includes a sheath sized and shaped to accommodate the dilator within a sheath lumen. The sheath is configured to accommodate an antenna of the implantable device with the dilator removed from within the sheath. The sheath includes a sheath length that is at least substantially as long as an antenna length. The sheath is configured to separate to allow removal of the sheath around the implantable device to remove the sheath from and leave the implantable device within the subcutaneous pocket within the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems and methods of programming electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. A communications link is established with a pulse generator that is configured to generate electrical stimulation pulses. An intermittent electrical coupling between the pulse generator and a diagnostic tool is simulated. This simulation is performed by instructing, for a plurality of cycles, the pulse generator to automatically turn on and off the generation of electrical stimulation pulses. Each cycle includes a first time period and a second time period following the first time period. The simulating includes: instructing the pulse generator to generate the electrical stimulation pulses during the first time period; and instructing the pulse generator to stop generating the electrical stimulation pulses during the second time period.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs), and methods for use therewith, reduce how often an IMD accepts false messages. Such a method can include receiving a message and measuring a message interval indicative of a length of time between when the message was received and when a preceding message was received. The method can also include determining, based on the measured message interval, whether the message was received within the message window, and determining whether to reject the message based on results thereof. The method can also include adjusting a temporal position of the message window based on the measured message interval. The method can further include determining a quality measure indicative of a quality of the message and/or a quality of a channel over which the message was received, and determining whether to reject the message based on the quality measure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the wireless transfer of power between two hermetically sealed devices are described herein. An example system may include a battery package and a hermetically sealed body-implantable electronic device having an electronics package. The battery package may include one or more alignment structures, configured to removably align the battery package with the electronic device, a battery, and a wireless power transceiver. At least the battery and the wireless power transceiver of the battery package may be contained within a hermetic material separate from the electronic device. Power may be wirelessly transferred between the devices by any means, including inductive coupling or capacitive coupling. In some examples, the hermetically-sealed devices may be implanted in a living body.

Abstract: Receiver-stimulator with folded or rolled up assembly of piezoelectric components, causing the receiver-stimulator to operate with a high degree of isotropy are disclosed. The receiver-stimulator comprises piezoelectric components, rectifier circuitry, and at least two stimulation electrodes. Isotropy allows the receiver-stimulator to be implanted with less concern regarding the orientation relative the transmitted acoustic field from an acoustic energy source.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system includes a pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The pacemaker is configured to confirm a hemodynamically unstable rhythm based on an activity metric determined from an activity sensor signal after detecting a ventricular tachyarrhythmia and withhold anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) pulses in response to confirming the hemodynamically unstable rhythm. The pacemaker may deliver ATP when a hemodynamically unstable rhythm is not confirmed based on the activity metric. The ICD is configured to detect the ATP and withhold a shock therapy in response to detecting the ATP in some examples.

Abstract: A method of treating cardiac arrhythmia in a heart, including (i) determining that cardiac tissue is viable but with reduced innervation; and (ii) ablating the tissue to reduce a prevalence of arrhythmia in said heart. Optionally, the determining comprises detecting portions of heart wall which lack electrical activity. Optionally, at least some tissue which is viable but lacks nervous control is ablated, for example, to reduce or avoid arrhythmia.

Abstract: A photonic apparatus made from a stretchable and flexible material is provided. The apparatus may be a garment is especially suitable for wearing. The garment provides a wearer with light therapy which replicates the beneficial natural light of the sun therein providing health benefits which may include treatment of various medical conditions. The light source may include light emitting diodes (LEDs), optical fibers or solid state light emitting chips, which may be contained in a removable light transmitting pouch within the interior of the apparatus, so that the light may be powered by an internal power source to provide freedom of movement during treatment. In an embodiment, the light source is housed within the pouch wherein the pouch itself may be removed from the interior of the apparatus to be charged and replaced in the apparatus for wireless treatment use.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vivo, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. In one example, embodiments involve methods for stimulating target cells using a photosensitive protein that allows the target cells to be stimulated in response to light. In another specific example embodiment, target cells are stimulated using an implantable arrangement. The arrangement includes an electrical light-generation means for generating light and a biological portion. The biological portion has a photosensitive bio-molecular arrangement that responds to the generated light by stimulating target cells in vivo. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems and methods for screening chemicals based screening chemicals to identify their effects on cell membrane ion channels and pumps, and to systems and methods for controlling an action potential of neuron (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle therapy apparatus used for radiation therapy. More particularly, this invention relates to a gantry for delivering particle beams which comprises means to analyze the incoming beam. Means are integrated into the gantry to limit the momentum spread of the beam and/or the emittance of the beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiopharmaceutical distribution device. Thus, the present invention provides the radiopharmaceutical distribution device comprising: a vial for storing an object selected from radiopharmaceuticals or radioactive isotopes; an object supply unit which checks radioactivity by extracting the object stored inside the vial as much as a set amount so as to temporarily store or discharge the same, and which measures radioactivity of the residual object of the discharged object; a saline solution supply unit which is selectively communicated with the object supply unit so as to discharge a saline solution that is to be mixed with the extracted object; and an injection part for storing the object having a specific radioactivity and discharged from the object supply unit and the saline solution of a set volume discharged from the saline solution supply unit in a mixed state.

Abstract: Methods are provided for permitting manipulation of an achievable dose distribution estimate deliverable by a radiation delivery apparatus for proposed treatment of a subject. One such method comprises: determining a dose modification voxel for which it is desired to modify the dose value and a corresponding magnitude of desired dose modification; for each of a plurality of beams: (i) characterizing the beam as a two-dimensional array of beamlets, wherein each beamlet is associated with a corresponding intensity value and a ray line representing the projection of the beamlet into space; and (ii) identifying one or more dose-change beamlets which have associated ray lines that intersect the dose modification voxel; modifying the intensity values of at least one of the dose-change beamlets; and updating the achievable dose distribution estimate to account for the modified intensity values of the at least one of the dose-change beamlets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing method for determining control data for controlling beam positions which beam positions describe positions which a treatment beam has or would have if emitted by a beam source, the treatment beam being for treating a treatment body part of a patient, said method constituted to be performed by a computer and comprising the steps of: .cndot. providing treatment data which comprise data on a position of the treatment body part; .cndot. providing condition data which describe: constraints on the beam positions and/or constraints on positional changes of the beam positions, wherein said constraints allow for at least a part of the beam positions to lie not in a common plane; .cndot. providing an arrangement of the beam positions on the basis of the treatment data which arrangement fulfills the condition data; .cndot.

Abstract: The use of radiochromic film for measuring the spatial distribution of the Linear Energy Transfer (LET) deposited by protons is described. The film is dosed with a proton beam and scanned to record grey-levels of the film. The grey-levels are converted to a measured dose using calibration films and the measured dose is compared to a calculated dose to generate a scaled-normalized difference (SND) between the calculated dose and the measured dose. An improved method and apparatus for treating an abnormal condition using radiation therapy in a patient in need thereof based on a measured LET is also provided.

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: A system includes a blower filter system (20), having a blower filter device (1), a head piece (21) and a flexible connection hose (22), connecting the blower filter device (1) and the head piece to one another in a fluid-communicating manner. A computer (30) is separated in space from the blower filter system. The computer has a communication interface (31), which is designed to transmit data from the computer to the control unit (6) of the blower filter device and/or to receive data from the control unit of the blower filter device to the computer. The blower filter device has at least one communication interface (7) for transmitting data from the control unit to an external computer and/or for receiving data sent from an external computer to the control unit. A process is provided for checking and setting device-specific parameters of the blower filter device of the blower filter system.

Abstract: A quick release apparatus for rapid disconnection of a waist belt from a self-contained breathing apparatus support frame, including frame connectors disposed on a lumbar support pad. The frame connectors and inserted through horizontal slots on the SBCA support frame and present an aperture for insertion of slide clips that tether the SCBA support frame to the lumbar support pad. The support pad, in turn, may be removably attached to a trucker's belt or integrated therein. In an emergency, the slide clips may be rapidly removed with a simple pull to effect a full and compete release of the SCBA support frame from the waist belt while leaving the waist belt and its accoutrements on the user.

Abstract: Two-sided and two-sided mirrored fire barriers having each of their two sides tested, rated, and certified for use in common spaces, such as spaces shared between two rooms are taught. Two-sided barriers require only one barrier and one installation, instead of the two presently needed. Two-sided barriers may have different construction and composition on each side; whereas each side of a mirrored fire barrier is a mirror image of the other. All two-sided barriers include top-mounted, bottom-mounted, and side-mounted barriers, gas and moisture impermeable barriers, and barriers shaped to fit into the expansion joint spaces created when a plurality of expansion joints intersect. The barriers are disposed to various sizes, lengths, widths, and depths, in addition to variations in shape, content, number and composition of layers, materials, and attachment means required to accommodate the variety of sizes and shapes of expansion-joint spaces and the desired rating, in terms of hours.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system of an aircraft including: a fire extinguishing nozzle that is provided on an installation member forming a compartment of the aircraft; and a fire extinguishing pipe that is provided on a support structure supporting the installation member from a back side, and supplies a fire extinguishing agent to the fire extinguishing nozzle, wherein the fire extinguishing pipe includes a first pipe that is supported by a first support member constituting the support structure, a second pipe that is supported by a second support member constituting the support structure and crossing the first support member, and a tube having flexibility that connects the first pipe and the second pipe.

Abstract: A container includes a fire-retarding material, a substantially airtight cavity, and a reinforcement material. The substantially airtight cavity is formed by the fire-retarding material and is sized to hold at least one item. The reinforcement material is connected with the fire-retarding material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system as well as a method for extinguishing fire in an enclosed room (6) in which the enclosed room (6) is flooded with extinguishing gas at least until an extinguishing gas concentration capable of providing an extinguishing effect (a) is set in the flood zone. In order to achieve the realizing of a maximum extinguishing gas concentration (b) as quickly as possible without the flooding of the room (6) thereby posing a danger to people, it is inventively provided for the flooding of the enclosed room (6) to be divided into a pre-flooding phase and a main flooding phase subsequent thereto. The pre-flooding phase corresponds to an interval of time between the time (t1) the alarming starts to warn people of impending danger and a predefined time (t2). The main flooding phase corresponds to an interval of time between the predefined time (t2) and the time (t4) at which a maximum extinguishing gas concentration (b) is reached.

Abstract: Processes for shutting down a regeneration reactor and for removing spent solid from the regeneration reactor may comprise shutting off a feed comprising an ionic liquid to the regeneration reactor, cooling the regeneration reactor, removing at least a portion of the ionic liquid from the regeneration reactor, purging the regeneration reactor with N2 gas, introducing water into the regeneration reactor to form an acidic liquid in the regeneration reactor, and dumping the acidic liquid and the spent solid from the regeneration reactor. The acidic liquid may be neutralized with a basic liquid to provide a neutralized liquid. The spent solid may be separated from the neutralized liquid. In an embodiment, noble metal(s) may be recovered from the spent solid.

Abstract: A triceps dip exercise stand is provided for exercising a user's upper body and core. The stand includes a base, a vertical adjustment mechanism coupled to the base, a lateral adjustment mechanism coupled to a top portion of the vertical adjustment mechanism, and a pair of adjustable handgrips coupled to the lateral adjustment mechanism. The lateral adjustment mechanism adjusts the lateral position of each handgrip, and the vertical adjustment mechanism adjusts the vertical position of the handgrips. Each of the upright and lateral adjustment mechanisms are secured in respective positions using individual locking pins.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for conditioning a group of muscles and joints of a subject including: a movement assembly including an arm having a handle, such that an angular position is created by the subject's joint when the subject grips the handle, a brake, connected to the movement assembly, configured to apply a work load to the movement assembly, and a sensor configured to sense the angular position of the movement assembly; and a computing device, in communication with the sensor and the brake, configured to sense the movement of the movement assembly relative to the brake, create an encoded signal representing the movement assembly and the movement over a period of time, and modify the brake to vary the work load during a movement of the movement assembly based on timing at the angular position and a predetermined regimen.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for exercising muscles comprises a power arm (2), which is pivotable about a pivot shaft (5), which is disposed on a holding element (6). The first articulation point (7) at which a compression spring element (9) is linked to the power arm (2) is adjustable along the power arm (2). To achieve this, one end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) is provided with a first joint surface (14), and a series of second joint surfaces (16), which are designed complementary to the first joint surface (14), is disposed across an adjustment zone (10) along the power arm (2). The first joint surface (14) is operatively connectible to one of the second joint surfaces (16), and the power arm (2) is pressed via a further spring element (18) toward the one end region (8) of the compression spring element (9) such that the two operatively connected joint surfaces are kept in contact with each other. Resulting thereby is a simple possibility of adjustment of the force to be applied to the power arm.

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

Abstract: A cam assembly is disclosed which includes a cam having a first cam pivot, a second cam pivot, and a machine shaft guide; a range plate which is engageable with the cam; a belt connected to the cam; and a machine shaft connected to the range plate. The first cam pivot defines the motion of a first arc and the second cam pivot guide defines the motion of a second arc as the cam is adjusted. A method of using a cam assembly is also disclosed which includes engaging an adjustor on a cam; releasing a connection between the cam and a range plate; rotating the cam; releasing the adjustor; and securing a connection between the cam and the range plate.

Abstract: A foldable exercise bike includes a cross configuration formed by a main frame with a treading-driven rotation mechanism at bottom and a seat at top and a second frame with a pivoting portion pivoted to a handle. The main frame has a first-positioning device, and one end of the first-positioning device is selectively fixed on the second frame, so that the main frame can be fixed with the second frame. The second frame has a second-positioning device, and one end of the second-positioning device is selectively fixed on the handle, so that the second frame can be fixed with the handle. A resistance device is between the second frame and handle. The length of the resistance device can be changed when the handle is swung relative to the second frame, thereby generating a resistance force opposing to the swing motion of the handle.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include an adjustable progressive exercise platform apparatus for use in a variety of settings. According to one aspect, the adjustable progressive exercise platform further includes a base portion and a platform. The base portion further includes a first and section portion that are releasably affixed about an axis and further contain an at least one set of horizontal apertures. The platform is substantially elongated and dimensioned to be releasably secured with the at least one set of horizontal apertures and provide a plurality of gradual resistance to at least one muscle group.

Abstract: An exercise machine monitoring and instruction system for the movement of an element of an exercise machine by an exerciser and providing automated feedback to the exerciser to help improve the exercise in real-time. The exercise machine monitoring and instruction system generally includes an exercise machine having a movable element that moves between a first position and a second position in a reciprocating manner, a sensor that detects a real-time position of the movable element, a processor in communication with the sensor to receive the real-time position data from the sensor related to a position of the movable element and a feedback device in communication with the processor that provides real-time instructions to the exerciser on how to adjust their workout to achieve a desired result.

Abstract: An Internet of Thing (IoT) sport device includes a sensor coupled to a processor; and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving one or more activity attachments including a deck having one or more openings along a long axis of the deck and between the top surface and the bottom surface of the deck. Each of the one or more openings having a circular aperture for receiving an accessory of a set of accessories. Each accessory of the set of accessories providing an activity for a user of the activity. Each accessory having an attachment platform configured to attach the accessory to the board. The attachment platform having a locking mechanism to engaging with a complementary locking mechanism of the board.

Abstract: A self-advancing knee ascender featuring: a piece of webbing; at least two lengths of tubing encased by the piece of webbing; a second piece of webbing attached to the appropriate middle of the at least two lengths of tubing, wherein the second piece of webbing includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is arranged to form a webbing loop; a first linking mechanism removably attached to the webbing loop; a mechanical ascender attached to the second end of the second piece of webbing; a cord having a first end and a second end, wherein the cord is inside the at least two lengths of tubing, wherein the cord exits one tube, forms a cord loop, and enters another tube; and a second linking mechanism attached to the cord loop.