Abstract: An implantable lead protector, comprising, an upper surface; a lower surface; a spool disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface; and, a protective channel disposed at least partially therethrough the spool, the protective channel further comprising a curved outer wall and a curved inner wall; whereby a least a portion of a lead can be slidably received into the protective channel and at least a portion of the lead may be wound around the spool.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body that defines a central lumen extending along the longitudinal length of the lead body. The stimulation lead includes electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body, terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body, and conductors. Each conductor electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The stimulation lead also includes a tubular reinforcing member disposed in the central lumen of the lead body within a portion of the distal end of the lead body or at least one reinforcing member disposed upon the distal end of the lead body proximal of the plurality of electrodes. The reinforcing member stiffens a portion of the distal end of the lead body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: Implantable leadless pacing devices and medical device systems including an implantable leadless pacing device are disclosed. An example implantable leadless pacing device may include a pacing capsule. The pacing capsule may include a housing. The housing may have a proximal region and a distal region. A first electrode may be disposed along the distal region. One or more anchoring members may be coupled to the distal region. The anchoring members may each include a region with a compound curve.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting dislodgment of an implantable device are disclosed. In one example, a method for determining a dislodgement status may comprise collecting, by the implantable device operating in a first operating mode, a first number of accelerometer signal samples during a cardiac cycle of the heart and using the first number of accelerometer signal samples to determine a first patient parameter and collecting, by the implantable device operating in a second operating mode, a second number of accelerometer signal samples during a cardiac cycle of the heart and using the second number of accelerometer signal samples to determine a dislodgment status of the implantable device, wherein the first number is smaller than the second number. In some further embodiments, the method may further include providing a notification of the dislodgment status to a remote device that is remote from the implantable medical device.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide efficacious pain management therapies based on delivery of physical medicine(s) via computer-implemented systems. Patient information comprising patient pain symptoms, patient physiological measurements, patient demographics, and other information is received at a pain therapy device. The patient information is compared with pain analytics data compiled on a plurality of individuals to determine a personalized pain management therapy. The personalized pain management therapy is applied via a combination of thermoceuticals, electroceuticals, ultrasound, and several other forms of physical medicine. Sensors coupled to the pain therapy device measure changes in physiological data resulting from the pain management therapy. The personalized pain management therapy can be adjusted based on the changes in the physiological data and/or patient feedback.

Abstract: A method, including obtaining data relating to electric hearing, obtaining data relating to acoustic hearing and preparing a prescription for a multimodal hearing prosthesis for an individual based on the obtained data relating to the electric hearing and the acoustic hearing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method entails comparing the data relating to electric hearing to the data relating to acoustic hearing and preparing the prescription based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing asynchronous neural responses to treat pain and/or other patient conditions are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a target stimulation frequency that is above a threshold frequency, with the threshold frequency corresponding to a refractory period for neurons of a target sensory neural population. The method can further include producing a patient sensation of paresthesia by directing an electrical signal to multiple sensory neurons of the target sensory neural population at the stimulation frequency, with individual neurons of the sensory neural population completing corresponding individual refractory periods at different times, resulting in an asynchronous sensory neuron response to the electrical signal.

Abstract: A medical device for monitoring delivery of a therapy that includes a therapy delivery module to deliver a therapy, a controller to set a therapy delivery control parameter, an optical sensor to produce a signal corresponding to tissue light attenuation, and a processor configured to compute a tissue oxygenation measurement from the optical sensor signal, wherein the controller, the optical sensor, and the processor operate cooperatively to determine a setting of the therapy delivery control parameter corresponding to a maximum tissue oxygenation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for providing temporary induced dyssynchrony (TID) therapy to patients with atrial tachycardia. An implantable cardiac device includes a pulse generator coupled to a plurality of electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the pulse generator and configured to cause the pulse generator to apply TID therapy to a patient's heart via the plurality of electrodes, determine that the patient's heart is experiencing atrial tachycardia, and adjust at least one parameter of the TID therapy based on the determination.

Abstract: A passive implantable relay module includes a first coupler arm configured to wirelessly receive electromagnetic energy radiated through electric radiative coupling from a transmitting antenna located outside a subject's body; a second coupler arm; and a connector portion comprising a first metal core and a first dielectric coating surrounding the first metal core, the connector portion configured to connect the first coupler arm to the second coupler arm such that when the passive implantable relay module is implanted inside the subject's body and the transmitting antenna initiates wireless energy transfer to the first coupler arm via non-inductive coupling, electromagnetic waves carrying the electromagnetic energy received at the first coupler arm propagate along the first metal core to arrive at the second coupler arm, where the electromagnetic energy arriving is wirelessly transferred, again via non-inductive coupling, to a receiving antenna on a passive wireless neural stimulator device.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for configuring external defibrillators are described herein. A medical device management system is described that includes a plurality of external defibrillators associated with a common owner, the plurality of external defibrillators including a previously stored protocol configuration, and a configuration information database that includes owner-selected protocol configuration settings, wherein the plurality of external defibrillators associated with the common owner are configured to be communicatively connected by a wireless connection to a central server comprising the configuration information database, and to send a request for the owner-selected protocol configuration settings to the central server, receive the owner-selected protocol configuration settings, and update the previously stored protocol configuration based on the received owner-selected protocol configuration settings.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system includes a processor, a memory, a wireless communication module (DWCM), and an NFC tag that stores information for how an accessing device may access the DWCM wirelessly. An accessing device such as a defibrillator configurator with an NFC reader may read the NFC tag of the WCD system, if it has adequate permission to do so. Upon so reading, the accessing device will know how to address the DWCM wirelessly, and thus install or update configuration data, software updates, or request memory downloads from operations. The use of the NFC tag requires close proximity, which hampers both inadvertently programming the wrong WCD system, plus a WCD system being attacked maliciously.

Abstract: An interstitial laser therapy control system is disclosed. The control system includes a thermistor controller apparatus, a microprocessor, a storage device, at least one input device, a display, an electro-mechanical shutter switch, an electro-mechanical emergency shutoff switch, and an electro-mechanical master power switch. The microprocessor is configured to monitor temperatures detected by one or more thermistors connected to the thermistor controller. Based on the temperatures, the microprocessor determines when treatment has been successful and when application of laser energy needs to be halted. The control system also enables an operator to pause and resume treatment using the input device. The electro-mechanical shutter switch sends a signal to a laser source to close a shutter on the laser. The electro-mechanical emergency stop button causes power to be cut off to the laser source.

Abstract: Provided is an implantable spacer that can be placed in a body and can be easily removed after placement. The implantable spacer includes a tube which is folded or bent at one or a plurality of positions to form partial sections adjacent to each other; fixing threads which are disposed along a direction transverse to the partial sections in order to maintain the shape of the tube; and a trigger thread for catching the fixing threads being in a releasable state.

Abstract: An intracavity balloon catheter may include a flexible catheter and a balloon provided on a distal end of the flexible catheter. The balloon may be inflatable with the introduction of fluid into the balloon from the flexible catheter. The balloon may be composed of a plurality of sections, including a center section and side sections. The inflated balloon may have shapes such as cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or pillow shape. The intracavity balloon catheter may further include a securing device, such as a positioning ring, for securing the position of an inserted intracavity balloon catheter. This securing device may be composed of two, matable components with a passage extending through. The flexible catheter may be insertable into the passage. Tabs may be provided, either on one of the components or on a locking mechanism provided between the components, to prevent sliding of an inserted flexible catheter.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor, comprising the steps of: (1) a main controller implementing an initial radiation treatment plan, as a current radiation treatment plan, using positively charged particles delivered from a synchrotron, along a beam transport line, through a nozzle system proximate the treatment room, and into the tumor; (2) concurrent with the step of implementing, imaging the tumor, such as with protons, to generate a current image; (3) upon detection of movement of the tumor relative to surrounding constituents of the patient using the current image, the main controller, using computer implemented code, automatically generating an updated treatment plan, the updated treatment plan becoming the current radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing, imaging, and generating an updated treatment plan at least n times, where n is a positive integer of at least one.

Abstract: A therapeutic device is provided, including a cylindrical gantry; a pedestal, a particle beam irradiation device, a first rail, and a second rail all disposed in the gantry; the first rail including an arc-shaped portion and a straight portion, the second rail having a same shape as the first rail, a rail motor on the second rail to rotate the second rail in a opposite direction than that of the gantry, first and second moving floors on the rails and respectively including first floor panels rotatably connected to each other and second floor panels rotatably connected to each other, a first end panel of the first floor and a fourth end panel of the second floor being detachably connected to the irradiation device, and a second end panel of the first floor being detachably connected to a third end panel of the second floor.

Abstract: Irradiation device for irradiating an irradiation object with heavy charged particles, comprising a support for the irradiation object, and an irradiation nozzle irradiating a charged particle beam towards the irradiation object, wherein the beam is deflected within the irradiation nozzle. The support for the irradiation object is moveable at least horizontally, and the irradiation nozzle is moveable at least vertically and rotatable around a nozzle swivel axis along which the particle beam enters into the irradiation nozzle.

Abstract: A system for making an autoclave inert such that flame propagation is prevented in the event of spontaneous internal combustion, which thus prevents damaging the actual system or equipment, tools and parts, for which it essentially has sodium azide capsules which produce a chemical reaction when they reach an activation temperature, releasing nitrogen, making the chamber inert, venting equipment to prevent damage due to overpressure inside the chamber when the capsules have come into action and released the gas, a main cooling circuit and an additional cooling circuit for the capsules, all of this automatically controlled and managed by a control device.

Abstract: This application relates to capacitors that resist deformation because of the configuration of their conductive and dielectric layers. The capacitors are multilayer capacitors that include multiple dielectric and conductive layers. The dielectric layers can be arranged in a way that creates a rigid barrier or dead zone, which can resist mechanical deformation when the multilayer capacitor is charged. In some embodiments, two or more multilayer capacitors are stacked together in an arrangement that causes each of the multilayer capacitors to cancel any deformations of the other when the multilayer capacitors are charged. In this way, noise exhibited by the multilayer capacitors can be reduced.

Abstract: A sprinkler assembly (10) includes a (plastic) sprinkler frame (12) and a deflector assembly (30) circumferentially disposed about the sprinkler frame. The deflector assembly includes a receiver portion (32), a deflector member (34), and at least one extension member (36) to space the deflector member from the receiver portion. The at least one extension member is peripheral with respect to the receiver portion and the deflector member. The sprinkler assembly can be configured with the deflector assembly translating with respect to the sprinkler frame. Alternatively, the deflector assembly can be fixed with respect to the sprinkler frame.

Abstract: An example system in a fire pump room may comprise a monitoring component that is configured to receive data from two or more pump room devices of a fire pump room. The monitoring component may include a plurality of input ports and each of the two or more pump room devices may be communicatively coupled to the monitoring component via a corresponding input port. The system may further comprise a wireless network interface controller communicatively coupled to a server in a network via a wireless access point, and a memory configured to store subscription information for one or more subscribing parties. Additionally, the system may comprise a processing component configured to send an indication of the received data to at least one of the one or more subscribing parties via the wireless network interface controller.

Abstract: A linkage structure of a reluctance unit and a brake unit and an exercise machine having the linkage structure are provided. The exercise machine includes a main body, having a resistance wheel and a control unit; a linkage member, connected with the control unit; a reluctance unit, corresponding to the resistance wheel and connected with the linkage member; and a brake unit, corresponding to the resistance wheel and connected with the linkage member. The control unit controls the motion of the linkage member so that the linkage member drives the reluctance unit to move between a reluctance position and a release position, and the linkage member drives the brake unit to move between a brake release position and a brake position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for using a portable exercise device. Various exercises are performable using the exercise device, including standing, sitting, and kneeling exercises that are particularly suited for resistance training. The portable exercise device includes a frame defining an empty space. The portable frame includes a top bar parallel to a bottom bar, and two side bars including a first side bar and a second side bar, as well as a first frame handle and a second frame handle. The first frame handle and the second frame handle are affixed substantially near an upper portion of the first side bar and the second side bar. The first frame handle and the second frame handle are in horizontal alignment with respect to each other. The portable exercise frame includes a set of attachment points distributed around the portable exercise frame configured to receive resistance bands.

Abstract: A pair of handle members are attached to opposite sides of a weight member that is convexly rounded over most of its surface. Each of the handle members has at least three handholds with different spatial relationships. The handle members each have an outer section with a core of solid material spaced from the weight member. The handle members have a plurality of connecting sections with at least four of them connected to the weight member. Opposite ends of the outer section are separately supported by a corresponding pair of the connecting sections. The weight member has clearance to allow passage of an exerciser's body part through a common transverse plane that engages the handles, if the passage is outside a region between the pair of handles. These weights can be assembled in different sizes. The weights of this set each have one or more flat sections arranged to allow vertical stacking.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having homolateral and contralateral modes of operation is disclosed. The exercise apparatus may include a frame supporting generally vertically oriented reciprocating members spaced apart and in substantial parallel relationship to one another. The reciprocating members may include foot supports fixedly secured at the lower distal ends thereof and handlebars rotatably mounted proximate the upper distal ends of the reciprocating members. The handlebars may be selectively locked for homolateral and contralateral operation of the exercise apparatus.

Abstract: The standing step trainer is a device that allows a user to engage in movement that is similar to walking, although less strenuous. The standing step trainer assists users in raising their center of mass after it has been lowered via plantar flexion, ankle flexion, dorsiflexion, and knee flexion. Because users receive an assist in returning to an upright, neutral standing position, they are able to move on the standing step trainer for extended periods of time. This type of movement has been shown to provide myriad health benefits including an increase in the flow of nitric oxide throughout the blood. The methods of the present invention disclose using the standing step trainer to attain these and many other health benefits while working at a desk, watching television, attending class, or any other activity that has heretofore been done from a sitting or standing position.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The biometric monitoring device may track the completion progress towards one or more biometric performance goals and provide a goal celebration indicator upon completion of a biometric performance goal and subsequent receipt of an input signal. In some implementations, the completion of a biometric performance goal may be signaled prior to receipt of the input signal using a secondary indicator.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media configured to correlate image data of a user performing physical activity with data collected during the user's performance. Data may include sensor data measuring, force, acceleration, speed, and/or processed sensor data from one or more sensors. Certain embodiments may determine whether the user is within a performance zone based on user attributes. Correlation of the image data with physical activity data may be based, at least in part, whether the user is within a performance zone.

Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. In one example, an athletic monitoring device may include or be associated with multiple types of movement sensors and switch between the sensors or use both depending on various factors including type of workout. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment used and the like. In one or more examples, the parameters may be automatically determined based on location. User workouts and accomplishments may also be celebrated through messages from celebrities, family, friends and other users. In some cases, the messages may be triggered by various conditions. Coaching may also be provided to the user to help improve workouts and overall athletic performance. Running routes may also be automatically tracked, stored and shared.

Abstract: Exercise equipment provides maximum effort repetitions, every rep, safely, through constant velocity. With constant velocity resistance, every person using the equipment can achieve maximum resistance for each repetition, whether their strength maxes out at 5 lbs. or 500 lbs. of resistance. The constant velocity resistance allows for reduced resistance with each repetition as fatigue sets in, without changing the equipment settings. The exercise equipment includes a line coupled to a handle, and retracted by a retraction assembly. An impeder provides resistance for pushing/pulling (depending on the exercise) based on constant rotational velocity of the impeder, rather than resisting with a force of gravity, spring force, or friction. The impeder prevents extraction of the line faster than the constant rotational velocity. Thus, a user can push/pull as hard as desired, and the line can only be extracted as limited by the velocity of the impeder.

Abstract: A ball has a lightweight inner bladder and an outer layer that covers the inner bladder. The inner bladder bunches up against the inner surface of the outer layer. The bunched up surface of the inner bladder may be flattened upon impact, thereby absorbing energy. The bunched up inner bladder may create an uneven surface on the outer layer thereby altering the manner through which the ball travels through the air. The outer layer may be provided with lines, indentations, graphics and/or other features that improve the performance of the ball and/or that replicate some or all of the characteristics of the exterior surface of the regulation ball it simulates. The ball may be configured for any of a variety of sports or games.

Abstract: A game system is disclosed that can be played using gross motor skills. The game system is mountable on the player's torso and comprises a tethered ball that can be kicked by the player into a goal mounted on the neck of the base of the game system. The game system can include a fastener for detachably connecting different balls to the game system.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with deflection junctions are described herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An armed combat interactive system based on high frequency wireless scoring, comprising a moving device, a combat device, a protecting device, a wireless identification control device and a scoring disposing device. When a first conductive part of one combat device touches a second conductive part of the protecting device corresponding to the other combat device, the wireless identification control device corresponding to one combat device sends a high frequency impulse signal with an ID identification code, and the wireless identification control device corresponding to the other combat device receives the high frequency impulse signal with the ID identification code and sends a scoring signal to the scoring disposing device. The scoring disposing device records the score.

Abstract: Described herein are illustrative embodiments of an ice hockey target training apparatus for training users to shoot pucks into a standard sized NHL goal, and methods for retrieving pucks from behind such apparatus. The apparatus may include a blocking surface including a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion coupled by a coupling mechanism. The first blocking portion may be configured to be coupled to a goal and to cover at least a portion of the upper portion of the goal. The second blocking portion configured to cover at least a portion of the lower portion of the goal. The coupling mechanism may be configured to move the second blocking portion relative to the first blocking portion to access the base of the goal to retrieve the scoring media from within the goal while the first blocking portion remains coupled to the goal.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that includes a chin strap system that allows for rapid, one-handed adjustment of the chin strap by the player while the helmet is worn is provided. The chin strap assembly includes a protective chin cup and a pair of straps extending from opposed sides of the chin cup and having a plurality of securing elements. The assembly also includes a pair of adjustable connectors affixed to the helmet and that include a central opening that receives an extent of the strap and a depressible lever that engages the securing elements. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in a first direction, and prevents movement of the strap in a second direction when the lever and securing elements are engaged. The adjustable connector allows movement of the strap in both the first and second directions when the lever is not engaged with the securing elements. When the strap is sufficiently loosened, but not disengaged from the connectors, the helmet can be removed from the player's head.

Abstract: A snowboard boot and binding system is disclosed which facilitates the engagement and disengagement of a snowboard boot and binding. The snowboard boot may include a boot engagement member extending from a rear of the boot. The boot engagement member is moved downwardly into a corresponding binding engagement member to provide an arrangement which prevents forward movement of the boot. The boot engagement member also may include one or more serrations to engage with one or more pawls on the binding to prevent upward movement of the boot. A snap-in arrangement may be provided in a boot toe region. The boot has protrusions extending outwardly from each side of the boot to engage with catches on the binding sidewalls. As the boot is pressed downwardly into the binding, the protrusions splay the catches until reaching recesses, at which point the catches rebound to capture the protrusions against upward movement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device which contains a ducted fan assembly on the aft portion of a longitudinal structure which the user grasps onto, which acts to propel the user along the longitudinal direction of the device while the user is mounted on a human transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. The user can orient the device so that the ducted fan assembly leads ahead or trails behind the user, according to user preference. In one embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a spring twist throttle mechanism. In another embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a trigger and switch mechanism. The fore latch and the aft latch allow the user to clamp the device onto a skateboard deck for ease in transporting while on foot.

Abstract: A chess-type game played on a game board of ten columns and eight rows, or ten columns and ten rows. The game is played with traditional chess game pieces plus additional wizard game pieces. During a turn the wizard game pieces can be moved one space away in any direction, or alternately can be exchanged with any other game piece on the board belonging to the same set.

Abstract: A word-forming game and methods to play the game are disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes obtaining a plurality of game pieces amongst which at least one game piece bears a rotatable indicia on a face thereof, wherein the rotatable indicia depicts a different set of one or more letters when viewed from different viewing orientations. The method further includes linearly arranging the game pieces on a gaming surface to form a first word, wherein the first word includes a first set of one or more letters depicted by the rotatable indicia when viewed from a first viewing orientation, and rotating the at least one game piece bearing the rotatable indicia to form a second word different from the first word, wherein the second word includes a second set of one or more letters depicted by the rotatable indicia when viewed from a second viewing orientation.

Abstract: A soccer board game to emulate the action, skill and strategy of a conventional soccer match. The board game includes a game board having markings of a conventional soccer pitch. Cylindrical player pieces are utilized to manipulate a ball piece and impart a sliding or a flipping motion in the ball piece. The players may pass, shoot, or throw the ball in actions to emulate the play of a conventional soccer match.

Abstract: Handheld location based games are provided in which a user's physical location correlates to the virtual location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Augmented Reality (AR) systems are provided in which video game indicia are overlaid onto a user's physical environment. A landscape detector is provided that may obtain information about the user's landscape, in addition to the user's location, in order to provide overlaying information to an AR head-mounted display and control information to non-user controlled video game characters.

Abstract: An input of a user is received from an input unit, and in accordance with the input of the user, an operation object displayed on a display screen moves in a predetermined movement-allowed range. A plurality of sound objects appear and move in the display screen, the sound objects set for sounds to be output in accordance with a composition to be performed. Then, if the operation object and each sound object have made contact with each other, the sound set for the sound object is output.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting that a gaming system has presented a first of a plurality of gaming venue states of a game, presenting a first of a plurality of screen shots at a display responsive to detecting the first gaming venue state, detecting that the gaming system has transitioned to a presentation of a second of the plurality of venue states, and presenting a second of the plurality of screen shots at the display responsive to detecting the second gaming venue state. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An example of peripheral device adds a predetermined function to a mobile device having an infrared communication function. The peripheral device includes an additional function unit, an infrared communication unit, and a support unit. The additional function unit has the predetermined function. The infrared communication unit is capable of performing infrared communication with the mobile device. The support unit detachably supports the mobile device so that a light emitting/receiving unit for infrared light of the mobile device is positioned so as to be capable of transmitting or receiving infrared light to or from the infrared communication unit.

Abstract: An example of peripheral device adds a predetermined function to a mobile device having an infrared communication function. The peripheral device includes an additional function unit, an infrared communication unit, and a support unit. The additional function unit has the predetermined function. The infrared communication unit is capable of performing infrared communication with the mobile device. The support unit detachably supports the mobile device so that a light emitting/receiving unit for infrared light of the mobile device is positioned so as to be capable of transmitting or receiving infrared light to or from the infrared communication unit.

Abstract: A joystick apparatus includes a handgrip connected to a hinge mechanism by a rigid bar. The hinge mechanism includes two living hinges that surround the bar and provide a restoring spring force in six degrees of motion. A third living hinge surrounds the bar and includes a disc member positioned between the center of the third living hinge and the bar. The third living hinge provides a restoring force in five degrees of motion, while rotation of the bar along its longitudinal axis causes the disc member to rotate relative the third living hinge. The rotation of the disc member relative to the third living hinge may be tracked with a Hall effect sensor. Other sensors may be provided on the hinge mechanism to track the motion of the bar and to cause a connected device to move in a fashion corresponding to movement of the joystick.