Abstract: A steerable catheter is disclosed, having an elongated, tubular catheter body with at least one deflection member slidably disposed within a lumen, secured at a distal end to a tip section and terminating in an interconnect at a proximal end and a handle releasably attached to the proximal end of the catheter body. The handle has at least one sliding member coupled to an actuator, such that manipulation of the actuator causes relative longitudinal movement with respect to the handle, wherein the interconnect and the sliding member engage when the handle is attached to the catheter body so that the relative longitudinal movement of the sliding member is transmitted to the deflection member and wherein the interconnect and the sliding member disengage when the handle is released from the catheter body.

Abstract: An endovascular guide catheter includes a guide tube and a handle. The flexible guide tube has a distal end portion configured to deflect via actuation of a pull wire. The handle is coupled to the guide tube and comprises a steering assembly configured to actuate the pull wire to deflect the distal end portion of the guide tube. The steering assembly can comprise a stationary rack, a gear, a reel, and a slider. The gear engages the rack and the reel is coupled to and configured to rotate with the gear. The pull wire is coupled to the reel such that rotation of the reel causes the pull wire to wind or unwind around the reel. The slider is adapted for translation relative to the rack. Translation of the slider translates the reel relative to the rack and rotation of the gear along the rack rotates the reel.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing having a handle end and a treatment end. The treatment end is configured to provide an antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment. The treatment end comprises an applicator having an applicator surface for providing at least the heat treatment. The device includes a heat generation unit configured to heat the applicator surface in use, a source of antimicrobial agent, and a control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit for controlling the heat generation unit. The device can be a hand-held device and used to apply topical treatment to a treatment area of a subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are medical devices for the targeted delivery of biologic therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the port includes an internal body defining a fluid cavity that is accessible via a septum. A compliant outer cover including silicone is disposed about at least a portion of the body. A flange is included with the port body and is covered by the outer cover. The flange radially extends about a perimeter of the port body proximate the septum so as to impede penetration of a needle substantially into the outer cover in instances where the needle misses the septum. The flange can further include both an anchoring feature for securing the outer cover to the port body and an identification feature observable via x-ray imaging technology for conveying information indicative of at least one attribute of the access port. The outer cover provides a suitable surface for application of an antimicrobial/antithrombotic coating.

Abstract: A method of using a power-injectable port includes obtaining the power-injectable access port, attaching a catheter to an outlet stem of the power-injectable access port, and implanting the power-injectable access port and the catheter into a patient. The method further includes identifying the power-injectable access port following the implanting, inserting a distal end of a needle through the septum and into the reservoir, and injecting contrast media through the needle at a rate of at least one milliliter per second. The power-injectable access port includes a housing, a septum, a reservoir, and an outlet stem in fluid communication with the reservoir. The power-injectable access port is rated for injection of contrast media at a flow rate of at least 1 milliliter per second. The power-injectable access port is structured for operation at a pressure in the reservoir of at least 35 psi.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (1) for connecting a catheter (2) to a fluid transfer system comprising a main body (11) with a tubular pin (111) adapted to be inserted into an end portion (21) of the catheter (2) such as to provide a fluid connection between the catheter (2) and the tubular pin (111). The connector (1) is characterized in that a fixing means (12) is movably connected to the main body (11), wherein the fixing means (11) is adapted to fix the catheter (2) to the connector (1) when the fixing means (12) is in a fixing position.

Abstract: An antiseptic dead-end cap includes a base having first and second sides, a first annular wall extending from the first side of the base, a cylindrical center plug extending from the first side of the base, and a second annular wall extending from the second side of the base. The first annular wall has an outer and an inner surface. The cylindrical center plug has an outer and an inner surface, and is positioned within the first annular wall to form an annular chamber. The second annular wall has an outer and an inner surface, and defines a second chamber having an open end. The second chamber is further defined by the inner surface of the cylindrical center plug. An antiseptic material is on at least one of the first annular wall inner surface, second annular wall inner surface, second annular wall outer surface, and cylindrical center plug outer surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve used in medical procedures. More specifically the invention relates to an introducer sheath valve used in minimally invasive and conventional surgical procedures. The valve may accommodate a wide range of surgical implement diameters, shapes, and multiple implements without imposing the high frictional forces of known valves.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling defibrillator paddle assembly. The defibrillator paddle assembly of the present disclosure includes an apex paddle and a sternum paddle. The method of the present disclosure includes: positioning the apex paddle on a patient's apex; positioning the sternum paddle on a patient's sternum; determining via a contact indicator a degree of contact between the patient's skin and the defibrillator paddle assembly; charging via a charge button the defibrillator paddle assembly; and delivering a shock via one or more shock buttons on the patient's body for treating the patient's cardiac arrest.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, and a delivery catheter including a tethering snare that is configured to be selectively extended out of the delivery catheter and retracted into the delivery catheter. In at least one embodiment, a system and method for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including a housing and an attachment member, wherein the attachment member includes a central passage connected to a connection chamber, and a delivery catheter including first and second tethers that may be moved outwardly from and retracted into the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A charge balancing circuit is adapted to be connected to an electrode and to a stimulation source. The charge balancing circuit has an electrode terminal for receiving an electrode voltage, an amplifier coupled to the electrode terminal and adapted to amplify and invert the electrode voltage for generating an intermediate voltage and a compensation stage. The compensation stage is adapted to generate an output current if the electrode voltage lies outside a specified safety range and to generate the output current depending on the intermediate voltage. The compensation stage is further adapted to supply the output current to the electrode terminal for driving the electrode voltage towards and/or into the safety range.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in computer tomographic (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures include lead wires of 40 gauge copper electrical conductors, free of tin, in PVC insulation attached to electrodes. The electrodes, which may also be made of silver, gold or silver chloride or be made of metal-filled or metal-coated plastic, are attached to lead wires by any of the following (1) crimping using copper or polymer crimps; (2) shrink-wrap connections or ties, (3) radio frequency welding or heat staking; or (4) using conductive adhesives. The present electrode assembly reduces artifacts in the resulting images during CT scans and MRI procedures and thereby results in clearer images.

Abstract: A device (100) comprising a first electrode (104) provided at or in a source electrolyte (101), and at least one ion conductive channel (103), wherein said first electrolyte (101) is arranged at a first portion (201) of the ion conductive channel (103), and a second electrode (105) provided in a target electrolyte (102), wherein said target electrolyte (102) is arranged at a second portion (202) of the ion conductive channel (103), and wherein said first and second electrodes provides an electrical control of anion flow through the ion conductive channel (103), wherein the device further comprises at least one controlled delivery electrode (114) arranged adjacent to or in the second portion of the ion conductive channel (103), wherein said first and second electrodes further are arranged to provide an electrical control of anion flow through the controlled delivery electrode (114) to the target electrolyte (102), and wherein said controlled delivery electrode (114) is adapted to deliver ions from said ion con

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a resistive electric transfer (RET)-based high-frequency massaging device with a suction function, the device comprising: a main body including an upper cover and a lower cover having a suction hole defined in a bottom center thereof; a plurality of electrode pads arranged on a bottom outer face of the lower cover in a circumferentially; a high-frequency generator mounted on the lower cover; a suction channel assembly communicating with the suction-hole defined in the lower cover; a suction motor operatively connected to the suction channel assembly; and a controller configured to control the high frequency output from the high-frequency generator and suction-drive of the suction motor, wherein the plurality of electrode pads is configured such that adjacent electrode pads have alternating polarities.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for delivering therapy to an adrenal gland of a patient. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a plurality of stimulation elements arranged configured to deliver stimulation energy through at least one of the plurality of stimulation elements to modulate aldosterone levels within the patient.

Abstract: In one aspect, wireless gastrointestinal stimulations are described herein. In some embodiments, a system described herein comprises at least one transmitter and at least one stimulation device. The transmitter can include a signal generator operable to generate an electromagnetic signal, a first antenna operable to broadcast the electromagnetic signal, and an energy source. The at least one stimulation device is operable to deliver a pattern of electrical pulses to a gastrointestinal tissue comprising a muscle, and the stimulation device includes a circuit board having a circumference, at least one second antenna wrapped around the circumference of the circuit board, the at least one second antenna being configured to receive the electromagnetic signal and to generate an electrical current from the electromagnetic signal, and at least one electrode operable to deliver the electrical current to the muscle.

Abstract: A system includes: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores a first content; a medical device coupled to the processor; and a reader coupled to the processor, wherein the reader is configured to read a second content from a storage medium such that the processor switches the medical device from a first mode to a second mode based on the first content corresponding to the second content.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin and flexible device and method of use thereof for wound treatment and infection control. The integrated surface stimulation device may comprise wireless stimulation system in a disposable and/or reusable flexible device for widespread use in multiple therapeutic applications. The invention would be situated on the skin surface of a patient and would be activated so as to reduce the overall occurrence of infections and/or increase wound healing rates. As provided, the device will comprise an integrated power supply and pre-programmable stimulator/control system on a flexible polymeric substrate layer with areas of stimulating electrodes, applied using techniques such as those found in additive manufacturing processes. The device is especially valuable in treating biofilm-based infections.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting the stimulation effect of cortical neurons in response to extracellular electrical stimulation. The method comprising the steps of defining an electrode configuration, defining a reconstructed neuronal cell type, wherein the reconstructed neuronal cell is characteristic of the physical and electrical properties of a neuronal cell, computing an electric field potential at the reconstructed neuronal cell, computing an effective transmembrane current of an arborization of the reconstructed neuronal cell, and determining a probability of activation of the reconstructed neuronal cell. A method for inducing an electrical stimulation effect on a cortical column is also disclosed. In an embodiment, the predicted network response of a cortical column is used to configure one or more electrodes to induce cortical stimulation.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems induce neuromodulation by focusing a source of stimulation through a skull/brain interface in the form of an aperture formed in the skull, a naturally occurring fenestration in the skull, or a transcranial channel. Methods, devices, and systems identify where to locate skull/brain interfaces, accessories that can be used with the interfaces, and features for controlling stimulation delivered through the interfaces. Multiple indications for the skull/brain interfaces include diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, autism, coma, and pain.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present disclosure, methods of treating a neurological disorder comprise providing reconditioning electrical stimulation. The methods may comprise applying electrical stimulation that provides positive reinforcement by activation within the reward network of the brain of the patient when an appropriate external stimulus is provided to the patient. The external stimulus is selected in accordance with the specific neurological disorder being treated in the patient. The methods may comprise applying electrical stimulation that provides negative reinforcement by stimulation of aversion-related locations of the brain of the patient when a different external stimulus is provided to the patient.

Abstract: The design of a proximity sensor to be integrated into cochlea implants is described. The sensor allows the anticipation of contact between the cochlear implant and intracochlear structures, including the cochlear canal wall and basilar membrane, providing a feedback or an alarm to the surgeon performing the implant insertion such that trauma to the cochlea is avoided. This helps to preserve any residual hearing ability in patients who receive the surgical implant.

Abstract: A hearing device for electrically coupling to skin of a user includes a body having a housing forming at least part of an outer surface. The device includes an acoustic transducer and an electrode disposed at least partially in the body. The electrode includes an outer conductor disposed at least partially in the housing and an inner conductor electrically coupled to the outer conductor and disposed subflush to the outer surface. A method of forming the hearing device includes providing a cast shell, forming an elastomeric conductor in a cavity of the cast shell, and removing a thin outer wall of the cast shell to form the housing of the hearing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing non-obtrusive, automatic adjustment of an auditory prosthesis are disclosed. A control expression can be detected during a conversation. Upon detection of the control expression, an audio setting adjustment can be selected and applied to the auditory prosthesis. Multiple adjustments can be made in response to identifying multiple control expressions during a conversation.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for using vagus nerve stimulation to treat demyelination disorders and/or disorder of the blood brain barrier are described. The vagus nerve stimulation therapy described herein is configured to reduce or prevent demyelination and/or promote remyelination to treat various disorders related to demyelination, such as multiple sclerosis. A low duty cycle stimulation protocol with a relatively short on-time and a relatively long off-time can be used.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to pacing of cardiac tissue, and more particularly to adjusting delivery of His bundle or bundle branch pacing in a cardiac pacing system to achieve synchronized ventricular activation. A left bundle branch (LBB) cathode electrode may be implanted a left side of the septum of the patient's heart proximate to the LBB, and a right bundle branch (RBB) cathode electrode may be implanted on a right side of the septum of the patient's heart proximate to the RBB. One or both cathode electrodes may be used to deliver synchronized left and right bundle-branch pacing based on one or both of an atrial event and a ventricular event. A device for bundle branch pacing may be implanted based on determining whether an LBB block pattern or an RBB block pattern is present in monitored electrical activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to pacing of cardiac tissue, and more particularly to adjusting delivery of His bundle or bundle branch pacing in a cardiac pacing system to achieve synchronized ventricular activation. A leadless pacing device (LPD) may include a plurality of electrodes comprising a bundle pacing electrode leadlessly connected to the housing, which may be implanted proximate to or in the His bundle or bundle branch of the patient's heart. An electrical pulse generator may generate and deliver electrical His-bundle or bundle-branch stimulation pulses using the bundle pacing electrode based on sensing one or both of an atrial event and a ventricular event. The LPD may receive communication from another implantable device, such as a subcutaneously implanted device, and deliver His-bundle or bundle-branch pacing in response to the communication.

Abstract: In some examples, a processor of a system evaluates a therapy program based on a score determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by therapy delivery according to the therapy program. The score may be determined using a three-dimensional (3D) grid comprising a plurality of voxels that are each assigned a value. The processor may register the VTA with the 3D grid and determine the score for the therapy program based on the values assigned to voxels with which the VTA overlaps. One or more therapy programs for electrical stimulation therapy (e.g., deep brain stimulation) may be selected based on the scores determined based on the 3D grid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which includes a generator of electric current pulses and a neurostimulation probe with M sectoral electrodes forming stimulation poles for passing a current between at least one anode and at least one cathode in a predetermined stimulation configuration. The generator includes N current sources and N current sinks, the N sources and the N sinks being defined independently of the M electrodes. A first distribution circuit can indiscriminately and dynamically switch any of the N sources to any of the M electrodes, and a second distribution circuit can indiscriminately and dynamically switch any of the N sinks to any of the M electrodes. The device can thus define a plurality of commutation combinations between sources and/or sinks, providing a single average current in the organ to be stimulated for different respective predetermined pole configurations.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical device system includes an electrode. The medical device system may include impedance measurement circuitry coupled to the electrode, the impedance measurement circuitry may be configured to generate an impedance signal indicating impedance proximate to the electrode. The medical device system may include processing circuitry that may be configured to identify a first component of the impedance signal. The first component of the impedance signal may be correlated to a cardiac event. The processing circuitry may be configured to determine that the cardiac event occurred based on the identification of the first component of the impedance signal.

Abstract: An acquisition circuit obtains an electrocardiogram waveform on which a pulse signal of a pacemaker is superimposed. A detector circuit performs a filtering process on the electrocardiogram waveform at a cutoff frequency that is determined according to a control signal, and detects a pulse signal on the basis of the result of the filtering process. A control circuit detects, a plurality of times, an occurrence start time of a QRS complex from the electrocardiogram waveform obtained by the acquisition circuit, and detects a QRS duration, and then determines a predicted occurrence start time of the next QRS complex on the basis of the detected occurrence start times of the QRS complexes, and supplies, to the detector circuit, a control signal for instructing to increase the cutoff frequency from a first value to a second value during a period based on the QRS duration from the predicted occurrence start time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to pacing of cardiac tissue, and more particularly to adjusting delivery of His bundle or bundle branch pacing in a cardiac pacing system to achieve synchronized ventricular activation. Bundle pacing may be delivered in response to determining whether the QRS parameter or activation interval is greater than a threshold. A set of AV delays may be generated, and an optimal AV delay may be selected from the stored set of AV delays. His-bundle or bundle-branch pacing may be selectively delivered based on RV or LV activation time. Pacing may also be adjusted based on dyssynchrony detected or the type of bundle branch block pattern detected.

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing rate of depletion of a non-rechargeable power source, to extend the operational lifetime of an implantable medical device that includes the non-rechargeable power source, by enforcing operational-mode-specific communication protocols whereby inter-device communication between the implantable medical device and another implantable medical device is such that level of power draw from the non-rechargeable power source by the implantable medical device is less than level of power draw from the rechargeable power source by the another implantable medical device for the implantable medical devices to engage in communication with each other.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) and AED Monitoring system made up of an AED, the AED having a self-diagnostic subroutine and performing said subroutine at regular intervals, the AED having at least an audio indicator that indicates the results of the self-diagnostic when the diagnosis is that the AED is in need of maintenance and a remote AED monitoring system, the AED monitoring system having an electromagnetic coil, microphone, battery, microprocessor, and wireless communication device, wherein the microprocessor selectively powers up the AED monitoring system prior to the AED's self-diagnostic subroutine and utilizes the electromagnetic coil and microphone to monitor for the AED's audio indicator that the AED is in need of maintenance, and the microprocessor transmitting a wireless signal through the wireless communication device indicating whether the AED is in need of maintenance; the microprocessor selectively powering down the AED monitoring system after transmitting the wireless signal.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for monitoring a magnetic field related to magnetic stimulation may be provided. A system for monitoring a pulsing magnetic field related to magnetic stimulation therapy may include a magnetic stimulation component, a sensor, and a processor. The magnetic stimulation component may be configured to generate the pulsing magnetic field for the magnetic stimulation therapy. The sensor may be configured to generate a signal associated with the pulsing magnetic field. The processor may be configured to estimate a first characteristic associated with a first peak of the signal, estimate a second characteristic associated with a second peak of the signal, and determine a third characteristic of the signal based on the first characteristic and the second characteristic. The processor may be configured to determine whether a failure occurred based on the third characteristic of the signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rapid positioning assistance for a mechanical section of a transcranial magnetic stimulation system. This transcranial magnetic stimulation system comprises a coil section 11 that is in contact with or in the vicinity of the head of the subject, and a mechanical section 30 that supports the coil section 11. The mechanical section 30 includes a plurality of adjustment mechanisms that adjust position of a plurality of movable members, and determines position and attitude of the coil section 11 by adjustment using the plurality of adjustment mechanisms. Receiving means receives desired change for at least one of position and attitude of the coil section 11. Guidance means provides guidance of an adjustment procedure for at least one of the plurality of adjustment mechanisms so as to realize adjustment corresponding to the desired change that has been received.

Abstract: Provided is a device for microwave hyperthermia that may attach a flexible patch on the skin of a user based on a cross-section of a body tissue of the user, for example, a joint and muscle of a leg and an arm and may emit microwaves towards a plurality of points of the body tissue through the patch. The microwaves emitted toward the body tissue may have the same phase and maximum power. Accordingly, a maximum heat generation point may be generated in an area adjacent to the plurality of points. The device for microwave hyperthermia may move the maximum heat generation point by sequentially changing a phase and a direction of each of the microwaves. The device for microwave hyperthermia may uniformly distribute and maintain heat for treating pain and/or infection over the entire cross-section or a partial area. The device for microwave hyperthermia may be portable.

Abstract: A radiant energy bandage assembly is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the radiant energy bandage assembly comprises an encased flexible PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) including a plurality of radiant lamps and a flexible pad including a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of radiant lamps. A control pod docking interface operatively connected to the flexible PCBA provides an interface to operatively connect a user control pod to control a dosage of radiant energy to a user treatment area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite intelligent biological phototherapy device including a base structure, a plurality of white light fluorescent tubes arranged side by side on the base structure, a plurality of LEDs disposed between the white light fluorescent tubes, a housing having an opening and configured to accommodate the base structure and the white light fluorescent tubes and the LEDs thereon, a light-transmittable plate disposed on the housing corresponding to the opening, and an control module configured to respectively control the white light fluorescent tubes and the LEDs. The base structure includes a plurality of sections, and each of the sections has a first surface facing the light-transmittable plate. The white light fluorescent tubes and the LEDs are provided on the first surfaces, and the sections are bent relative to each other so an angle between the first surfaces of adjacent sections is less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A radiant energy bandage assembly is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the radiant energy bandage assembly comprises an encased flexible PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) including a plurality of radiant lamps and a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of radiant lamps. A control pod docking interface operatively connected to the flexible PCBA provides an interface to operatively connect a user control pod to control a dosage of radiant energy to a user treatment area.

Abstract: A method and system supports pre-positioning a patient for treatment by radiotherapy or radiosurgery. The disclosed method encompasses comparing an image of a reference structure having a known position relative to an anatomical body part of a patient, such as a live thermal/infrared image of the reference structure, to a predetermined medical image of the reference structure associated with a known position relative to a reference position, such as a known isocenter of a radiotherapy or radiosurgery apparatus. On that basis, it is determined whether the reference structure has moved relative to the reference position. A decision may be made to determine whether the reference structure and therefore the patient has been correctly positioned and/or kept in his desired position relative to a treatment device, and to compensate for any possible positional deviation by moving the patient.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a radiotherapy treatment plan is disclosed, comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a deliverable input treatment plan; b. optimizing the deliverable input treatment plan to obtain an optimized treatment plan, using an objective function and at least one constraint, wherein i. the objective function is related to reducing the plan complexity in terms of minimizing the machine output (MU) and/or minimizing the time required to deliver the plan and/or maximizing the segment area, and/or minimizing jaggedness of the MLC shapes, ii. to ensure that the quality is maintained, the at least one constraint is based on the dose distribution of the input plan, related to maintaining an acceptable dose distribution.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for non-Gaussian energy distribution modeling for treatment planning algorithms used in particle radiation therapy.

Abstract: A tumor tracking control device (41) performs windowing process on a captured image A (61) and a captured image B (62), measures a position of a marker (29) using the captured image A (61) and the captured image B (62) after performing the windowing process, and generates a signal capable of controlling irradiation with radiation based on the position of the marker (29). Accordingly, it is possible to provide a tumor tracking apparatus and an irradiation system which are capable of tracking an object to be tracked without erroneous detection, even in a case where a structure similar to the object to be tracked is in the vicinity of the object to be tracked, in tumor tracking.

Abstract: Provided are a method for tracking tumor location and a radiotherapy apparatus, relating to the field of medical equipment technology. The method is applied to a radiotherapy apparatus comprising a first detector and at least one radiation source, and comprises emitting, from the radiation source, ray beams having a predetermined intensity, the ray beams being partially scattered after passing through a body lesion; receiving, by the first detector, a portion of scattered ray beams to acquire scattering data of the lesion; determining a relative location relationship between the lesion and a target region according to the acquired scattering data; and adjusting at least one of the ray beam intensity, lesion location and target region location according to the determined relative location relationship, such that the lesion receives irradiation of the ray beams having an adjusted predetermined intensity at the target region location.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for imaging a tumor of a patient with positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) accelerating the positively charged particles to a relativistic energy using an accelerator; (2) transporting the positively charged particles from the accelerator, through a beam transport system, through an output nozzle of the beam transport system, and through the patient to yield a residual particle beam comprising a residual relativistic velocity; (3) determining the residual relativistic velocity using a first time of flight detector and a second time of flight detector separated by a separation distance; and (4) generating a positively charged particle computed tomography image using the residual relativistic velocity, where individual particles in the residual particle beam comprise a second mass of at least 1.02 times that of a first mass of the individual particles prior to the step of accelerating.

Abstract: A honeycomb rib structure in a rotating gantry of a proton includes a plurality of upper honeycomb ribs and a plurality of lower honeycomb ribs which are mounted in a cylindrical body through a plurality of connecting structures. The plurality of upper honeycomb ribs and the plurality of lower honeycomb ribs are symmetrically arranged, and are spliced by a plurality of basic structures in a regular hexagonal distribution. Connecting nodes between the adjacent basic structures are of a ring structure. Densities of the plurality of upper honeycomb ribs and the plurality of lower honeycomb ribs are adjusted through a density adjustment structure.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating remaining or utilized scrubbing capacity of a gas scrubber are described. Inside the gas scrubber, a reaction gas is produced by an exothermic or endothermic reaction. Temperature sensors are positioned along the gas flow path, and temperature readings are obtained. Temperature differences between pairs of adjacent temperature sensors are determined. The largest temperature difference for each such pair is recorded. A recent temperature difference is normalized by dividing the recent difference by the largest recorded for the same pair. One or more of the normalized temperature differences may be weighted. The normalized temperature differences and/or the weighted temperature differences are combined to provide a life-value, which is indicative of the remaining or utilized scrubbing capacity of the gas scrubber.