Abstract: There is provided herein, according to an embodiment, a plasma thread application of dielectric barrier discharge, which incorporates the effectiveness of plasma in sterilization and the flexibility of thread like structure and has the malleability to be formed into any apparel design. The design of one embodiment uses a dielectric coated/insulated wire in the range of 30 to 40 awg based on the application in question. It can be used as sutures or can be woven into a material for countless bandage-like applications. The ready availability of medically approved dielectric materials is conducive to the manufacture of the same.

Abstract: An inner ear therapy device includes a magnetic field generation unit configured to generate a magnetic field toward the inner ear of a user, multiple light sources configured to irradiate multiple lights having different wavelengths toward the inner ear, and a control unit configured to control operations of the magnetic field generation unit and the multiple light sources.

Abstract: A wearable pain management apparatus includes a drum shaped oscillatory motion driver mounted with electromagnetic coils attached to a non-stretching belt tightly strapped around a user's waist. The driver's top surface is pressed against the back of the user's waist. A belt has a ratchet buckle and a group of elongated tracks. A holster with a battery pack is securely clipped onto the belt. A center mounted motor drives a set of torque conversion planetary gears. An off center mounted mass rotates and causes unbalance and an oscillatory motion. A power cable laminated between two surfaces of the belt body terminates on a switch. The user holds a deep breath while pulling hard on the belt end causing the ratchet buckle to lock on the tracks. This action effectively places hand pressure on the apparatus rubbing on their back via the Oscillatory Pulsed Electromagnetic Field to speedily alleviate pain.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic pulsation device for the treatment of foot pain that utilizes an electrical pulse generator and a magnetic coil situated within the same enclosure. The device having the capability to have a patient's foot placed onto the top of a magnetic coil or under that magnetic coil to expose that patient's foot to a series of high intensity magnetic pulsations. The device also including a control panel that directs a patient as to how to utilize the device for the treatment of that patient's foot pain.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating a target deep brain region using multiple Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) electromagnets positioned over a predetermined cortical regions each having a first-order connection to a target deep brain region and applying TMS so that the applied TMS induces spatial summation and thereby modulation of the target deep brain region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smartphone interface device for phototherapy which performs communication with a smartphone by using a micro controller unit (MCU) installed in the smartphone interface device for phototherapy and a universal serial bus on-the-go (USB OTG) module, and is capable of controlling a light beam irradiator more stably to enable the light beam irradiator to be driven. The present invention pertains to a smartphone interface device for phototherapy comprising: a micro controller unit (MCU) for receiving, from a smartphone, light beam irradiation intensity, light beam irradiation time, light beam irradiation pattern, and light beam irradiation start and end-relevant light beam irradiating electrode control commands, and generating a light source drive control signal according to the received light beam irradiating electrode control commands; a universal serial bus on-the-go (USB OTG) module; a voltage regulator; and a light beam irradiation drive unit.

Abstract: A method of laser irradiation for alleviating the physical symptoms associated with acute or chronic inflammatory conditions, which can include directing a laser beam from a laser unit in a continuous wave operation having a wavelength of approximately 1275 nm and a power output level in the range of from one (1) Watt up to and including 75 Watts on an inflamed area that is to be treated, such that the laser beam penetrates the inflamed area in the range of from 0.1 cm to 30 cm. In addition, the laser beam from the laser unit can be configured to activate intracellular photoreceptors, thereby initiating a cascade of secondary cellular metabolic effects and normalizing cellular activity towards homeostasis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapy device for edema and neuropathy. Colored light within a visible light wavelength range, which is known to be useful for treating edema and neuropathy, is irradiated to a treatment area such as acupuncture points on a foot or a hand, or the surface of the skin, thereby relaxing the smooth muscle tissue of tissue cells with edema or neuropathy, facilitating peripheral vascular circulation and lymphatic circulation, and inducing the secretion of a material for treating edema and neuropathy.

Abstract: An adjustable illuminator for photodynamically diagnosing or treating a surface includes a plurality of first panels and at least one second panel. The plurality of first panels have wider widths and the at least one second panel has a narrower width. The narrower width is less than the wider widths. The illuminator further includes a plurality of light sources, each mounted to one of the plurality of first panels or the at least one second panel and configured to irradiate the surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The plurality of first panels and the at least one second panel are rotatably connected. The at least one second panel is connected on each side to one of the plurality of first panels. The second panel acts as a “lighted hinge” to reduce or eliminate optical dead spaces between adjacent panels when the illuminator is bent into a certain configuration.

Abstract: Stimulation of target cells using light, e.g., in vitro, is implemented using a variety of methods and devices. One example involves a vector for delivering a light-activated NpHR-based molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for light-activated NpHR-based molecule and a promoter. Either a high expression of the molecule manifests a toxicity level that is less than about 75%, or the light-activated NpHR-based proteins are expressed using at least two NpHR-based molecular variants. Each of the variants characterized in being useful for expressing a light-activated NpHR-based molecule that responds to light by producing an inhibitory current to dissuade depolarization of the neuron. Other aspects and embodiments are directed to systems, methods, kits, compositions of matter and molecules for ion pumps or for controlling inhibitory currents in a cell (e.g., in in vivo and in vitro environments).

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating neural tissue are disclosed. An array of optically emissive pixels is configured to deliver light to the neural tissue of a subject. Individual pixels within the array can be addressed to selectively illuminate a portion of the neural tissue when a neurological event occurs. The system can also include an array of microelectrodes in electrical communication with the array of pixels and a power source. A biocompatible substrate can be used to support the microelectrodes pixels, and the power source. A microelectrode circuit and a pixel circuit can also be supported by the biocompatible substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a bolus formed of a hydrogel, wherein the hydrogel includes water, a polymer, and a mineral, and wherein the bolus is applied to a patient who receives a radiation therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for locating radioactive material implanted in a living body, the method having the steps of implanting a stent into the body, the stent containing the radioactive material; imaging the body to determine a first position of the stent relative to remote points on the body; determining a second position of the stent at a second time later than the time of the implanting step; and measuring the distance between said first position and said second position. Also provided is a system for determining movement of a radiation source implanted in a living body, the device having a radiographic film overlaying a region of the body so as to oppose the radiation source, whereby the film is positioned relative to a reference point on the body; a grid disposed between the film and the body; and a radio-opaque substrate overlaying the film.

Abstract: A control circuit has access to information that correlates a plurality of patient-experience outcomes with corresponding delivered-radiation metrics and uses that plurality of patient-experience outcomes in conjunction with developing a radiation-therapy treatment plan for a particular patient. Those patient-experience outcomes can comprise, for example, information regarding how various patients fared post-radiation treatment as regards such things as post-radiation treatment life expectancy, tumor eradication success, and one or more other quality-of-life metrics. These teachings will accommodate using a particular one of the patient-experience outcomes as an optimization goal when optimizing candidate radiation-therapy treatment plans to develop the radiation-therapy treatment plan. In such a case these teachings will further accommodate, if desired, permitting a user to modify one or more optimization objectives while displaying intermediate optimization results.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient using positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) providing an approved current version of a radiation treatment plan for treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles; (2) implementing the current version of the radiation treatment plan using a cancer therapy system comprising a controller linked to a synchrotron; (3) upon identifying an object, using a set of fiducial indicators, in a treatment vector of the radiation treatment plan: generating a modified version of radiation treatment plan and receiving medical doctor approval of the modified version of the radiation treatment plan, the modified version of the radiation plan becoming the current version of the radiation treatment plan; and (4) repeating the steps of implementing and identifying until completion of treatment of the tumor using the positively charged particles.

Abstract: Various approaches for reducing microbubble interference with ultrasound waves transmitted from multiple transducer elements and traversing tissue onto a target region include measuring microbubbles in high-throughput areas of ultrasound exposure and reducing the amount of microbubbles using the ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A device and method for ablating tissue is disclosed comprising the steps of acquiring an anatomical image of a patient, correlating the image to the patient, guiding an ablating member within the patient while tracking the position of the ablating member in the patient, positioning the ablating member in a desired position to ablate tissue, emitting ablating energy from the ablating member to form an ablated tissue area and removing the ablating member from the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.

Abstract: An Agrin peptide which induces proliferation of cardiomyocytes for treating a heart disease is provided.

Abstract: A cosmetic preparation characterized by excellent adhesion at the place of application, comprises at least one silsesquioxane wax.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and methods for maintaining or improving hand health and hygiene. More particularly, the system and methods prevent or overcome skin damage caused by frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers and/or cleansers. The hand care system comprises an article, such as an elastomeric glove, that has a moisturizing liquid liner composition on the skin-contacting surface of the article that delivers a skin health benefit to the skin, a non-irritating hand cleanser capable of moisturizing the skin, and a moisturizing hand sanitizer.

Abstract: A hydraulic implement (1) for portable use includes a hydraulic pump (2), a pump housing (10), a hydraulic cylinder (3) with a piston rod (11), a hydraulic tank (4), hydraulic lines, a compensating device, a manually operable hydraulic control valve (8), a rechargeable battery (9) which is accommodated on the implement (1), and two tool halves (16, 17) that are connected to the piston rod (11) via pivoting arms (12, 13). Each tool half (16, 17) has a wall section (20, 21) that extends perpendicularly to the extension of the longitudinal axis of the piston rod (11). When the tool halves are closed, both wall sections (20, 21) together form a flattened end region (24) that runs perpendicularly to the extension of the longitudinal axis of the piston rod (11).

Abstract: This invention concerns a disposable protective garment comprising a protective fabric, the garment being provided with at least one continuous line of flexible sealing material extending from the neck opening to at least one other opening in the garment, the continuous line of sealing material forming a liquid-impervious seal between the first and second parts of protective fabric in the garment; wherein the sealing material has a tensile strength less than the tensile strength of the protective fabric and the continuous line of flexible sealing material can be torn open by the wearer for doffing of the garment. This invention also concerns a disposable protective garment wherein the at least one continuous line of flexible sealing material extends from a torso opening to at least one pants sleeve opening.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA comprising a waist pad bumper system. The waist pad bumper system may comprise a soft rubber gasket located between the waist pad and the backplate of the SCBA, operable to compress to cushion the movement of the backplate with respect to the waist pad; a hard rubber gasket located between the waist pad and the backplate operable to compress to cushion the movement of the backplate with respect to the waist pad; one or more magnets located on the waist pad; and one or more magnets located on the backplate operable to interact with the one or more magnets located on the waist pad, wherein the magnets of the waist pad have the same polarization as the magnets of the backplate and therefore repel each other.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a foam fluid dispensing device that allows for quick and easy adjustment between a straight stream and dispersed stream. A user can quickly adjust between various stream patterns using a common motion in nozzle operation. An example device can comprise a nozzle comprising a nozzle body and an inlet configured to receive a flow of fluid, with a nozzle stem centrally disposed in the nozzle and fixedly engaged with the nozzle body. The device can also comprise a foam tube configured to receive and dispense at least a portion of the flow of fluid from the nozzle, with a foam tube coupler fixedly engaged with the foam tube. The foam tube coupler can be configured to operably couple with the nozzle stem.

Abstract: A wet piping system modular valve assembly includes a single piece valve body with a check valve within the valve body. The check valve is movable between a closed position and an open position according to a pressure differential across the check valve. A drain valve is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body downstream of the check valve. A mechanically independent flow detection switch is removably mounted to the valve body and fluidly connected with the valve body upstream of the drain valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspension training may include at least one supporting strap and at least one moveable handle, wherein the moveable handle further includes a first and second end and the first and second ends further include an engageable locking means and the engageable locking means are in communication with the support strap. In this way the position of the moveable handles may be easily adjusted, increasing the convenience of moving the moveable handles to undertake different exercises using the training or exercise device.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an active exercise apparatus for lower limbs that allows a user to perform on a floor lower limb active exercise highly effective in preventing thrombosis.

Abstract: A functional triangular apparatus for multi-exercise of lower and upper extremities using resistance bands encircling designated parts. When exercising legs the triangular apparatus is stationary or tilted back at various angles to balance on two feet. Arms exercise with stretch bands under elevated larger base while feet hold it down.

Abstract: A weight lifting system includes a harness having a body with a thickness, the body having a contoured shape to fit around a shoulder of a user; an opening extending through the thickness of the body and sufficiently sized to receive a head of the user therethrough; and a cradle extending from a back surface of the harness and contoured to receive a weight bar within a channel.

Abstract: An adjustable bench has a frame with a seat support pivotably coupled to the frame. The seat support includes a slide assembly which allows the seat to be slidably positioned relative to the frame. A back support is also pivotably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A swingable exercise bike includes a base having a first pivot portion for a bike body to be pivotally connected to the first pivot portion so that the bike body can swing left and right relative to the base. Left and right sides of the first pivot portion are provided with first connecting rods. The first connecting rods each have one end pivoted to the base and another end extending in a height direction and pivoted to a second connecting rod. The second connecting rod is further pivoted to the bike body. When the bike body swings left and right, the first and second connecting rods are pivoted. The two second connecting rods are connected with a cushion device disposed in a horizontal direction, which can generate a damping effect when the two second connecting rods are pivoted by the bike body, thereby cushioning the swing of the bike body.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill includes a frame, an endless belt, and a motor assembly for guiding the belt between front and rear ends of the frame while a user walks or runs on the belt. An impact absorbing assembly is supported beneath a region of the treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet when the user walks or runs on the belt. The assembly has physical properties that serve to define degrees of damping or springiness of the belt in the region impacted by the user. A control system including a user interface is coupled to the absorbing assembly, and the system is configured and operative to vary the physical properties of the assembly in response to an output from the user interface. The region of treadmill belt impacted by the user's feet then simulates a desired one of a number of different surfaces entered by the user on the interface.

Abstract: An office treadmill allows an office worker to walk while working without compromising the quality and speed of job performance. It consists of a walking device which is easily converted into an office chair. The conversion from treadmill into office chair and vice versa takes about a minute and is not a physically or intellectually challenging task. The office worker can perform the full range of office duties while walking due to the “Stop” element of the Office Treadmill package.

Abstract: An inclinable recumbent exercise device includes a rigid support base having front and rear portions, and extending along a plane from the front portion to the rear portion; a seat engaged with the base at the rear portion; a kinetic element engaged with the support base, and having first and second moveable leg engagement elements; and a fulcrum element positioned below the base. The base is pivotal about the fulcrum element from a first base position, in which the kinetic element is at an initial position, to a second base position, in which the kinetic element is at a subsequent position above the initial position and the seat.

Abstract: A device to assist an exerciser in performing an abdominal exercise includes two rigid elements, a rigid cross member with a first end that is coupled to a first of the two rigid elements and a second end that is coupled to a second of the two rigid elements, and a soft material that defines a first surface coupled to a lower surface of the rigid cross member. Each rigid element is configured to define: a first portion that extends from a first end of the rigid element to a first bend, a second portion that extends from the first bend to a second bend that bends in a direction that is opposite the first bend, and a third portion that extends from the second bend to a second end of the rigid element. The first, second and third portions of the rigid element are substantially flat.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring an activity session comprising receiving activity data indicative of at least one activity performed during the activity session, the activity data comprising a plurality of measurements associated to a plurality of parameters monitored during the activity session; a processor comparing at least some of the received measurements associated to at least two of the parameters with at least one set of a plurality of sets of measurements stored on a tangible computer readable medium; and a processor generating a training plan based at least partly on a comparison between the received measurements and the stored measurements. Other aspects of the invention provide an exercise coaching system.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core composed of a fully neutralized polymer material is disclosed herein. The golf ball also preferably has multiple mantle layers and a cover.

Abstract: A ball collecting apparatus is provided that employs a human-powered ball transport system that moves balls from a collecting surface to a location above the collection surface. The ball collecting apparatus employs no motors or other artificially powered devices to retrieve and transfer balls, which makes it light and easy to maneuver. The ball collecting apparatus is primarily contemplated for use of picking up tennis balls, but other balls of various sizes may be accommodated by the apparatus, as it is scalable.

Abstract: An adjustable golf club. The adjustable golf club has a shaft that can selectively secure to a club head. The shaft includes an elongated member which incorporates a first plurality of splines along the elongated member. A club head is removably secured to the shaft by mating the first plurality of splines of the elongated member with a second plurality of splines in an interior cavity of the club head. The angle of the club head can be adjusted through the selective mating of the first plurality of splines of the elongated member to the second plurality of splines of the head. In one embodiment the shaft is further secured to the club head by a quick release system. In another embodiment the length of the shaft can be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a plurality of adjustable stiffening members is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown section or a return section, and also defines a hollow interior. Each of the plurality of stiffening members is at least partially disposed within the hollow interior, and extends from the crown section or return section to the sole section to reduce stresses placed on the face during impact with a golf ball. The stiffening members, each of which comprises a rod and a tube, may be adjusted to be in compression or tension, thereby preloading the body and affecting the stresses experienced by the golf club head upon impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head. A face portion of the golf club head has a bulge radius between 190 mm and 600 mm and a roll radius between 100 mm and 600 mm. The golf club head further comprises a first wall, protruding uprightly from the sole portion, extending lengthwise in a heel-to-toe direction. The golf club head additionally comprises a stiffener located within the interior cavity of the body and interposed between the interior surface of the face portion and the first wall. The stiffener is made of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity less than the first modulus of elasticity. A coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf club head is at least 0.78. A characteristic time (CT) of the golf club head at a center of the face portion is no more than 257 microseconds.

Abstract: Provided is an adjustable putter grip. The adjustable putter grip includes a first grip member coupled adjacent a first end of a putter shaft. A putter head is coupled to a second end of the putter shaft. The adjustable putter grip also includes a second grip member coupled to the putter shaft between the first grip member and the second end of the putter shaft. The first grip member and the second grip member are rotatable with respect to each other to adjust grip position, the second grip member is rotatable with respect to the first grip member to adjust grip position, or the first grip member is rotatable with respect to the second grip member to adjust grip position. A method of forming a custom grip or custom fitting of a golfer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flying object water game by which an object is thrown or tossed at a framework on which water emitting targets reside. A target framework includes one or more detachable water emitting targets. A first team defends the framework while a second team throws or tosses, from a predetermined distance, a flying object at the target framework and associated water emitting targets with the objective to hit and detach one or more targets from the framework.

Abstract: A basketball shooting aid includes a sidewall having an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The upper surface of the sidewall defines an upper orifice and the lower surface of the sidewall defines a lower orifice, wherein the upper orifice has an upper orifice diameter and the lower orifice has a lower orifice diameter. The upper orifice diameter is greater than the lower orifice diameter such that the inner surface defines an intermediate orifice having a continuously tapering diameter, and the lower orifice diameter is substantially similar to the rim diameter of the existing basketball rim. The basketball shooting aid also comprises a shock-absorbing gasket and a damping layer. The shock-absorbing gasket is sandwiched between the sidewall and the existing basketball rim when the basketball shooting aid is retrofitted onto said existing basketball rim.

Abstract: A fluid-filled punching bag assembly includes an inflatable bag and a sensor assembly cooperable with the inflatable bag. The sensor assembly includes an impact sensor that is configured to detect impact with the inflatable bag. A processor communicating with the sensor assembly is programmed to process sensor data from the impact sensor.

Abstract: A golf swing improvement tool is provide that attaches to a golf club, and includes a guide arm contacting the leading forearm of a golfer. An offset arm allows the guide arm to be offset laterally from the longitudinal axis of the golf club. The user adjusts the offset distance to give a specific leading arm-to-club relationship. If the club moves ahead of the desired relationship with the leading arm during the swing, the user will be alerted to this error by the guide arm loosing contact with the forearm.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to various components of a system for monitoring and/or tracking a user's performance during an activity involving an instrument that is swung. Exemplary embodiments can include a sensor module configured to be secured to and/or embedded within the instrument. The sensor module can detect a swing event and/or an impact between the instrument and an object and can generate pressures waves that propagate through air. The pressure waves can include information or represent information about a use of the instrument and can be detected by an electronic device associated with the user, which can display the information, process the information, and/or transmit the information to a remote system. The pressure waves can be modulated to encode information within the pressure waves.

Abstract: A sports ball for communicating to an external electronic device various parameters related to an impact with a sporting implement, such as a golf club. The sports ball comprises an outer resilient shell within that is contained a resilient core. An electronic circuit comprises at least one sensor, a transmitter, optionally a light-emitting diode, and a power source. The electronic circuit is cushioned from the impact of the sporting implement by the resilient core. The electronic circuit is adapted for communicating sensor data to the external electronic device via the transmitter. The at least one sensor is taken from the group of sensors comprising: a GPS receiver, a multi-axis accelerometer, an orientation sensor, an altitude sensor, and a microphone. The transmitter may be an RFID chip that passively transfers data from the at least one sensor and a unique ID number of the sports ball.

Abstract: Sensor data is collected from a sensor monitoring a tension generating device of an exercise machine. The sensor data is analyzed to determine whether the sensor data is within a specification. In the event the sensor data is not within the specification, an error stop mode is entered for the tension generating device.