Abstract: Provided is a cancer treating device including a signal generator, a temperature sensor electrically connected to the signal generator, and a pair of electrodes which receive an AC voltage from the signal generator, wherein the signal generator is configured to generate an electric field between the electrodes so as to change orientations of ferroelectric particles inside a cancer cell, the temperature sensor measures a temperature around the cancer cell, and the signal generator may be configured to change the intensity of the electric field on the basis of the measured temperature.

Abstract: A terminal device (10) includes: a treatment content setting unit (112) that sets a first treatment content performed by a first electrical treatment device and a second treatment content performed by a second electrical treatment device; and a treatment instruction unit (114) that instructs the first electrical treatment device and the second electrical treatment device to treat a user in accordance with the first treatment content and the second treatment content. The treatment content setting unit (112) swaps the first treatment content and the second treatment content in accordance with a preset instruction. The treatment instruction unit (114), when the first treatment content and the second treatment content are swapped, instructs the first electrical treatment device and the second electrical treatment device to treat the user in accordance with the first treatment content and the second treatment content, which have been swapped.

Abstract: An example of a system and method for protecting a patient diagnosed of cancer from cardiac injury resulting from a chemotherapy treating the cancer. A sequence of cardioprotective pacing sessions may be initiated based on timing of the chemotherapy. Cardiac pacing pulses may be delivered to the patient during each session of the cardioprotective pacing sessions according to a cardioprotective pacing mode for controlling delivery of the cardiac pacing pulses to effect cardioprotection against potential myocardial injury resulting from the chemotherapy. The cardioprotective pacing mode may specifying alternating non-pacing and pacing periods.

Abstract: Auricular nerve stimulation techniques for addressing patient disorders, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes a signal generator having instructions to generate an electrical therapy signal, at least a portion of the electrical therapy signal having a frequency at or above the patient's auditory frequency limit, an amplitude in an amplitude range from about 0.1 mA to about 10 mA, and a pulse width in a pulse width range from 5 microseconds to 30 microseconds. The system further includes at least one earpiece having a contoured outer surface shaped to fit against the skin of the patient's external ear, external ear canal, or both, the at least one earpiece carrying at least two transcutaneous electrodes positioned to be in electrical communication with the auricular innervation of the patient, e.g., the auricular vagal nerve.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for reducing or limiting blood loss and reducing bleed time in a subject by combined vagus and trigeminal stimulation. The apparatuses and methods may activate (e.g., electrically) one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve and may concurrently (at overlapping or near-overlapping time) independently activate the vagus nerve. This activation may be invasive or non-invasive.

Abstract: A method and device for dynamic device based AV delay adjustment is provided. The method comprises electrodes that are configured to be located proximate to an atrial (A) site and a right ventricular (RV) site. The method utilizes one or more processors for detecting an atrial paced (Ap) event or atrial sensed (As) event, and measures an AV interval corresponding to an interval between the Ap event or the As event and a sensed ventricular (Vs) event. The AV interval is associated with a current heart rate (HR). The method automatically dynamically adjusts a first AV delay based directly on the measured AV interval, identifies a scale factor associated with the current HR, calculates a second AV delay by scaling the first AV delay based on the scale factor and manages a pacing therapy, utilized by the IMD, based on the first and second AV delays.

Abstract: A method and device for dynamic device based AV delay adjustment are provided. The method provides electrodes that are configured to be located proximate to an atrial (A) site and a right ventricular (RV) site. The method utilizes one or more processors, in an implantable medical device (IMD), for detecting an atrial paced (Ap) event or atrial sensed (As) event. The method determines a measured AV interval corresponding to an interval between the Ap event or the As event and a ventricular sensed event and calculates a percentage-based (PB) offset based on the measured AV interval. The method automatically dynamically adjusting an AV delay, utilized by the IMD, based on the measured AV interval and the PB offset and manages a pacing therapy, utilized by the IMD, based on the AV delay after the adjusting operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for His bundle pacing using a stimulation device include applying an impulse to a His bundle of a patient heart using the stimulation device. The stimulation device then measures a response of the patient heart to application of the impulse that includes a response of a ventricle of the patient heart. The stimulation device calculates a ventricular delay as a time from application of the impulse to onset of the response of the ventricle and delivers, using a lead of the stimulation device, a backup impulse to the ventricle when at least the ventricular delay exceeds a delay value stored in a memory of the stimulation device. The stored delay may, for example, correspond to a previously determined value indicative of selective or other His bundle capture.

Abstract: A pulse discrimination device is configured to receive electrical signals from a plurality of positions of a living body to which a pacing device for outputting a pacing pulse to cause a heart to beat is attached, and is configured to discriminate the pacing pulse included in the electrical signals. The pulse discrimination device includes: a differential processor configured to calculate a difference of the electrical signals received from the plurality of positions; a sum processor configured to calculate a sum of the electrical signals received from the plurality of positions; and a pulse discrimination unit configured to discriminate the pacing pulse included in the electrical signals based on the difference obtained by the differential processor and the sum obtained by the sum processor.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing ventricle filling volume are disclosed. In some embodiments, an electrical stimulator may be used to stimulate a patient's heart to reduce ventricle filling volume or even blood pressure. When the heart is stimulated in a consistent way to reduce blood pressure, the cardiovascular system may over time adapt to the stimulation and revert back to the higher blood pressure. In some embodiments, the stimulation pattern may be configured to be inconsistent such that the adaptation response of the heart is reduced or even prevented. In some embodiments, an electrical stimulator may be used to stimulate a patient's heart to cause at least a portion of an atrial contraction to occur while the atrioventricular valve is closed. Such an atrial contraction may deposit less blood into the corresponding ventricle than when the atrioventricular valve is opened throughout an atrial contraction.

Abstract: Ventricle-from-atrium (VfA) cardiac therapy may utilize a tissue-piercing electrode implanted in the left ventricular myocardium of the patient's heart from the right atrium through the right atrial endocardium and central fibrous body. The exemplary devices and methods may determine whether the tissue-piercing electrode is achieving effective left ventricular capture. Additionally, one or more pacing parameters, or paced settings, may be adjusted in view of the effective left ventricular capture determination.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media facilitating trusted pairing between an implantable medical device (IMD) and an external device are provided. In one embodiment, an IMD includes a housing configured to be implanted within a patient, a memory and circuitry within the housing and a processor that executes executable components stored in the memory.

Abstract: Systems, methods and implantable devices configured to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy and/or bradycardia pacing therapy. A first device located in the heart of the patient is configured to receive a communication from a second device and deliver a pacing therapy in response to or in accordance with the received communication. A second device located elsewhere is configured to determine an atrial event has occurred and communicate to the first device to trigger the pacing therapy. The second device may be configured for sensing the atrial event by the use of vector selection and atrial event windowing, among other enhancements. Exception cases are discussed and handled as well.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator is provided that includes a power source, a wireless communication component configured to facilitate wireless communication with a non-implanted device and pulse-generating circuitry connected to the power source. The pulse-generating circuitry can be configured to identify, based on wireless communication with the non-implanted device, temporal and amplitude characteristics for electrical pulse stimuli and to trigger electrical output stimuli having the temporal and amplitude characteristics. The implantable pulse generation can further include one or more lead connections—each being shaped to engage a lead and electrically connected to the pulse-generating circuitry to enable the lead to deliver at least part of the electrical output stimuli triggered by the pulse-generating circuitry. The implantable pulse generator can further include one or more suture-engagement components, each including one or more holes each having a diameter that is at least 0.1 mm and less than 5 mm.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system capable of sensing cardiac electrical signals includes a sensing circuit, a therapy delivery circuit and a control circuit. The sensing circuit is configured to receive a cardiac electrical signal and sense a cardiac event in response to the signal crossing a cardiac event sensing threshold. The therapy delivery circuit is configured to deliver an electrical stimulation therapy to a patient's heart via the electrodes coupled to the implantable medical device. The control circuit is configured to control the sensing circuit to set a starting value of the cardiac event sensing threshold and hold the starting value constant for a sense delay interval. The control circuit is further configured to detect an arrhythmia based on cardiac events sensed by the sensing circuit and control the therapy delivery circuit to deliver the electrical stimulation therapy in response to detecting the arrhythmia.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods utilizing laser generating pulses of light, pulsed sound frequencies and/or pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) for improving properties or functions of cells, tissues, proteins, fats, or organs in vitro, in vivo, or in situ,

Abstract: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment of depression. We tested the hypothesis that low frequency TMS exerts inhibitory effect on hyper excitable cortical state in patients with chronic insomnia and therefore could have therapeutic effect. We studied this in a pilot trial using low frequency TMS for patients with primary insomnia, We compared the change in insomnia scores between baseline and end of treatment in an open label trial with bifrontal low frequency TMS stimulation in seven patients with primary insomnia using daily stimulation of 3 weeks (15-week days). Patients between the ages of 21-65 years who meet DSM-IV criteria for Primary Insomnia were enrolled in the study. Results were positive. This study is the first of its kind to show positive effects of TMS in chronic insomnia.

Abstract: A method for controlling levels of glucose and lipids in the blood of a patient having non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) includes generating an electromagnetic signal and coupling the electromagnetic signal to a target structure in the patient's liver to a induce a pulsed magnetic field in the target structure. The signal may include bursts of sinusoidal, rectangular, chaotic, and/or random waveforms, having a frequency content in a range of about 0.01 Hz to about 100 MHz at about 1 to about 100,000 waveforms per second, a burst duration from about 1 ?sec to about 100 msec, a burst repetition rate from about 0.01 to about 1000 bursts/second. The induced magnetic field may have a peak amplitude of between 2 and 20 ?T. The treatment may be repeated between 1 and 3 times per day every day for at least one week.

Abstract: The invention provides anionic water-soluble tetracyclic and pentacyclic bacteriochlorophyll derivatives (Bchls) containing at least one, preferably two or three, negatively charged groups and/or acidic groups that are converted to negatively charged groups at the physiological pH, preferably Bchls having a group COO<->, COS<->, SO3<->, PO3<2->, COOH, COSH, SO3H, and/or PO3H2 bound through an ester or amide bond to one or more of the positions 17<3>, 13<3>, and 3<2> of the tetracyclic or pentacyclic Bchl molecule, for photodynamic therapy and diagnosis.

Abstract: A method of activating a nuclear receptor in an organism, includes the step of irradiating the nuclear receptor with light effective to activate the nuclear receptor to cause a biological effect in the organism; wherein, the nuclear receptor is not specific to a retina of the organism. The biological effect can be, i.e.: an influence exerted on: (a) a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathway, (b) a renin-angiotensin pathway, (c) a vagal-neuronal pathway, (d) a neuro-hormonal-immunal pathway, or (e) cellular metabolism. Other non-limiting examples of the biological effect include an alteration of the Warburg effect in the organism or an alteration of the response of the organism to ionizing radiation therapy, Photo Dynamic Therapy, surgical interventions, chemotherapy or sonodynamic therapy. The invention also encompasses the use of a laser device to perform the method and a laser device configured to perform the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the system include a therapeutic device configured to generate electromagnetic radiation (EMR) for treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Embodiments of the therapeutic device can be configured to generate EMR having a wavelength within a therapeutic range of wavelengths, the EMR being able to stimulate opsin receptors located in keratinocytes and/or hair follicles so as to cause the stimulated opsin receptors to grow hair and/or promote hair follicle stem cell differentiation and/or proliferation. The therapeutic device can be a unit that is attachable to and communication with a mobile electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet, etc.). Data related to the therapy session can be collected and analyzed by the mobile electronic device to provide diagnostic results of the therapy session.

Abstract: A method is for providing an annotated medical image data set for a patient's radiotherapy planning. In an embodiment, the method includes providing a planning image rule for the radiotherapy planning, including a scanning rule and a first reconstruction rule; retrieving an annotation rule from storage, containing annotation instructions and a second reconstruction rule, different from the first reconstruction rule; acquiring raw data of the patient in accordance with the scanning rule; reconstructing a first and second medical image data set in accordance with the first and second reconstruction rules using the raw data; annotating the second medical image data set in accordance with the annotation instructions, to determine annotated image information; combining the first medical image data set with the annotated image information, to produce the annotated medical image data set; and providing the annotated medical image data set for radiotherapy planning of the patient.

Abstract: A cost function is constructed so as to guide an optimization process to achieve similar coverage for all targets simultaneously in a concurrent radiation treatment of multiple targets, so that a single scaling factor may be used in a plan normalization to achieve the desired coverage for all the targets. The cost function includes a component that favors a solution that attains similar target coverages for all targets, as well as a component that favors a solution that approaches the desired target coverage value for each individual target. The cost function includes a max term relating to deficiencies of actual target coverages with respect to a desired target coverage, or alternatively a soft-max term relating to deviations of actual target coverages with respect to an average target coverage, as well as to deficiencies of actual target coverages with respect to a desired target coverage.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring medical images of a subject includes performing two-dimensional (2D) scan of a subject using a medical imaging system to acquire 2D data from at least two view angles and generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of the subject from the 2D data. The method also includes extracting desired images of the subject from the 3D model. The desired images are at view angles different from the at least two view angles. The method further includes prescribing an imaging study of the subject using the desired images of the subject to control at least one of a signal-to-noise ratio of data acquired using the imaging study or a dose of ionizing radiation delivered to the subject during the imaging study. The method also includes performing the imaging study using the medical imaging system to acquire imaging data from the subject and reconstructing images of the subject from the imaging data.

Abstract: A method of image-guided radiation treatment is described. The method may include acquiring digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) of a patient and generating a first set of image data of part or all of the patient using imaging radiation at a first energy level and a second set of image data of part or all of the patient using imaging radiation at a second energy level. The method may also include processing the first and second sets of image data to generate an enhanced image, wherein the enhanced image comprises a combination of the first and second sets of image data, and wherein part or all of the image data comprises the target. The method may also include registering the enhanced image with the DRRs to obtain a registration result, tracking movement and position of the target using the registration result to generating tracking information.

Abstract: A proton beam imaging system includes: a proton beam generator to generate a proton beam; a proton beam modulator through which the proton beam passes positioned between the proton beam generator and an image target; and a proton beam detector positioned to detect the proton beam existing the image target; wherein the proton beam modulator comprises: a rotating wheel having an axis of rotation positioned so that the proton beam passes through the axis of rotation and the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the proton beam; a first modulating portion comprising a first material portion and a second material portion through which a proton beam passes; and a second modulating portion comprising a third material portion and a fourth material portion through with the proton beam passes; wherein the first and second wedges are positioned opposite each other on the rotating wheel.

Abstract: A particle therapy system includes a building having a first floor and second floors and, a particle beam generator installed on the first floor and configured to generate a particle beam, a first transport system configured to transport a particle beam from the particle beam generator to a first irradiation system in a first treatment room, and a second transport system configured to transport a particle beam to a second irradiation system in a second treatment room, branched from the first transport system, via a second floor. The second transport system has a first bending magnet that bends a particle beam to the direction of the second floor different from the installation surface of the particle beam generator. The building has a shielding wall configured to shield the first floor and the second floor and the second transport system is provided penetrating the shielding wall.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system and method for delivering radiotherapy are provided. In some aspects, the radiotherapy system includes beam director comprising a radiation source configured to generate radiation for irradiating a patient, the beam director having at least four degrees of freedom of movement. The radiotherapy system also includes a controller configured to operate the beam director to irradiate the patient in accordance with a radiation treatment plan, wherein the radiation treatment plan is generated based on a solution space determined by the at least four degrees of freedom of movement of the beam director.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to techniques for following a treatment protocol having one or more treatment parameters to cause a targeted physiological outcome at a distal site, assessing an expression level of a gene in a region of interest after completing the treatment protocol, and modifying the one or more treatment parameters based on the expression level of the gene. The treatment protocol may include one or more ultrasound energy treatments to the region of interest.

Abstract: A method for improving an ejection fraction of a patient in need thereof, including positioning a pulmonary artery manipulation device in a target blood vessel, within the pulmonary vasculature of the patient; and impairing the activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron, using the pulmonary artery manipulation device, to denervate the target blood vessel, thereby improving the ejection fraction of the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument including a blade that treats tissue and a fluid control system to cool the blade by pumping cooling fluid through the blade. The blade defines a blade lumen in fluid contact with an inflow and return conduit of the fluid control system. The inflow conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the distal end of the blade lumen and the return conduit defines an open distal end positioned within the blade lumen adjacent the proximal end of the blade lumen. The fluid control system may further include a fluid reservoir holding the cooling fluid and an inflow pump. The inflow pump is configured to deliver the fluid from the fluid reservoir, through the inflow conduit and the blade lumen, and into return conduit.

Abstract: A cartridge for a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device and a piezoelectric linear motor are disclosed. By using the cartridge for a HIFU device according to the present invention, a transducer module is coupled to a piezoelectric linear motor driveable in water and embedded in the cartridge, heat generated when a conventional step motor is driven is fundamentally removed, an additional cooling fan is not needed, ultra-low power consumption and ultra-precise transfer can be realized, and thus an effective procedure can be performed. A skin beauty device may include ultrasound and high frequency units, apply a high frequency to a skin to be treated so as to crack a stratum corneum, and apply ultrasound to the skin to be treated, and thus a medicament drug can easily penetrate the treated skin. In addition, the piezoelectric linear motor in which a piezoelectric actuator and a moving shaft are stably coupled is provided.

Abstract: A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback.

Abstract: A method, a kit and a first composition for treating hair are provided. The method for treating hair comprises applying to the hair a first composition comprising in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, one or more at least bi-functional carboxylic acids, or cosmetically acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof, and applying to the hair a second composition comprising in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, one or more at least bi-functional carboxylic acids, or cosmetically acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the first composition has a pH from 7 to 13 and the second composition has a pH from 3 to 7.

Abstract: A fall protection cable system configured for installation of a roof on a steel building includes a starting support post, a final support post, and a support cable. The starting support post is configured for attachment to a first side of the steel building and has a bottom starting end configured to attach to the first side of the steel building and a top starting end extending above the roof. The final support post is configured for attachment to a second side of the steel building and has a bottom final end configured to attach to the second side of the steel building and a top final end extending above the roof on the second side. The support cable is configured to be connected at an elevated position above the roof of the steel building between the top starting end and the top final end.

Abstract: A system designed for managing safety cables utilized by technicians working on wireless communication structures. The system is designed to properly secure and route a structure's safety cable such that it does not become entangled with the appurtenances installed on the structure or damage any installed appurtenance. This system is designed to prevent the climbing facility from becoming obstructed while maintaining the integrity of the fall arrest cable system and protection of the technician from a potential hazard. The system is secured to the tower or existing and future appurtenances via brackets and clamps and is adaptable to varying types of structures and appurtenances.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable firewall is provided having a rectangular configuration with a catwalk and a railing on the top side for accommodating a plurality of manned firefighting stations. The catwalk can comprise two openings, which can be covered by doors or hatches, that allow exit and entry of the manned firefighting stations through stairs located within the firewall structure. The stairs terminate at the floor and lead to a plurality of reinforced doors. Embodiments of the firewall comprise central doors having side doors flanking each central door, and each central door operatively associated with a status light. The manned firefighting stations are fed from at least one fluid input located at the bottom of the firewall structure, and the firewall structure further comprises a plurality of vents, fans and fume hoods.

Abstract: Ignition-quenching covers are configured to quench an ignition event in a combustible environment triggered by an ignition source associated with an ignition-risk structure. Ignition-quenching covers comprise a porous body that includes two or more porous elements and are configured to cover the ignition-risk structure, wherein the ignition-risk structure is associated with a potential ignition source that may produce the ignition event in the combustible environment. The porous body defines passages sized to quench the ignition event. Methods comprise installing a porous ignition-quenching cover over an ignition-risk structure to prevent bulk combustion, e.g., of a fuel vapor in a fuel tank, due to an ignition event associated with the ignition-risk structure.

Abstract: Fire suppression systems for aircraft are described. The fire suppression systems include a first fire suppression material source containing a first constituent, a second fire suppression material source containing a second constituent different from the first constituent, and a fluid supply line connecting the first fire suppression material source and the second fire suppression material source to at least one dispenser configured to dispense the first constituent in the form of a first agent in a high rate discharge operation to extinguish a detected fire, and to dispense the second constituent in the form of a second agent in a low rate discharge operation after the high rate discharge operation.

Abstract: Fireworthy sealants may have a variety of compositions and be made by a variety of techniques. In certain implementations, a fireworthy sealant may include a body comprised of a cured, tacky, soft, deformable non-adhesive gel. The gel body may have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a perimeter, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the gel body, in an uncompressed state, define a body thickness. The sealant may, in an uncompressed state, be dimensioned to fit in a first opening between a wall and an aircraft component surface and deformable when under compression to fit in a second opening, smaller than the first opening. The sealant may be flame retardant and produce low smoke density and low smoke toxicity.

Abstract: Systems for enhanced detection and response to an environmental anomaly in a shipping container may include wireless ID nodes within a shipping container, and a command node mounted to the container that communicates with the ID nodes and a transit vehicle transceiver. The command node's memory has program code, a communication profile and context data for each the ID nodes. The command node is adapted to monitor the ID nodes for an unanticipated ceased broadcasting from any of the ID nodes per the communication profiles; detect the anomaly when the number of ID nodes in the unanticipated ceased broadcasting state exceeds a threshold setting on the command node; generate a layered alert notification identifying a mediation recipient and mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority based upon the ceased broadcasting ID nodes; and initiate the mediation response by transmitting the notification to the external transceiver.

Abstract: Adaptive wireless node-implemented systems and methods are described for detecting an environmental anomaly related to a shipping container and reporting a layered alert notification to an external transceiver on a transit vehicle transporting the shipping container. The system has ID nodes within the container (a portion of which being associated with objects transported in the container), a primary command node within the container, and a designated survivor command node mounted to the container. The primary command node monitors signal activity from the ID nodes, identifies the environmental anomaly based upon the signal activity, generates the alert notification (identifying a targeted mediation recipient and mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority), and transmits the alert notification to the external transceiver to initiate a mediation response. The designated survivor command node takes over as the primary command node when unable to communicate with the primary command node.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein pertain to compositions for extinguishing or suppressing fires, systems for using the same, methods of making compositions for extinguishing or suppressing fires, and/or methods of using the same. In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein are suitable for use on Class D fires (e.g., suppressing or extinguishing the fires). In some embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein comprise a botanical material. In some embodiments, the compositions lack sugar alcohols and/or halogenated compounds.

Abstract: A trampoline includes a plurality of arc-shaped rods and a plurality of long iron joints. The long iron joints are T-shaped. The arc-shaped rods and the long iron joints are insertedly connected to each other successively and alternatively to form a circular ring. Lower ends of the long iron joints are insertedly connected to straight tubes. Lower ends of two adjacent straight tubes are insertedly connected to a foot tube. The foot tube is U-shaped with an opening upward. The arc-shaped rods are connected to a fabric clamp through arc-shaped hook springs. The fabric clamp inner end is connected to an edge of the trampoline fabric. Grooves are insertedly connected in the inward protrusions, preventing the arc-shaped rods from rotating relative to the horizontal tube. The fabric clamp outer sheet closes the interval between the tension spring and the trampoline fabric, preventing users from stepping into the interval.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to climbing units that provide an enhanced play experience through the incorporation of any of a variety of elements including nets, suspended portions, and coupling elements, and to playground structures that contain those climbing units. In some embodiments, the climber unit may comprise one or more rigid portions and one or more net-containing portions connected end-to-end to produce a continuous climbing pathway. In other embodiments, the climber unit may comprise one or more rigid portions and one or more suspended portions connected end-to-end to produce a continuous climbing pathway. The suspended portion may be attached to adjacent rigid portions by flexible couplers, such that the suspended portion will move when a child climbs through it. In other embodiments, the climber unit may be mounted to an elevated playground structure such that there are no footers connecting the climber unit to the ground.

Abstract: An exercise attachment apparatus for attachment to a lever arm pivotably connected to an exercise rack, comprising: at least one mounting prong connected to the lever arm; and, a stand comprising a pivot point, wherein the pivot point defines a pivot axis substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the lever arm, and wherein the stand is rotatable with respect to the lever arm about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A semi-submersed floating striking exercise device with a striking portion to be filled with water, a floatation portion at least partially above the striking portion, the floatation portion to be filled with air and an above-the-water portion to be filled with air, the above-the-water portion positioned above the floatation portion. The striking exercise device also includes at least one of a handle and/or an attachment device, at least one air inlet for inflating the floatation portion and the above-the-water portion, and a water inlet for filling the striking portion with water. The striking exercise device optionally includes a tether with a first end and a second end, and a tether harness to be worn on a user, wherein the first end of the tether is attachable to the semi-submersed floating striking exercise device and the second end of the tether is attachable to the tether harness.

Abstract: The present invention is a weighted vest, for receiving standard Olympic weight plates. The vest has a plurality of vest pockets at least in two rows and in the front and in the rear. The top row pockets are each sized to receive up to three 2.5-pound standard Olympic weight plates and the bottom row pockets are sized to each receive up to three 5-pound standard Olympic weight plates. Each pocket has a weight holder with a length adapted to receive 1 to 3 standard Olympic weight and locked by a locking means and a pocket flap to securely hold the weight plates in the pocket.

Abstract: The present invention is a free weight belt squat machine that allows a free, unencumbered raising and lowering of variable resistance by a user. A belt which is directly attached to the horizontal free weight bar holds standard Olympic plates and may be raised or lowered, directly in free space, by the user. Thus, the natural and optimal movement pattern of a straight line over the user's center of gravity may be fully and completely realized. This machine provides a control arm to safely and effectively engage and disengage the resistance from the machine to the user and then back to the machine. This machine further provides an adjustable stopper mechanism for the safety of the user and to limit or expand the range of the exercise to cause the desired adaptations in muscular strength and size.

Abstract: A weight plate with a contained clamp inside a housing formed from features of the weight plate. The clamp is enclosed by the weight plate features and held in place from coming out of the housing using a fastener. Once the clamp is held, the clamp will not rotate on its own axis of rotation inside the housing. This prevents the clamp from being lost and provides easy clamping of the weight plate to a bar.