Abstract: A container replacement system for replacing a fluid container with a replacement fluid container, wherein the fluid container contains a cryogenic fluid and is coupled to a pressure line, includes a control valve that vents the cryogenic fluid within the pressure line, a pressure sensor that senses a line pressure of the cryogenic fluid and generates sensor output and a controller that receives sensor output and determines whether to replace the fluid container. If the line pressure is below a threshold line pressure, the controller determines replacing the fluid container is permissible. Contrarily, if the line pressure is above the threshold line pressure, the controller determines replacing the fluid container is not permissible. The container replacement system further includes a GUI that instructs whether replacing the fluid container is permissible.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a catheter device may include a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter device may further include a connector coupled to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector may include a base having a recess configured to receive the distal end of the catheter and may include a hinged portion configured to couple to the base to clamp the catheter within the recess.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an insertion type drug injection device capable of being inserted into a body for injecting a drug into a skin, including: a main body having an open insert part and formed in a tubular shape having a hollow space therein, a needle assembly formed in the insert part, provided with a plurality of needles, and including a pneumatic port and a drug injection port, and a drug injection pipe inserted into the main body and connected to a drug injection port of the needle assembly, and an air flowing pipe connected to the pneumatic port.

Abstract: A two-part bioactive agent delivery system includes a disposable part, a reusable part, and a solvent removal element. The disposable part includes an agent reservoir, a transdermal patch communicating with the agent reservoir and adapted to transdermally deliver the bioactive agent to a user. The transdermal patch has a bottom surface adapted to contact skin of the user, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a gas permeable membrane disposed over the top surface of the transdermal patch. The reusable part includes a power source and control electronics that are adapted to deliver bioactive agent dissolved in a solvent from the agent reservoir to the transdermal patch. The solvent removal element includes a gap disposed between the disposable part and the reusable part to create a flow path for gaseous solvent to flow from the gas permeable membrane to ambient air around the bioactive agent delivery system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering oxygen and other therapeutic gases to a target, such as a tissue, a tissue-engineered construct, and a wound, in a controlled and sustained manner are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lamprey lock device configured to provide a fluid transfer between two devices or objects. In one embodiment, lamprey lock device of the present invention improves fluid transfer by maximizing the inner diameter of connections between two objects including but not limited to a catheter, tubing, veress needles, trocars, syringes, or gas/fluid delivery systems.

Abstract: A holder for a curved duct portion of a tube pump. The holder includes a supply-side connector which includes a first cavity and a first plate connected together, the first cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the curved duct portion, and a discharge-side connector including a second cavity and a second plate connected together, the second cavity being adapted for receiving another end of the curved duct portion, where the connectors are movable the one with respect to the other between a storage configuration, in which the supply-side connector is positioned away to the discharge-side connector, and an operating configuration, in which the supply-side connector is close to the discharge-side connector and in which the first and second plate are engaged together substantially on a same plane.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a self-contained device including a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump. Preferably, the motor is incorporated either within the interior of the pump, on the exterior of the pump, or a combination of the two. The pump increases the kinetic energy of the fluid by centrifugal means, and in some embodiments is a viscous impeller pump. Applications include building flow systems, industrial processes, and biological circulatory systems.

Abstract: A quick-connection type magnetic transmission apparatus for use in a medical interventional instrument, comprising a drive-side housing and a driven-side housing. The drive-side housing and the driven-side housing are coaxially arranged and are connected in a nested mode; a magnetic coupling structure, a magnetic coupling and coaxial guiding mechanism, and an integral coaxial guiding mechanism are sequentially comprised from inside to outside; the magnetic coupling structure consists of a magnetic transmission drive end (12), a magnetic transmission driven end (11), and a quick-connection separation sleeve (13); the magnetic coupling and coaxial guiding mechanism consists of a magnetic coupling and guiding sleeve (21) and a magnetic coupling and guiding groove (22); the integral coaxial guiding mechanism consists of a coaxial guiding sleeve (31), a coaxial guiding groove (32), and a coaxial locking structure.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for stimulating peripheral nerves in the fingers or hand to treat tremor are described. For example, a wearable ring device for delivering electrical stimulation to sensory nerves in a patient's finger can include an annular ring having a plurality of electrodes and a detachable unit having a power source and a pulse generator.

Abstract: A vestibular stimulation array is disclosed having one or more separate electrode arrays each operatively adapted for implantation in a semicircular canal of the vestibular system, wherein each separate electrode array is dimensioned and constructed so that residual vestibular function is preserved. In particular, the electrode arrays are dimensioned such that the membranous labyrinth is not substantially compressed. Furthermore, the electrode array has a stop portion to limit insertion of the electrode array into the semi-circular canal and is still enough to avoid damage to the anatomical structures.

Abstract: A bioelectric interface is provided. The bioelectric interface comprises a case having a channel configured to hold a nerve. An electrode array is slidably coupled to the case, wherein the electrode array comprises a number of electrode shanks. The case restricts movement of the electrode array to one degree of freedom toward or away from the nerve held in the channel for insertion of the electrode shanks into the nerve.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus, can include, for example, a circulating tumor cell (CTC) treatment arrangement, a pump arrangement configured to circulate a fluid through the CTC treatment arrangement, and an electric field generator electrically connected to the CTC treatment arrangement, and configured to apply an electric field to the fluid circulating through the CTC treatment arrangement. The pump arrangement can be a peristaltic pump, which can be configured to continuously circulate the fluid through the CTC treatment arrangement. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, method, system and computer-accessible medium can be provided for killing at least one circulating tumor cell (CTC). Using such exemplary embodiment, blood can be pumped from a body of a patient to an electroporation chamber inside of a CTC treatment arrangement. An electric field can be applied to the blood located in the electroporation chamber in order to kill the CTC.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of electrically coupling a previously implanted stimulation lead with a replacement neurostimulator device. The apparatus and method configured to operably couple a proximal portion of a neuromodulation adaptor including a plurality of electrical conductors spaced apart at a first pitch spacing to a corresponding plurality of electrical terminals of a replacement neurostimulator device, and operably couple a distal end of the neuromodulation adaptor including a plurality of conductor elements and an electrically active set screw spaced part of a second pitch spacing to a corresponding plurality of electrical connectors of a previously implanted stimulation lead.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for treating chronic pains effectively are disclosed. The system is based on the use of randomly generated non-pulsed waveform between a frequency of 5 Hz to 2 KHz. The waveforms generated have characteristics which are pre-defined or based on the input and feedback provided by the patient and/or by the clinician, at the same time conforming to certain safety rules and precautions ensuring patient safety. This disclosure also describes a novel approach of implementing a secure memory stick which can be used to exchange data securely between one device and another device where device could be the device mentioned earlier, an off-line server, or a PC.

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

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for treating a medical condition by applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation to a target peripheral nerve of a subject. Electrical stimulation is applied to the peripheral nerve via a stimulation electrode pattern under closed-loop control in which EMG responses are monitored and used to adjust stimulation parameters. In response to detecting an unacceptable recording, electrical stimulation is applied to the peripheral nerve under open-loop control.

Abstract: A method, including the action of operating a sense prosthesis, such as a retinal implant, according to a first operating regime while the recipient has a first fatigue level, and operating the sense prosthesis according to a second operating regime while the recipient has a second fatigue level that is greater than the first fatigue level.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are discussed herein for wirelessly transmitting power and/or data to an implanted device, such as an implanted electrostimulator device. In an example, the subject matter includes a layered transmitter device with multiple conductive planes and excitation features. The transmitter device can be tuned to identify and apply device parameters for efficient wireless communication with a deeply implanted device. The transmitter is generally configured for midfield powering applications by providing signals that give rise to propagating signals inside of body tissue.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is described capable of determining whether a patient is susceptible to freezing of gait events during ambulatory movement without the patient demonstrating an episode of freezing of gait. In one example, the IMD senses, via one or more electrodes, a bioelectrical signal of a brain of the patient while the patient performs movement associated with freezing of gait. The IMD determines, based on the bioelectrical signal, whether the patient is susceptible to freezing of gait while the patient is not experiencing an episode of freezing of gait. Further, upon detecting the movement associated with freezing of gait, the IMD delivers electrical stimulation therapy to the patient configured to suppress freezing of gait.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system is provided for managing neural stimulation therapy. The method comprises under control of one or more processors configured with program instructions. The method delivers a series of candidate stimulation waveforms having varied stimulation intensities to at least one electrode located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. A parameter defines the candidate stimulation waveforms is changed to vary the stimulation intensity. The method identifies a first candidate stimulation waveform that induces a paresthesia-abatement effect, while continuing to induce a select analgesic effect. The method further identifies a second candidate stimulation waveform that does not induce the select analgesic effect. The method sets a stimulation therapy based on the first and second candidate stimulation waveforms.

Abstract: Stimulation of nervous system components by electrodes can be used in many applications, including in the operation of brain-machine interfaces, bidirectional neural interfaces, and neuroprosthetics. The optimal operation of such systems requires a means of accurately measuring neural responses to such stimulations. However, currently the measurement of neural responses is difficult due to heavy stimulation artifacts arising from stimulatory pulses. The invention encompasses novel methods of estimating stimulation artifacts in measurements attained by recording electrodes and the effective removal of these artifacts. This provides improved neural recording systems and enables the deployment of closed-loop neural stimulation systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating congestive heart failure with high frequency stimulation are disclosed. A representative method for treating a patient includes applying an electrical signal having a frequency of from about 1 kHz to about 100 kHz to the patient via a treatment system that includes a signal delivery element in electrical communication with the patient's vagus nerve at a portion of the vagus nerve located at or proximate to the anterior interventricular junction of the patient's heart. The method can further include automatically detecting at least one physiological parameter of the patient, automatically determining at least one of an ejection fraction of the patient's heart and a correlate of the ejection fraction based on the detected parameter, and automatically adjusting the applied signal based on the determined ejection fraction.

Abstract: A smart carry case which is effectively a portable GPS-enabled, AED monitoring system that is capable of monitoring an AED (as well as itself) and reporting back the presence, function and location of the AED to a remote host. Also disclosed is street furniture that is configured to retain, continuously monitor, and dispense an AED and communicate to a remote host (i.e., a control room). The street furniture is preferably configured such that a user presses the intercom button. In response, the street furniture contacts the control room. The control room, in turn, sends a signal to the street furniture causing the compartment to unlock so the AED can be removed and used in a rescue. The street furniture is configured to continuously monitor the AED and ensure it is functional, using a device such as has been described hereinabove. If the AED is used, an ambulance is deployed to the location. The AED that is retained in the compartment may be a smart carry case.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a first chip bonded on a second chip. The first chip comprises a first substrate and first interconnection components formed in first IMD layers. The second chip comprises a second substrate and second interconnection components formed in second IMD layers. The device further comprises a first conductive plug formed within the first substrate and the first IMD layers, wherein the first conductive plug is coupled to a first interconnection component and a second conductive plug formed through the first substrate and the first IMD layers and formed partially through the second IMD layers, wherein the second conductive plug is coupled to a second interconnection component.

Abstract: A system is provided for integrating at least one portable computing device with a resuscitative medical device such as a defibrillator. The system may include a carrying case coupled to the resuscitative medical device. The carrying case may include a storage space for the at least one portable computing device and a wireless charging system for charging the at least one portable computing device. The system may be configured to enable secure data transfer between each of the devices, including data communication and data storage. A processor of the resuscitative medical device may be configured to activate the wireless charging system and charge the at least one portable computing device under certain circumstances. The processor may further be configured to prioritize or optimize charging and data transfer between the resuscitative medical device and each of multiple portable computing devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a biofield apparatus. The apparatus includes a first vial and a second vial configured to hold fluid for storing biofield information associated with a subject. The apparatus includes an input plate and an output plate. The input plate and the output plate include an input plate vial well and an output plate vial well, respectively. The apparatus includes a control unit configured to provide a first signal to the input plate for capturing the biofield information from the subject. The control unit encodes and transmits the biofield information captured from the subject, to the fluid within the first vial. Further, the control unit amplifies the biofield information within the first vial based on a target amplification level. The control unit transmits the biofield information from the fluid within the second vial to the subject for enhancing the biofield information and properties of the subject.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for an orthopedic treatment system. In one aspect, the system includes a body unit configured to attach to an orthopedic bone plate, an electromagnetic field emitter positioned within the body unit, the electromagnetic field emitter configured to project an electromagnetic field at a therapeutic frequency for a therapeutic duration. The system may further include an internal power source positioned within the body unit, the internal power source configured to provide electrical current to the electromagnetic field emitter. The system may also include a receiving coil positioned within the body unit, the receiving coil configured to receive power from an external power source, the external power source positioned outside the body unit.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a first light source having a first spectral light distribution with a first light intensity peak about a first peak wavelength, and a second light source having a second spectral light distribution with a second light intensity peak about a second peak wavelength being different from the first peak wavelength, a third light source having a third spectral light distribution with a main light intensity peak about a third peak wavelength being different from the first peak wavelength and from the second peak wavelength, wherein the illumination apparatus is configured to provide adjustment of light intensity of the first light source and of light of the second light source, wherein the illumination apparatus provides an adjustment of light intensity of the third light source to compensate for the adjusting of the relative light intensity between the first light source and the second light source.

Abstract: In one aspect, a luminaire is provided for illumination, in which the luminaire has a normalized spectral power distribution (SPD) curve for promoting human wellness, the normalized SPD curve having the following percentage areas for the following wavelength domains, the normalized SPD curve including spectral energy in a 620 nm to 640 nm region of the SPD curve ranging from 9.5% to 10.5% of a total of an area for a normalized SPD curve; spectral energy in a 640 nm to 660 nm region of the SPD curve ranging from 7.25% to 9.8% of the total of the area of the normalized SPD curve; spectral energy in a 660 nm to 680 nm region of the SPD curve ranging from 4.8% to 7.8% of the total of the area for the normalized SPD curve; spectral energy in a 680 nm to 700 nm region of the SPD curve ranging from 2.75% to 5.5% of the total of the area for the normalized SPD curve; and a remainder of spectral energy of the total normalized SPD curve is in a 400 nm to 620 nm region area of the SPD curve.

Abstract: A radiotherapy dose rate monitor system includes an emitting electrode configured to be impinged by radiotherapy radiation; a collecting electrode configured to form an electrical circuit with said emitting electrode, a current measurement device configured to measure a current through said emitting and collecting electrodes indicative of a dose of said radiotherapy radiation, and a chamber enclosing a gas. Emission of secondary electrons from the emitting electrode provides a majority of the current.

Abstract: A method comprises identifying a treatment planning image of a target subject, the treatment planning image comprising information associated with an arrangement of structures within the target subject. The method further comprises generating, based on the information, a set of reference data associated with the target subject, the reference data indicating a plurality of positions of the target subject. The method further comprises generating target-subject-specific models based on the reference data and modifying one or more hyper-parameters of the target-subject-specific mode to generate second target-subject-specific models corresponding to a second position of the plurality of positions. The method further comprises controlling a radiation treatment delivery device based on the second target-subject-specific model to deliver a radiation treatment to the target subject.

Abstract: A radiation therapy medical apparatus is disclosed. The medical apparatus comprises: a base; a cylindrical gantry, peripherally and rotatably supported by the base; a radiation therapy assembly, comprising an arm and a radiation head, wherein one end of the arm is fixed to a first position on a first side of the gantry and the other end thereof is extended outwardly, and the radiation head is fixed to the other end of the arm; an imaging assembly, mounted to a second side of the gantry opposite to the first side, and configured to be a first balanced weight part for balancing the radiation therapy assembly; and a counterbalance, fixed to the second side of the gantry, and configured to cooperate with the imaging assembly to prevent the gantry from turnover under action of the radiation therapy assembly and configured to dynamically balance with the radiation therapy assembly with respect to a rotation axis of the gantry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position indicator for a system for moving a patient in a non-invasive therapy system, wherein the system for moving includes a patient support arranged outside a treatment space of a medical apparatus of the non-invasive therapy system, a treatment table arranged inside the treatment space in the medical apparatus, and a patient bed movable in a longitudinal direction from the patient support to the treatment table and back by means of activation of a transferring mechanism, wherein the position indicator comprises a number of light emitting elements arranged in the patient support and each being arranged to receive activation signals instructing a receiving light emitting element to emit light to indicate positions for treatment equipment.

Abstract: An image guiding device includes a gantry, an imaging source, an imager, and an image server. The imaging source, the imager and the image server are all mounted on the gantry. The imager is connected to the image server. The imaging source is arranged to face the imager. The imaging source emits X-rays. The imager receives X-rays passing through an affected part of a patient, generates projection data based on the received X-rays, and sends the projection data to the image server. The image server processes the projection data to obtain an image of the affected part.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system, comprising: a patient support, a radiation beam generator, a gantry on which the radiation beam generator is mounted, the gantry being moveable so as to rotate the radiation beam generator around the patient support, and a control system including a real-time control system mounted on the gantry and configured to provide real-time control signals to the patient support, the radiation beam generator, and the gantry.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array is incorporated in a light-weight, conformable, and wearable patch that may be used to deliver, monitor, and control localized transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS). The patch may include full-duplex transmit-receive circuitry that may be used for continuous monitoring of transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) application. The circuitry may include a circulator. The ultrasound transducer array may be coupled to an aperture interface having irregularly sized or shaped channel conductors to provide a coarse aperture for the array. The coarse aperture may be designed using a method that provides a reduced channel count.

Abstract: A topical skin care composition including an effective amount of palmitoyl tetrapeptide 7, retinol, and a base that includes botanical oils is disclosed. The botanical oils include sesame oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, jojoba oil, and Macadamia ternifolia nut oil. The topical skin care composition is anhydrous.

Abstract: An emergency escape mechanism is disclosed. A deployable and inflatable slide is located proximate the exit door of a building. When the alarm switch on the alarm box next to the door is set to unlock the door may be opened and a chute or slide falls out to the exterior of the building. A mercury switch or the like is activated as the uninflated slide tilts out which activates an inflation means, preferably a compressed gas cylinder or the like. The slide or chute is anchored to the building by a girt bar anchored in the floor and a plurality of chute support straps. This allows for rapid evacuation of the building. Additionally, the alarm box switch may operate a silent alarm to alert the police of a potentially hazardous situation.

Abstract: Provided is a powered air blower unit for delivering air flow to a user with constant air flow or varying speeds of air flow. The air blower unit may also include a filter for purifying the air.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable, pressure sealed, cough and sneeze aerosol, containment apparatus and a system to virtually eradicate the cold, the flu, and Covid-19. A face mask having a rigid first section configured to hold a filter and a pliable second section configured to fit on a person's face; a face mask seal formed on an edge of the pliable second section of the face mask; a curved surface on the face mask seal configured to fold inward to form a seal on the person's face when pressed on the person's face.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a stitched filtering fabric including a barrier layer configured to inhibit air flow through the filtering fabric, a yarn stitched through and forming a plurality of stitch holes in the barrier layer, and a first yarn layer comprising interlocking loops of the yarn. The barrier layer is configured to direct air flow through the yarn within the stitched holes.

Abstract: A system for dispensing flame retardant foam on the exterior of a structure. The structure has an opening that enables distribution of flame retardant foam onto the roof. The system includes a foam distribution system having a foam expansion chamber and a roof plenum for delivery through the roof opening. Foam solution and compressed air are combined in a conduit and supplied to the foam expansion chamber. The structure may have at least one wall. In that case, the system may have a wall plenum for delivery of flame retardant foam from the foam expansion chamber through a first wall-associated opening. Each such wall will have an opening associated with the wall that enables distribution of flame retardant foam onto that wall.

Abstract: An automatic fire suppression system for use in extinguishing residential fires or engine compartment fires in a vehicle. The automatic fire suppression system in mountable on a ceiling or under a hood of the vehicle or above the vehicle's engine if located elsewhere. The automatic fire suppression system retains an extinguishing agent in an extinguishing agent reservoir. A detection component for detecting heat or smoke triggers the release of the extinguishing agent according to a preset heat level or smoke condition. Once released, the extinguishing agent is dispensed onto the fire by through a plurality of orifices in a distribution component to effectively suppress the fire.

Abstract: A method of custom manufacturing a flame arrestor assembly configured to extinguish a flame propagating therethrough. The method includes creating a customized flame cell using an additive manufacturing technique, which generally includes forming a body and forming one or more channels in the body. The one or more channels define a flow path configured to transfer heat from a flame front propagating through the flow path to the body. The method also includes providing a housing, and securely arranging the flame cell within the housing.

Abstract: A proportioner having a body portion that defines a foam passage and a fluid passage. The proportioner also includes a restrictor assembly having a restrictor disk and an orifice plate having an opening for receiving the restrictor disk. The proportioner can further include a rod member connected to the restrictor disk and a clapper assembly connected to the rod member via a sliding interface. The clapper assembly can be configured to control a flow of the foam concentrate through the foam passage in proportion to a flow of the fire protection fluid through the fluid passage by moving the rod member to vary the distance between the restrictor disk and the orifice plate. The sliding interface can be disposed between a first guide and a second guide, and at least a portion of the restrictor disk is disposed in the opening.

Abstract: A dry fire protection sprinkler has an inlet seal assembly to seal an inlet orifice. A spring seal compresses in response to a load. An inlet release unit releases the inlet seal assembly. A flexible tube has an inlet end connected to the inlet release unit. A flexible linkage extends through the flexible tube, and has an inlet end connected to the inlet release. An outlet biasing portion is connected to an outlet end of the tube and an outlet end of the linkage, which displaces upon activation of the sprinkler. A sprinkler body is connected to the outlet biasing portion, with an outlet seal assembly to seal its outlet orifice. When ambient reaches a predetermined temperature, the outlet seal assembly releases from the outlet orifice, and the outlet biasing portion displaces the linkage, causing the inlet of the linkage to operate the inlet release unit, releasing the inlet seal.

Abstract: Operating a fire control system is described herein. One method includes receiving, at a gateway device, first operational data of a first format from a control panel, determining a model associated with the control panel based on the first operational data, wherein the model includes correlations between the first operational data and alarm information of a second format, receiving second operational data of the first format from the control panel, and determining alarm information of the second format associated with the second operational data based on the model.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene that may be useful as heat transfer compositions, aerosol propellants, foaming agents, blowing agents, solvents, cleaning agents, carrier fluids, displacement drying agents, buffing abrasion agents, polymerization media, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethane, gaseous dielectrics, extinguishing agents, and fire suppression agents in liquid or gaseous form. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene, 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, or 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane, which may be useful in processes to produce 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.

Abstract: A weighted fitness hoop apparatus for cardiovascular and resistance exercise. The hoop comprises an elliptical tubular sheath with two end portions, the ends selectively engageable by a coupler. A hollow core extends through the length of the tubular sheath and is optionally fillable with a weight or light. The coupler is insertably engaged with the hollow core at the first and second ends of the elliptical tubular sheath, and the power source for the light is removably attached to surface of the hoop.