899results about How to "Reduce injuries" patented technology

A movement augmentation system that provides various forms of feedback, including real-time and post-performance for training and rehabilitation is disclosed. The systems, devices and methods provide augmentation to human movement behavior in order to accelerate acquisition of complex movement skills by a user and to mitigate injuries from poor movement technique (e.g., joint damage or muscle fatigue). An environment is provided that enables systematic and comprehensive capabilities through integration of its components.

The present invention provides biocompatible intervertebral disc prostheses that are resilient to compressive forces, that may be adapted to an intervertebral space. When implanted in the spinal column of a patient, the intervertebral disc prostheses according to the present invention is intended to maintain the separation between adjacent vertebrae and provide shock absorbent protection. Flexibility of the spinal column may also be maintained. The present invention further provides methods for the implantation of the intervertebral disc prosthesis of the present invention and an optional intervertebral spacer into the spinal column of a human or animal patient.

An electrode assembly for neuro-cranial stimulation includes an electrode, a conductive gel, and an adapter including an interior compartment for positioning the electrode relative to the adapter and for receiving and retaining the conductive gel. The conductive gel contacts the electrode along an electrode-gel interface. An orifice at one end of the interior compartment and adjacent to a positioning surface of the adapter for positioning the electrode assembly against a skin surface of a user enables the conductive gel is able to contact the skin surface of the user to define a gel-skin interface, such that a minimum distance between the electrode-gel interface and the gel-skin interface is maintained between 0.25 cm and 1.3 cm. An electrode assembly mounting apparatus is provided for adjustably positioning a plurality of electrode assemblies against target positions on the cranium.

The invention is a Pointe shoe for ballet. It has a rigid mid-foot section and a rigid toe loop connected by a transverse axis joint located at the metatarsal-phalange joint (M-P). With the foot in Pointe position, the weight of the dancer is supported by the rigid mid-foot section. The downward force is passed through the M-P joint to the front of the toe loop. None of the weight of the dancer needs to be supported by the toes. In contrast, prior art Pointe shoes have a rigid shank and toe cup to assist the toes in supporting the weight of the dancer. The toes have small bones, muscles, and ligaments. This often results in pain and injury to the toes. The shoe of the invention has a mid-foot section that is shaped with support surfaces for the sole of the heel bone and the dorsal side of the cuneiform and metatarsal bones. These bones are larger and stronger than the bones of the toes. This shoe provides a larger area of bone and tissue to support the weight of the dancer on Pointe. It is more comfortable to use and results in fewer injuries.

To more accurately control insertion of penetrating instruments (e.g., trocars, needles, or the like) into a body cavity, organ, or potential space, an accelerometer is coupled to the penetrating instrument. The accelerometer may by employed to measure or detect the sudden lack of resistance which occurs when the penetrating instrument penetrates to a predetermined depth (e.g., through the abdominal cavity, vein, or outer bone) in a more accurate and reliable way instead of practitioners' subjective feeling. An acceleration sensor (i.e., accelerometer) coupled to the penetrating instrument (e.g., trocar or the like) may transform the physical variable ‘resistance change’ into an electronic signal that is then processed in an electronic circuit, and finally triggers an audible / visible alarm and / or feeds an actuating mechanism to control movement of the penetrating instrument.

Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may include one or more biased tines that shift from a first position to a second position to secure the wireless electrode assembly into the inner wall of the heart chamber.

The present invention provides a lancet system having a lancet tip protected by a sterile protector. The sterile protector includes a weakened portion near the tip end of the protector, which, during a puncturing operation, separates or tears in order to release the lancet tip. Other embodiments of the present invention include a pricking aid and / or lancet system provided as a magazine for holding a plurality of lancets. Each lancet of the plurality has a sterile protector as described above.

An apparatus for preventing occupant injury during accident has various features to ensure safety. A sensor 70, detecting seat belt engagement is provided. In addition, there is a means for varying the tension of a seatbelt 17, depending upon the weight of the occupant 110 and the speed of the vehicle carrying the occupant 110. When the occupant 110 seats on any of the seats 17, the load cell switch 18 will close, allowing the load cell output energy to energize the control module 25. The control module 25 will then enables the counter 50 to count the number of closed load cell switches 18. The control module 25 further enables an optoisolator switch configured with the sensor 70 to then energize a latching relay 80 operatively configured to check the seat belt latching of all occupied seats 10 with closed load cell switches 18, to assure occupants safety. The load cells are configured with strain gauges and temperature sensors to ensure human occupants. Such that, when the switch 18 for the occupied seat 10 is closed, the latching relay 80 circuit is energized so that the seat belt 17 for the occupied seat location is checked for buckling. The latching relay 80 circuit and the counter 50 circuit are operatively configured and closed only when an occupant 110 takes any of the seats 10. The latching relay switch 85 is only energized when the counter circuit 50 is closed.

The present invention provides a lancet system having a lancet tip, a lancet body, and an outer body or housing which surrounds the lancet tip and in which the lancet tip is movable. The outer body or housing comprises deformable material which can be pierced by the lancet tip during a puncture operation to produce an outlet opening. The outlet opening can be widened during the puncture operation by a thickened or widened portion of the lancet body that at least partially protrudes through the opening. Other embodiments of the present invention include a pricking aid and / or lancet system provided as a magazine for holding a plurality of lancets.

An on-vehicle apparatus is provided to reduce damage from collisions. In the apparatus, an object located in a field in a travel direction of a vehicle is detected and a time to collision (TTC) is detected. A controller performs automatic intervention braking in the vehicle when it determined that the time to collision is equal to or shorter than a first threshold time. Further, when it determined that the time to collision is equal to or shorter than a second threshold time shorter than the first threshold time and meets a preset actuation condition, a protection controller makes a protection device active for vehicle protection. A collision speed is also estimated based on an deceleration of the vehicle caused by the automatic intervention braking. The preset actuation condition is a condition that the estimated collision speed is equal to or higher than a preset threshold speeds.

A vehicle vision system that identifies pedestrians located proximate a vehicle. The system comprises a sensor array that produces imagery that is processed to generate disparity images. A depth map can be produced from the disparity images. Either the depth map or the disparity images are processed and compared to pedestrian templates. A pedestrian list is produced from the results of that comparison. The pedestrian list is processed to eliminate false pedestrians as determined by inverse eccentricity. The pedestrians are then tracked, and if a collision is possible, that information is provided to the driver and / or to an automated collision avoidance or damage or injury mitigation system.

A net is made from an explosive resistant material such as KEVLAR and is thrown over an explosive-laden device such that the net helps contain the blast force of the explosive-laden device. The net also has a nozzle that is fluid connected to a fire suppressant agent as well as a high density foam, each of which are discharged through the nozzle once the net is thrown over the explosive-laden device, the fire suppressant agent and the high density foam each helping to minimize the blast force of the explosive-laden device. The net can be thrown manually or can be fired from a gun that uses either pneumatic force or a firing cartridge to propel the net at its target.

An article of cleated footwear comprises an upper for holding a foot of a wearer to a sole having an outsole plate. The outsole plate includes a predetermined first metatarsal region that generally overlies the respective skeletal structure of a human foot. Several ground engaging members extend downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction on a ground surface. The outsole plate includes a downwardly extending metatarsal head cradle located on a lateral side and a medial side of the first metatarsal region to reduce stud pressure and provide traction control. The outsole plate may include a distal phalanx region and a predetermined proximal phalanx region. A first ground engaging member is located in the distal phalanx region and a second ground engaging member is located in the proximal phalanx region for toe off movements.

An integrated one-piece polymeric molded component includes an energy-absorbing section, a fascia-supporting beam section, and a plurality of connecting section connecting the energy-absorbing and fascia-supporting beam sections. The energy-absorbing section engages a front of a bumper beam and includes crush boxes configured to absorb impact energy during a vehicle crash. The connecting sections are strong enough to hold the energy-absorbing section and the fascia-supporting beam section together during assembly of the one-piece component onto a vehicle, but are flexible to allow collapse of the energy-absorbing section during a vehicle crash without damaging the fascia-supporting beam section. The beam section is channel-shaped and extends cross-car generally between headlamps of the vehicle, for providing added support structure to a front-end of the vehicle. The beam section includes air-redirecting ridges for optimal air flow and integral clips for wire management.

An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

An exoskeleton for a limb of a user utilizes an air bladder strap, which may be monitored and the pressure therein adjusted from time to time.

The invention relates to clinical cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. The method for forming a blood flow in research stands and in surgically reconstructed segments of the blood circulation system comprises diagnosing the individual condition of a patient's blood circulation system; measuring the blood flow velocity field in the heart chambers and great vessels; comparing the parameters measured against the physiological norm; determining parameters forming a swirled blood flow; and modeling an individual swirled blood current in the blood circulation system being diagnosed, the streamlined surfaces and guide elements of flow channels of the blood circulation system reconstructed being given shapes conforming to the flow lines of the restored normally swirled blood flow in accordance with formulas:Q(t)=[z+Z0(t)]2(1.1)ϕ=ϕ0+k(t)z(1.2)k(t)=Γ0(t) / 4πQ(t)C0(t)Vz=2C0(t)zVr=-C0(t)rVϕ=Γ0(t)2πr{1-exp[-C0(t)r22v]}(1.3)wherein: Vr, Vz, and Vφ are the radial, longitudinal, and tangential velocities of the swirled current; v is the kinematic viscosity of the medium; φ0 is the initial swirling angle in relation to the flow axis normal; φ, z and r are current values of the angular, longitudinal, and radial coordinates along the flow line; and Q(t), Z0(t), k(t), Γ0(t), and C0(t) are parameters of the swirled blood flow variable over time because of the non-stationary current and corresponding to the individual normal indicators for a physiologically swirled blood flow. The normal indicators are established by routine examination of a representative sample of patients having no changes in the cardiovascular system. A vessel prosthesis comprises a tube having an internal surface in contact with the blood flow provided with a pattern to swirl the blood flow in accordance with formulas (1.1 to 1.3) conforming to a specific localization of the segment being reconstructed. A cannula for para-corporeal perfusion devices comprises a flow channel having an internal surface that is provided with a longitudinal pattern to swirl the blood flow, the shape of the pattern being determined from formulas (1.1 to 1.3), relative to the specific localization of the point where the cannula is inserted into the vessel channel. A heart valve prosthesis comprises one or more shutoff elements arranged symmetrically in the center of a body of round and / or oval cross-section, the streamlined surfaces of the valve being provided with a pattern in accordance with formulas (1.1 to 1.3). A blood pump comprises a flow swirling unit, a flow channel, and valves at the inlet and outlet of the channel, the surface washed over by blood being provided with a relief variable over time in accordance with formulas (1.1 to 1.3). A swirling device comprises an end piece having a streamlined surface provided with guides in the form of ribs, grooves, or blades of a shape defined by formulas (1.1 to 1.3), the swirling angle of the guides relative to the flow axis being varied optionally an operator or by a special-purpose device for modeling different current conditions.

A circuit protection device includes a solid-state interrupter that is operable to open a circuit within a specified response time upon detection of a fault current state. A mechanical interrupter is connected in series with the solid-state interrupter. The mechanical interrupter is operable to open the circuit subsequent to the opening operation of the solid-state interrupter. A controller is coupled with the solid-state interrupter and the mechanical interrupter. The controller is operable to detect the fault current state in the circuit and to control the mechanical interrupter for coordinated operation with the solid-state interrupter. In some implementations, the response time is between two microseconds and twenty microseconds. The mechanical circuit breaker can safely physically open the circuit at a low breaking current (e.g., the solid-state interrupter quickly opens the circuit and prevents current from surging to dangerous levels).

A method of mopping including the use of unique mop handle means which allows an offset gripping of the handle intermediate its ends and utilization of rotatable swivel grip on one end, which enables the user of a mop to mop more efficiently and with reduced risk of injury including repetitive motion injuries and the like.

Methods and systems for estimating fetal weight at birth and risk of macrosomia are disclosed. Information regarding maternal characteristics and ultrasound measurements are obtained for the fetus. A computer program selects the most accurate equation from a hierarchy of birth weight / risk of macrosomia estimation equations based on the available information. Program outputs include estimated birth weight, risk of macrosomia, and confidence intervals.

Safety head wear for use for example in high risk activities such as sports and industrial purposes where protection from head injuries is required. Components are provided inserted between the liner and outer shell and consists of two parts; a chamber or bladder and a fluid or gel like material. The fluid or gel material is contained in the chamber or bladder and is positioned in such a way to create low friction between the surface of the shell and liner or liner and head. It can also be used on the outer surface of the shell or placed within two layers of the liner. The device provides a method of independently managing both compression and shear force characteristics of the helmet around the head designed to decrease brain trauma resulting from high linear and angular acceleration during impacts to the helmet.

An integrated one-piece polymeric molded component includes an energy-absorbing section, a fascia-supporting beam section, and a plurality of connecting section connecting the energy-absorbing and fascia-supporting beam sections. The energy-absorbing section engages a front of a bumper beam and includes crush boxes configured to absorb impact energy during a vehicle crash. The connecting sections are strong enough to hold the energy-absorbing section and the fascia-supporting beam section together during assembly of the one-piece component onto a vehicle, but are flexible to allow collapse of the energy-absorbing section during a vehicle crash without damaging the fascia-supporting beam section. The beam section is channel-shaped and extends cross-car generally between headlamps of the vehicle, for providing added support structure to a front-end of the vehicle. The beam section includes air-redirecting ridges for optimal air flow and integral clips for wire management.

A lighting panel capable of producing a “Starry Sky” lighting effect and which is easily retrofitted into existing aircraft includes a first substrate, a plurality of microminiature light sources, such as LEDs, mounted on an upper surface of the first substrate, a plurality of electrically conductive traces written on the upper surface of the first substrate so as to make electrical interconnections with respective leads of the light sources, a clear filler material surrounding each light source and tapering down to the upper surface of the first substrate so as to planarize it, and a flexible decorative film laminated over the upper surface of the first substrate and light sources, the decorative film containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, each corresponding in location to a respective light source.

An head restraint with an insert on seats in motor vehicles whereby said head restraint controls occupant's head acceleration and reduces neck loading in cases of impact. This head restraint comprises a post of any shape inserted into a seatback, foam of a desired thickness, an insert sized to cover a majority of the surface area on the front face and top of said head restraint, and a trim cover. Alternatively, the head restraint may be of integral design without posts. The insert is meant to float within foam in the head restraint and one can use clips or locating pins during manufacturing to obtain desired floating effect.

An exoskeleton for a limb of a user wherein the limb has an upper portion that is pivotally mounted to another part of the exoskeleton about a pivot axis and the upper portion is drivingly connected to the exoskeleton by a force applied via a drive force transmission axis that is vertically offset from the pivot axis.

The present invention provides combined property, dual-action aqueous and dry compositions for application to a material, such as conventional Gypsum Wall Board, ceiling tiles, joint compounds, concrete and other interior building materials, prior to an exposure of the material to fire, or prior to, during or after exposure of the material to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes, and related methods. When compositions within the present invention are properly applied to a material prior to the material being exposed to fire, or prior to, during or after the material being exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes, these compositions have the effect of reducing the amount of burning that occurs to the material, and / or reducing the amount or density of smoke and associated toxic gases produced by the material, when the material is exposed to fire. These compositions also have the effect of inhibiting or reducing the growth, build-up or deposit of microbes on the material when the material is exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes.

A press-push type computer peripheral “flash drive” device includes an elongated (e.g., metal) tubular casing containing a PCBA having a plug connector. A plastic housing assembly includes front and rear cap portions mounted over the open ends of the tubular casing, and a fixed plastic sleeve portion disposed in the tubular casing. The PCBA is secured to a plastic sliding rack structure that is disposed in the tubular casing and includes an actuating button protruding through a slot formed in a wall of the tubular casing. When the actuating button is manually pushed and slid along the slot, a portion of the sliding rack structure slides against the plastic sleeve portion in deploying and retracting the USB connector out of the device.