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Home Explore Muscles A Medical Dictionary Bibliography and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Muscles A Medical Dictionary Bibliography and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

Published by LATE SURESHANNA BATKADLI COLLEGE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY, 2022-06-01 07:05:56

Description: Muscles A Medical Dictionary Bibliography and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

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Alternative Medicine 193 Glucosamine Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,790,00.html Glutamic Acid Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Glutamine Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Glutamine Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Glutamine Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10030,00.html Glycyrrhiza glabra Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Glycyrrhiza Alternative names: Licorice; Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Goldenrod Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Grape Seed Extract Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,793,00.html Green-Lipped Mussel Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Grindelia Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Gymnema Alternative names: Gurmar; Gymnema sylvestre Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Harpagophytum Procumbens Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Harpagophytum Zeyheri Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

194 Muscles Hawthorn Alternative names: Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus monogyna Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Hawthorn Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Hawthorn Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10035,00.html Histamine H2 Antagonists Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com HMB (Hydroxymethyl Butyrate) Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Hong Qu Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Hops Alternative names: Humulus lupulus Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Horehound Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Horseradish Alternative names: Cochlearia armoracia Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Horsetail Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10105,00.html Humulus Alternative names: Hops; Humulus lupulus L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Hung-chu Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Huperzine A Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Huperzine A Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com

Alternative Medicine 195 Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10038,00.html Hydantoin Derivatives Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Hydralazine Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Hydrastis Alternative names: Goldenseal; Hydrastis canadensis L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Indapamide Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Indian Tobacco Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Inositol Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Ipecac Alternative names: Cephaelis ipecacuanha Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Ivy Leaf Alternative names: Hedera helix Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Jamaica Dogwood Alternative names: Piscidia erythrina, Piscidia piscipula Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Juniper Berries Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Kava Alternative names: Piper methysticum Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Kava Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Kava Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,798,00.html

196 Muscles Kava Kava Alternative names: Piper methysticum, Ava Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Ketoprofen Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Lavandula Alternative names: Lavender; Lavandula sp. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Lavandula Angustifolia Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Lavender Alternative names: Lavandula angustifolia, English Lavendar, French Lavendar Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Lemon Balm Alternative names: Melissa officinalis, Melissa Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Licorice Alternative names: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Spanish Licorice Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Lobelia Alternative names: Lobelia inflata, Indian Tobacco Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Lobelia Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Lobelia Inflata Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Loop Diuretics Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Lubricant Laxatives Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Macrolides Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Mad-Dog Skullcap Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Meadowsweet Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca

Alternative Medicine 197 Melaleuca Alternative names: Tea Tree Oil; Melaleuca alternifolia Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Melatonin Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,804,00.html Melissa Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Melissa Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10043,00.html Melissa Officinalis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Mentha X Piperita Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Menthol Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Metaxalone Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Methocarbamol Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Miscellaneous Preparations Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Monascus Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com MSM Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,807,00.html Musa Banana Alternative names: Plantain, Banana; Musa sp. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org NADH Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com NADH Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com

198 Muscles Nettle Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Nitroglycerin Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Ocimum Alternative names: Basil, Albahaca; Ocimum basilicum Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org OPCS (Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins) Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Ornithine Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Osha Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Paclitaxel Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Panax Alternative names: Ginseng; Panax ginseng Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Passiflora Alternative names: Passion Flower; Passiflora alata L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Penicillin Derivatives Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Pennyroyal Alternative names: Hedeoma pulegoides, Mentha pulegium Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Peppermint Alternative names: Mentha piperita Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Peppermint Alternative names: Mentha x piperita Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

Alternative Medicine 199 Peppermint Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Peppermint Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,812,00.html Phenylalanine Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Phenylalanine Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Phosphatidylserine Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Phosphatidylserine (PS) Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,813,00.html Phosphorus Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Pimpinella Alternative names: Anise; Pimpinella anisum (L) Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Piper Alternative names: Kava; Piper methysticum Forst.f Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Piper Methysticum Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Piper Nigrum Alternative names: Black Pepper Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Piroxicam Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Piscidia Erythrina Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Piscidia Piscipula Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Pollen Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com

200 Muscles Prickly Ash Alternative names: Zanthoxylum clava-herculis, Zanthoxylum americanum Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Pueraria Alternative names: Kudzu; Pueraria lobata Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Pygeum Alternative names: African Prune; Pygeum africanum Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Quinolones Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Red Koji Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Red Leaven Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Red Pepper Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Red Raspberry Alternative names: Rubus idaeus Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Red Rice Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Red Yeast Rice Alternative names: Angkak, Beni-koju, Hong Qu, Hung-chu, Monascus, Red Leaven, Red Rice, Red Koji, Zhitai, Xue Zhi Kang Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Red Yeast Rice Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Red Yeast Rice Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10054,00.html Rosemary Alternative names: Rosmarinus officinalis Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Rosemary Alternative names: Rosmarinus officinalis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

Alternative Medicine 201 Rosmarinus Alternative names: Rosemary; Rosmarinus officinalis L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Rosmarinus Officinalis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Rue Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Ruta Alternative names: Rue; Ruta graveolens L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Salicylates Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,818,00.html Scutellaria Lateriflora Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIS) Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Senna Alternative names: Cassia senna, Cassia angustifolia Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Sertraline Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Shephard's Purse Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Siberian Ginseng Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,821,00.html Skullcap Alternative names: Scutellaria lateriflora, Mad-dog Skullcap Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

202 Muscles Spanish Licorice Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com St. John's Wort Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,824,00.html Stimulant Laxatives Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Swertia Alternative names: Swertia sp Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Tanacetum Alternative names: Feverfew; Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Tanacetum Parthenium Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Tang Kuei Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Taurine Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Tetracycline Derivatives Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Thiazide Diuretics Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Thuja Plicata Alternative names: Western Red Cedar Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Thymus Alternative names: Thyme; Thymus vulgaris Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Thymus Extracts Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Trace Minerals Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10061,00.html Trazodone Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com

Alternative Medicine 203 Uncaria Asian Alternative names: Asian species; Uncaria sp. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Uricosuric Agents Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Urtica Dioica Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Urtica Urens Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Valerian Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Valerian Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10064,00.html Valeriana Alternative names: Valerian; Valeriana officinalis Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Valproic Acid Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Valproic Acid Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Vasodilators Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Viburnum Alternative names: Cramp Bark, Highbush Cranberry; Viburnum sp. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org White Willow Bark Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10069,00.html Wild Cherry Alternative names: Prunus serotina Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Wild Yam Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10070,00.html

204 Muscles Withania Ashwagandha Alternative names: Ashwagandha; Withania somnifera L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Yarrow Alternative names: Achillea millefolium Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Yellow Dock Source: The Canadian Internet Directory for Holistic Help, WellNet, Health and Wellness Network; www.wellnet.ca Yohimbe Alternative names: Pausinystalia yohimbe Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Zanthoxylum Alternative names: Prickly Ash; Zanthoxylum sp. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Zhitai Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Zingiber Alternative names: Ginger; Zingiber officinale Roscoe Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Zue Zhi Kang Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com General References A good place to find general background information on CAM is the National Library of Medicine. It has prepared within the MEDLINEplus system an information topic page dedicated to complementary and alternative medicine. To access this page, go to the MEDLINEplus site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html. This Web site provides a general overview of various topics and can lead to a number of general sources.

205 CHAPTER 4. PATENTS ON MUSCLES Overview Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.8 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention will become commercially available within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is or will be commercially available. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee for further information. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical patents that use the generic term “muscles” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on muscles, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography. Patents on Muscles By performing a patent search focusing on muscles, you can obtain information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, figures, diagrams, etc.). We 8Adapted from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.

206 Muscles will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on muscles: • Apparatus and methods for reducing pain and/or retraining muscles Inventor(s): Saberski; Lloyd R. (25 Fairwood Dr., Cheshire, CT 06410) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,725,094 Date filed: September 17, 2001 Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing pain associated with contractions such as uterine or other muscle contractions and/or for retraining muscles are disclosed. The apparatus include a sensor for developing a signal indicative of a contraction experienced by a muscle. They also include a stimulator for applying stimulation to the patient. The apparatus also include a control unit for automatically adjusting the stimulation provided by the stimulator at least partially in response to the signal developed by the sensor. Excerpt(s): The invention relates generally to pain control and muscle stimulation, and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for reducing pain and/or retraining muscles. Pain management is a complex challenge for physicians, other healthcare providers and patients. Many are reluctant to use drugs for pain control, especially with pregnant women because of possible side effects for both the mother and baby. Labor pain can last for up to 36 hours. Conventional pain medications such as epidural drug injections are usually withheld until the cervix is dilated over 4 cm. Currently, as the cervix dilates from 0-4 cm, women receive either no medication or intravenous medication such as Nisental or Demerol. Even when such medication is used, the patient can still experience significant pain. Moreover, these drugs sedate the patient at a time when the typical mother wants to be with her family and experience the miracle of birth. For these and other reasons, many women prefer to deliver their babies without drugs even in the final stages of labor. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06725094__ • Apparatus for isolated, closed chain exercise of a person's quadriceps muscles Inventor(s): Stearns; Kenneth W. (P.O. Box 55912, Houston, TX 77255) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,676,577 Date filed: July 27, 2001 Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface; a back rest mounted on the frame; and a foot platform mounted on the frame. At least one of the foot platform and the back rest is pivotally mounted on the frame in such a manner that a person may rest his back against the back rest and exercise his quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chain fashion. A resistance device is preferably provided to resist movement of the back rest and/or the foot platform in a manner that opposes the user's efforts to straighten his legs at the knees. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for exercising a person's quadriceps muscles in isolated, closed chain fashion. The quadriceps muscles

Patents 207 constitute one of the human body's major muscle groups, and these muscles are primarily responsible for moving a person's legs from a bent knee position to a straight leg position. Exercise machines have been built for the specific purpose of resisting this particular motion and thereby strengthening and/or toning a person's quadriceps muscles. A conventional quadriceps exercise machine, known in the fitness industry as a leg extension machine, is shown in FIGS. 6-7. This prior art leg extension machine 90 generally includes a frame 91, a seat 92 rigidly mounted on the frame 91, a pivot arm 93 pivotally mounted on the frame 91, and a weight stack resistance device 97 mounted on the frame 91 and operatively connected to the pivot arm 93. The resistance device 97 includes a variable amount of weight 98 that is connected to the pivot arm 93 by means of a cable 99. The components of the machine 90 are preferably arranged so that a user's knee is axially aligned with the pivot axis of the pivot arm 93, and a pad 94 on the pivot arm 93 bears against the user's shin. Counter-clockwise rotation of the pad 94, caused by straightening of the user's leg at the knee (but not the hip), is resisted by gravity acting upon the weight 98. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06676577__ • Arm pillow Inventor(s): Fuhriman; Richard Apollo (13910 SE. 23 St., Bellevue, WA 98005) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,691,353 Date filed: February 20, 2002 Abstract: A pillow having a unique shape with rounded cuts for placing between an individual's side and arm to provide support when positioned along the arm at the elbow. When the individual is lying on his or her side, the pillow provides for proper alignment of the shoulder, arm, scapula, and neck to relieve pressure on joints, nerves, muscles and skin. Its unique posturing permits the body to relax and rest more comfortably and also increase potential blood flow and nerve transmission throughout the arm and shoulder complex. It is beneficial to those who suffer from a variety of shoulder problems, arthritis and sports related injuries and fatigue in addition to those who are convalescent, bedridden, computer operators, overhead throwers, data entry personnel and anyone who uses their shoulder and arm for an extended period of time. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a pillow used for therapeutic purposes and, more particularly to a pillow that is placed between the arm and side/torso of an individual to provide support with the intention of maintaining the individual's body in proper alignment. Previous attempts have been made and patented in regard to devices and, in particular, to pillows used to provide support and align various parts of an individual's body. Generally, prior patents disclose pillows which are of such length that they are utilized all along the body of the user, rather than the concept of this invention wherein a body pillow with three concave impressions is specifically made to fit between the arm and torso/rib cage of the user. Examples of prior patents are as follows: U.S. Pat. No. 2,056,767 issued on Oct. 15, 1935 to William H. Blath discloses a back pad attachable to the body of a user so that it will be held in position whether the patient is lying in bed of sitting, and which will permit freedom of movement for the spinal column in either position of the wearer. U.S. Pat. No. 3,795,018 issued on Mar. 5, 1974 to Charley H. Broaded discloses an adjustable bed having a surface with supports of varying heights whereby the head, shoulders and legs are propped. When body members are propped up, the spine of the user is kept in linear alignment.

208 Muscles Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06691353__ • Athletic stretching device Inventor(s): Tardif; Mario J. (8108 NW. 75th Ave., Tamarac, FL 33321) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,705,974 Date filed: March 1, 2002 Abstract: A stretching device for stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs of the user. The stretching device generally includes an attachment bracket, pull cord and pulley. The attachment bracket attaches to the top of a door frame and the pull cord and pulley are attached to the attachment bracket. The pull cord engages the pulley so that a sling is formed on one side of the pulley. A user inserts their leg into the sling and raises and lowers the sling causing muscles in the legs and back to stretch. Several stretching routines are possible which isolate and target certain muscle groups. Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to exercise stretching devices and more specifically to portable exercise stretching devices. Exercise routines involve stretching to maintain flexibility as well as prepare muscles for action. Traditionally, before executing an exercise routine such as lifting weights the muscles are stretched to avoid cramping and prepare the muscle for load. Additionally, stretching serves to increase and maintain flexibility in the joints and is an important tool in physical therapy when a person is recovering from an accident. Current stretching equipment is complex. Even relatively simple devices designed to stretch the muscles include numerous parts and require intricate assembly or installation. One such device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,873 issued to Carlstrom. This exercise device includes a stretching line that is routed through a device that attaches to a door using a complex specially made anchor bracket having a threaded shaft and a plate. The proprietary anchor bracket makes ,the stretching device in Carlstrom relatively complex and expensive to manufacture. Another such stretching device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,865 issued to Trainor. The stretching device in Trainor describes a backboard which supports a post section, a cable and a pulley which are assembled to create a device that a user lies upon and is strapped into. The backboard and post section make the stretching device in Trainor bulky and difficult to transport and store. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06705974__ • Back exercise machine Inventor(s): Kuo; Chung-Jen (No. 3, Lane 34, Huandung Rd., Yangmei Jen, Taoyuan, TW) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,726,609 Date filed: November 19, 2002 Abstract: The present invention provides a back exercise machine, which includes a support frame, a footrest, a protrusion device, and a grasping device. The support frame is disposed with a main post thereon. The footrest is mounted on a front end of the

Patents 209 support frame. The protrusion device, which is composed of at least two struts pivotally interconnected with one another, is pivotally connected with the main post of the support frame for rendering a raising action and is installed with at least one elastic member between the struts for resiliently self-rebounding. The grasping device is mounted on the protrusion device for the user's two hands holding. In operation, the back exercise can raise the user's back to completely stretch the user's back extensor muscles so as to get rid of weariness by means of the protrusion device's struts pivoting with one another. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to exercise machines, and more particularly to a back exercise machine. However, the conventional back exercise machine 1 is just used for doing the aforementioned action, which is a simple back- decline action that fails to stretch back extensor muscles and to revolve the problems of habitually back pains resulting from tense lumbar and back extensor muscles for sedentary persons who works in the offices, drives in cars, and so on. The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a-back exercise machine, which can effectively raise a user's back upward and stretch his/her back extensor muscles so as to get rid of weariness. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06726609__ • Back pain/back health protocol Inventor(s): Patterson; Paul (87 Ch. Pic Bois, Val Des Monts, Quebec, CA J8N 6C4) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,730,006 Date filed: August 9, 2001 Abstract: An integrated back pain and back health program incorporating proper posture to achieve joint realignment and muscle relaxation, proper breathing to achieve stress management and muscle relaxation, and an exercise program focused on the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen and hips to achieve muscle and joint flexibility and strengthening. By providing instruction on maintaining proper posture, the protocol offers back pain sufferers relief from the stress caused by muscles involuntarily attempting to realign and/or stabilize misaligned joints. The breathing techniques used in the protocol aid in muscle relaxation and, together with proper posture, maximize the benefits of the exercises performed in the procedure. The exercises in the protocol stretch and strengthen the muscles that are commonly implicated in the occurrence of back pain, release spasm in those muscles, and reset those muscles to normal tonus. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to a method for relieving back pain and improving back health. More particularly, the invention relates to a back pain and back health protocol selectively incorporating various exercise protocols designed to promote proper posture and breathing and to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen, and hips. Back pain is a problem for a significant number of people. Numerous causes can lead to pain in the back. One common source of back pain is the normal human preference for using muscles on one side of the body. A right- handed person, for example, tends to use the right hand, arm, and leg more often than the left, leading to increased muscle strength on the dominant side. This can create a bilateral strength imbalance and cause bilateral misalignment of the spine. Anterior/posterior strength imbalance and misalignment of the spine and other joints

210 Muscles can either be caused by or result in poor posture. When the neck, shoulders, back, and/or hips are subjected to bilateral or anterior/posterior misalignment, chronic muscle contraction or muscle spasm can occur in an involuntary attempt to prevent further misalignment. A lack of exercise can also lead to weakness, low flexibility, and spasms in the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen, and hips. In addition, stress can contribute to back problems. In stressful situations a `fight-or-flight` response sometimes occurs leading to involuntary contraction of muscles and misalignment of joints in order to prepare for fighting or fleeing. If unrelieved, these muscle contractions and joint misalignments can eventually lead to muscle spasms and back pain. The prevalence of back problems can thus be attributed to any one of, or any combination of, bilateral dominance, poor posture, inactivity, and the skeleto-neuro-muscular response to mismanaged stress. Traditional treatments for back pain do not adequately address the causes of back pain and/or do not provide the back pain sufferer with a long-term plan for improving and maintaining back health and preventing back pain. Physical therapy tends to be symptom-based. It has the capability to offer temporary relief from excessive muscle contraction (i.e., muscle spasm) but typically does not offer the back pain sufferer instruction in the exercise protocols, posture models, breathing methods, and stress management techniques that can provide long-term relief from back pain. Chiropractic therapy has the capability to realign joints but, as is the case with physical therapy, clients are typically not taught proper posture, proper breathing techniques, or proper exercise habits. Without adequate education, clients of both physical therapy and chiropractic therapy tend to return to the habits that caused their back problems. Analgesic and muscle relaxant drug therapies can provide temporary relief from back pain but do not address the causes of the pain. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06730006__ • Boric acid analgesic composition and method of treatment using the same Inventor(s): Jones; Annie L. (Detroit, MI) Assignee(s): A & L of Michigan, Inc. (detroit, Mi) Patent Number: 6,720,012 Date filed: April 1, 2002 Abstract: An analgesic composition that can be applied topically comprises boric acid and a suitable carrier. The inventive analgesic composition can be used to provide pain relief to a person suffering from arthritis and any general pain associated with muscles or joints. Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to an analgesic composition which can be provided topically to provide relief from pain associated with joints and muscles. Analgesic compositions are agents which relieve pain by acting centrally to elevate pain threshold without disturbing consciousness or altering other sensory modalities. There are numerous analgesic compositions on the market used to provide pain relief from a wide variety of disorders. These analgesics generally are administered parenterally, orally or topically. Although parenteral and oral analgesics typically have an advantage of getting the analgesic composition quickly into the blood stream of the subject to effect rapid pain relief, they also have problems in that, with parenteral administration, there is a requirement of asepsis at administration, the risk of tissue toxicity from local irritation, the real or psychological pain factor and the difficulty of correcting an error and, with oral administration, there is a problem that oral administrations do not always give rise to sufficiently high plasma concentrations to be effective, some drugs may be

Patents 211 absorbed unpredictably or irradically, the patient may have an absorption malfunction and some drugs cannot be administered orally to patients with gastrointestinal intolerance or who have had gastrointestinal surgery. Due to the problems outlined above, the topical administration of an analgesic composition is desirable in some situations. Topical administration is typically employed to deliver an analgesic composition at or immediately beneath the point of application. This route of administration has problems in that generally most of the drug that is absorbed through the epidermis diffuses into the circulation system resulting in inadequate levels of the drug being delivered to the desired treatment site. This necessitates that the topical composition contain the analgesic in an undesirably large concentration in order to assure adequate delivery of the analgesic to the treatment site. This can result in the topical analgesic composition being unnecessarily expensive and difficult to ascertain the therapeutically effective amount of the analgesic composition to be used in the treatment. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06720012__ • Compact abdominal exercise apparatus Inventor(s): Suiter; William G. (1157 Emerson Ave., Campbell, CA 95008) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,712,742 Date filed: January 14, 2003 Abstract: A compact portable abdominal exercise apparatus comprising a first member that concentrically slides in a second member, and resistance is provided by elastic attached between the distal end of the first member and the distal end of the second member. Handles position the user in an ergonomically neutral position that requires a user to crunch straight downward for the first member to slide properly within the second member. The straight downward crunching motion requires flexion of the user's lower vertebra column, thereby isolating the abdominal muscles from the hip flexors and back muscles. Molded covers protect the user from moving parts associated with the connector assembly. The elastic members can be quickly changed by the user. Excerpt(s): The invention in general relates to exercise apparatuses that enable users to exercise and strengthen certain muscle groups, and more particularly to enable users to exercise and strengthen the abdominal muscles. The invention relates to a compact abdominal exercise apparatus that provides quick-change resistance and allows the user to perform abdominal crunches either in the seated or supine position. Compact abdominal exercise apparatuses that include resistive force have been known for forty years. These apparatuses typically include a resistive member that is located between a handle member and a support member. Typically, a user is in a seated position when operating these apparatuses. In this position, the support member of these apparatuses is typically placed on top of or below a user's thigh and the handle member is grasped by a user's hands. A user exerts force downward on the handle member causing compression of the resistive member and thereby exercising their abdominal muscles in the process. Further, the handle members position the user's hands in a non- ergonomical position, such as horizontal. All known prior art compact abdominal exercise apparatuses placed the hand positions at a height that didn't enable effective ergonomic crunches by the user. These apparatuses typically place the hands of the user in an elevated position approximately equal to chin or head height. In this context, \"crunch\" refers to the motion in which the trunk of the human body is raised from a

212 Muscles supine position, while the spine is flexed so that the anterior portion of the spine is convex, with the legs remaining straight or bent. A crunch motion needs to be straight downward, thereby isolating abdominal muscles from hip flexors and back muscles. Otherwise, the hip flexors and back muscles are contributing to the exertive force and the abdominal muscle groups are not isolated and exercised independently. The range of travel for many of the prior art compact abdominal exercising apparatuses is generally too much to be conducive to a short crunch of the abdominal muscles. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06712742__ • Deep muscle stimulator device Inventor(s): Pivaroff; Jake W. (2711 E. Coast Hwy., Suite 206, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,682,496 Date filed: December 28, 1999 Abstract: A deep muscle stimulation device having a titanium hollow head with loosely packed granular materials held therein is reciprocally mounted in a hollow top and driven by a rotating electrical motor held in a hollow handle so as to provide deep muscle tissue with kinetic forms of percussion and concussion vibration so as to benefit damaged muscles in a patient. The hollow head is connected by a number of reciprocating elements to a finger on a rotating cam so as to have between a 1/8 to 1/2 inch stroke at a high rate of speed to provide deep penetrating muscle tissue stimulation. The device is easy to handle, and includes an on/off switch and an electrical cable-coupling element. The device is made from high strength materials, such as stainless steel or titanium, so as to hold up under heavy use by professionals in a number of disciplines. The granular materials fill approximately 1/3 the volume of the hollow head and are selected from diamonds, rubies, copper, bloodstone, garnet, malachite and carbon. Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to medical devices, and, more particularly, to a deep muscle stimulator device to increase muscle metabolism, increase the lactic acid cycle and to relieve pain. Many types of a vibrating massage-type devices are known for use on different portions of a person's body, to help relieve stress, or tightened muscles. However, the known devices either do not vibrate at high enough speeds and/or do not provide sufficient force to reach deep muscle tissues. Much of muscle pain stems from various conditions, caused by overstressing or over using muscles. These include strain, lactic acid build-up, scar tissue build-up, etc. The known prior art devices do not reach deep enough into the muscle tissues to provide the necessary relief for many persons. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a deep muscle stimulator, such as the present invention, which uses percussion and mechanical vibrations that reach deep into the muscle tissue, to stimulate proprioceptive functions. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06682496__

Patents 213 • Dental appliance for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea Inventor(s): Halstrom; Leonard Wayne (Lions Bay, CA) Assignee(s): Silent Knights Ventures Inc. (vancouver, Ca) Patent Number: 6,729,335 Date filed: March 27, 2000 Abstract: A dentally retained intra-oral appliance worn at night for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance maintains the patient's mandible in an anterior, protruded position to prevent obstruction of the pharyngeal airway. The appliance allows a limited degree of lateral movement of the mandible relative to the upper jaw in the protruded position to prevent aggravation of the patient's tempromandibular joint and associated muscles and ligaments. The appliance preferably consists of an upper bite block conforming to the patient's maxillary dentition, a lower bite block conforming to the patient's mandibular dentition, and a connecting assembly secured to an anterior region of the upper and lower bite blocks for adjustably coupling the upper and lower bite blocks together. Excerpt(s): This application relates to a dentally retained intra-oral appliance worn at night for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance maintains the patient's mandible in an anterior, protruded position to prevent obstruction of the pharyngeal airway. The appliance allows a limited degree of lateral movement of the mandible relative to the upper jaw in the protruded position to prevent aggravation of the tempromandibular joint and associated muscles and ligaments. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are typically caused by complete or partial obstruction of an individual's pharyngeal airway during sleep. Usually airway obstruction results from the apposition of the rear portion of the tongue or soft palate with the posterior pharyngeal wall. Obstructive sleep apnea is a potentially lethal disorder in which breathing stops during sleep for 10 seconds or more, sometimes up to 300 times per night. Snoring occurs when the pharyngeal airway is partially obstructed, resulting in vibration of the oral tissues during respiration. These sleep disorders tend to become more severe as patients grow older, likely due to a progressive loss of muscle tone in the patient's throat and oral tissues. Habitual snoring and sleep apnea have been associated with other potentially serious medical conditions, such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease and strokes. Accordingly, early diagnosis and treatment is recommended. One surgical approach, known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, involves removal of a portion of the soft palate to prevent closure of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. However, this operation is not always effective and may result in undesirable complications, such as nasal regurgitation. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06729335__ • Devices to reduce onset of symptoms of median nerve entrapment, carpal tunnel syndrome, reduce tactile deficit of fingers, and increase identification of mass in breast and other self examinations Inventor(s): Choate; John I. M. (c/o P.O. Box 65, Seminole, OK 74818-0065) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,692,435 Date filed: February 16, 1998

214 Muscles Abstract: A method of using devices or compounds which reduce onset of symptoms of median nerve entrapment or carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress syndrome, reduce tactile deficit of fingers, and increase identification of cancer mass in subcutaneous palpation by self examinations, disability accommodation, medical and physical therapy, cancer discovery and prevention, as well as many other applications. This includes improving the efficiency of the movement of the fingers, reducing the inflammation in the carpal canal, reducing the tendon excursion in the carpal canal, reducing finger flexion, reducing loss of nerve sensation, reducing loss of tactile sensation, increasing tactile sensitivity of the fingers, increasing movement of the dorsal interossei muscles of the hand, increasing movement of the volar interossei palmar muscles of the hand, and increasing movement of the lumbrical muscles of fingers. Excerpt(s): Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.71(e); A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. References in parenthesis in the specification are to sources appended at the end. The present invention is directed to using and testing devices or compounds which reduce onset of symptoms of median nerve entrapment or carpal tunnel syndrome or repetitive stress syndrome, reduce tactile deficit of fingers, and increase identification of foreign mass in breast and other self examinations, disability accommodation, medical and physical therapy, cancer discovery and prevention. Devices will improve the movement of the fingers, reduce the inflammation in the carpal canal, reduce the tendon excursion in the carpal canal, reduce finger flexion, reduce loss of nerve sensation, reduce loss of tactile sensation, increase tactile sensitivity of the fingers, increase movement of the dorsal interossei muscles of the hand, increase movement of the volar interossei palmar muscles of the hand, and increase movement of the lumbrical muscles of fingers, as well as many other applications. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06692435__ • Electrotherapy device and method Inventor(s): Crowe; Michael Louis (Dublin, IE), Minogue; Michael Conor (Kinvara, IE) Assignee(s): Bio-medical Research Ltd. (galway, Ie) Patent Number: 6,728,577 Date filed: July 10, 2001 Abstract: A method for stimulating abdominal muscles of a subject, comprising the steps of providing at least three electrodes, one of the at least three electrodes being a central electrode and the other two of the at least three electrodes being side electrodes located on the subject spaced apart from the central electrode on respective sides thereof, and passing at least one pulsed signal subcutaneously through the subject between selected electrodes of the at least three electrodes. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a device for attaching electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles by electrotherapy, and the invention also relates to a device for stimulating abdominal muscles by electrotherapy. The invention further relates to an electrotherapeutic method for stimulating abdominal muscles, and to a fastener for use in the device. Electrotherapy is commonly used for stimulating abdominal muscles for improving and toning the muscles, and for the relief of pain.

Patents 215 Known electrotherapeutic methods and devices require that a pulsed signal be passed subcutaneously through the subject between a pair of electrodes which typically, are aligned with the muscle to be stimulated for defining a current path between the electrode which is co-linear with the direction of the muscle. In known electrotherapeutic devices and methods, it is necessary to provide a relatively large number of electrode pairs for stimulating the more important abdominal muscles, for example, the central rectus abdominis muscle, and the transversalis and oblique muscles. Typically, one or two pairs of electrodes are required located on respective opposite sides of the umbilicus for stimulating the rectus abdominis muscle, and two obliquely located electrode pairs are required towards the respective sides of the abdominal region for stimulating the transversalis and oblique muscles on the respective sides of the abdomen. Thus, in order to stimulate the rectus abdominis muscle, the transversalis and oblique muscles, three to four electrode pairs are required. This, leads to a number of disadvantages, in that firstly, unless extreme care is taken in locating the electrodes on the abdomen of the subject some or all of the electrodes can readily easily be misaligned with the respective musdes or displaced therefrom, thus, leading to significant inefficiencies and indeed in extreme cases ineffectual treatment. Secondly, because of the high number of electrode pairs, a relatively complex signal generator is required for providing appropriately pulsed signals so that the pulsed signals only travel between the respective pairs between which the pulsed signals are to travel subcutaneously in the subject. Thirdly, in many cases there is a danger of transthoracic current paths being defined by the electrodes, which in certain cases can lead to transthoracic currents within the subject, which in extreme cases may cause cardiac arrhythmias. The possibility of misalignment of the electrode pairs further increases the risk of transthoracic currents being passed through the subject. There is therefore a need for a device for attaching electrodes to a subject for stimulating abdominal muscles and in particular for stimulating the rectus abdominis, the transversalis and the oblique muscles, which overcomes these problems. There is also a need for an electrotherapeutic device and a method for stimulating abdominal muscles which overcomes these problems. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06728577__ • Exercise apparatus Inventor(s): Jacobs; Robert (1121 Portofino Ct. #103, Corona, CA 92881) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,709,369 Date filed: March 29, 2002 Abstract: An exercise apparatus is described which when used can improve the muscle tone and/or strengthen the calve muscles of a user. The exercise apparatus comprises a riser extension attached to the bottom end portion of a foot plate in which the user may exercise the calve muscles by rocking the foot plate up and down while maintaining contact with a floor surface with the riser extension. The exercise apparatus also comprises a means for securing the users foot onto the foot plate. A thigh harness is connected to the foot plate with at least one tension member which provides resistance to the users efforts in rocking the foot plate up and down. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to exercise apparatus and more particularly to an exercise apparatus for conditioning and strengthening calve muscles of a user. In the hectic modern day life style, experience by many people, it is often difficult to find either

216 Muscles the time or the motivation to exercise. Of course exercise is yields great physical and mental benefits to those that do exercise. However, under the constraints of modern day life styles, exercise regimens are usually avoided due to the expense and hassle of joining a gym. In an effort to avoid the expense and hassle of gyms many people opt to exercise at home. However, home exercise regimens are limited by the space available and the expense of purchasing individual pieces of equipment. Due to this dilemma many people either do not exercise at all or only perform a few isometric exercises which isolate certain muscle groups. One of the most popular muscle groups to isolate and exercise, for aesthetic reasons among others, are calf muscles. Unfortunately, calf muscles do not respond well to isometric exercises as they do with resistance exercising. Therefore, it would be a benefit to have an exercise device which is light weight and easy to use at home. It would be a further benefit to have an exercise device which is inexpensive. It would be a further benefit to have an exercise device which allows for resistance training of the calf muscles. A number of arrangements have been suggested in the prior art for providing exercise devices to overcome the objectional features of identifying a convenient and effective exerciser device for toning and strengthening calve muscles. Among these are the exercise device described by Mikell in U.S. Pat. No. 2,467,943 discloses a pair of rigid foot engaging rod member in which the members are disposed beneath the toes and immediately back of the ball of the user's foot. Attached to the rod members are a spring and a spacer unit connected to a knee harness. However, the Mikell disclosure is silent with regards to a riser extension unit attached to the bottom rear portion of a foot plate so that the user may be able to rock the foot plate up and down while maintaining contact with a floor surface with the bottom of the riser extension unit. Other disclosures including: the ankle and foot exercise apparatus disclosed by Williams in U.S. Pat No. 4,371,161; the night splint for a foot described by Miller in U.S. Pat. No. D434,504; the calf exerciser described by Scott in U.S. Pat. No. D320,825; the exercise device disclosed by Robles in 5,489,251; the exercising device for the fingers, wrist and forearm disclosed by Kauffman in U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,154; and the passive exercising device disclosed by Hajianpour in U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,595 all suffer the same disadvantages and limitations as noted above. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06709369__ • Exerciser Inventor(s): Chen; Ping (No. 29, Nanmei St., Nantun Li, Nantun Dist., Taichung, TW) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,692,419 Date filed: January 24, 2002 Abstract: An exerciser has a base and a rocking plate. The rocking plate is rotatably attached to the base with a ball joint. Consequently, a user can swing or twist body, rotate ankles and develop feet muscles when the user steps on the rocking plate to keep balance. The exerciser can exercise the lower part of the body of a user. This exerciser is more versatile than the prior art. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an exerciser, and more particularly to an exerciser that can swing or twist the user's body, rotate the ankles and develop the feet muscles. Although indoor exercisers have become popular in recent years, the conventional indoor exerciser only has one function. For example, a rotating exerciser that can twist the user's waist substantially comprises a bottom plate, a top plate and a series of rollers. The top plate is mounted above the bottom plate. The rollers are

Patents 217 rotatably mounted between the bottom plate and the top plate. A user can step on the top plate and rotate the top plate relative to the bottom plate. Consequently, the waist of the user can be twisted, and the abdominal muscles of the user are trained. However, the conventional rotating exerciser only has one function as in the other indoor exercisers, and thus the conventional exerciser is not versatile. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06692419__ • Feminine toning balls Inventor(s): Wild; Patricia A. (8921 117th Ave., Grande Prairie, Alberta, CA T8X 1K2) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,723,031 Date filed: September 4, 2002 Abstract: A device for toning the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles is provided. These feminine toning balls comprise a durable device having metal balls connected to each other with a cord and a hard rubber exterior coating, with the cord extending from end of the toning balls for easy retrieval. The coating seamlessly covers said metal balls and is thick enough for the toning balls to withstand repeated used. There are 2 to 5 spherical or ovate balls in a set, which can be used to promote vaginal health and sexual enjoyment. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an exercise aid for use in connection with increasing and maintaining vaginal health and sexual enjoyment. The toning balls have particular utility in connection with toning the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles and providing a durable and safe set of toning balls. The use of small balls use for strengthening the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles and increasing sexual enjoyment is well known. For centuries, Ben Wa balls have been used for strengthening the PC muscles and for sexual enjoyment. Ben Wa balls are spherical balls which can be inserted into the vaginal canal and held in place by controlled muscle movements. These balls are not connected to each other, so the balls will not continually knock against each other and separate causing vibrations within the vagina. When the balls are connected to each other, there is an enhancement of the effectiveness of the exercise the PC muscle receives without consciously controlling the muscle. This limits the effectiveness of the exercises done with the balls. In addition, the lack of a cord makes it more difficult to remove the balls when the exercise is complete. Ben Wa balls are made from various metals or are plated with a metal or a plastic. In some instances, 24 k gold is used to plate the Ben Wa balls to create an inert surface and increase on which bacteria will not grow. This causes the cost of the balls to dramatically increase, and the balls have to be discarded when the gold plating comes off. Other balls may be coated with a thin plastic shell, but with use, this shell deteriorates and creates a surface on which harmful bacteria will grow. Other than Ben Wa balls, Kegal exercises are used to increase the strength of the PC muscle and improve blood circulation to the pelvic area. This exercise has been shown to be effective, but a woman must spend time consciously exercising her PC muscle. Specific devices for strengthening the PC muscles are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,726,273 to Cole discloses a muscle exercise device for vaginal muscles having inflatable balls connected to each other by a stem. This light and flexible device can be used to measure the amount of tone in the PC muscle. However, Cole's patent does not provide weighted balls, which will vibrate to exercise the PC muscles, and has further drawbacks of not being durable.

218 Muscles Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06723031__ • Hand exerciser Inventor(s): Siek; Jason L. (Bedford, OH) Assignee(s): Siek; Jason (bedford, Oh) Patent Number: 6,712,738 Date filed: April 3, 2002 Abstract: A readily applicable exercise device is provided constructed of four hinge-like or living hinge devices and four generally shaped blocks. Each said block has a rounded groove in the center for finger placement and grip. This design allows the fingers, placed on opposite sides of the machine, to be stretched equally on both sides and in a number of different variations to focus on specific muscles or tendons within the fingers and hand. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to an exercising instrument useful in preparing the hand and fingers for strenuous, tedious or everyday use. In construction and capability the device also lends itself instrumental to the field of physical therapy to rehabilitate damaged muscles or tendons in the hand or fingers. The device of this invention would be advantageous to many different professions including baseball pitchers, computer users, skilled manual artists, therapists, musicians or any persons that would benefit from having stronger and more flexible hands and fingers. All users from beginner to advanced would equally gain from this machine. When applied consistently along with normal activities maximum results will be achieved faster and easier. The primary object of the invention is to provide a device to be used in a manner as to manipulate the skin, knuckle joints, tendons and muscles of the hand and fingers. This allows the maintenance of an unnaturally extended position in which said hand and fingers are forcibly stretched beyond normal and natural limits in order to extend said limits. Over time the user will gradually increase lateral reach, improve agility and develop independence between fingers. It is intended to be broadly constructed and the design in general is subordinate to the net effect of the device herein described as a hand exerciser. Prior patents have introduced numerous advantageous machines in the field of therapeutics and rehabilitation to enhance overall strength within the hand, or as an aid in cases of damaged tendons and their related muscles. Despite the numerous positive applications of such devices they have been restricted to either extremely complex and impractical systems or limited efficiency. Some previous machines designed to benefit hand development and digital dexterity requires time to apply and adjust the device such as U.S. Pat. No. 806,861 of Kursheedt, and U.S. Pat. No. 1,174,205 of Underwood, while others need a secondary item such as a guitar or keyboard to properly use. Columbo U.S. Pat. No. 3,724,314 is an example. What is clearly lacking in the above-described prior art is an easy to use appliance to prepare the hand and fingers for exertion. Such a device should stretch the muscles in the fingers and hand and, at the same time, increase muscular strength by repeated use. The design should also be lightweight, compact and yield the option to use at any time and place. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06712738__

Patents 219 • Intraocular lens system utilizing an adhesive and method for implanting the same Inventor(s): Peyman; Gholam A. (8654 Pontchartrain Blvd., Unit #1, New Orleans, LA 70124) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,702,853 Date filed: October 2, 2000 Abstract: A system and method for removing cataract cells inside of a lens capsule of an eye and inserting into the lens capsule an intraocular lens having an adhesive applied to at least one of its surface. Preferably, the adhesive is applied to the surface of the intraocular lens that faces the cornea of the eye. The adhesive causes the lens to adhere to an interior portion of the lens capsule, such as the remaining epithelial layer. The lens capsule conforms or shrinks around the intraocular lens, removing substantially any space between the lens capsule and the intraocular lens. Since there is no room between the lens capsule and the intraocular lens, proliferation of the remaining cells will not occur and therefore capsular opacification is eliminated or substantially reduced. Additionally, since the lens capsule and the intraocular lens are coupled together, the intraocular lens can move when ciliary body muscles contract and therefore, the focal point of the eye can change as in a normal eye. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a system and method for treating and removing cells in an interior chamber of an eye, such as in the lens capsule of an eye, and implanting an intraocular lens. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method that treats cataract by killing and removing the cataract causing cells from the interior of the lens of the eye without or substantially without causing protein denaturation to occur in the cells, and then inserting an intraocular lens having an adhesive thereon into the lens capsule of the eye so that the adhesive secures the intraocular lens to the lens capsule to eliminate capsular opacification and enable focusing. Cataract is a condition that creates cloudiness in the lens of an eye, and is one of the major causes of blindness in the developing world. Cataract occurs in the lens of an eye and impedes the lens from focusing light on the retina. The lens is composed of tightly packed lens fibers surrounded by a collagenous elastic capsule. Beneath the lens capsule are epithelial cells, which are responsible for the metabolic function of the lens. Cataract may occur in any or all of these parts of the lens, which results in several different classifications of cataract, namely, subcapsular, cortical, and nuclear. To treat cataract, the cloudy portion of the lens, whether it is in the lens fibers, the epithelial, or both, or in any other portion of the lens, should be surgically removed. Generally, this is attempted by making an incision in the corneal periphery (limbus) to enter the anterior chamber and remove the cataract. A conventional method for removing cataract in the eye is the (manual) extracapsular technique. In this procedure, the eye is opened at the limbus, and either a bent needle or any other curved sharp edged instrument or special forceps are employed to open the anterior lens capsule and remove the nucleus within the capsule of the lens. Thereafter, the remaining cortical material is removed so as to leave a clear posterior lens capsule in the eye. An artificial lens is then inserted into the lens capsule. The lens capsule therefore provides a barrier between the anterior chamber and the vitreous cavity of the eye, as well as a resting surface for the implanted artificial lens. However, this method does not stop cells from proliferating and causing capsular opacification. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06702853__

220 Muscles • Massaging device with rotating beaters Inventor(s): Adams; William A. (5905 Labath Ave., #204, Rohnert Park, CA 94928) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,663,580 Date filed: July 21, 2000 Abstract: A massaging device includes a motor, and a rotatable head attached to the motor. A hinged handle is attached to the motor for providing an adjustable grip. Resilient beaters are arranged radially around the head. The beaters are respectively connected to keys by narrowed necks. The keys are detachably secured in longitudinal slots on the head, so that the beaters are detachable from the head. When the head is set spinning by the motor, the beaters are rotated for massaging the body to relax muscles or reduce cellulite. The beaters are easily removable from the slots for exchanging them with replacement beaters. Each beater is comprised of a resilient core, such as foam, completely enclosed by a flexible non-tacky cover, such as a neoprene or vinyl sheet. Although many resilient materials, such as foam, tend to be sticky enough to grab hair if exposed, the beaters do not grab hair because the resilient cores are completely enclosed by the non-tacky covers. Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to massaging devices. Numerous devices, for massaging a person's body are known. Most are provided with the familiar vibrating head for soothing and relaxing muscles with vibrations. A different massaging device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,765 to Adams for breaking down cellulite or lumpy fat tissue to smooth out the skin. It is comprised of a motorized rotating head, and a set of rotating beaters attached to the head in radial positions. The beaters are each comprised of a flexible sheet wrapped around a resilient foam core. When the head is activated, the spinning beaters beat and stretch the skin to break down the cellulite. The foam cores are exposed at the ends of the beaters. Since soft foam is tacky or slightly sticky, short body hair may get caught by the exposed foam and pulled out when the beaters are rotating, and long hair on the head may also get caught by the exposed foam and become wrapped around the beaters. The exposed foam cores thus present a possible safety hazard. to avoid pulling on body hair for safety. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06663580__ • Method and apparatus for electromagnetic stimulation of nerve, muscle, and body tissues Inventor(s): Burnett; Daniel (12565 Long Lake Ct., Jacksonville, FL 32225), Mangrum; Shane (3701 Danforth Dr. #908, Jacksonville, FL 32224) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,701,185 Date filed: February 19, 2002 Abstract: An electromagnetic stimulation device which is comprised of a plurality of overlapping coils which are able to be independently energized in a predetermined sequence such that each coil will generate its own independent electromagnetic field and significantly increase the adjacent field. The coils are co-planar and are disposed in an ergonomic body wrap, which is properly marked to permit an unskilled patient to locate the body wrap, on a particular part of the body, of the patient so that the

Patents 221 stimulation coils will maximize the electromagnetic stimulation on the selected nerves, muscles, and/or body tissues near the treated area. The device can be used to treat medical conditions including: muscular atrophy, neuropathic bladder and bowel, musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, as well as possible future applications in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis and weight reduction. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, in particular electromagnetic stimulating devices for stimulation of nerve, muscle, and/or other body tissues with applications in the field of medicine. The instant invention is drawn to an electromagnetic stimulating device able to provide stimulation to tissues of the human body, including nerves, muscles (including superficial and deep muscles), and/or other body tissues without significant discomfort to the patient. This electromagnetic stimulating device utilizes a plurality of overlapping planar coils encased in an ergonomic, body-contoured wrap. The design of the wrap is intended to allow for ease of use and also for the targeting of anatomic regions to be exposed to the impulses of the electromagnetic fields. The device of the present invention provides an electromagnetic field to stimulate underlying body tissues in a manner necessary for the several applications including: the prevention/treatment of muscular atrophy, the treatment of neurogenic bladder and bowel, the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, the treatment of arthritis, and/or muscular augmentation. The plurality of overlapping coils are placed in an ergonomic wrap so as to blanket the designated therapeutic area, and thereby provide consistent therapy that can be quickly and easily administered. The invention is designed to be patient user friendly as well as to be portable. It can be used in a hospital, an outpatient clinic, a therapists office, or even at a patient's home. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06701185__ • Method and apparatus for exercising internal and external oblique muscles Inventor(s): Slowinski; Peter (26411 N. 114th Pl., Scottsdale, AZ 85255) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,669,610 Date filed: December 31, 2001 Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising internal and external oblique muscles utilizes lateral forces generated by the feet and maintain the upper body in a fixed position to facilitate exercise of the oblique muscles. The apparatus and method vary the inertial forces applied outside the feet to affect the degree of difficulty of the exercise. Excerpt(s): Not Applicable. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06669610__ • Method and apparatus for processing ultra-sound scans of muscles Inventor(s): Talia; Bartolo Antonio (no. 37/1 Stradello Pirandello, I-41100 Modena, IT), Talia; Ferdinando (no. 3 Via Rismondo, I-41100 Modena, IT) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,676,604 Date filed: May 31, 2002

222 Muscles Abstract: The method of the invention comprises a phase of ultra-sound analysis for creating a sequence of ultra-sound images of a muscle under examination. The sequence of images is directly memorised in an electronic processor which carries out a processing phase of data relating to the sequence of ultra-sound images. The apparatus of the invention uses an ultra-sound apparatus, which collects a sequence of ultra-sound images of the muscle under examination, and an electronic processor which comprises a video card that directly memorises the sequence of ultra-sound images of the muscle under examination obtained by the ultra-sound apparatus. The electronic processor comprises an electronic processing system which directly processes the sequence of images memorised in the processor. Excerpt(s): An evaluation of muscular contraction is one of the vital parameters involved in therapeutic treatment of muscular rehabilitation in the field of traumatic and neurological pathology, as well as in the field of sports therapy and training. Ultra- sound scans have been used for some time now in the medical diagnostic field, as they provide information on the structure of the muscle and its dimensions as well as enabling a visualisation of morphological and dimensional modifications in the muscular venter during the contraction phase. The ultra-sound method used at present, and the relative instruments it is performed with, enable an evaluation of only those morphological modifications of the fibres which take place during contraction. With the ultrasound apparatus presently available it is not possible to obtain any quantitative information on the contraction dynamics; in other words quantification of the various stages taking place between the start phase (at rest) and the final phase of contraction; nor it is possible to define the parameters of muscular functionality (force, potential, velocity, contraction and relaxation times, etc.), which are important in defining the correct contractile behaviour as well as in identifying where the greatest deficit (if any) takes place within a determined muscular exertion. The latter is necessary so that a suitable therapy cycle or training scheme can be devised. To obviate this drawback, an apparatus was constructed, object of Italian patent no. IT 1287407, by the present inventor, which, briefly, uses a sampler which, from a pre-selected ultra-sound image of the muscle provided by the apparatus, provides signals which are proportional to the dilation of the section of the muscle under examination and converts them, by means of an analog-digital converter, into digital signals which are then transmitted to a computer. A program then enables the signals relating to a section of muscle, generated analogically and then digitally converted by the sampler, to be processed in a time- dilation diagram which is visualised and memorised. This apparatus, though obviating the above-mentioned drawbacks, does not enable much and various processing to be carried out on a same section, which would give the advantage of offering a choice to the operator of the best section for the purpose in mind, i.e. the most accurate possible evaluation of a muscular contraction in a single situation. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06676604__ • Method and device for retractor for microsurgical intermuscular lumbar arthrodesis Inventor(s): Ritland; Stephen (1150 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,692,434 Date filed: October 1, 2001 Abstract: An instrument useful in performing lumbar arthrodesis with a minimal approach which spares the lumbar muscles from surgical disruption and includes one

Patents 223 of two retractor designs having blades angled approximately 90.degree. with respect to each respective retractor handle. One blade is bent at an end portion thereof in a direction away from the handle portion. The other blade has first and second blade faces, with the second face having at least two toothed structures located thereon. Excerpt(s): The present invention is directed to a method and device for microsurgical intermuscular lumbar anthrodesis. Results of posterior lumbar fusion have frequently been compromised by residuals from muscular and neurovascular disruption accompanying anthrodesis. An approach along the lateral aspect of the multifidus avoids disruption of the dorsal lumbar musculature and allows for segmental pedicle fixation without disturbing the neurovascular supply to the erector spinae or multifidus. Detachment of the segmental insertion of the multifidus to the mamillary process provides access for a microsurgical transforaminal interbody fusion. Present techniques of lumbar anthrodesis including instrumentation and interbody fusion provide a reasonable expectation of fusion with surgery, however, outcomes remain limited by pain and adjacent segment failure. To the extent this results from fusion it may be unavoidable. Limitations from denervation, devascularization and disconnection of lumbar musculature and the disruption of musculoskeletal integrity of adjacent segments may be largely avoidable. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06692434__ • Method and device for use in minimally invasive approximation of muscle and other tissue Inventor(s): de la Pena; Jose (Lomas Virreyes, MX), de la Torre; Roger (Wentzville, MO), Drews; Michael (Sacramento, CA), Hermann; George D. (Portola Valley, CA), Howell; Thomas (Palo Alto, CA), Khouri; Roger (Key Biscayne, FL), Willis; David (Palo Alto, CA) Assignee(s): Fogarty; Thomas J. (portola Valley, Ca) Patent Number: 6,706,048 Date filed: October 2, 2001 Abstract: Tissue approximation devices for the minimally invasive approximation of muscle or fascia, such as approximation of the rectus muscles in the abdomen (abdominoplasty), or hernia repair and other such applications using minimally invasive methods to access and perform the procedures thereby reducing or eliminating visible scars. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to medical apparatus and methods and more particularly to devices and methods for the minimally invasive approximation of muscle, fascia or other tissue such as approximation of the rectus muscles in the abdomen (abdominoplasty), hernia repair, closing fascial defects and other such applications where fascia or other tissue structures need approximating, that provide patient benefit using minimally invasive techniques that, among other benefits, reduce or eliminate visible scars. In the case of diastasis of the rectus muscle and ventral hernias, separation of muscles and fascia from each other can occur over time due to stretching or weakening of tissue, resulting in protrusion at the region of separation of otherwise contained material, e.g. fat, tissue, or intestine. For example, during pregnancy or over time with weight gain, the rectus abdominals muscles, (the large muscles that run longitudinally along the abdomen from the torso to the groin of a human being), can diverge from each other, resulting in a flabby appearance or in some

224 Muscles cases protrusion of accumulated fat or other structures through the separated region. Many people desire to undergo surgical repair of the separated muscles either to repair the herniation of material, or in less extreme cases, purely for cosmetic reasons, sometimes in conjunction with liposuction or removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. Historically, procedures such as abdominoplasty have been performed through a large open surgical incision in the abdomen, through which surgical tools are introduced to dissect away the subcutaneous tissue and fat from the abdominal fascia, and then directly reapproximating the medial borders of the rectus sheath, usually using sutures. Other methods for approximating fascia or otherwise joining body tissue are also known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,553 describes a surgical instrument for joining body tissue for stapling a hernial opening in internal tissues of a patient. U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,227 describes a staple cartridge for applying staples to a large amount of fascia in a patient. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06706048__ • Methods and devices for improving mitral valve function Inventor(s): Kalgreen; Jason E. (Plymouth, MN), Mortler; Todd J. (Minneapolis, MN), Schroeder; Richard F. (Fridley, MN), Schweich, Jr.; Cyril J. (St. Paul, MN), Vidlund; Robert M. (Maplewood, MN) Assignee(s): Myocor, Inc. (maple Grove, Mn) Patent Number: 6,723,038 Date filed: October 6, 2000 Abstract: Devices and related methods for treating heart conditions, including, for example, dilatation, valve incompetencies, including mitral valve leakage, and other heart failure conditions, may operate to assist in the apposition of heart valve leaflets to improve valve function. A method for improving the function of a valve of a heart includes placing an elongate member transverse a heart chamber so that each end of the elongate member extends through a wall of the heart, and placing first and second anchoring members external the chamber. The first and second anchoring members are attached to first and second ends of the elongate member to fix the elongate member in a position across the chamber so as to reposition papillary muscles within the chamber. A method of treating the valve may include real-time monitoring the valve function and adjusting the device based on data obtained during the real-time monitoring. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to devices and related methods for improving the function of heart valves, and more particularly to devices and related methods that passively assist in the apposition of heart valve leaflets to improve valve function of poorly functioning valves. Heart failure is a condition whereby the left ventricle becomes enlarged and dilated as a result of numerous etiologies. Initial causes of heart failure include chronic hypertension, myocardial infarction, mitral valve incompetency, and other dilated cardiomyopathies. With each of these conditions, the heart is forced to overexert itself in order to provide the cardiac output demanded from the body during its various demand states. The result is an enlarged left ventricle. A dilated heart, and particularly a dilated left ventricle, can significantly increase the tension and/or stress in the heart wall both during diastolic filling and systolic contraction, which contributes to ongoing dilatation of the chamber. Prior treatments for heart failure include pharmacological treatments, assist devices such as pumps, and surgical treatments such as heart transplant, dynamic cardiomyoplasty, and the Batista partial left ventriculectomy. These prior treatments are described briefly in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,440

Patents 225 to Schweich, Jr. et al., issued Oct. 5, 1999 and entitled \"Heart Wall Tension Reduction Apparatus and Method,\" the complete disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06723038__ • Multi-functional exerciser Inventor(s): Chen; Ping (No. 29, Nanmei St., Nantun Li, Nantun Dist., Taichung, TW) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,712,743 Date filed: December 11, 2001 Abstract: An exerciser has a base, a rocking frame and a back pad. The rocking frame is pivotally attached to the top of the base and adapted for a user rocking the rocking frame relative to the base. The back pad is mounted on the rocking frame and adapted for the user to lay on the back pad. With such an exerciser, the user not only can train the abdominal muscles of user, but also can swing, twist or expand his or her body. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an exerciser, and more particularly to a multi-functional exerciser that can be used in different ways. To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention tends to provide an exerciser to mitigate or obviate the aforementioned problems. The main objective of the invention is to provide an exerciser that not only can be used to train the abdominal muscles of user, but also can be used to swing, to twist or to expand the body of the user. The exerciser has a base, a rocking frame and a back pad. The rocking frame is pivotally attached to the top of the base and adapted for a user to rock on the rocking frame relative to the base. The back pad is mounted on the rocking frame and adapted for the user to lay down on the back pad. This exerciser is especially versatile due to the novel rocking exercises and provides a distinct advantage over the prior art. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06712743__ • Multiple function exercise device and method Inventor(s): Abelbeck; Kevin G. (Los Angeles, CA), Kaye; Lawrence S. (10509 Laramie Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311) Assignee(s): Davidson; R. Steven (van Nuys, Ca), Kaye; Lawrence S. (chatsworth, Ca) Patent Number: 6,676,573 Date filed: May 31, 2001 Abstract: This is a multiple function exercise device that enables simultaneous exercise of several muscle groups. The device includes a chest pad that is stationary to the support frame and a seat that moves in a path of motion that enables the user's chest to remain on the chest pad as the user's legs are extended, thereby causing movement of the seat. This combination provides activation of the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles at the same time. In another embodiment, a resistance arm is added that is pivotally attached to the frame and mechanically linked to the seat, thereby causing movement of the arm as the seat moves. This allows the additional

226 Muscles activation of the triceps muscles, or elbow extensors of the upper arm, while also working the leg and hip extensor muscles and the trunk flexor muscles all in a single movement. The advantage to such a movement is the time saving effect of working a large group of muscles at one time as opposed to several exercises one after the other. Excerpt(s): The invention herein relates to an exercise device and more particularly to exercise devices that allow for work done concurrently by multiple muscle groups. This multiple function capability has an advantage in the time saving effect of working a large group of muscles at one time as opposed to several exercises one after the other. The busy schedules of the users are of utmost importance in any physical activity to promote physical health. Few people will or can spend and hour or more in the gym each day. A minimal 30-minute cardiovascular workout followed by 30-40 minutes of weight training doesn't even allow for a quick bite on the way back to the office. As more and more individuals work out of their homes, the need for fitness products that are usable in a home setting become more desirable. One of the necessities of a home piece of fitness equipment is in the versatility or variety of exercises that can be done given a specific space requirement of the device. A single device that performs a variety of exercises is very desirable in this respect. If the device also enables two or more exercises to be accomplished in a single composite movement, the device solves both the time and space considerations that would otherwise prevent many users from participating in a fitness program. Most health club products are not as sensitive to space as in the home market. As such, traditional health club facilities greatly rely on single function equipment, that is a device that works a particular muscle group. Though health club facilities are obviously dedicated to equipment placement and usage, unlike a home, but the space allotment still has associated costs including building rent. Therefore it is advantageous in many cases to provide equipment that has multiple uses. Traditionally these are generalized devices such as jungle gyms, racks for free weights and linear motion smith machines. Still these are not intended to perform seemingly unrelated movements in unison to save time for the user. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06676573__ • Muscle strength testing method and apparatus Inventor(s): Bouchard; Julien (1355 Cartier, Ville St-Laurent, QBC, CA H4L 2N7), Perrad; Jacques (408, rue Perreault, Chicoutimi, QBC, CA G7J 3Y9) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,706,003 Date filed: February 12, 2001 Abstract: An isometric muscle strength testing method and apparatus allow an intended examiner to qualitatively and subjectively assess the muscular contraction of a selected muscle, or group of muscles, of a patient through direct contact between the examiner's naked hand and the target segment of the patient that is anatomically coupled to the selected muscle. The method and apparatus allow a simultaneous quantitative and objective assessment of the strength of the muscular contraction through the use of a pressure sensor, without interfering on or modifying the conventional manual muscle test(s). The pressure sensor is positioned so that the force exerted by the selected muscle during contraction thereof is transmitted indirectly to the pressure sensor without direct contact between the pressure sensor and the patient target segment. A treatment table, or any other structure, can be positioned between the pressure sensor and either the patient or the examiner.

Patents 227 Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to the field of gauging devices and is more particularly concerned with a muscle strength testing method and apparatus allowing simultaneous assessment of the muscular contraction of a selected muscle through direct contact between an examiner and a patient and assessment of the strength of the muscular contraction of the selected muscle through the use of a pressure sensor. Muscle strength can be defined as the ability of a muscle or a group of muscles to produce tension or exert force through the skeletal system. The generally accepted measurement criterion for the maximum tension which can be exerted by a muscle is the maximum amount of force a muscle can exert on a body part. In physiology, this is referred to as the maximum strength of the muscle and might be expressed, for example, in kilograms per square centimeter of muscular section. In day-to-day life with the patient, the strength is usually expressed in kilograms, Newtons, pounds or inch- pounds and Newton-meters. There are a plurality of situations wherein it is desirable to monitor or test different muscle strength of an individual. This type of examination is commonly used in diagnostic, therapeutic and prevention activities. The tests are typically used to determine difference in strength between individuals and/or to determine strength deficits in a given individual. In such a case, deficits are detected by the comparison of contralateral limb segments or muscle groups. The tests are also typically used to monitor a patient's progress during a period of recovery or rehabilitation. Muscle testing is also used in the design of rehabilitation programs for injured patients or individuals wanting to undertake activities for which they are not properly conditioned. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06706003__ • Pneumatic muscle analogs for exoskeletal robotic limbs and associated control mechanisms Inventor(s): Comer; Alan Elbert (P.O. Box 1134, Olalla, WA 98359) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,684,754 Date filed: July 10, 2002 Abstract: Artificial muscle analog 1000 is located within hollow exoskeletal bone 10. Muscle 1000 comprises inflatable bladder 120, cable 130, roller 140, anchor point 150, and connection means 160 whereby said bladder may be inflated and deflated. Bladder 120 is affixed to the interior surface of said bone. Cable 130, attached to bone 10 at point 150, passes over bladder 120 and through roller 140. Cable 130, if unobstructed and taut, takes a shortest path from point 150 to roller 140. When inflated, bladder 120 forces cable 130 to deviate from this shortest path, pulling cable 130 in through said roller, under tension. In their paired opposing muscle form 2000, the artificial muscles synergistically assist each other when used in opposition. Paired muscles 2000 may actuate a robotic arm 3000, and are easily controlled by the associated simple low-cost control systems 100a,b,c of the present invention. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to mechanical actuators. More specifically, the present invention relates to artificial muscle analogs which do not rely on electromagnetism for their motive force. Certain aspects of the present invention relate to robust, low-cost exoskeletal limbs powered by such muscle analogs, which have applications in many fields including robotics or prosthetics. A final aspect of the present invention relates to a particularly simple means of controlling such exoskeletal limbs, using a novel electro-pneumatic feedback loop. Historically, machines have been

228 Muscles invented using an almost endless array of different mechanical methods to induce physical movement. In recent years, however, most such machines have been based on some form of electromagnetic force, especially electrical motors. In some cases, this has been due more to the overwhelming prevalence of electricity and especially the electrical motor as a motive device, rather than the inherent superiority of this approach for the particular problem. Although an electrical motor is arguably the best solution for many problems, especially those requiring rotary motion, other situations exist where alternate approaches have inherent advantages. Yet relatively little research has been done into other motive methods, due in part to the tremendous popularity of the electrical motor. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06684754__ • Portable personal training and exercise device with a cable and pulley mechanism Inventor(s): Ihli; Stephen P. (423-D San Vicente Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90402) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,726,607 Date filed: June 18, 2002 Abstract: A portable personal training and exercise device having a base assembly, a pole assembly and cable and pulley assembly. The base assembly has a tilt mechanism for holding the pole assembly in different orientations. The cable and pulley assembly is attached to the pole assembly and has two coaxial pulleys rotatably mounted on a common single stationary shaft. Each pulley is spring biased for rewinding a cord onto the pulley. The cable and pulley assembly also has a tension adjustment unit for adjusting the resistance of the pulleys, and two multi-direction guide units mounted on the housing of the cable and pulley assembly for allowing the pulley cords to be pulled in multiple directions with reduced friction. A user may pull the cords of the pulleys for exercising various muscles of the user and adjust the resistance force of the cords at an appropriate level suitable to the user. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to the field of sport and exercise devices and more particularly relates to a portable personal training and exercise device which utilizes a cable and pulley mechanism. In recent years personal training and exercise devices have become very popular among the general public. Many different types of personal training and exercise devices including fixed, stationary and portable types, have been designed and introduced by various manufacturers. However, existing personal training and exercise devices are often cumbersome, expensive or difficult to operate and maintain. It is always desirable to provide a new design and construction of a portable personal exercise device that can provide various exercise options with a wide range of resistance. It is also desirable to provide a new design and construction of a portable personal exercise device that utilizes a cable and pulley mechanism which is easy to operate and maintain. It is further desirable to provide a new design and construction of a portable personal exercise device that is compact, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06726607__

Patents 229 • Protein and gene involved in myocyte differentiation Inventor(s): Kaul; Sunil C. (Tsukuba, JP), Reddel; Roger R. (Westmead, AU), Wadhwa; Renu (Niihari-mura, JP) Assignee(s): Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha (tokyo, Jp) Patent Number: 6,670,450 Date filed: October 6, 2000 Abstract: A gene was unexpectedly isolated in an attempt to isolate a gene specifically expressed in immortalized cells via antibody screening using an antibody raised against a protein occurring specifically in immortalized cells. The gene thus isolated shares no sequence homology with the entries deposited in the database and was strongly expressed in skeletal muscles and undifferentiated cells. The protein encoded by this gene inhibits the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. It also inhibits the transactivation function of p53, a transcription factor involved in tumor suppression. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a novel protein involved in myocyte differentiation and DNA encoding the protein. Genes, such as muscle creatine kinase, troponin, caveolin 3,.alpha.-actin, and myosin, are reported to be expressed predominantly in the skeletal muscles. A family of transcription factors specifically expressed in the muscles, including myoD, myogenin, myf-5, and MRF- 4/herculin/myf-6, have been cloned. These factors are phosphorylated nuclear proteins containing a helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motif, as required for both dimerization and DNA binding, and are believed to be determinants of the cell-specific differentiation program (Olson and Klein (1994), Genes & Dev. 8:1-8). When one of these factors is introduced into non-myogenic cells, differentiation into mature muscle cells is initiated (Weintraub et al. (1991), Science 251:761-766). The myoD family, a group of transcription factors, has been found to direct muscle formation, inhibit proliferation, activate differentiation and induce a contractile phenotype. While myoD and myf-5 are expressed within the proliferating myoblasts, myogenin and MRF-4 are not expressed until the myoblasts withdraw from the cell cycle in response to mitogen withdrawal. Based on these findings, it was demonstrated that myogenin and MRF-4 activate and maintain the expression of muscle-specific genes (Emerson (1993), Curr. Opin. Genet. Dev. 3:265-274), while myoD and myf-5 are thought to play a role in the proliferation of myoblasts. Other cell-cycle regulatory proteins, such as RB (Shiio et al. (1996), Oncogene 12:1837- 1845, Wang et al. (1997), Cancer Research 57:351-354), p21 (Guo et al. (1995), Mol. Cell Biol. 15:3823-3829), cyclin D, cdk2, cdk4 (Kiess et al. (1995), Oncogene 10:159-166) and tumor suppressor gene p53 (Soddu et al. (1996), J. Cell Biol. 134:193-204) are involved in the muscle cell differentiation program. Recently, caveolin 3 (Song et al. (1996), J. Cell Biol. 271:15160-15165),.alpha.-dystroglycan (Kostrominova and Tanzer (1995), J. Cell Biochem. 58:527-534) and DNA methyltransferases (Takagi et al. (1995), Eur. J. Biochem. 231:282-291) have been shown to play positive roles in myogenic differentiation. An objective of the present invention is to provide a novel protein and gene involved in myocyte differentiation, and the production and use thereof. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06670450__

230 Muscles • Push-up/chest exercising device Inventor(s): Manailovich; John (51 Mudd Pond Rd., Blairstown, NJ 07825) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,716,145 Date filed: January 24, 2002 Abstract: A push-up/chest exercising device for exercising one's chest muscles while performing push-ups. The push-up/chest exercising device includes a support assembly including a plurality of leg members and a support member being mounted upon the leg members; and also includes a plurality of handhold members being movably mounted upon the support member; and further includes a plurality of resistance members being mounted upon the support member and being connected to the handhold members to resist movement of the handhold members toward one another. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to chest exercisers and more particularly pertains to a new push-up/chest exercising device for exercising one's chest muscles while performing push-ups. The use of chest exercisers is known in the prior art. More specifically, chest exercisers heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,868; U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,802; U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,015; U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,873; U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,082; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 335,512. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06716145__ • Replacement atrioventricular heart valve Inventor(s): Cox; James L. (Ladue, MO) Assignee(s): 3F Therapeutics, Inc. (lake Forest, Ca) Patent Number: 6,719,788 Date filed: May 21, 2002 Abstract: A replacement heart valve is configured to replace a native atrioventricular heart valve (mitral or tricuspid valve, positioned between an atrial chamber and a ventricular chamber). The replacement valve includes a a thin and flexible wall portion having no more than two leaflets. Two securement locations adjacent the outlet end of the valve are adapted to be attached to respective papillary muscles. The unconstrained regions between the securement locations flex inwardly into and out of engagement with each other in response to blood pressure in order to close and open the valve. The leaflets engage each other along a line of commissure. Excerpt(s): This invention is in the field of replacement heart valves. There are four valves in the heart that serve to direct the flow of blood through the two sides of the heart in a forward direction. On the left (systemic) side of the heart are: 1) the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, and 2) the aortic valve, located between the left ventricle and the aorta. These two valves direct oxygenated blood coming from the lungs, through the left side of the heart, into the aorta for distribution to the body. On the right (pulmonary) side of the heart are: 1) the tricuspid valve, located between the right atrium and the right ventricle, and 2) the pulmonary valve, located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. These two valves

Patents 231 direct de-oxygenated blood coming from the body, through the right side of the heart, into the pulmonary artery for distribution to the lungs, where it again becomes re- oxygenated to begin the circuit anew. All four of these heart valves are passive structures that they do not themselves expend any energy and do not perform any active contractile function. They consist of moveable \"leaflets\" that are designed simply to open and close in response to differential pressures on either side of the valve. The mitral and tricuspid valves are referred to as \"atrioventricular valves\" because of their being situated between an atrium and ventricle on each side of the heart. The mitral valve has two leaflets and the tricuspid valve has three. The aortic and pulmonary valves are referred to as \"semilunar valves\" because of the unique appearance of their leaflets, which are more aptly termed \"cusps\" and are shaped somewhat like a half- moon. The aortic and pulmonary valves each have three cusps. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06719788__ • Rotary tilt exercise machine Inventor(s): Rasmussen; Aaron P. (1776 Essex St., El Cajon, CA 92020) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,666,802 Date filed: November 13, 2002 Abstract: The rotary tilt exercise machine is a gravity-controlled device wherein the user, cradled in a body support unit, employs bodily balance and thrust to roll the body support unit, which is tiltably mounted on the ball joint of a housing drum. A pendular shaft is fixed to the base of the body support unit so that body support unit tilt produces angular displacement of the shaft within the housing. At its extension, the pendular shaft is weighted to provide ballast and centrifugal impetus to body support unit roll. Body support unit motion parameters are defined by either of two optional control devices, specified as a rotary wheel motion controller and as a crank arm motion controller. Auxiliary equipment includes a seat belt and grab bars mounted on the body support unit that stabilize the torso and enable body balance movements that work the back and abdominal muscles. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to exercise apparatus and more specifically to a rotary tilt exercise machine. Observation of children's playground equipment reveals the popularity of exercise apparatus wherein the user employs bodily motion or thrust to overcome inertia and spring resistance in exchange for a fun ride and some exercise. In these simple devices, thrust force is eventually overcome by a large grounded coil spring, which returns the support assembly to its point of origin. The value of tilt type exercise equipment resides in its ability to produce body balance movements that energize torso and limb musculature. That fact, coupled with the obvious \"fun\" appeal of balance oriented exercise equipment has contributed to the growing popularity and commercialization of exercise balls, wobble boards, and rocking blocks that serve as an exhilarate for exercise. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06666802__

232 Muscles • Shoe and last Inventor(s): Frye; Nancy C. (3526 Rockcrest Dr., Garland, TX 75044) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,698,050 Date filed: October 13, 2000 Abstract: A footwear exercising device for use by a wearer in improving various aspects of the wearer's physical condition, health and overall appearance. The footwear exercising device of the present invention includes a reverse wedge for wear below the sole of a wearer's foot, and may be worn with a wide variety of fashion. Prolonged use of the device of the present invention has been shown to improve the tone of the muscle groups of a wearer's body which have to do with the wearer's posture. Prolonged use of the instant invention has also been shown to improve the blood circulation in a wearer's legs and to strengthen significantly the muscles supporting a wearer's knees. The design of the device is such that prolonged wear of the invention is neither strenuous nor taxing. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates in general to footwear and more particularly to an improved shoe and last. The present invention relates to exercise devices, and more particularly concerns exercise devices for wear with, or as part of, a shoe. Many footwear exercising devices have been proposed in the prior art for exercising the leg and back muscles. Examples of such devices can be found in the following U.S. Letters Patent: U.S. Pat. No. 2,769,252 by A. E. Monier; U.S. Pat. No. 3,472,508 by Baker et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,181 by Holcombe, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,678 by Lamb et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,681,114 by Lodispoto; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,073 by Robinson. While these devices may be suitable for a particular purpose to which they address, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that said devices would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention. Indeed, the devices of Monier, Baker et al. and Lamb et al. are all designed for purely therapeutic purposes, making it very difficult to wear such exercise devices throughout the activity of a normal day. On the other hand, the devices of Holcombe, Jr., Lodispoto and Robinson are designed for more prolonged wear. However, neither of the Lodispoto, Holcombe, Jr., or Robinson designs is able to be worn throughout the activities of a normal day with the extraordinary amount of comfort and lack of fatigue as is available through the present invention and still accomplish all the exercise purposes of the present invention. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06698050__ • Shoes and braces with superelastic supports Inventor(s): Houser; Russell A. (1787 Verdite St., Livermore, CA 94550), Whayne; James G. (137 New Castle Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,718,656 Date filed: July 3, 2001 Abstract: Described are shoes, orthodic appliances, and anatomic braces containing superelastic support members for enhanced performance. The superelastic supports provide dynamic response to deflection. As such, the superelastic supports incorporated in the soles of shoes enhance walking, running, jumping, kicking, or other motion

Patents 233 involving the foot. The superelastic supports may be incorporated in the body of shoes to reinforce the ankle joint. The embodiments of the invention also provide superelastic supports in braces to reinforce or stabilize the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, shoulders, back, neck, hips, or other anatomy commonly associated with a degree of twisting, rotation, bending, or other desired motion. The braces also intensify the motion of anatomic structures, apply a specific resistance at the joint to strengthen the muscles during training or rehabilitation, and/or immobilize or stabilize joints, bones, or other anatomic structures during healing of an injury. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to devices for enhancing the performance of shoes or braces. More particularly, the invention relates to supports that are incorporated in the soles of shoes to improve the vertical jump, the lateral agility, and the running stride of the shoe wearer. The supports also provide cushions for the heel and the ball of the foot to prevent injury occurring from pounding the foot against a hard surface. In addition, the supports facilitate walking by providing an upward force in response to downward deflection mimicking the natural motion of the foot and easing the stress of walking on the foot. The supports also correct congenital defects such as pronation and supenation by urging the foot into the correct position while walking or exercising. The embodiments of the invention also provide supports to reinforce the joints and prevent unwanted twisting, rolling, rotating, or bending. The supports may be incorporated in shoes to integrally provide reinforcement of the ankles or may be used in separate ankle braces to prevent unwanted or excess rolling, twisting, or bending of the ankle. Alternatively, the supports may be inserted into the ankle or body regions of shoes to provide additional reinforcement to the foot without being integrally encapsulated into the shoe; as such these supports function as orthodic appliances. The supports may also be used in knee, wrist, shoulder, or elbow braces to prevent unwanted twisting or bending at these joints. The supports may also be incorporated into rib, or other bone, guards to reinforce the ribs, or other bone, and distribute the stress applied to the ribs, or other bone. This prevents extremely concentrated force, which potentially causes fracture or other injury to the rib, tibia, or other bone. Current techniques for providing a cushion or spring involve using pockets of air incorporated in the shoe sole. Such pockets are intended to decrease and distribute the impact upon the foot when landing on a hard surface but do not exert an opposing force on the foot capable of aiding the shoe wearer in walking, running, or jumping. In addition, air pockets must typically be inflated to high pressures so the pockets have enough rigidity to withstand the weight of the shoe wearer without collapsing; as such, the pockets do not provide enough compression to cushion the foot. A need thus exists for shoe supports that are capable of being deflected a predetermined amount in response to an external force and exerting an opposing force in response to the deflection. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06718656__ • SPE-4 antibody preparations Inventor(s): L'hernault; Steven W. (Atlanta, GA) Assignee(s): Emory University (atlanta, Ga) Patent Number: 6,689,361 Date filed: February 1, 2000 Abstract: This application discloses SPE-4 related peptides, peptide-carrier protein conjugates and fusion proteins, immunogenic compositions, antibodies and methods for characterizing the SPE-4 related protein profiles, useful in diagnosing or monitoring

234 Muscles SPE-4 related protein profiles of nematodes and/or Alzheimer's disease patients, either in postmortem tissue, preferably from the frontal cortex of the brain, or from other tissue samples, including without limitation muscles and peripheral blood or in a tissue sample of a living patient, where the tissue analyzed can include, brain, muscle or peripheral blood cells. Excerpt(s): The field of this invention is the area of peptide antigens, antibodies, methods and kits therefor, specifically using antibody preparations raised in response to antigen(s) derived wholly or in part from one or more proteins of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant health problem, and an economic problem as well, in moderns society. It is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system; clinical symptoms include progressive memory loss and decline in cognitive functions. Typically, the onset of AD is in the middle to late stages of human life. Late onset AD occurs at ages greater than 60 years while the symptoms of early onset AD appear in affected individuals between 30 and 60 years of age. At the histological level, Alzheimer's disease is characterized by such pathological features as amyloid plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles [Sherrington et al. (1995) Nature 3:754-760]. Several genetic loci have been implicated in AD, which appears to be complex with respect to its etiology. The 112Cys to Arg allele of ApolE (Apolipoprotein E) is associated with a significant proportion of the late onset AD cases [Strittmatter et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:1977-1981; Saunders et al. (1993) Neurology 43:1467-1472]. Mutations in the.beta.-amyloid precursor protein gene (.beta.APP) have been associated in certain families (<3%) with AD onset prior to 65 years of age [See, e.g., Goate et al. (1991) Nature 3:704-706]. A third locus associated with AD is the stm-2 locus on chromosome 1; this gene determines the presenilin protein. Another locus (AD3 on chromosome 14q24.3), which functions as an autosomal dominant locus, may account for up to 70% of the cases of early onset AD [Schellenberg et al. (1992) Science 2:1445-1453]. Sherrington et al. (1995) supra has described five different missense mutations in a novel gene called s182, which mutations are associated with early onset AD. Pedigree studies suggested that these mutations confer an autosomal dominant AD phenotype. Sequence analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence indicates that the protein product of this gene is likely to be an integral membrane protein despite the absence of an obvious signal peptide sequence and a dearth of potential glycosylation sites. The human S182 protein shares significant amino acid homology with the Caenorhabditis elegans spe-4 gene product, which has been shown to function in spermatogenesis in the nematode [L'Hernault et al. (1992) J. Cell Biol. 119:55-69]. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06689361__ • Steerable sphincterotome and methods for cannulation, papillotomy and sphincterotomy Inventor(s): Adams; Mark L. (Stoughton, MA), Hutchins; John E. (North Attleboro, MA) Assignee(s): Scimed Life Systems, Inc. (maple Grove, Mn) Patent Number: 6,676,659 Date filed: August 14, 2001 Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for performing endoscopic cannulation, papillotomy and sphincterotomy and similar procedures. According to the present state of the art, endoscopic cannulation of the common bile duct and papillotomy and similar procedures are accomplished by advancing the device into an endoscope/duodenoscope so that the distal tip of the device exits the endoscope

Patents 235 adjacent the sphincter muscles at the Papilla of Vater. The endoscope mechanisms are then manipulated to orient the distal tip of the device to the desired position for proper cannulation of the duct. Due to inconsistencies in, for example, the sphincterotome, anatomy, and endoscope manipulation, it is difficult to accurately and consistently position the sphincterotome for proper cannulation. The steerable sphincterotome of the present invention allows the physician to control the position of the distal tip of the device independently of the endoscope and adjust for inconsistencies in the device and the anatomy. According to the present invention, the handle to which the cutting wire is attached is freely rotatable relative to the catheter. The handle, secured to the cutting wire but rotatable relative to the shaft of the catheter, provides a mechanism to rotate the wire, transmitting the force to rotate the device tip. With the handle rotating independently of the shaft at the proximal end, the force can be applied directly to the distal tip without twisting the entire shaft. Also a rotation lock to maintain the orientation of the tip and/or a rotation marking, to indicate the amount of rotation may be included. Excerpt(s): This invention generally relates to apparatus that is useful in performing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in the biliary tree and more particularly to apparatus that is adapted for facilitating the diagnosis of gallstones in the bile duct and other portions of the biliary tree and the removal of such gallstones. Historically the migration of gallstones into an individual's common bile duct was corrected by general surgical procedures. A surgeon would incise the bile duct and remove the gallstones and normally remove the gallbladder. In recent years less invasive treatment modalities have replaced these general surgical procedures and reduced patient trauma, long hospital stays and recovery periods. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,696,668 and 4,781,677, both to Wilcox, disclose a treatment modality involving the administration of a dissolution agent in the bile duct to essentially dissolve any gallstones. More specifically, a catheter contains several lumens for inflating and deflating each of two balloons, venting bile, and infusing and aspirating the dissolution agent. Inflating the balloons occludes the bile duct at two spaced sites and creates a sealed spaced that receives the dissolution agent. As the space is sealed from the remaining biliary tree, the dissolution agent finds access to the gallbladder and any gallstones therein through the cystic duct with the exclusion of bile from the gallbladder fundus. The dissolution agent also will be confined in high concentration around bile duct gallstones. After the gallstones dissolve the balloons are deflated and the catheter can be withdrawn. In this particular approach, the catheter is directed into the biliary tree using a standard duodenoscope that passes through the alimentary tract. Although this and analogous approaches have the potential of minimizing patient trauma, such treatments require extended placement of the duodenoscope in the patient, exhibit low efficacy and introduce a potential for adverse reactions to the dissolution agents. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06676659__

236 Muscles • Surgical instruments and procedures for stabilizing the beating heart during coronary artery bypass graft surgery Inventor(s): Aldrich; William N. (Redwood City, CA), Benetti; Federico J. (Rosario, AR), Frantzen; John J. (Copperopolis, CA), Glines; Robert C. (Cameron Park, CA), Regan; Brent (Coeur d'Alene, ID), Salahieh; Amr (Campbell, CA), Sepetka; Ivan (Los Altos, CA), Taylor; Charles S. (San Francisco, CA) Assignee(s): Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc. (santa Clara, Ca) Patent Number: 6,701,930 Date filed: November 6, 2001 Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing device, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing device such that the contraction of the beating heart causes only minimal excess motion at the surgery site. By fixing the position of the stabilizing device in a configuration where the motion of the beating heart is effectively eliminated, the surgeon is able to stabilize the beating heart for the duration of the procedure. The stabilizing device may be attached to a rigid support or may be attached to a semi-rigid support which is rendered motionless mechanically, chemically, or by human intervention. In certain preferred embodiments, the stabilizing device is affixed to a semi-rigid support which is caused to become rigid, by any of a variety of techniques, such that the position of the stabilizing device becomes fixed by the support, and the heart remains substantially motionless for the duration of the procedure. Excerpt(s): Diseases of the cardiovascular system affect millions of people each year and are a leading cause of death in the United States and throughout the world. The costs to society from such diseases is enormous both in terms of the lives lost and in terms of the cost of treating patients through surgery. A particularly prevalent form of cardiovascular disease is a reduction in the blood supply leading to the heart caused by atherosclerosis or other condition that creates a restriction in blood flow at a critical point in the cardiovascular system that supplies blood to the heart. In many cases, such a blockage or restriction in the blood flow leading to the heart can be treated by a surgical procedure known as a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) procedure, which is more commonly known as a \"heart bypass\" operation. In the CABG procedure, the surgeon removes a portion of a vein from another part of the body to use as a graft and installs the graft at points which bypass the obstruction to restore normal blood flow to the heart. Although the CABG procedure has become relatively common, the procedure itself is lengthy and traumatic and can damage the heart and cardiovascular system, the central nervous system, and the blood supply itself. In a conventional CABG procedure, the surgeon must make a long incision down the center of the chest, cut through the entire length of the sternum, perform several other procedures necessary to attach the patient to a heart-lung bypass machine, cut off the blood flow to the heart, and then stop the heart from beating in order to install the graft. The lengthy surgical procedures are necessary, in part, to connect the patient to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine to continue the circulation of oxygenated blood to the rest of the body while the bypass

Patents 237 graft is sewn into place. Although several efforts have been made to make the CABG procedure less invasive and less traumatic, most techniques still require cardiac bypass and cardioplegia (stoppage of the heart). The safety and efficacy of CABG procedure could be improved if the surgeon could avoid the need to stop the heart from beating during the procedure, thereby eliminating cardiopulmonary bypass and the lengthy and traumatic surgical procedures necessary to connect the patient to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine to sustain the patient's life during the procedure. In recent years, a small number of surgeons have begun performing CABG procedures using surgical techniques especially developed so that the CABG procedure could be performed while the heart is still beating. In such procedures, there is no need for any form of cardiopulmonary bypass, no need to perform the extensive surgical procedures necessary to connect the patient to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, and no need to stop the heart. As a result, the surgery is much less invasive and the entire procedure can typically be achieved through one or two comparatively small incisions in the chest. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06701930__ • Synthetic muscle based diaphragm pump apparatuses Inventor(s): Shahinpoor; Mohsen (9910 Tanoan Dr. NE., Albuqerque, NM 87111), Soltanpour; David (5 Lindsley Dr., Larchmont, NY 10538) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,682,500 Date filed: April 25, 2001 Abstract: Implantable, pressure adjustable diaphragm pump systems which are scalable and are characterized by a common type of actuating mechanism. The pumps may be inductively and transcutaneously powered via adjacent, mutually inductive electromagnetic coils. Alternatively the pumps may be effectively \"self\" powered using a synthetic muscle attached to a local bending or twisting force. The pumps may be used in a range of applications from mechanical applications to medical applications such as intraocular pressure control for glaucoma patients, bodily fluid drainage control, and drug delivery systems. These pump systems each include a pumping chamber having an anterior end attached to an implantable influent conduit. In the case of an ocular pressure control device, the influent conduit is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. A flexing ionic polymer conductor composite IPCC synthetic muscle, which is a type of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) synthetic muscle, functions as the primary actuator. The posterior end of the pumping chamber is connected to an effluent or drainage conduit, which may drain bodily fluids or dispense drugs to an area of the body. A key feature of the invention is the self or secondary power generation system in the form of a much larger piece of IPCC synthetic muscle which, in the case of glaucoma prevention systems, may be placed on the globe surface (sclera) of the eye and attached to and secured by the extraocular muscles of the eye. An alternative external power system includes a biocompatible induction coil with gold wire armature that can be transcutanously activated, adjusted, and computer-interrogated and controlled by a surgeon. The device of the invention is further equipped with a pair of adjustable variable flow valves placed at the juncture of the inlet and effluent conduits with the pumping chamber. The valves are used to regulate fluid flow through the pumping chamber. A pressure regulating system including a pressure sensor and pump controlling microprocessor may also be used with the inventive system.

238 Muscles Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to pump assemblies. More specifically, it relates to improved diaphragm pumps in a range of sizes, including micro-miniature pumps which may be used as bio-compatible medical implants for controlling diseases such as glaucoma and for controlled delivery of drugs. Mechanical and electromechanical medical implants are well known and, depending upon the type, have met with varying success rates. One problem with these devices is the lack of a reliable, long term power source. Ideally, the power source should last for the life of the implant, as many of these implants require invasive procedures both to install and maintain. Indeed, an external power source is virtually impossible in many situations. One use for mechanical implants is the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a common eye disease which is caused by excessive ocular pressure in the anterior chamber of the eyeball. Many devices and techniques have been devised in order to control this pressure. The devices fall generally into two types; passive devices such as a simple tubular shunt or similar device which drains aqueous humor from the anterior chamber, and active devices which have means for controllably draining ocular pressure, the systems typically using check valves or similar mechanical devices. While these systems are somewhat effective, they all tend to suffer from the drawback in that they are unreliable or require frequent maintenance which always involves a fairly invasive procedure. Failure to properly maintain the devices can result in long term damage to the eye. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06682500__ • Variable resistance hand gripper device Inventor(s): Baltodano; Oscar (1009 N. Adams St., Tallahassee, FL 32303) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,672,995 Date filed: January 17, 2002 Abstract: The present invention is a variable resistance hand gripper ideally suited for use in exercising and strengthening the muscles of the hand and forearm. In order to provide optimum-strengthening capabilities, the present invention includes a plurality of removably resistance devices that are removably secured to the hand gripper device. The user can select the number of resistance devices so as to provide a device that includes adjusting capabilities. The device further comprises a pair of handles pivotally secured and having a upper section and a lower section. The upper section includes the resistance devices and the lower section receives the hands of the user. Adding or removing these conventional resistant elements will provide for the resistance to increase or decrease, as deemed necessary for peak muscle strengthening during utilization by the user. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to a resistance hand gripper for use in exercising and strengthening the hand and forearm and more particularly to a resistance hand gripper device that utilizes same movement of conventional hand grippers yet includes a means for adjustable tension through resistance by rending a variable resistance device that includes a novel method for increasing or decreasing the tension via the removal or addition of conventional tension elements, such as rubber bands, springs, or the like. The device of the present invention provides for a quick, easy and effective means of adding or removing the particular tension elements used for resistance, inherently providing a device that increases efficiency and productivity for strengthening and working the muscles of the hand and forearm. Hand held exercise devices are conventional and well known in the art. Generally, hand held exercise

Patents 239 devices are utilized for strengthening the muscles in the forearm and hand that are used for gripping a particular object. This strengthening can be advantageous and will enable a user to improve on a particular sport, hobby, jobs or the like, in which this gripping is essential for success. These hand held exercise devices are also employed for improving deteriorating or injured muscles, such as when a user's hand has suffered an injury such as in an accident or fire. Continuous exercise and therapeutic treatment may greatly increase the strength and dexterity of the deteriorated muscle. Knowing the benefits of improving and strengthening the muscles of the forearm and hand, it is not surprising that several hand exercise devices have been developed. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,580 issued to Chiu wherein disclosed is a grip exercise with a gear-shaped adjusting member having a pair of handles and a receiving head located at the intersection of the two handles, and a gear-like adjusting member housed within the receiving head. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06672995__ • Weighted insert Inventor(s): VandenBerg; Nancy Lynn (4646 Wishing Well Ct., Portage, MI 49024) Assignee(s): None Reported Patent Number: 6,665,879 Date filed: May 8, 2002 Abstract: A durable weighted vest insert to produce a calming effect in users. The insert has a plurality of sealed compartments having weights in an anterior and posterior portion. Weight distribution is configured to provide a uniform and even pressure predominately over the upper muscles of the back and high on the pectoral muscles (i.e., an anterior and posterior shoulder girdle) when placed on a user and can be determined as a percentage of a user's body weight. The insert has mechanical fasteners such as pressure sensitive fastening materials, zippers, buttons, ties or hooks on an exposed surface. The invention can also include a vest having an interior surface comprising opposing mechanical fasteners placed corresponding to the fasteners of the insert whereby the insert can be incorporated and concealed within the vest. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates generally to the field of weighted vests, and in particular to a weighted vest with a plurality of evenly distributed weight enclosures that provides an even pressure across the anterior and posterior shoulder girdle of a person or animal to produce a calming effect. Weighted vests are known in the art and have primarily been developed to improve an athlete's strength and cardiovascular condition during exercise. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,917 to Massey describes a variably weighted vest with a plurality of deep and large pockets to add up to 30 pounds of weight. Most of the prior art weighted vests are designed for temporary use such as during exercise. Therefore, concerns about comfort, durability, appearance or the number of users are not a concern. Weighted vests designed for exercise also generally teach to keep the weights low on the vest. If the weights are high on the body, the athlete's balance is affected since the body's center of mass is raised as the distribution of weights raises. See generally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,267 to Watson. Unfortunately, low placement of the weight frequently causes poor and uneven weight distribution since the weights essentially \"hang\" from the user. This can cause shoulder discomfort as the weight pulls down on the vest rather than applying direct pressure to the muscles in the shoulder girdle area. Weight placed about the muscles of the shoulder girdle of an individual or animal is known to cause a calming effect and is

240 Muscles known as proprioception or deep touch-pressure effect. This calming effect can be an important goal in teaching children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (\"ADHD\") and others with attention difficulties such as autism or pervasive developmental disorders. See VandenBerg, N. L.; Vol. 55, No. 6, AJOT 621-628, The Use of Weighted Vest to Increase On-Task Behavior in Children with Attention Difficulties and Fertel-Daly, D., Bedell, G., & Hinojosa, J. (2001). Vol. 55, No. 6, AJOT, 629-640, Effects of a Weighted Vest on Attention to Task and Self-Stimulatory Behaviors in Preschoolers With Pervasive Developmental Disorders. A weighted vest can, for example, calm children who have problems moderating their own level of arousal, preventing them from paying attention or attending to tasks. A weighted vest can allow them to focus attention through the physiological effects of sustained pressure. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06665879__ Patent Applications on Muscles As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.9 Applications are patent requests which have yet to be granted. (The process to achieve a patent can take several years.) The following patent applications have been filed since December 2000 relating to muscles: • Abdominal exercise device Inventor(s): Perez, Charles; (Venice, CA) Correspondence: Kelly Bauersfeld Lowry & Kelley, Llp; 6320 Canoga Avenue; Suite 1650; Woodland Hills; CA; 91367; US Patent Application Number: 20040063555 Date filed: November 27, 2002 Abstract: An exercise apparatus that will exercise at least five groups of muscles is disclosed. The exercise apparatus exercises the abdominal muscles, the serratus muscles, the intercostals muscles and the leg muscles. The apparatus uses a seated position for the person exercising and the exerciser is seated on a swing. When the exerciser contracts his or her abdominal muscles while lifting the legs, the swing rotates such that the exerciser's feet rotate upward. When the exerciser releases tension on the abdominal muscles, the apparatus goes back to its original position. When the exerciser bends forward, the above four groups of muscles are exercised. Excerpt(s): This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/256,444 filed Sep. 26, 2002. The present invention generally relates to exercise devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to an abdominal exercise device which can be used at home. There exists a wide variety of exercise devices that provide a cardiovascular or resistance exercise to various muscle groups the body. Among these there are known a variety of abdominal exercise devises. In the gym setting, these devices are large, cumbersome, often difficult to operate, and relatively expensive. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html 9 This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.

Patents 241 • Abdominal exercise routines using a flexible elongated device Inventor(s): Brown, Gordon L. JR.; (Anderson, SC) Correspondence: John B. Hardaway, Iii; Nexsen Pruet Jacobs & Pollard, Llc; P.O. Box 10107, FED. STA.; Greenville; SC; 29603-0107; US Patent Application Number: 20040082449 Date filed: October 23, 2002 Abstract: A method of exercise and especially for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles using a flexible elongated device to increase resistance. The device is held at its ends by the hands with the arms in an outstretched position while a person sits with legs bent. The person places the device across and near the near the knees and crunches the abdominals against the added resistance of the flexible elongated device. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a method of performing exercises intended to firm, strengthen and tone a person's abdominal muscles. The method requires the use of a flexible elongated device which creates resistance during the performance of the exercise routines such that the resistance from the device is transmitted to the abdominal muscles resulting in an enhancement of the muscles. Firming, strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles can improve the health and self-image of an individual. Strong abdominal muscles in combination with a strong back make injury to an individual engaged in physical activity less likely. Runners with conditioned abdominal muscles perform better. Abdominal muscles that are well defined increase a person's physical appearance. A person's confidence is often enhanced if the person feels that he or she is in good shape and a flat stomach with well-defined abdominal muscles enhances this confidence level. Much money, time and personal effort are expended by thousands of persons on a daily basis trying to achieve well-defined and strong abdominal muscles. The number of exercise routines and exercise devices on the market is large. The personal expenditures per year in the United States alone to strengthen and condition the muscles of the abdomen are in the millions of dollars annually. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html • Accommodating intraocular lens assembly with multi-functional capsular bag ring Inventor(s): McNicholas, Thomas; (Laguna Niguel, CA) Correspondence: Advanced Medical Optics, INC.; 1700 E. ST. Andrew Place; P.O. Box 25162; Santa Ana; CA; 92799-5162; US Patent Application Number: 20040039446 Date filed: August 26, 2002 Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) has been provided with an accommodation assembly that effects axial movement of the IOL optic through both the radial action of ciliary muscles and the axial forces resulting from vitreous pressure on the posterior wall of the capsular bag. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises an IOL having substantially rigid, posteriorly extending fixation members which extend through slots in an accommodation ring encircling the optic. Axial forces exerted by vitreous fluids on the posterior wall of the capsular bag are transmitted from the posterior wall to the ring to the fixation members at the slot areas, causing axial movement of the IOL. At the same time, the angulation of the haptics converts radial forces due to contraction or

242 Muscles expansion of the capsular bag into axial forces, causing still more axial movement of the IOL. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to intraocular lenses (IOLs). More particularly, the invention relates to intraocular lenses which provide accommodating movement in the eye. The human visual system includes the eyes, the extraocular muscles which control eye position within the eye socket, the optic and other nerves that connect the eyes to the brain, and particular areas of the brain that are in neural communication with the eyes. Each eye forms an image upon a vast array of light sensitive photoreceptors of the retina. The cornea is the primary refracting surface which admits light through the anterior part of the outer surface of the eye. The iris contains muscles which alter the size of the entrance port of the eye, or pupil. The crystalline lens has a variable shape within the capsular bag, under the indirect control of the ciliary muscle. Having a refractive index higher than the surrounding media, the crystalline lens gives the eye a variable focal length, allowing accommodation to objects at varying distances from the eye. Much of the remainder of the eye is filled with fluids and materials under pressure which help the eye maintain its shape. For example, the aqueous humor fills the anterior chamber between the cornea and the iris, and the vitreous humor fills the majority of the volume of the eye in the vitreous chamber behind the lens. The crystalline lens is contained within a third chamber of the eye, the posterior chamber, which is positioned between the anterior and vitreous chambers. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html • Arm exercising device Inventor(s): Sleiman, Tony; (Windsor, CA) Correspondence: Warn, Burgess & Hoffmann, P.C.; P.O. Box 70098; Rochester Hills; MI; 48307; US Patent Application Number: 20040023763 Date filed: May 6, 2003 Abstract: The invention is directed to an arm exercising device having a base assembly with a base handle telescopically extendable from a first end of the base assembly. An arm actuator is pivotally mounted to the base assembly. A user interface is connected to the arm actuator to allow a user to pivot the arm actuator relative to the base assembly. A resistance medium is mounted between the arm actuator and the base assembly and provides resistance for the user as the arm actuator pivots in on or more directions with respect to the base assembly. In addition to providing a device for working the tendons and muscles of the shoulders and arms, this device is also collapsible for easy transport of the device. The base assembly and arm actuator are telescopic and are a fraction of their extended length when moved to the retracted position. Additionally, the user interface has a hollow cavity for receiving an holding an elbow pad that can be used to cushion the elbow of the user during operation. Excerpt(s): This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/380,102, filed May 6, 2002. The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for exercising and conditioning the muscles of the arm and shoulder. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arm exercising device that exercises the users arm and shoulders by mimicking the range of motion found in the sport of arm wrestling. In the physical fitness and therapy fields it is often necessary for individuals to undergo exercises that will strengthen and condition an individual's arms including the tendons


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