Abstract: A buoyant planter and its use. In one embodiment, the invention is a buoyant planter comprising: a nonwoven matrix body comprising fibers; a plurality of buoyant foam units integrated into said nonwoven matrix to produce a buoyant mass, said buoyant foam units being comprised of an expanded, cured polymer resin that envelopes a portion of said fibers to produce foamed zones; and a hydrophilic growth medium that is supported by said nonwoven matrix body. In another embodiment, the invention is a buoyant planter comprising: a nonwoven matrix body comprising fibers; a plurality of substantially vertical capillary channels within said nonwoven matrix body, each of said substantially vertical capillary channels having an upper end; and a grass sod disposed on said nonwoven matrix body and in communication with said upper ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for covering an aquarium. In one embodiment, the invention is a cover for an aquarium comprising: a porous nonwoven matrix body comprising fibers; optional legs; and a plurality of plants growing in said porous nonwoven matrix body. In another embodiment, the invention is a cover for an aquarium comprising: a first porous nonwoven matrix member that is configured to produce an outer wall section and a second porous nonwoven matrix member that is configured to produce a bottom section that together form a pocket; a plant growth medium disposed within said pocket; and a fish feeding port. In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method comprising: providing a porous nonwoven matrix body comprising fibers, said porous nonwoven matrix body being configured to substantially cover an aquarium opening and being capable of accommodating the growth of plants; placing said porous nonwoven matrix body in said opening.

Abstract: A shoulder brace comprising an anterior shoulder support member, a posterior support member, a strap attachment member, three primary straps, three secondary straps, and a pneumatic pad. The posterior support member comprises a back support member and a scapular support member. The back support member preferably comprises a lateral extension, an upper extension and a lower extension. The primary straps are preferably elastic and are used to don the brace. The secondary straps are preferably flexible but not elastic and are used to adjust the position of the anterior shoulder support member over the humeral head of the wearer.

Abstract: A shoulder brace including a shoulder member mountable to a patient's shoulder, and a positioning device that increases pressure to the shoulder in accordance with the position of the patient's arm. In one embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a shoulder member with an open portion forming substantially rigid first and second arms and a positioning device that varies the spacing of the first and second arms according to the position of the patient's arm. In another embodiment, the positioning device includes a tensioning ring and first and second tension triggering straps that provide anterior and posterior compression of the shoulder joint when the arm is moved into a danger zone. In another embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a first mounting member mountable to the pectoral area, a second mounting member mountable to the upper arm, and a connecting member that connects the first and second mounting members.

Abstract: A shoulder brace including a shoulder member mountable to a patient's shoulder, and a positioning device that increases pressure to the shoulder in accordance with the position of the patient's arm. In one embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a shoulder member with an open portion forming substantially rigid first and second arms and a positioning device that varies the spacing of the first and second arms according to the position of the patient's arm. In another embodiment, the positioning device includes a tensioning ring and first and second tension triggering straps that provide anterior and posterior compression of the shoulder joint when the arm is moved into a danger zone. In another embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a first mounting member mountable to the pectoral area, a second mounting member mountable to the upper arm, and a connecting member that connects the first and second mounting members.

Abstract: A treatment device having an antimicrobial sheet material operably connected to an appliance. The antimicrobial material includes a first layer of polymeric material such as a gel composition containing a block copolymer and mineral oil, and a second layer that contains a bactericidal metal such as silver. The appliance retains the antimicrobial material in a selected position in the user's mouth, nose, or other body cavity; it may assume a variety of configurations depending on position and extent of the treatment site.

Abstract: A shoulder brace (10) including front (80) and rear pressure pads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of an individual's shoulder joint, a support member (18) to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual, a front frame member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad, and a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rear pressure pad. Also included is an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of the individual, and a compression mechanism (20) configured to compress the front and rear frame members in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure pads press against the individual's shoulder joint.