Abstract: A therapy tool designed to assist therapist to manually control and facilitate patient elbow and knee flexion-extension during walking, sit to stand, control in standing, and other functions is provided. The therapy tool includes a first cushion adapted to receive at least a portion of a person's shin or forearm, a second cushion adapted to cushion a person's knee, a elongate handle attached the first and second cushions in a manner such that the second cushion is disposed above the first cushion, and a horizontal extension adapted to provide a support surface for the patient.

Abstract: The invention described is directed to an intracorporeal occluding device having elements with non-traumatic ends and devices, systems and methods for occluding the lumens of anatomical passageways and/or for delivering drugs or other substances to the bodies of human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The oral appliance includes an upper tray adaptable to conform to a user's maxillary dentition and a plurality of lower trays, each of the lower trays adaptable to conform to the user's mandibular dentition. At least some of the lower trays are structured to engage the upper tray, each of the lower trays are structured to impart a different fixed amount of mandibular advancement.

Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. The carrier has recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. The device may be used in a therapeutic application and as an athletic mouthguard. Temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents. The inserts may be replaced or refreshed to maintain the beneficial agent. A dental device having a core carrying a beneficial agent inside a liquid-permeable shell functions as an infant's teething device.

Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a waist band, a thigh band, a lateral vertical strap attached to said waist band and two extensions attached to said thigh band, and a medial vertical strap attached to said waist band then wrapping medially down around the thigh and attaching to the thigh band.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided with an adjustable support assembly having a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track. The orthopedic brace is further provided with a hinge having a first rotation plate, a second rotation plate, a pivotal connector connecting the first and second rotation plates, a rotation limiting mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: coupling an elongate guide substantially at a first end to at least one vertebral body of a spinal column of a patient; and extending a second end of the guide to a structure of the patient spaced in an anterior direction away from the at least one vertebral body towards an entry incision.

Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.

Abstract: A bite block is to be positioned between opposing upper and lower teeth in a patient's mouth. The bite block includes an elongate member having a top and a bottom. First and second sidewalls are coupled to the elongate member on opposite sides thereof. Each sidewall extends above and below the top and bottom of the elongate member to define upper and lower teeth spaced apart transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall has a second set of spaced apart receiving channels. The first sidewall has a first set of transverse notches defined in an upper surface thereof. The first sidewall may also have a third set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof. In addition, the second sidewall may also have a fourth set of spaced apart transverse notches defined in a lower surface thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant includes an endless loop defining a curved central region between first and second regions in a horizontal plane. The central region is vertically narrow relative to the first and second regions, and the first and second regions are compressible vertically to allow the first region to be directed through or behind the ligament adjacent the oropharyngeal region such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament. The first region is resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament to contact tissue adjacent the oropharyngeal region. The first and second regions are compressible into a “C” shape within the horizontal plane, yet biased to expand and apply a force to dilate the tissue adjacent the oropharyngeal region.

Abstract: It is hereby described an oral prophylactic device constructed of vulcanized natural latex or similar material, having a reinforced edge, a crown-shaped middle portion slightly thinner and a central portion representing a protuberance similar to a nipple (though bigger in size) which is absolutely flexible due to its lower thickness. It allows the practice of oral-vaginal or anal sexual intercourse without any risk of contagion of venereal diseases or AIDS and it also eliminates foul smells.

Abstract: A material having a stretch axis and adapted to regulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon. The material includes a material body elongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a second position, in which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The material body includes a first elastomer layer defining a material length and a planar support structure disposed within the elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis in an at least partially non linear fashion while the material body is in the first position so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the material length of the first elastomer layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body with an open end and a closed end, a first collar proximate to the open end, a second collar adjacent to the first collar, and a series of accordion pleats on the body, wherein the accordion pleats can independently expand or contract.

Abstract: Traction devices, systems, and methods for their use provide simultaneous axial distraction and one of flexion, extension, or lateral flexion of the spine. The devices permit aligning at least a portion of the spine prior to traction. Traction is applied through air chambers configured and dimensioned to independently apply traction to the chin, and both occipital processes. Spiral traction procedures use sequential inflation of the air chambers, thereby providing axial distraction with spinal joint decompression and simultaneous paraspinal soft-tissue mobilization and/or manipulation. Automated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Oral appliances adapted to for spacing the occlusal surfaces of the teeth of a user are disclosed. The oral appliances have a major connector interconnecting a first bite pad and a second bite pad. The first bite pad can include a first spacer and the second bite pad can include a second spacer that are configured to maintain the spacing of the occlusal surfaces of opposing teeth of a user during clenching or upon an impact to the jaw. Methods for the manufacture of composite oral appliances are also disclosed. The methods include forming a composite oral appliance over a model of a user's mouth.

Abstract: A protective system for facilitating revision surgery includes a protective pad with a base portion and an overlying portion spaced apart from the base. A fluid pocket is formed between the base portion; and the overlying portion. The protective system prevents formation of adhesions or scar tissue in the area occupied by the protective pad. Thus a clean plane is obtained during revision surgery on the patient through an incision in the fluid pocket.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided that is adapted for securing a wrist, hand and thumb. The brace includes a pad having proximal and distal edges, and first and second sides each comprising loop fastening material forming a generally continuous surface extending substantially the entirety of the corresponding side. The brace further includes a strap pod having an attaching portion and at least one strap, the attaching portion being defined by a region of a hook fastening material such that the attaching portion is removably securable to either side of the pad for placing the pad in a closed position. A thumb stay is disposed in a thumb stay pocket formed by the pad. A distal closure member extends from or near the distal edge of the pad, and defines a first extension depending from the pad, and an intermediate flap depending from the first extension. The intermediate flap is configured to extend about the thumb stay, and defines at least one strap securable to the first and second sides of the pad.

Abstract: A shoulder immobilizer (20) includes a semi-rigid or rigid orthosis, in the form of an arm support (22), which supports the upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist of a patient. A bolster (24) is positioned between the patient and the arm support (22). A body strap (26) extends around the patient and attaches to the arm support (22) and/or the bolster (24), holding the arm support and bolster in position against the body of the patient. In embodiments, the shoulder immobilizer (20) may utilize a shoulder strap (28), but such a shoulder strap is not necessary for shoulder immobilization of the patient.

Abstract: A female condom and an improved method for manufacturing a female condom is disclosed. The invention provides a device that is effective in both acting as a contraceptive and inhibiting the transmission of disease during coitus. The invention employs synthetic latex in an efficient and cost effect manufacturing method that results in an improved product.