Abstract: A body-powered articulated prosthetic hand where each of the segments of the digits, the palmer plate, the thumb pivot plate and the wrist are individually sizeable. This allows for both a proportionately scalable hand as well as individual customization of geometric configurations tailored to specific use patterns. The hand is crushable since it has flexible and pivotable connections between digits along the length and width of the hand. It has a hollow member construction that imparts a strong lightweight design. It is modular so individual parts can be replaced for quick repair. From an aesthetics point, it is visually pleasing and can be offered in different colors, and with custom digit sleeves for specific applications. Fingers can be operated individually or in groups via pairs of cables which allow operation in either voluntary open or voluntary closed modes of control.

Abstract: The invention is a single-unit areolar device of ultralight construction with an adhesive back that relies on no additional parts or components to effectively manipulate nipple orientation for eversion assist. The device builds upon the interplay between the adhesive-back flat base with the areola tissue to create a gentle, focused nudge to evert assist and maintain protraction of inverted nipples. The ultralight single-unit device is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, easily concealed beneath clothing, and remains securely in place while active or asleep. The disposable attributes of the cost effective materials utilized lend further advantage to the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for turning a patient onto their side without having to place anything under the patient's torso in order to turn the patient are provided. This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for turning a patient with these apparatus without having to place anything under the patient's torso. Certain embodiments provide apparatus specifically designed to enable a caregiver to turn a patient without the assistance of a second person to hold them in place.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of reusable cloth diapers. In the diaper is an insert in which there are inner absorbing layers that are arranged specifically to absorb and hold a predetermined volume of waste. Also, the layers are sewn on three sides leaving a pocket opening that allows a person to easily guide their hand into the insert to easily guide and place into position inside the reusable cloth diaper.

Abstract: A reverse total hip prosthesis is characterized by a femoral cup component and an acetabular ball component and is used for reconstruction of a hip joint. The prosthesis reverses the mechanics across the joint medializing the center of rotation, preventing dislocation in a posterior direction. Both ball and socket portions of the components lie outside of bone enabling larger sizing of the femoral and acetabular components improving stability, regardless of the size of the patient's anatomy. A method for reverse hip prosthesis implantation eliminates reaming through the base of the acetabulum preserving acetabular bone stock.

Abstract: A nonpermeable enclosure formed from a clear, waterproof fabric, has a cover ridge for insertion into a channel so as to produce a barrier against moisture and contaminants, and is attached to a closure band for securing the nonpermeable enclosure over a wearer's hand.

Abstract: A muscle fiber excitation system (MFES) to execute multiple displacements in each of a vertical, a medial-lateral, and an anterior-posterior direction. The device may be step-on or wearable. In use, the device stimulates muscles to ameliorate the risk of blood clots and muscular-skeletal decline.

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having one or more air inlets. The chamber is sized to receive a capsule which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. The aerosolization apparatus further comprises a puncturing mechanism within the housing. The puncturing mechanism comprises an alignment guide and a puncture member, wherein the alignment guide comprises a surface adapted to contact the capsule while the puncture member is advanced into the capsule to create an opening in the capsule. At least a portion of the surface is sloped relative to the longitudinal axis of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, the surface may comprise one or more protrusions. An end section is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user's mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the capsule through the opening created in the capsule.

Abstract: A garment assembly useful for sexual intercourse between a first user and a second user when the penetration of a body-extending member into a body orifice is either not possible or unwanted. The garment assembly includes a front and back panel covering and a crotch piece with the appearance of an ordinary garment normally found in a public environment such as one having the appearance of underwear. A fluid-impenetrable receiver attached to the front panel of the garment assembly will operate as a substitute for a body-orifice. The receiver includes an entryway adjoined to an interior cavity sized to accommodate a body-extending member. A preferred interior cavity includes sexually-interactive textured material for engagement with the body-extending member during use.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for employing aromatherapy, binaural sounds, music, vibration, and visual effects for altering a user's emotional state. The apparatus comprises: a shape memory foam pillow, a pair of stereo speakers, an aromatherapy diffuser, a pillowcase comprised of a temperature-regulating fabric, a vibrating device, a strobe light, a canopy, and a housing to integrate and support these components. The user connects a smartphone or other portable digital audio device to the speakers, activates the aromatherapy diffuser, strobe light, and vibrating device, independently or in combination, and then lays his head down on the pillow beneath the open canopy. Ideally, the smartphone or audio device should have a meditation, music, or binaural sound application, which would be tuned to a specific beat frequency, e.g. 10 Hertz.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheostomy tube having neck flanges with filleted ends are provided. In certain embodiments, the neck flange may include a fillet extending from a bottom surface of the neck flange to a tip of the neck flange. In addition, the filleted end may also be tapered from a top surface of the neck flange to the tip of the neck flange. The neck flange may also include several curved edges, such as curved edges from the tip of the neck flange to side surfaces of the neck flange, and a curved bottom surface from side surface to side surface of the neck flange.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shock-absorbent junction between the facemask and the helmet of a user, thus minimizing the likelihood of neck and cranial injury by maximizing impact energy absorption. The shock-absorbent junction including a first plate, a resilient material, and a second plate. Due to the possible geometrical symmetry of this embodiment, it is possible that the facemask be adapted in order to be attached to the first plate while the helmet would be adapted to the second plate.

Abstract: The invention involves masks and systems for providing respiratory treatments to various animals including horses, mules and ponies. The masks are low in cost due to simple designs, a very low thickness requiring less material and the systems include the masks of the invention.

Abstract: A medical ventilation monitoring system is provided. The system includes: a patient ventilation unit defining an airflow path, and arranged so that when the unit is applied to a patient, the airflow path is in fluid communication with the patient's airway. The patient ventilation unit includes: an airflow sensor positioned to sense the presence of ventilation airflow to or from the patient and a communication link. The system also includes at least one processor arranged to communicate with the ventilation unit by the communication link. The at least one processor is configured to: provide an initial treatment protocol for providing care to the patient, receive data regarding a current condition of the patient from the ventilation unit, and determine an updated treatment protocol. The updated treatment protocol includes applying ventilation at an updated ventilation volume or at an updated ventilation rate based on information from the airflow sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a high frequency oscillating ventilator comprising a housing assembly, a linear actuator, a linear coil, a piston mounted on a pushrod, a diaphragm dividing a housing into a first and second side and having an opening formed on the second side that is fluidly connected to the patient's airway for delivering gas thereto. The linear actuator is fixedly mounted to the housing assembly and has a linear coil coaxially disposed therewithin. A pushrod supports the linear coil on the linear actuator to allow relative axially sliding therebetween. The piston is directly mounted to the diaphragm such that reciprocation thereof as effectuated by the linear coil cooperating with the linear actuator alternately produces positive and negative pressure waves in the gas in the patient's airway.

Abstract: Described herein is a pouch or strap system for holding a temperature control element (i.e., hot/cold element). The system described herein may include multiple straps that may be retained and/or interconnected such that the system may position a temperature control element at various parts of the body. The system may include a central pouch encompassed by a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel has a higher thermal resistance than the thermal resistance of the second panel. The system may include a first couple of straps attached to and extending away from the central pouch, each of the first couple of straps including a single quick-release buckle component, and a second couple of straps attached to and extending away from the central pouch, wherein each strap of the second couple of straps includes two quick-release buckle components.

Abstract: A bib garment for protecting a baby's clothing is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a bib garment comprises an inner section, the inner section comprising a front layer constructed using a soft absorbent material and a liquid-proof material, the inner section further comprising a first back layer constructed using a soft hypo-allergenic material. The bib garment further comprises an outer section, the outer section comprising a back layer constructed using a liquid-proof material. A top end of the inner section and top end of the outer section are joined at a fold line. The bib garment further comprises a first strap and a second strap, each of the first and second straps having a first end attached to the fold line and a second end having removable attachment materials, wherein the second end of the first strap is removably attachable to the second end of the second strap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic external compression unit having a locking plate unit and a method for locking and compressing the fractured bones without contact and friction between plate and bone, wherein the locking plate unit comprises of a locking plate, an external apparatus and a holder, wherein the locking plate includes plurality locking holes and at least an elongated hole, wherein the holder is placed at the elongated hole. The holder is configured to hold the locking plate above the bone for enabling to make required movement of locking plate in horizontal direction. Accordingly, fastening the compressing unit using a non-locking screw to the plate converts the vertical movement of head-screw into horizontal movement of connecting rod of the compression unit, thereby enabling to move the plate along with one end of fractured bone towards the fractured site thus producing compression between the fractured bones.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper respiratory passages. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: A new Continuous/Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure device (C/BiPAP) that provides positive pressure when the user breathes in and creates negative pressure as the user breathes out. A control system monitors and adjusts oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and air flow. The device includes the ability to self-clean the mask when it is placed into the housing, the inclusion of a lithium battery for back-up and for use outdoors, and wireless capabilities in the control device. The self-cleaning regime includes a water storage compartment, a water heater, and a tube for steam and warm air running from the water reservoir compartment to the self-cleaning compartment.