Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. During venting of the canisters, use of oxygen as a purge gas may improve the efficiency and lifetime of the oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating obesity includes an artificial fistula created between gastrointestinal organs such as between the stomach and the colon. The method includes selecting an implant comprising a passageway having an internal lumen with an inlet end and an outlet end. The passageway is positioned passing through a first wall of first gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the stomach) and a second wall of a second gastrointestinal organ (for example, passing through the wall of the large intestine) with the inlet end disposed within an interior of the first gastrointestinal organ and with the outlet disposed within an interior of the second gastrointestinal organ.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent articles which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article to be worn about a wearer including a surface fastening system having a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system has a first surface fastening element and a second surface fastening element. The first fastening element is joined to the article, and the second fastening element is disposed so as to be generally in a face to face relationship with the first fastening element when the surface fastening system is in a fastened configuration. The surface fastening system has a peel resistance in a direction other than the primary direction of load bearing greater than or equal to about 1000 grams.

Abstract: A disposal-bag system attached to or formed at least partially by a disposable object (e.g., a diaper) includes a container that houses a disposal bag folded into a compact arrangement. The container is generally thin and flat and sized for storing the bag, and the bag is sized for holding the disposable object that the system is used with. And the bag is at least partially removable from the container so that the disposable object can be placed into it for disposal. In use, the container is opened, the bag is extended from the container and opened, the disposable object is grasped by reaching through the bag, the bag is inverted to now hold the disposable object, and the bag is closed and disposed of. In this way, the disposal-bag system provides a convenient, sanitary, and self-contained method of disposing of soiled diapers or other disposable objects.

Abstract: A method for providing reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site is further provided according to an illustrative embodiment. The method includes applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site. The method collects exudate drawn from the tissue site in a liquid collection chamber and utilizes the collected exudate in the liquid collection chamber to generate electricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers and sanitary napkins, and cores useful for such articles.

Abstract: This patent application teaches methods and apparatus of an efficient disposal chain system which includes a process of receiving fluid enclosing containers, transforming said containers into collection containers by integrating said containers into vacuum canister collection systems. Such a collection system includes a remote vacuum source configured to draw a vacuum force away from said container and towards said container. Such a vacuum source is configured to draw room air. Such a force is configured to draw waste materials along a path towards said collection container. A transformation of said containers includes deriving said containers from supply chains and transforming said containers into said collection systems at least in part by supporting said containers inside said canisters from below utilizing various configurations of measurement stands, said stands configured to support and accommodate various sizes, types and shapes of said containers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for packaging or containing, handling and managing of a variety of materials or other contents from a variety of sources which encounter use under various dynamic applications, conditions and for a plurality of purposes. The invention more specifically is directed towards one or more containers or packages, suitably fitted or used for the handling or managing of materials or other contents along one or more cycles or chains of use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and apparatus for packaging or containing, handling and managing of a variety of materials or other contents from a variety of sources which encounter use under various dynamic applications, conditions and for a plurality of purposes. The invention more specifically is directed towards one or more containers or packages, suitably fitted or used for the handling or managing of materials or other contents along one or more cycles or chains of use.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a first subassembly and a flange subassembly are provided. The first subassembly includes a connector and a first spherical bearing element coupled to a first end of the connector. The first spherical bearing element includes at least two protrusions radially offset about a circumference of the first spherical bearing element. The flange subassembly includes an outer spherical bearing element having recesses for receiving the at least two protrusions and being adapted to encapsulate the first spherical bearing element.

Abstract: This patent application teaches methods and apparatus of an efficient disposal chain system which includes a process of receiving fluid enclosing containers, transforming said containers into collection containers by integrating said containers into vacuum canister collection systems. Such a collection system includes a remote vacuum source configured to draw a vacuum force away from said container and towards said container. Such a vacuum source is configured to draw room air. Such a force is configured to draw waste materials along a path towards said collection container. A transformation of said containers includes deriving said containers from supply chains and transforming said containers into said collection systems at least in part by supporting said containers inside said canisters from below utilizing various configurations of measurement stands, said stands configured to support and accommodate various sizes, types and shapes of said containers.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, comprising a substrate and a hydrophilic surface coating arranged on said substrate. The substrate has, on its surface coated with said hydrophilic surface coating, a surface texture with an arithmetical mean deviation of the surface profile (Ra) of at least 3 ?m and/or a profile section height difference (Rdc (1-99%)) of at least 18 ?m. It has surprisingly been found that the increased surface roughness of the substrate provides significant improvements in e.g. water retention for the hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a manifold pad that is, at least in part, radiopaque includes providing a manifold member having a plurality of flow channels; providing a radioopacifier; and heating the manifold member and the radioopacifier in a heating vessel at an elevated temperature to form the manifold pad. The manifold pad may distribute reduced pressure at a tissue site and allow for detection using radiography. Systems, manifold pads, and other methods are also presented.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a first major surface which forms a body-facing surface of the absorbent article, and a second major surface disposed distally from the first major surface which forms a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The article includes an absorbent core positioned between the first major surface and the second major surface. The article also includes at least one barrier structure having an inward-facing side and an outward-facing side, and at least one liquid shrinkable string. The at least one barrier structure is disposed on the first major surface, and the inward-facing side of the at least one barrier structure is attached to the absorbent article. In addition, a first portion of the at least one liquid shrinkable string is attached to the at least one barrier structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system made of the following layers: a carrier layer (T), an active ingredient layer (R), a membrane layer (M) and optionally an adhesive layer (K), wherein the carrier layer (T) is impenetrable to the active substance and to water, the active substance layer (R) comprises as an active substance component the salt of an alkali reactive active substance, such as a CNS-active amine in combination with at least one alkali reactive further component, and a polymer component (P1), wherein the active substance is released from the active substance layer (R) only by the moisture entering from the exterior through the membrane layer (M), and the membrane layer (M) is made of a polymer component (P2), allowing a uniform delivery of basic active substances to the skin.

Abstract: A sonic aerosol generator is provided that provides a constant concentration of particulate aerosol over a long exposure time to an animal. The concentration of aerosols is maintainable for greater than 30 hours at concentrations of 15 mg/m3 or more. The aerosol generator is used to expose subject to high concentrations of aerosols that more accurately represents the levels that may be seen in a workplace environment.

Abstract: A cushioning component for use with a mask is constructed of foam material. A patient contacting surface, that is adapted to contact a patient, in use, has a rounded cross sectional profile and a base surface opposed to the patient contacting surface.

Abstract: An ostomy collecting device for attachment to the body comprising a collecting pouch and an adhesive wafer, the wafer comprises a soft adhesive layer and a backing layer wherein the wafer is more stretchable in a first direction than in a second direction. The anisotropic nature of the wafer facilitates a flexible wafer during use and secures easy removal.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment comprises a method for treating lesions in the carotid artery of a mammalian body. The method comprises transcervical access and blocking of blood flow through the common carotid artery (with or without blocking of blood flow through the external carotid artery), shunting blood from the internal carotid artery and treating the lesion in the carotid artery.