Abstract: An apparatus for treating an open wound around an active fistula. The apparatus includes: (1) a fistula extension; (2) an abdominal binder; and (3) an ostomy bag assembly removably attached to the fistula extension. The fistula extension is sealed to a patient's skin such that secretion from the open fistula is transferred to the ostomy bag assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a device that utilizes hydro-block venting material in various external female catheter configurations to permit adequate airflow into the catheter thereby permitting efficient and complete drainage of urine away from the user following urination. In one embodiment the user's expelled urine is drawn away from the user by a pump means to a user selected storage means. In another embodiment gravity is utilized to draw the user's expelled urine away from the user to a user selected storage means. In another embodiment a comfort ring is attached to the device thereby reducing irritation and discomfort when the device is in place during use. An adhesive, garment or strap attachment means are disclosed as attachment means to secure the external female catheter to the user and prevent leakage.

Abstract: We have developed a female condom and applicator apparatus that makes female condom easier to apply and more comfortable to use throughout the entire process. Several embodiments take advantage of traditional female tampon applicator structure and existing female condom design. This is easier for female users to adopt due to their already familiarity with similar device and their usage. One design has the applicator on the inside of the female condom which makes the applicator reusable. Another design has the entire female condom tucked inside the applicator, with the condom inner ring inside the applicator outer tube and condom outer ring inside applicator's inner ring. Another design has strings attached to the condom outside ring to keep it from moving or make noise. The device provides a low cost, easy to use, no side-effects, and ready-for-mass adoption solution for the market.

Abstract: Condoms, including a colored solution, coating, or layer disposed on or within a bead, for providing visual indicia of the characteristics of the condom, are disclosed. Methods for manufacturing condoms having visual indicia are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and improved hybrid “framed-frameless” copper-releasing contraceptive device (IUD) which is a combination of a plastic retention arm of reduced dimensions to adapt to uterine cavities of smaller size, particularly regarding their transverse width at the fundal level of the uterus, and whose retention arm has a centrally located extension of varying length to be connected with hollow copper tubes which functions as the frameless stem of the IUD, and which consists of loosely connected hollow tubes, threaded on a length of suture, or a thin plastic or metallic stem, or a thin polymeric drug eluting stem, allowing release of copper ions, from the outside and from the inside of the tubes, in the uterine cavity thereby enhancing the contraceptive effect, and of which the bottom tube, is crimped onto the lower end of the stem, including a separate metallic ion-releasing fiber, holding all copper tubes together.

Abstract: A device for non-surgical cold treatment of disorders, like warts comprises a container containing a refrigerant having an outlet and a valve communicating with the outlet. An applicator is mounted to the container, said applicator having an outer wall and forming a chamber at least when connected to the container, a heat exchanger within the chamber in fluid communication with the outlet of the container and receiving refrigerant when the valve of the container is opened. A closed contact member is in heat exchange contact with the heat exchanger and is exposed to an outer side of the applicator. The heat exchanger comprises a porous member made of a material having a high thermal conductivity and adapted to conduct fluid refrigerant from the outlet of the container to the chamber while the refrigerant extracts heat from the heat exchanger and the contact member.

Abstract: A thermal breast pad device that comprises of two straps that connect to each other via hook and loop materials, each strap has a pear shaped thermal pad disclosed on one end of each strap, each thermal pad defines a pear shaped aperture within each thermal pad and is split at a central location of each pear shaped thermal pad. Each pear shaped thermal pad is segmented into pockets that are evenly distributed. The pockets may be filled with flax seeds. The device can be used by nursing mothers, menstruating women, or women suffering from breast cancer that need a hot or cold compress to be draped around their breasts.

Abstract: A cyclic aperture flow regulator system is disclosed to control flow exiting from a body cavity during surgery in a way that post-occlusion surges are effectively suppressed. The system is composed by an adjustable fluid aperture installed in a fluid path connecting the aspiration port of a surgical probe with a vacuum source, the probe to be inserted in a body cavity. The cross-sectional area of the fluid aperture can be modified by the action of an actuator portion driven by a controller. The controller commands the actuators in the actuator portion to modify the cross-sectional area of the adjustable fluid aperture in cycles. Each cycle of aperture dimension fluctuation includes at least one segment where the fluid aperture cross-sectional area is substantially reduced. The segment of each cycle where the cross-sectional area of the fluid aperture is substantially reduced can optionally include a transient complete closure of the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dispenser that contains a vial of eyedrops and a corresponding base station, both of which are designed according to medication dosing alerts, poka-yoke principles, and audible instructions to reduce the chances of improper usage. An example base station includes a set of dispenser receptacles, each receptacle being configured to receive and contain a respective specifically shaped dispenser from a set of dispensers associated with the base station, wherein each of the set of dispensers is uniquely shaped. The example base station includes a communications interface configured to receive eyedrop usage data from at least one of the set of dispensers, a storage device configured to store the eyedrop usage data, and an external communications interface configured to transmit the eyedrop usage data to at least one external device. The dispensers can hold a vial of medicine, and can include control circuits, sensors, buttons, a notification module, and communications interfaces.

Abstract: Devices and systems for delivering light to a target are described. Methods of using such light delivery device and system are also described. A method of using a photosensitizing compound with the light delivery device is also described.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument includes a shaft comprising a lumen. The instrument also includes a first arm extending from the lumen, the first arm having a first distal portion having a first flat tip. The instrument also includes a second arm extending from the lumen, the second arm having a second distal portion having a second flat tip that is positioned such that the second flat tip contacts the first flat tip when the first arm is forced towards the second arm. The first arm and the second arm comprise at least in part, a first material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a range of about 700-1200 nanometers (nm) and is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength within a range of about 400-700 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for use in surgery to which a surgical implement is connectable in order to conduct surgery on a patient, wherein input means (7) for controlling operating parameters and display means (8) for indicating the operating parameters are provided, wherein the device (1) comprises a first display (9) which is essentially horizontal during operation and a second display (10) which runs obliquely upwards at an installation angle (A), wherein the device (1) exhibits position detection means (18) for detecting contactlessly communicating surgical implements (2, 14, 15) deposited on the first display (9) with regard to their positions on the first display (9).

Abstract: A capsulorhexis apparatus includes a capsulorhexis probe configured for insertion into an eye through an incision and a pulse generator configured to deliver at least one radio-frequency (RF) pulse to the capsulorhexis probe. The delivered RF pulse has a pre-determined attenuation profile such that the power level of the delivered RF pulse is substantially attenuated over the RF pulse's duration. In some embodiments, the pulse generator is configured to deliver a series of two or more RF pulses to the eye, such that the energy of each of the second and subsequent pulses of the series is substantially attenuated relative to the energy of the immediately preceding pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for ablating a lens of an eye. An access incision is made through outer eye tissue to access the lens. A laser tool is inserted through the access incision. Electromagnetic energy is focused using the inserted laser tool to ablate a portion of the lens, where said ablation breaks the lens into a plurality of pieces for removal from the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system includes a display device and a user interface. The display device generates a display on an image of a patient's eye comprising a plurality of non-overlapping display sectors. Each display sector displays one of a plurality of user-selectable surgical parameters. A user interface receives a user selection of one or more of the user-selectable surgical parameters to be displayed.

Abstract: A treatment device for the surgical correction of hyperopia in the eye comprising a laser device controlled by a control device. The laser device separating corneal tissue by applying laser radiation. The control device controls the laser device for emitting the laser radiation into the cornea such that a lenticule-shaped volume is isolated. Removal thereof effects the desired correction. The control device predefines the volume such that a posterior surface and an anterior surface are connected via an edge surface that has a width in projection along the visual axis that is wider than the one which a straight line in the same projection, that is perpendicular at the edge of the posterior or the anterior surface would have relative to the associated surface and connects the anterior surface to the posterior surface or to the perceived extension thereof.

Abstract: An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2.

Abstract: In one aspect, a headgear for engaging and supporting protective headwear on a wearer's head is provided. The headgear may include a first side member on a first side of the headgear, a second side member on a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strap pivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The forehead strap may be configured to engage a wearer's forehead with the headgear worn by a wearer. The headgear may also include a second strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members.

Abstract: In one aspect, a split forehead strap of headgear is provided. In one aspect, a headgear for engaging and supporting protective headwear on a wearer's head is provided. The headgear includes a first side member on a first side of the headgear, a second side member on a second side of the headgear, and a forehead strap coupled to and extending between the first and second side members. The forehead strap is configured to engage a wearer's forehead with the headgear worn by a wearer. The forehead strap includes an upper member and a lower member spaced-apart from the upper member along at least a portion of the lower member to provide a cavity between the upper and lower member. In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes a forehead strap defining a longitudinally extending cavity that alters in thickness.

Abstract: A welder's protective helmet is provided with a detachable face mask with a handle which allows the welder to detach the same, as desired, and hold the face mask in front of his/her eyes during welding but to easily and quickly move the same to the side for direct viewing. The handle can be provided with a forwardly directed V-shaped trough for holding the extension of the welding torch so that welding proceeds while the user's eyes are protected since the user's hand is holding both the welding torch in the trough of the handle which is also holding the face mask.

Abstract: In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes a headgear, an outer shell rotatably coupled to the headgear, and a first shield coupled to the outer shell and rotatable between a first position and a second position. The first shield is selectively removable from the outer shell without the use of tools. The protective headwear also includes a second shield coupled to the outer shell. The first shield covers the second shield to a greater extent in the first position than in the second position. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a protective headwear is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a protective headwear is provided and includes an outer shell, a first shell duct coupled to the outer shell and including a first exhaust port, and a second shell duct coupled to the outer shell and spaced apart from the first shell duct. The second shell duct includes a second exhaust port. The protective headwear also includes a manifold positioned externally of the outer shell and configured to divert airflow into at least a first potion of airflow and a second portion of airflow. The manifold includes a first diversion member coupled to and in fluid communication with the first shell duct to provide the first portion of airflow to the first shell duct, and a second diversion member coupled to and in fluid communication with the second shell duct to provide the second portion of airflow to the second shell duct.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for enhancing vision. The method includes capturing a first image by a first camera. The method further includes capturing a second image by a second camera. The method also includes combining the first image and the second image to form a combined image. The method additionally includes projecting the combined image on at least one eye of a user by a wearable image projection device.

Abstract: A barefoot orthotic is a foot support that adheres to the underside of a user's foot and is placed so that it extends longitudinally between the metatarsal head region and the calcaneal plantar tuberosity, and laterally between the lateral midfoot and the medial arch. By using a silicone polymer or other similar material, a barefoot orthotic can self-adhere to the skin of a user's foot. A barefoot orthotic can have a midfoot strike zone surrounding the forward portion of the calcaneal plantar tuberosity, a navicular support, a medial arch support, a forefoot propulsion pad, a lateral forefoot support, a lateral midfoot support, a cuboid support flange, a lateral heel support, and a balance rail extending longitudinally from the midfoot strike zone to the forefoot propulsion pad. Together, these components work to support and align the foot and thereby alleviate symptoms of various foot and leg conditions.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for depositing particulate material in a predetermined pattern onto a moving surface is disclosed. A particulate material may be fed under gravity from a hopper to a discharge zone containing a feed opening. A gas may be supplied, by a gas supply assembly, under pressure to the bulk of particulate material within the hopper discharge zone. The particulate material may be transferred through the feed opening to the surface of a transfer device, which contains a pattern of particulate-receiving recesses. The transfer device may rotate to a deposition zone and transfer the particulate material to a carrier layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of assembling a withdrawal cord with an intravaginal member. In some embodiments, the withdrawal cord is affixed to an intravaginal member through the use of an anchor.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region. The absorbent article has a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The waist portion has a belt portion that has a front belt portion having elastomeric material and a back belt portion having elastomeric material. The front belt portion has a first elastic section and a second elastic section, each section having force zones. The back belt portion has a third elastic section and a fourth elastic section, each section having force zones. The force zones in the portions alternate between a high force zone and a low force zone in at least one belt portion.

Abstract: An absorbent article for personal hygiene is disclosed with an absorbent core sealed between a liquid impermeable garment-side liner and a liquid permeable body-side cover together with an attached bacterial isolation pad, consisting of an absorbent layer sealed between an extension of the liquid impermeable garment-side liner and a liquid permeable topsheet which can be positioned to overlay the anal region of the body-side cover. A detachable bacterial isolation pad from the absorbent article and from the body-side cover is provided. Hygienic gripping tabs at the front-facing end of the absorbent article and at the rear-facing end of the bacterial isolation pad allow sanitary handling during removal of a soiled article.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an absorbent article in which a bonding part for bonding a liquid-permeable layer to an absorbent core has been formed in a low-basis-weight region of the absorbent core and which has all of sufficient flexural rigidity of the bonding part, sufficient bonding strength of the bonding part, and sufficient liquid-absorbing properties. This problem is solved with an absorbent core which comprises a first region that has a given absorbent-material basis weight and second regions (regions 411a, 411b) that have a lower absorbent-material basis weight than the first region, wherein the ratio of the basis weight of a highly absorbing polymer to the basis weight of the absorbent material in the second regions is regulated to 10/100 to 47/100, and compressed parts are formed inside the second regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved water-absorbing storage layers for use in hygiene articles, the water-absorbing storage layers being essentially free of cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A body fluid test arrangement for an absorbent article includes a body fluid test device for receiving and examining voided body fluid. The body fluid test arrangement is configured to attach to a topsheet of the absorbent article. The body fluid test arrangement includes a fastening means for attachment to the topsheet of the absorbent article by a peelable connection between the body fluid test arrangement and the topsheet. The fastening means provides an attachment of the body fluid test arrangement having a peel strength from 0.05 to 1.65 (N×cm)/cm2. An absorbent article including a body fluid test arrangement also is provided.

Abstract: A cushion assembly has two cushions that are loosely joined by a connector that proceeds through respective diagonal channels in respective corners of the two cushions. The connector has a length that loosely connects the cushions and, by a combination of this length and the diagonal channels, the cushions can be selectively configured co-planar with each other in a V-shape, with any arbitrary angle therebetween, and in a stacked configuration wherein the cushions are atop each other. The connector and the diagonal channels also allow the cushions to be configured at any selected angle between the V-shape configuration and the stacked configuration.

Abstract: There is provided a movement assistance robot in which a single type of movement assistance robot can take care of multiple users having different physical abilities.

Abstract: An orthotic apparatus comprising: a scat; and a trunk support movable horizontally and vertically relative to said seat, said trunk support configured to confine motion of a user to a predetermined range when the user independently transitions between sitting on said seat and standing, and vice versa, so as to guide the user in the transition.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a fixed frame, an articulating frame supported on the fixed frame, first and second leg assemblies, and first and second actuators. The leg assemblies are configured to raise and lower the fixed frame between a lowered position and a raised position. The actuators are disposed and fully maintained within an interior volume of the fixed frame. The first actuator is fixedly secured at a first end to the head end of the fixed frame and operably coupled to the first leg assembly at a second end. The second actuator is fixedly secured at a first end to the foot end of the fixed frame and operably coupled to the second leg assembly at a second end. The first and second actuators are configured to exert a pulling force to raise the fixed frame and to exert a pushing force to lower the fixed frame.

Abstract: A care robot that assists a standing-upright motion or a sitting motion of a care receiver without making the care receiver uncomfortable. In the care robot, a standing-upright trajectory, along which a movement control portion of a care receiver moves, is set so a center of gravity of the care receiver is in a range of the soles of both feet between a point in time early after the start of a standing-upright motion and an end time point of the standing-upright motion of the care receiver. A sitting trajectory is set so the center of gravity of the care receiver is out of the range of the soles of both feet from a point in time early after the start of a sitting motion of the care receiver, and moves toward a predetermined sitting position of the care receiver.

Abstract: A body transport apparatus including an inflatable air mattress with a plurality of air exit holes on the bottom to provide an air cushion when the mattress is inflated and a cover portion connected to the mattress adjacent a perimeter to define an enclosed volume. The cover portion may include a selectively closeable passageway. A flap may be defined in the cover portion that is movable between open and closed configurations. A plurality of hollows may be defined in the cover portion when inflated to define a body contact area that is less than a surface area of the top surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of sexual aids and more particularly to a machine that facilitates copulation by positioning the female participant so that her genitalia are more easily penetrated by her male partner when he copulates with her from the rear.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device and method of using the same is provided that helps rehabilitate limbs such has the lower arm. Embodiments of the exoskeleton device have multiple degrees of freedom so that a limb such as the lower arm may flex or rotate in multiple directions to establish or re-establish neural connections in the brain. With the lower arm example, a person may grasp a handle in the exoskeleton and then flex the lower arm about a pronation/supination axis, a flexion/extension axis, and/or an abductor/adductor axis. The exoskeleton device has several modes of operation where actuators can aid the person's motion, resist the person's motion, or passively allow free motion of the person's limb.

Abstract: Actuators and methods of use are provided. An actuator may comprise an inner member made from an elastic material and defining a compartment for receiving an actuating fluid, the inner member being moveable in a longitudinal direction from a relaxed state to an expanded state by introducing an actuating fluid into the inner member; and an outer member made from an inelastic material and being disposed around the elastic inner member to control expansion of the elastic inner member in a radial direction, the outer member being moveable from a folded relaxed configuration to an unfolded extended configuration as the inner member moves from the relaxed state to the expanded state, wherein the movement of the actuator between the relaxed state and the expanded state causes a movement of a structure to which the actuator is attached.

Abstract: An electromotive walking assistance device includes a drive unit including a plurality of wheels and a motor for driving at least on portion of the plurality of wheels, a sensor unit sensing a distance from a user, a manipulation unit sensing a user's manipulation, and a controller controlling the motor based on a signal of the distance from the user and a signal of the user's manipulation.

Abstract: A device for compressing an extremity of a user includes a wearable support member operable to be worn on the extremity of the user. The device also includes a plurality of chamber members that are arranged across and coupled to the support member. The chamber members each have a respective chamber therein. The chamber is at least partially defined by a base wall that is disposed adjacent the support member, a side wall that is attached to and that extends away from the base wall, and a top wall that is attached to the side wall and that is spaced away from the base wall. Furthermore, a foot pump member is operable to be disposed underneath a foot of the user. The foot pump member is operable to change a pressure inside the chambers as a result of being stepped upon by the user.

Abstract: A two sided fabric or sleeve sewn together having a center divide configured to create a primary sleeve and an over pressure flap, a compressible ball configured to freely move therein the primary sleeve and the over pressure sleeve is folded over the primary sleeve, thus to enable a hand held massage device capable of deep tissue self-massage of specific body parts.

Abstract: A vibration device 10 includes top plate assembly 12 defining cavity 27 therein that is configured and dimensioned to receive actuator plate 19 such that the actuator plate 19 is in direct contact with the top plate assembly 12. The actuator plate 19 transmits thereby a vibration signal represented by an oscillating vibratory force to the top plate assembly 12 to operate the oscillating vibration device. Vibration device 10 further includes base plate assembly 14 for the vibration device 10. The top plate assembly 12 is configured and dimensioned to be mounted on the base plate assembly 14. The base plate assembly 14 includes actuator mounting assembly 20 that is configured to receive actuator 50 generating a vibration signal represented by an oscillating vibratory force. A method of operating the oscillating vibration device 10 includes transmitting a vibration signal represented by an oscillating vibratory force to foot plate assembly 12.

Abstract: A portable device for use in the application of simultaneous radial vibration, orbital motion and rotational or torsional oscillation to a person. The device includes: (1) a power unit for housing a power source to supply power to the apparatus; (2) a motor having an output shaft positioned within the power unit; (3) a stimulator for directly translating rotational energy into orbital motion, creating rotational or torsional oscillation, and producing random radial vibration; and (4) a flexible covering surrounding the device.

Abstract: A personal massage device is disclosed. The massage device includes a housing having an exterior surface defining first and second oppositely-disposed operative ends and an interior surface defining a cavity. Each of the operative ends includes a substantially smooth and continuous surface thereon. The massage device further includes a first motor disposed within the housing and adapted for creating vibration and a battery disposed within the housing and adapted to power the first motor.

Abstract: Automated CPR unit comprising an extendable cover system including a cover dispenser (55) and a cover (50), the cover comprising a sleeve having a first closed end and a second end being connected to the cover dispenser, whereby the cover can be extended.

Abstract: A compression measurement and feedback system which measures the magnitude and the angle of manual CPR force applied to a patient and provides the measured magnitude and direction information as compression data feedback to the person applying CPR to the patient. Any variation in the magnitude or direction of the compression force applied may be calculated from the compression data measured by the compression sensor. A monitor receives the compression data and processes the compression data to generate feedback data to the CPR provider indicating the magnitude and direction of the applied CPR compression along with ideal CPR compression characteristics for comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an access assembly to provide access to the interior of a vessel and comprising: a base to extend through a sidewall of the vessel and having a tubular sealing portion providing a passageway axially extending therethrough, a pierceable sealing member arranged across the sealing portion to obstruct the passageway, at least one closure member axially displaceable relative to the base between a sealing position, in which the closure member completely obstructs and seals the passageway, and a leakage position, in which the closure member leakily obstructs the passageway.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an affixed group of pharmaceutical vials with frangible connectors includes: a plurality of pharmaceutical vials arranged as a group of pharmaceutical vials, each of the plurality of pharmaceutical vials shaped and positioned to minimize a total volume of the group of pharmaceutical vials, each of the pharmaceutical vials including at least one external side with a surface configured to reversibly mate with a corresponding external side and a surface of an adjacent pharmaceutical vial; and a plurality of frangible connectors, wherein at least one frangible connector is affixed to the surface of at least two of the plurality of pharmaceutical vials within the group of pharmaceutical vials, and at least one frangible connector is affixed to each of the plurality of pharmaceutical vials.