Abstract: The invention shows a dental press furnace comprising a pressing punch (36) which acts on a green product (32) made of in particular a ceramic mass—possibly by means of an interposed ram (28)—, the green product (32) being guided in a press channel (30) which is configured in a muffle (24), and a pressure, distance and/or speed sensor detecting at least one motion parameter of the pressing punch (36), and comprising a control device for controlling the pressing process based on the output signal of the sensor, the trigger criterion for the start of the pressing process being a change of at least one motion parameter of the pressing punch upon heating and/or softening of the green product which change is detected by means of the sensor.

Abstract: Two or more shades of material for creating dental restorations may be used concurrently in a single milling machine by cutting different shaded material blanks into two or more pieces and fitting these pieces together within the working volume of a milling machine. The different shaded pieces may be conjoined using a fixture or the like to retain the pieces in the form of a multi-shaded material blank for use by the milling system. Systems may implement computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programming that is specifically tailored for concurrently or sequentially milling dental restorations having different shades from such a multi-shaded material blank or from two or more pieces of different shaded material blanks, e.g., by automatically or manually tracking the location of different shades of material and mapping the volume of dental restorations into suitable locations within the multi-shaded material blank.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush apparatus with capacitive touch control is disclosed. The tooth brush includes a head portion having an oscillating tuft block driven by a motor, a handle portion, and an elastically deformable capacitive touch control panel mounted in the handle portion. In one embodiment, the control panel includes a plurality of capacitance sensor buttons each having movable sensor targets paired with a corresponding capacitance sensor electrically connected to a programmable microprocessor. Applying finger pressure on the control panel adjacent a sensor target changes capacitance of the sensor button. The microprocessor detects the change in capacitance, which controls the operating mode of the toothbrush including on/off, motor speed, brushing mode such as pulse, or other. A related operating method is disclosed.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush apparatus with capacitive touch control, which includes a head portion having an oscillating tuft block driven by a motor, a handle portion, and an elastically deformable capacitive touch control panel mounted in the handle portion. In one embodiment, the control panel includes movable sensor targets each paired with a corresponding capacitance sensor electrically connected to a programmable microprocessor. Applying finger pressure on the control panel adjacent a sensor target operates to change the capacitance of the respective sensor target-sensor pair. The microprocessor detects the change in capacitance, which may be used to control the motor speed for changing the oscillation rate of the tuft block. In one embodiment, a linear array of sensor targets-sensors is provided which is activated by a sliding finger or thumb motion across the array. A related operating method is disclosed.

Abstract: An oral hygiene implement is described herein. The oral hygiene implement has a handle; a head, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. The head has a plurality of contact elements. An indication element is positioned between the neck and handle of the oral hygiene element. A transmission element is positioned between the indication element and a light emitting source. The light emitting source provides electromagnetic energy to the transmission element.

Abstract: A flowable medium distribution device (10) comprises a chamber (12), a distribution member (30), a dispensing membrane (24,40,68,72) and bristles (36). The chamber (12) is configured to contain the flowable medium (62). The distribution member (30) includes an aspect (32,34) from which the flowable medium is to be dispensed. The dispensing membrane (24,40,68,72) is disposed on the aspect of the distribution member for dispensing the flowable medium on at least one surface to be treated. The dispensing membrane comprises a plurality of uni-directional dispensing outlets (26,46,70,74), operable between (a) normally-closed and (b) open positions. The bristles (36) extend from the dispensing membrane and are for contacting with the surface to be treated.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush head that, in one embodiment, includes a head portion including a first movable tuft block configured for holding tooth cleaning elements. The first movable tuft block is operably connected to a motor-driven drift shaft for movement. An eccentric cam formed on the shaft drives the first movable tuft block via engagement with a slot formed in the body of the first movable tuft block. The first movable tuft block is movable in a combination oscillating motion comprising vertical motion and lateral pivoting or tilting motion upon rotation of the drive shaft. A related method for oscillating the first movable tuft block is disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing device (104) performs integration processing for each intersection point for raw data outputted from an occlusal force detecting device having a sensor sheet (102) which uses an organic piezoelectric film (201), to create occlusal force data, wherein the raw data includes address information of each intersection point and data obtained based on a signal indicating a change in occlusion force.

Abstract: A tool for obtaining a dental occlusion in an edentulous patient has a main body including a rear curved plate to be positioned at an intraoral buccal of maxillary and mandibular ridges, a front curved plate to be positioned at extraoral upper and lower lips, a connecting part that connects respective intermediate parts of the rear and front curved plates along a vertical direction, and a through-hole that penetrates the rear and front curved plates and the connecting part, fixed in a state in which the connecting part is held between the upper and lower lips. The tool further includes an adjusting shaft inserted into the through-hole, and having one end projecting extraorally from a center between the upper and lower lips, and another end having a tongue support and intraorally holding a tip end of a tongue, to adjust the tongue support position and suppress tongue movement.

Abstract: A plasma toothbrush having an atmospheric plasma generator integrated with a toothbrush and the shape of a conventional toothbrush so that ordinary users operate the plasma toothbrush in a convenient and safe way for treating the teeth and oral cavity with plasma, for which the plasma toothbrush is equipped, in the lower end portion, with the plasma generator that employs dielectric barrier discharge, receives electric power using a domestic power source, rechargeable battery or disposable dry cell, includes an electrode plate to which high voltage is applied and a dielectric layer that covers the electrode plate and assumes the shape of a conventional toothbrush.

Abstract: The invention relates to spray applicator devices and methods of use for vaccinating, or administering probiotics to, avian animals.

Abstract: Described herein is a dispenser for dispensing fluid that, integrated into one hand piece, comprises a variable volume chamber with a plunger disposed within the chamber and a chamber inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet communicate directly with a common chamber volume and the plunger translates in a linear direction relative to the chamber along a common longitudinal axis to expel fluid from the chamber (expel stroke) and/or draw fluid into the chamber (drawing stroke). The plunger is linked to a controller, a power source and a motor that drives translation movement of the plunger. The dispenser described herein offers a variety of advantages over the art including accurate dosing without the user having to manually regulate the dose amount—the amount to be dosed is related to the volume of fluid in the chamber which can be pre-set or varied automatically using sensors and controllers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The apparatus includes a suburethral sling having an adjustment member for adjusting the tension of the sling both during the procedure and post-procedure. The method includes using a needle to simultaneously implant the sling and to deliver a local anesthetic in the groin area while implanting the sling.

Abstract: A method of increasing the tensile strength of polymer films is provided. The creation of the load distribution elements in polymer films necessary to achieve this result is described. Application of the present invention to increase suture retention in a surgical polymer film is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical support device comprising an essentially flat back wall, a curved front wall, and a pocket defined between the back wall and the front wall for receiving a breast implant and/or tissue, and is characterized in that the area of the back wall (11) is substantially larger than the projected area of the front wall (13), and in that at least part of the back wall is structured to extend outside the projected area of the front wall in an inferior direction and/or in a lateral direction and/or in a medial direction in the frontal plane of an individual, as seen in an implanted state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embolism protection devices that may be deployed in the peripheral arterial system for the collection of loosened or floating debris, such as embolic material dislodged during or thrombi formed as a result of a peripheral intervention, such as an angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy. The disclosed embolism protection devices are designed to be inserted distal to lesion in a lower limb artery via one of the arteries of the foot, such as the dorsalis pedis, posterior tibialis, or peroneal (fibular) artery, and they include a compliant mesh portion supported by a compliant wire support member, and the compliant mesh portion extends to form or couples to a solid catheter portion that extends out of the body during use, and that may be coupled to a stopcock or syringe for removal of debris.

Abstract: A kit and a system for providing long term protection for a patient's vascular system against damage from debris produced in the patient's ascending aorta as a result of a medical procedure involving the patient's heart. The kit and the system include an aortic filter assembly constructed to block debris in the patient's aorta while allowing blood flow through the aorta. The kit includes a shunt adapted to be implanted to form a flow path between an artery downstream of the debris removal tube and a vein and a venous filter adapted to be placed in the vein downstream of the shunt to collect debris flowing from said shunt. The system includes a heart-lung machine.

Abstract: Implantable artificial bronchi for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema. The implantable artificial bronchus can be made with silicone or nitinol. The embodiments of this invention may be further associated with a one-way valve.

Abstract: Stents including a cylindrical body having a distal portion, a skirt having an apex coupled to the distal portion, and an extension mechanism adapted to expand the skirt are disclosed. Methods of inserting such stents are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical kits and methods for performing small incision DLEK include a corneal transplantation donor tissue graft formed into an implantable and compact rolled configuration using the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Prosthetic capsular devices (e.g., bag, bowl, housing, structure, cage, frame) include technology devices such as a computer, virtual reality device, display device, WiFi/internet access device, image receiving device, biometric sensor device, game device, image viewers or senders, GPSs, e-mail devices, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The technology devices can be used in combination with an intraocular lens. The output from the technology device(s) can be fed to the retina of the user to provide a visual image, can be otherwise connected to the user, and/or can be used to control the properties of the intraocular lens or of the prosthetic capsular device.

Abstract: A prosthetic apparatus for implantation in a native mitral valve includes a main body for placement within the native mitral annulus. The main body is compressible to a radially compressed state for delivery into the heart and is self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state for implantation. A valve structure is mounted within a lumen of the main body and preferably forms three leaflets made of pericardium. An atrial sealing member is disposed along an atrial portion of the main body and ventricular anchors are coupled to a ventricular portion of the main body. The atrial sealing member impedes the flow of blood between the main body and the native annulus. The ventricular anchors are positioned outside the main body for capturing native mitral valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an internal support frame with a continuous, undulating leaflet frame defined therein. The leaflet frame has three cusp regions positioned at an inflow end intermediate three commissure regions positioned at an outflow end thereof. The leaflet frame may be cloth covered and flexible leaflets attached thereto form occluding surfaces of the valve. The support frame further includes three cusp positioners rigidly fixed with respect to the leaflet frame and located at the outflow end of the support frame intermediate each pair of adjacent commissure regions. The valve is desirably compressible so as to be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a catheter to the site of implantation. Upon expulsion from catheter, the valve expands into contact with the surrounding native valve annulus and is anchored in place without the use of sutures.

Abstract: A method for deploying a medical device such as a heart valve to a desired location in a blood vessel comprising first deploying a tubular filter adjacent to at least one tributary vessel location with a filter deployment member, disengaging said deployment member and removing it, inserting an expandable sheath into the blood vessel, passing a medical device through said sheath to deploy its removing said sheath and removing said filter.

Abstract: Methods of repairing the mitral valve and reducing mitral regurgitation. One method includes securing a first tissue anchor to a position on a posterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve and a second tissue anchor to a position on an anterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve. At least one tensile member spans between the first and second tissue anchors and across the orifice of the mitral valve. When tension is applied to the at least one tensile member, the posterior portion of the annular tissue is pulled toward the anterior portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial heart valve annuloplasty ring, including an outer layer (6) and an annular main body (8) integrally formed from multiple ring sections, the outer layer (6) is a fiber fabric layer covered on the outside of the annular main body (8), the annular main body (8) includes a tube with a tube wall that has a slotted structure capable of adjusting the rigidity of the annuloplasty ring. The artificial heart valve annuloplasty ring provided in the present invention has a simple structure, easy-to-adjust rigidity, and does not need to separately design and manufacture a mold for the main body of the annuloplasty ring during manufacturing.

Abstract: Cardiomyopathy may be treated by distributing space-occupying agent within the myocardium in a pattern about one or more chambers of the heart, such that the space-modifying agent integrates into and thickens at least part of the cardiac wall about the chamber so as globally to reduce wall stress and stabilize or even reduce chamber size. Some patterns also cause a beneficial global reshaping of the chamber. These changes occur quickly and are sustainable, and have a rapid and sustainable therapeutic effect on cardiac function. Over time the relief of wall stress reduces oxygen consumption and promotes healing. Moreover, various long-term therapeutic effects may be realized depending on the properties of the space-occupying agent, including combinations with other therapeutic materials. Specific cardiac conditions treatable by these systems and methods include, for example, dilated cardiomyopathy (with or without overt aneurismal formations), congestive heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias.

Abstract: Methods of treating mitral valve regurgitation, including causing a distal expandable anchor to self-expand within a coronary sinus, anchoring the distal expandable anchor against movement in the coronary sinus, changing the geometry of a mitral valve annulus, causing a proximal expandable anchor to self-expand within the coronary sinus, anchoring the proximal expandable anchor against movement within the coronary sinus, and withdrawing the delivery system from the coronary sinus.

Abstract: Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device.

Abstract: Medical siphons and methods of pumping fluids are provided. A medical siphon may include a valve configured to be implanted in a body vessel, a sphincter disposed below the valve and wrapping around a wall of the body vessel, and a pacemaker disposed on the sphincter. The siphon may also include a component configured to communicate with the pacemaker, such as a blood pressure monitor or a flow probe.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include devices, systems, and methods for reducing the distance between two locations in tissue. In one embodiment, an anchor may reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along a surface of the heart. Perforating the exterior wall and the septum from an epicardial approach can provide control over the reshaping of the ventricular chamber. Guiding deployment of the implant from along the epicardial access path and another access path into and through the right ventricle provides control over the movement of the anchor within the ventricle. The joined epicardial pathway and right atrial pathway allows the tension member to be advanced into the heart through the right atrium and pulled into engagement along the epicardial access path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preliminarily bonded multilayer film (1) for covering a bone defect site (2), in particular in the region of a jaw bone, the film (1) comprising at least one shaping molding layer (3) for molding the film (1) onto the bone defect site (2) and at least one cover layer (4, 4a, 4b) for covering the bone defect site (2), the molding layer (3) and the at least one cover layer (4, 4a, 4b) being substantially completely resorbable.

Abstract: A method of using an orthopaedic implant includes providing a main body, as well as a porous augment having a bone ingrowth surface. The main body is removably attached with another surface of the porous augment to form an orthopaedic implant. A portion of a bone is extracted from the body of a patient and, subsequently, the orthopaedic implant is implanted into the body of the patient. The porous augment is positioned such that a bone interfacing surface of the porous augment interfaces with a cut surface of the bone from which the portion of bone is extracted to facilitate bone ingrowth into the porous augment.

Abstract: A method for preparing a femoral neck for receiving a neck implant includes resecting a femoral head from a femoral neck of a patient according to a pre-operative patient-specific plan. The method also includes removing only cancellous bone from the femoral neck and proximal femoral bone of the patient using a patient-specific broach. The patient-specific broach has a three-dimensional cutting surface matching as a negative mold a cortical/cancellous bone interface surface of the femoral neck of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for total elbow replacement are provided to allow a surgeon to intraoperatively select a linked or unlinked constraint by utilizing a connection located on the body of the ulnar and/or humeral stem. Additional modularity also allows the selection of a cemented or cementless stem as described herein. The modularity and adjustability provides a number of advantages.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for total elbow replacement are provided to allow a surgeon to intraoperatively select a linked or unlinked constraint by utilizing a connection located on the body of the ulnar and/or humeral stem. Additional modularity also allows the selection of a cemented or cementless stem as described herein. The modularity and adjustability provides a number of advantages.

Abstract: A bone implant is disclosed. The implant comprises a body having a bone contact surface and an articulation surface. A first flange extends longitudinally from the bone contact surface. The flange defines a first screw hole configured to receive a targeted screw therethrough. The targeted screw couples the implant to a bone.

Abstract: An implant is provided for use in an ankle joint between reconditioned end surfaces established on a distal end of an upper tibia bone and an opposing lower talus bone. The implant comprises a substantially porous rigid component adapted to be anchored against the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and the lower talus reconditioned end surface. The component defining an opening therethrough. An intramedullary nail is configured to pass through the opening in the component when the nail is driven through the talus and into the tibia.

Abstract: An implant can be used for the treatment of fat pad atrophy. The implant can be installed in the ball of the foot, the heel of the foot, the hands, or other areas. The implant can supplement or replace a patient's fat pads. In some instances, the implant can include an implant pad having a non-permeable external lining and an internal cavity enclosed by the external lining. The internal cavity can include a filler material. The implant can include features that resist rupture and/or migration.

Abstract: A particulate composition for stimulating nucleus pulposus regeneration has a particulate composition made of vertebral end-plates having an osseous component wherein the composition is milled, ground or particulized into particles from 10 to 1000 microns in size. At least a part of the composition can be non-demineralized or demineralized or a mixture of demineralized and non-demineralized particles from the vertebral end-plates. Preferably, the non-demineralized part is not subjected to harsh chemical treating. To possibly enhance the release of growth factors and other similar substances from the osseous layer of the end-plate, the material may be treated with hydrochloric acid, ethylene diamine or other demineralizing agents or regimens.

Abstract: A device and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for installing a spinal fusion cage. The spinal fusion cage includes an outer cage having a proximal outer cage endwall and a distal outer cage endwall. An inner cage has a proximal inner cage endwall and a distal inner cage endwall. The proximal and distal inner cage endwalls each are in slidable contact with a corresponding one of the proximal and distal outer cage endwalls. The inner and outer cages collectively define a fusion cage cavity space having a volume which varies responsive to relative sliding of the inner cage with respect to the outer cage. An actuation tool includes a shaft and an operative portion. The operative portion of the actuation tool has an asymmetrically tapered portion which includes a longitudinally aligned face extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and an angled face extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc prostheses and methods of use. An intervertebral disc prosthesis for installation in a spinal column may include a first intervertebral plate, a second intervertebral plate, and a removable insert core. The first intervertebral plate may engage one or both of the inferior vertebral endplate and the inferior ring apophysis of a superior vertebral body. The second intervertebral plate may engage one or both of the superior vertebral endplate and the superior ring apophysis of an inferior vertebral body. The removable insert core is located between and engages the intervertebral plates. A projection projects from one of the intervertebral plates toward the other intervertebral plate. The removable insert core at least partially surrounds the projection when installed. The removable insert core is removable from between the intervertebral plates and from around the projection while the intervertebral plates and projection remain installed.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc includes a superior endplate having an upper vertebral contacting surface and a lower bearing surface, wherein the upper vertebral contacting surface of the superior endplate has a central portion that is raised relative to a peripheral portion of the superior endplate, and wherein the lower bearing surface has a concavity disposed opposite the raised central portion. The disc includes an inferior endplate having a lower vertebral contacting surface and an upper surface, wherein the lower vertebral contacting surface of the inferior endplate has a central portion and wherein the upper bearing surface has a concavity disposed opposite the central portion. A core is positioned between the upper and inferior endplates, the core having upper and lower core bearing surfaces configured to mate with the bearing surfaces of the upper and inferior endplates.

Abstract: A device and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.

Abstract: A device and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for intervertebral spinal fusion of adjacent intervertebral bodies are provided. An intervertebral spacer is positioned within a narrow disc space between adjacent intervertebral bodies of a patient. The spacer is arranged with upper and lower guides. The guides are adapted to simultaneously guide the deployment of upper and lower anchors of an anchoring device into their respective intervertebral bodies. The spacer is also adapted to lock the upper and lower anchors to the spacer in the deployed position.

Abstract: A modular anchor bone fusion cage is provided. The cage includes a spacer configured to fit into a space between the faces of two bones that are to be fused together. A fusion plate having at least a main body portion is coupled to the spacer by a connector. Fasteners extend through the fusion plate to engage the bone. At least some of the fasteners also extend through the spacer to engage the opposed faces of the bone. A cover plate is coupled to the fusion plate to inhibit the fasteners from backing out prior to fusion of the bones.

Abstract: Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided fixation systems and intervertebral implant systems. The arcuate fixation members may be of varying lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas, and may be configured with various features such as heads configured to accept other fixation system components, tabs to allow arcuate fixation member-in-arcuate fixation member or fixation anchor-in-arcuate fixation member configurations. Applications of fixation systems and intervertebral implants systems utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.