Abstract: An expandable interbody device for implantation within an intervertebral space is provided, together with methods and tools for use therewith. The interbody devices include a leading first and trailing second bearing member configured to expand laterally via connecting portions disposed at the trailing end of the first being member and at least the leading end of the second bearing member. In some forms, the connecting portions have an arcuate configuration. The insertion tool is configured expand the interbody device by holding the first bearing member while shifting the second bearing member.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle joint consists of a curved leaf spring foot member having a heel extremity and a toe extremity, and a flexible elastic ankle member that connects the foot member for rotation at the ankle joint. An actuator motor applies torque to the ankle joint to orient the foot when it is not in contact with the support surface and to store energy in a catapult spring that is released along with the energy stored in the leaf spring to propel the wearer forward. A ribbon clutch prevents the foot member from rotating in one direction beyond a predetermined limit position. A controllable damper is employed to lock the ankle joint or to absorb mechanical energy as needed. The controller and sensing mechanisms control both the actuator motor and the controllable damper at different times during the walking cycle for level walking, stair ascent, and stair descent.

Abstract: A liner garment for a prosthetic socket configured to accommodate a residual limb of a patient may include a main body, a gel cup and at least one support material layer. The main body may include an elastic, fluid permeable material layer extending around a full circumference of the liner garment and having a closed distal end and an open proximal end for accepting the residual limb of the patient. The gel cup is fluid impermeable and is positioned on the inner surface of the main body at its distal end. The support material layer is located on a portion of the outer surface of the main body and is made of a material that is less elastic than the fluid permeable material layer of the main body.

Abstract: A vacuum suspension system includes a pump system arranged to be in fluid communication with a prosthetic socket. The pump system includes a pump mechanism having a housing and a membrane situated on the housing such that a fluid chamber is defined between the membrane and the housing. The pump mechanism is movable between an original configuration in which the volume of the fluid chamber is zero or near-zero, and an expanded configuration in which the volume of the fluid chamber is increased.

Abstract: A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis includes a scaffold with a plurality of expandable segments axially spaced apart along a substrate, adjacent segments connected by one or more support members when the prosthesis is in a collapsed configuration and disconnected when the prosthesis is in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: A low profile stepped delivery system for retracting trigger wires from a prosthesis to release the prosthesis from a delivery device. A rod is disposed within an axial bore of a handle. The rod has a first longitudinal surface and a second longitudinal surface. A first engagement mechanism is disposed on the first longitudinal surface and a second engagement mechanism disposed on the second longitudinal surface. A wire coiling assembly is disposed at an end of the of the handle and comprises a first rotary gear that is adapted to be rotated by the first engagement mechanism, a second rotary gear that is adapted to be rotated by the second engagement mechanism, a first wire spool that is coupled to a rotation of the first rotary gear, and a second wire spool that is coupled to the rotation of second rotary gear. The first wire spool is configured to secure a first trigger wire and the second wire spool is configured to secure a second trigger wire.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an endovascular prosthesis is disclosed. A prosthesis is releasably coupled to a proximal end of the system. A handle assembly is disposed at the distal end of the delivery system. The handle assembly comprises a main handle and a second handle disposed at least partially on the main handle and longitudinally moveable relative to the main handle. A trigger wire release mechanism is disposed in the interior or the main handle. A sheath is operatively connected to the second handle and longitudinal movement of the second handle relative to the main handle retracts the sheath in a distal direction. Movement of the trigger wire release mechanism from a first position to a second deployed position is prevented when the sheath is in the first position. Methods for accessing the common and internal iliac arteries and delivering and deploying an endovascular graft therein using the delivery system and handle assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent delivery system is provided that includes an inner elongate shaft with a lumen and an outer elongate shaft with a lumen, where the inner elongate shaft coaxially extends at least partially within the lumen of the outer elongate shaft. The stent delivery system also a pull member movably disposed along the the inner elongate shaft and first and second restraining members removably secured to the pull member. The stent delivery system also includes a self-expanding stent having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, where the first restraining member is secured to a first portion of the self-expanding stent and the second restraining member is secured to a second portion of the self-expanding stent, thereby securing the self-expanding stent about the outer elongate shaft. Movement of the inner and elongate shafts relative to each other in a first direction applies a tension to the first and second restraining members to move the self-expanding stent to the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: An instrument for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The instrument comprises a base member having a base handle and a deployment extension, a first tubular member having a first tubular body and a first handle, and a second tubular member having a second tubular body and a second handle. The first tubular member fits over the deployment extension and is longitudinally slidable over the deployment extension, and the second tubular member fits over the first tubular member and is longitudinally slidable over the first tubular member. The distal ends of the deployment extension, the first tubular body, and the second tubular body are adapted to hold and deploy the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve includes a longitudinal valve housing, a gasket, a grip assembly and an interference element. A x-valve includes a valve housing, at least one sealing component and a support layer. Stent graft delivery systems include a handle, an internal lead screw assembly, a lead screw nut, a support member fixed to the handle body, a sheath and a hemostasis valve.

Abstract: Devices and methods for stretching and maintaining a configuration of a wearer's feet are provided herein. A splint can comprise a sole support and a sole support cover, and can lack any straps extending between a wearer's ankle or leg and the wearer's foot, or rigid pieces other than the sole support. In some preferred embodiments, the sole support is entirely positionable beneath or at a lower position than the wearer's foot when standing.

Abstract: A facial alignment system that includes a first mask portion and a rear portion. The rear portion includes a tightening mechanism mounted thereon that includes first and second tightening members that extend from the rear portion to the mask portion. The first and second tightening members are configured to exert a tightening force on the first mask portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a device to assist in the prevention of snoring. The device comprising: a membrane shaped as an elongate oval having opposed sides and opposed arcuate ends, the membrane having a front and a rear face; a hypoallergenic adhesive applied uniformly to the rear face of said membrane, and a backing sheet which covers the adhesive on the back of said membrane; at least one tab formed at one of the arcuate ends of the membrane, such that the at least one tab allows the membrane to be easily manipulated between open and closed positions; and wherein the device is sized and configured to substantially cover a user's closed lips and an area of skin adjacent to each lip to hold the lips in a closed position and therefore provide a good seal of the device to the area around the mouth of the user.

Abstract: A method can be provided that includes measuring sound waves using a sound measuring device, determining, at a central controller of an air mattress system, one or more parameter values of the sound waves, comparing the one or more parameter values with values, ranges, or patterns indicative of snoring, identifying a snoring state of a user, and initiating, with the central controller, a change to one or more adjustable features of the air mattress system.

Abstract: The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstmctive sleep apnea syndrome.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: The amount of granulated tissue, e.g., heart tissue, in a patient who has received therapeutic hypothermia following, e.g., cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction is ascertained using, e.g., magnetic resonance imaging, and based on the amount of such granulated heart tissue, subsequent treatment of the patient is implemented.

Abstract: Proper selection and centering of an intraocular lens (IOL) is provided. An image of an eye, which may be captured during pre-operative tests and provided to a program operable to calculate the power and axis orientation of the IOL, is used to determine the location and orientation of the IOL. This produces an output or placement guide used to properly center and orient an IOL within the eye.

Abstract: A laser treatment unit for performing eye surgery, including a contact glass which can be placed onto the eye and through which a treatment laser beam (2) passes. A safety mechanism displaceably holds the contact glass such that the contact glass retreats when the contact glass is subjected to the action of a force contrary to the direction of incidence of the laser beam. The safety mechanism enables this retreating when a force is greater than a force limit value (Fmin) and holds the contact glass in a fixed manner when the force is less than the force limit value.

Abstract: Devices for delivering pharmaceutical formulations into the eye are described. The devices may be integrated to include features that allow safe and atraumatic manipulation of the devices with one hand. For example, accurate placement, including proper angulation, of the device on the eye and injection of a pharmaceutical formulation into the eye can be performed using one hand. The devices may also include improved safety features. For example, the devices may include an actuation mechanism that controls the rate and depth of injection into the eye. Some devices include a dynamic resistance component capable of adjusting the amount of pressure applied to the eye surface. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes one or more regions. The absorbent article also includes at least three discrete elements. Each of the three discrete elements includes at least one visible surface, and at least three or more of the visible surfaces include an imparted color. The imparted color may include colors that are color matched. Color matching exists when said colors are contained within a specified CIELab color space volume, have a specified hue difference, or total color difference.

Abstract: A method of integrating a first fibrous web with a second fibrous web, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a first absorbent fibrous web material; b. providing a topsheet comprising a second fibrous web material; c. providing an integrating means; and d. integrating said first absorbent fibrous web material and said second fibrous web material by processing through said integrating means. The step of integrating said first absorbent fibrous web material and said second fibrous web material comprises inter-entangling fibers from the first absorbent fibrous web and fibers from the second fibrous web.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and processes for controlling the relative positions or phasing of advancing substrates and/or components in absorbent article converting lines. The systems and methods may utilize feedback from technologies, such as vision systems, sensors, remote input and output stations, and controllers with synchronized embedded clocks to accurately correlate component placement detections and placement control on an absorbent article converting process. The systems and methods may accurately apply the use of precision clock synchronization for both instrumentation and control system devices on a non-deterministic communications network. In turn, the clock synchronized control and instrumentation network may be used to control the substrate position. As such, the controller may be programmed to the relative positions of substrates and components along the converting line without having to account for undeterminable delays.

Abstract: An antimicrobial article comprising of antimicrobial panty and an absorbent pad designed specifically for women, for absorbing body fluids in the form of an absorbent pad comprising a fluid storage region and a fluid receiving region to provide support, absorb moisture within the covered areas, reduce vaginal odor, decrease risk of skin infection and to provide high quality of feminine care to women and girls wherein the antimicrobial article in the form of an absorbent pad comprises of composite textile fabric including muslin cotton crouch pocket, polyester and spandex, enhancing the transport of the moisture like sweat or other body fluids away from the skin.

Abstract: A reusable cloth diaper including a continuous perimeter elasticized gusset located within the interior cloth of the diaper against the wearer's body.

Abstract: Indicating panels adapted to provide a qualitative or quantitative indication of a characteristic of a liquid absorbed by the indicator panel. The indicating panels include a porous inner sheet that is impregnated with a first indicator selected to respond to a target analyte by creating a detectable response, and a porous outer sheet impregnated with a polymeric mordant selected to stabilize indicators.

Abstract: A urine odor control system for personal care products includes a substrate with a formulation of activated carbon and an absorbent core with a formulation of silver. The personal care product includes diapers, training pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, or feminine hygiene products. The personal care product can include a liquid-permeable bodyside liner, liquid-impermeable outer cover affixed to the bodyside liner, wherein the absorbent core and substrate are disposed between the bodyside liner and the outer cover.

Abstract: There is provided a plaster dispenser (1) for holding a plaster pack (2) and for removing plasters (3) individually from said plaster pack (2), which plaster pack (2) comprises a plurality of plasters (3), each accommodated in an individual pocket (16), wherein the pockets are located between first and second sheets (4a 4b), said sheets and pockets being connected along a straight edge (5) that extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of respective pockets and generally in a respective main plane of said pockets, said plaster dispenser (1) comprising: a) a first wall (6) limiting the movement of the plaster pack (2) in a direction opposite to the front direction; b) a first shoulder (7) limiting the movement of the first sheet part (4a) in the front direction; c) a second shoulder (8) limiting the movement of the second sheet part (4b) in the front direction; d) an opening (9) for removing individual plasters (3) from the plaster pack in the front direction; characterized in that the dispenser co

Abstract: Patient harness systems (10) for an emergency cot (18) including a chest strap restraint (14), a thigh strap restraint (16), and a harness restraint (12) having a shoulder harness (20), a pelvis strap (22), and a pair of stabilizing straps (110). The harness restraint is mountable to the emergency cot via a plurality of quick release restraint buckles (54). Methods of securing a patient to the emergency cot using the patient harness system.

Abstract: An overhead loading device for use with an emergency vehicle having a patient compartment includes at least one beam configured for mounting at a ceiling of the patient compartment of the emergency vehicle, a carriage engaged for movement along the beam and configured to traverse at least a portion of the beam between an extended position and a retracted position, and a load carrying member operatively connected to the carriage and extending from the carriage. The load carrying member has a free end for attachment to a patient support. The carriage is configured to extend at least partially outside of the patient compartment when in the extended position and be positioned inside the patient compartment when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A device for securing a mobility device in a mobility vehicle or on a lifting device that is installed in or on a mobility vehicle or trailer.

Abstract: Provided is a torso support cushion capable of torso support and whereby the problem of the torso tilting to a paralyzed side or the pelvis tilting backwards does not occur when a person having paraplegia operates a hand rim in order to cause a wheelchair to move. A cushion arranged in a seat base of the wheelchair or chair comprises: a first cushion section positioned on the front surface of a backrest; and second and third cushion sections connected to both left and right sides of the first cushion section and positioned on inside surfaces in the vicinity of armrests. The first cushion section is fixed to the backrest section by the action of a tensile force from a belt, etc., being a first attachment member that causes same to come in contact with the backrest. The second and third cushion sections are fixed to a frame or support columns to which the armrests are fixed, by the action of a tensile force acting towards the front from second and third attachment members that form a belt shape, etc.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling an electrically operated device. The control system includes a first control box and a second control box. The first control box is equipped with a single button. In case that an input power is normally received and the button is pressed, a pairing process is performed. In case that the input power is interrupted, the second control box is in an emergency mode.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus operable to collect biometric and/or physiological data of a patient located on the patient support apparatus, using one or more sensors that are coupled to the patient or coupled to a component of the patient support apparatus. The system can use the biometric and/or physiological data to verify the identity of a patient that is associated with the patient support apparatus or a patient room. Based on the patient verification, the system can update patient electronic medical records to include the biometric and/or physiological data, and/or perform other tasks.

Abstract: A device for assisting a caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient, the device comprising a user interface configured to deliver prompts to a caregiver to assist the caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient; at least one sensor configured to detect the caregiver's progress in delivering the therapy, wherein the sensor is other than an electrode in an electrical contact with the body; a memory in which a plurality of different prompts are stored; a processor configured to determine which of the different prompts should be selected for delivery based on the progress detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a patient is disclosed to include a base with wheels on the back side and casters on the front side; a pair of extendable legs extended or withdrawn from the frontal side of the base to maintain balance when lifting a patient; vertical masts connected to a three-prong hanger; three durable cables used with a sling assembly to lift the patient; a foldable chair provides temporary rest for the patient on the patient lift; and a control panel having a micro-controller for remotely controlling the patient lift.

Abstract: A latticed patient-hoisting device for a hospital bed and methods of its use for lifting, moving, turning and positioning of hospital patients. Embodiments of the device have a plurality of vertical and parallel straps running parallel to the patient's body from head to feet and a plurality of horizontal straps perpendicular to the vertical straps. The ends of the horizontal straps are removably attached to one or more rails of a hospital bed by a loop. The device is placed under a patient, and the patient is moved by drawing one or more ends of one side of the horizontal straps and attaching those ends to one or more rails on the same side of the bed. In embodiments, one or more horizontal straps may be detached from a rail or repositioned along it to provide access to a particular area of the patient's body for patient care.

Abstract: A movement system for use with an overhead patient lift system includes a motor. A drum is operatively coupled to the motor. The drum is configured to be selectively driven by the motor to rotate in one of a clockwise direction and a counter-clockwise direction. A lifting strap is coupled to the drum. The lifting strap is extendable and retractable with respect to a carriage of the overhead patient lifting system as the drum rotates. A manual release operatively coupled to the drum is actuatable to selectively disengage the drum from the motor to allow the lifting strap to be manually extended. Also disclosed is an overhead patient lift system including the movement system and a method for manually extending a lifting strap of an overhead patient lift system.

Abstract: A walking training device provides substantial fixation of the user's feet against a movable footplate in the direction of the user's stride while allowing toe lift and heel lift necessary for natural walking. The harness system provides an approximation of a shallow crossed four-bar linkage to provide angulation without substantial translation.

Abstract: Provided is a walking assist device including a main frame configured to be worn by a user, a power unit mounted on the main frame, a pair of power transmission members for transmitting assist force provided by the power unit to femoral parts of the user and a control unit for controlling an operation of the power unit, wherein the control unit comprises a differential angle computation unit for computing a differential angle between angular positions of the femoral parts of the user about respective hip joints of the user; a differential angle phase computation unit for computing a differential angle phase according to the differential angle; and an assist force computation unit for computing an assist force to be applied to the user according to the differential angle phase.

Abstract: A device to be added to a walker. The device is used to monitor, correct, and improve the user's posture. The device is removably affixed to the walker and includes a pair of grips which monitor the amount of weight applied to the grips. The device further tracks the weight applied to the grips over time and provides feedback of the weight to the user via the monitor.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic apparatus is disclosed. The portable therapeutic apparatus may include a handle, a protrusion, a resistance element, and an adjustment element attached to the handle. The handle may include a first slot that houses the resistance element. The protrusion may include an indentation. The resistance element may include an elastic element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for treating tissue. The apparatus includes a chamber having an opening, the chamber configured to, when placed proximate to the tissue, cause periodic movement of an area of the tissue raised towards the opening of the chamber, and one or more energy transmitting elements to apply energy to at least a portion of the area of the tissue.

Abstract: A massaging board assembly about the size of a person's torso containing a series of slots or holes to support two type of mounting brackets: one having an elongated form and the other having and L shape. The brackets are assembled onto the board to frame a person's back, neck and shoulders. These assembly parts have the property to hold one or more roller ball massager by means of their shape and magnetic nature for enabling a hands-free self massage by a multidirectional movement of the user's own body. The massaging board assembly is supported by means of stand legs. The board is molded and contoured by hollow square frames to allow the passage of the stand legs. The height of the board can be adjusted by a system of knobs.

Abstract: A method and devices for stimulating visceral pelvic or somatic nerves or their pathways of a female person suffering from a pelvic condition of nerve dysfunction in which non-electrical, external physical stimulation is applied to the clitoral region of the person.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a target-energy-directed massager comprising a target-energy-directed massager head (2), a vibration motor (4) and a directed-information-energy filler (6). An interior of the target-energy-directed massager head (2) is provided with the directed-information-energy filler (6), is covered and secured with a bottom cover of the massager (3), and is then securely connected to one end of the vibration motor (4). The presently disclosed massager overcomes the shortcoming of preexisting massagers and have more preciseness and target oriented specificity during disease treatment.

Abstract: An elevation device used in the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and after resuscitation includes a base and an upper support operably coupled to the base. The upper support is configured to elevate an individual's upper back, shoulders and head. The elevation device also includes a chest compression device coupled with the base. The chest compression device is configured to compress the chest and to actively decompress the chest.