Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a protective support for joints and extremities comprising a structure for securing the support to the body in the vicinity of the joint, one or more elongated resilient hinges that are attached to the support. Each resilient hinge spans a parasagittal plane of the joint and has a superior end, an opposite inferior end, and an intermediate section there between, the hinge also defining a cross-sectional thickness that is at its minimum near the superior end and inferior end, but gradually increases along a length of the hinge such that the intermediate section defines the hinge's maximum cross-sectional thickness. Each hinge may define a plurality of longitudinal ribs and optional transverse ribs that aid in structural integrity of the hinge and may have a generally hourglass shape, and with the superior and inferior ends adapted to conform to the various superficial contours of the joint or extremity.

Abstract: A wearable belt device system and portable hand strap system configured to burp a baby. A belt may be adapted to extend around the waist of a wearer or a torso of a wearer. A compressible mound is placed on the baby's adnominal pressure being delivered in order to release gas contained within the baby. A handheld strap may be configured for wear to fit around a palm of a hand of a wearer. A mound may be affixed to the strap and may be adapted to compress an abdomen of a baby thereon.

Abstract: A pelvis correction equipment includes: a pelvis belt for tightening for fastening a lower abdomen of a body, the pelvis belt being used for correcting opening of or strain on a joint portion between a sacral bone and an iliac bone which form a pelvis; a pressing position mark indicated on a surface of the pelvis belt for indicating a plurality of pressing correction portions; and a pressing correction equipment configured to be operated in such a manner that the pressing correction equipment presses the plurality of pressing correction portions along the pressing position mark of the pelvis belt mounted on the lower abdomen by fastening by way of the pelvis belt.

Abstract: The roping harness comprises: a belt provided with a first strap and with at least first and second comfort parts arranged between the first strap and the user, a pair of thigh straps, a connecting element connected to the pair of thigh straps, a first adjustment device configured to adjust the length of the first strap and to define the circumference of the belt. The first comfort pad and second comfort pad are fitted movable in translation with respect to one another. The first comfort pad is fitted movable in translation with respect to the first strap along the first strap. The belt comprises at least a first blocking stop configured to prevent movement of the first comfort pad with respect to the second comfort pad beyond a threshold value, the first adjustment device forming a second blocking stop of the first comfort pad.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include dynamically updating a facet tree based on words found in one or more documents, the facet tree being a tree data structure that defines hierarchical relationships between a plurality of words. The method may further include calculating a degree of similarity between a first word and a second word based on similarity of usage of the first word and the second word in the one or more documents, and updating the facet tree based on the degree of similarity. The method may further include, for each of one or more candidate words in the one or more documents, calculating a degree of correlation between a co-occurrence of two or more existing facet tree entries in a document and an occurrence of the candidate word in the document, and updating the facet tree on the basis of the one or more degrees of correlation.

Abstract: A method to stop bleeding at a puncture site of an artery on a patient's arm includes wrapping a flexible band of a hemostatic device around at least a portion of the patient's arm, wherein the hemostatic device also comprises a more rigid member that is more rigid than the flexible band, a balloon, and a visually identifiable marker. The method also involves wrapping the flexible band around at least the portion of the patient's arm while the balloon is in an uninflated state and while an introducer sheath is in place at the puncture site. The visually identifiable marker is used to position the balloon in overlying relation to the puncture site while viewing the puncture site through the balloon and through the more rigid member. Fluid is introduced into the balloon to inflate the balloon to apply a compression force against the puncture site.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A scapulo-spinal stabilizer with abdominal support for opening the superior thoracic aperture comprises a shirt-like garment for wearing on the torso, the garment having two elongated, semi-rigid thoraco-lumbar support stays disposed in dual, parallel sheaths in a posterior panel thereof, two posterior flexible scapular straps anchored on and angularly depending from superior shoulder portions of the garment, the scapular straps forming a posterior crossing configuration across the support stays, and anterior ends of the scapular straps detachably attached to opposite lateral ends of an anterior rib margin support disposed on the anterior portion of the garment, the scapular stays, scapular straps and anterior rib margin support stabilizing the posture of a wearer and opening the superior thoracic aperture.

Abstract: An adjustable brace apparatus provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of elongate wings configured for wrapping about and substantially conforming to a portion of a body of a user, an adjustment sleeve configured for slidably receiving each of the wings, and a pair of first and second tightening segments removably engagable with each of the wings and slidably engaged and suspended within the adjustment sleeve, thereby enabling the wings to substantially float and selectively overlap atop one another within the adjustment sleeve. In use, the user is able to selectively position, wrap, and engage the wings around the user's body portion, and selectively draw the wings closer against the user's body portion.

Abstract: A method to stop bleeding at a puncture site of an artery on a wrist of a patient comprises wrapping a flexible band of a hemostatic device around the wrist of the patient, wherein the hemostatic device also includes a curved plate, a balloon and a marker used to position the balloon at the puncture site, and wherein the flexible band, the curved plate and the balloon are substantially transparent. The wrapping of the flexible band around the wrist of the patient involves wrapping the flexible band around the wrist of the patient while the balloon is in an uninflated state. The wrapping can also take place while an introducer sheath is in place at the puncture site. The method also involves using the marker to position balloon relative to the puncture site such that the balloon overlies the puncture site, introducing a fluid into the balloon and inflating the balloon, and maintaining inflation of the balloon and compression against the puncture site.

Abstract: A hyperextension brace with a frame construction has adjustable upper and lower supports as well as adjustable side members. The frame comprises a sub-clavicula support and a pelvic and pubic support connected by side members. The height of the side members and the width of the sub-clavicula support and the pubic support are adjustable by using non-rotational telescopic and lockable connections. The sub-clavicula support may be connected by a turnbuckle screw arrangement to the side members. The frame may be made of composite material, suitably a polymer reinforced by glass fiber and/or carbon fiber. All adjustments may be made without requiring any tools.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a 3D ventilation device for separating body skin from clothes including an elastic meshed fabric, an elastic framework and a fixing device, wherein the 3D elastic framework which supports and holds the elastic meshed fabric, is fixed by the fixing device to locate between the skin and the clothes, so as to form a ventilative chamber for achieving the separation. Here, the elastic framework can be bent to adapt to different body shapes or portions and adjusted to provide most comfortable wearing angle, so that a proper air flowing can be achieved between the skin or the body portion and the clothes, thereby keeping the skin dry.

Abstract: An apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping includes one or more tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps having first and second ends. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener attaches to the second end of each strap. The apparatus includes a variable compression drive located proximate to one pad to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect. The drive includes an outer drum shell, an inner rotator having an inner diameter that is treaded, a motor which communications with the inner rotator, and a threaded shaft which engages the inner diameter of the inner rotator. A tab attaches the threaded shaft to the strap.

Abstract: An apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping which includes one or more symmetrical tapered pads having an inner and outer side, each outer side being semi-rigid and each inner side being flexible and compressible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps having a first and corresponding second end. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener attaches to the second end of each strap. The apparatus also includes a constricting device (such as a ratchet) located on or proximate to one pad sufficient to create a compression force through each strap when the first and corresponding second fasteners connect to one another. The corresponding method includes the steps of placing one or more pads proximate to the hips, affixing each pad to each strap, connecting both ends of the straps to each other and creating necessary compression.

Abstract: The Bikers Lap Belt, hereafter known as the belt, was road tested for two (2) years. It was found that when wearing the belt on long motorcycle trips (200 miles or more), the experienced motorcycle rider of about fifty four (54) years of age, found the following to be true: The rider had less muscle fatigue in the upper and lower back, no pain in the hips, and no fatigue in the legs. The motorcycle was easier to control in windy conditions at high speeds, especially when passing large trucks requiring less muscle movement of the legs. Muscle tension was less in all conditions. When riding without the belt, the rider experienced upper back pain and fatigue, substantial hip pain at the end of several hours of riding, and severe overall body fatigue. The belt gives riders the ability to ride longer with more comfort and less joint or muscle pain.

Abstract: A support system includes: an abdominal band for supporting weight of an abdomen of a user, the abdominal band adapted for encircling a lower portion of the abdomen and resting on hips and lower back of the user; a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap adapted for passing over a respective shoulder of the user and fastening with the abdominal band over an anterior of the user and over a posterior of the user; and a pair of groin bands, each groin band adapted for passing under a crotch of the user and fastening with the abdominal band over an anterior of the user and over a posterior of the user. A method of use and another method for fabrication are provided.

Abstract: A piercing tool (1) can safely and reliably pierce a piercing needle (411) into a skin layer. The piercing tool (1) comprises a belt-like flexible fixing member (2) having an opening (3) formed for raising skin, and a piercing needle moving means (4) mounted on the belt-like fixing member (2) for movably holding the piercing needle (411). By moving the piercing needle moving means (4), the piercing needle (411) is moved so as to be pierced into the skin raised from the opening (3).

Abstract: Weighting garment and orthotics are provided for improving balance. In particular, adjustable balance evaluation systems are used to determine placement of a weight to improve a subject's balance. These evaluation systems may be used to create customized garments for enhancing or improving balance. Described herein are customized garments for enhancing balance. Methods of creating customized garments enhance balance from the adjustable balance evaluation systems. Methods and apparatus further include eyeglasses with weights and testing methods to improve vision.

Abstract: A medical device is arranged to provide adjustable, user-controlled, perpendicular compression to soft tissues. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure is adjusted by a threaded bolt or threaded bolt assembly incorporated into the design of a threaded mounting plate.

Abstract: A corset (100) includes a first portion (5) and a second portion (5?) with substantially the same shape as the first portion (5). Each portion (5, 5?) includes a solid band (50) and a plurality of laces (52) which protrude from one end of the solid band (50). The two portions (5, 5?) are constrained to each other by crossing the laces (52) with each other and by closing the ends of groups of laces by closure elements (56). The closure elements (56) of the laces are connected to tightening members (6) which can be operated manually by the user to tighten the laces (52).

Abstract: A tightener for orthopedic use, includes a guide loop having opposite sections, a first orthopedic strap anchored to one section for passing about a user's arm, leg or like member, and then passage through the loop to extend in a first tightening direction, a second orthopedic strap anchored to another loop section to extend in a second and opposite tightening direction, whereby the two straps extending in the first and second directions can be manually pulled in those directions to tighten the first strap about the member, and two tensioned straps can then be connected by push together connection to tightened extents of the first strap to hold tension transmission via the loop sections and straps.

Abstract: A one piece maternity support for the relief of discomfort associated with the progressive changes in the human body associated with a normal pregnancy. The support has a body encircling upper band for the support of the lower uterine segment and a lower belt having a pair of tensionable arms that connect to the upper band to support the lumbar region and offer counter rotational force for the anteriorly tilted pelvis. The position of the lower arms is optimized to apply a constant pressure to the muscles above the hip joint providing relief from so-called hip pain associated with many pregnancies.

Abstract: A flexible protective cover for preventing fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising: a central portion having at least one rib, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, a lip disposed around the edge, a sealing member disposed over the lip for providing a sealing engagement between the lip and the open epidermal site, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion. Also disclosed is a flexible protective cover having a central portion, an edge connected to the central portion at an angle, an inflatable sealing member integral with the edge for providing the sealing engagement, and at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the central portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for providing a lateralization effect such as in a medical procedure. The lateralization device can have a supporting member, which can be adapted to be supported in a fixed position. A lateralization member can be provided to at least partially wrap around the supporting member and be mounted thereto to provide a lateralization effect. The lateralization member can be formed and/or adjusted to provide a variable lateralization. For example, the lateralization member can comprise a cylindrical member with an eccentric cut-out portion adapted to fit over the supporting member. The inter wall of the cut-out portion and the outer wall of the supporting member can be formed with interference fittings so that the lateralization member can rotate in relation to the supporting member to provide a variable lateralization.

Abstract: A post amputation limb protection to be applied to newly or recently amputated transtibial, transradial or transfemoral residual limbs comprises an inner soft liner for placement on and around the limb above the end of the stump, an end pad for placement over the stump, a shell for placement over the end pad and inner soft liner, medial and lateral struts for placement along the length of the limb over the inner soft liner, attachment structures on the various components and strap closures for securing the components to the limb, and a waist belt and suspensor, for attachment to the assembly to keep the assembly in place.

Abstract: A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of: removably attaching at least one adjustable strap to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover comprising a sealing member, covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site, and tightening the at least one adjustable strap to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cove over the open epidermal site to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. This differential pressure body suit provides a portable and convenient system for, e.g., rehabilitating a skeletal joint injury or training the mammal for injury prevention or athletic performance.

Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating obesity comprising an inflatable balloon attached to an inner portion of a belt. The belt is wrapped around an individual's abdomen in the vicinity of the stomach. The balloon is inflated prior to consuming a meal and left in place for a certain period of time. The apparatus is then removed from the individual's abdomen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universally applicable orthosis such as a hip orthosis and includes a semi-rigid hip engaging unit that can be easily bent for attachment to a user's waist. A semi-rigid thigh support member is also easily bent for attachment to either the right or the left thigh of a user. A closure unit enables the user to provide a compressive force on the waist with a mechanical force advantage. The hinge unit extends between the hip engaging unit and the thigh unit to stabilize the limit of the extension and rotation of the thigh relative to the waist of the user. Although the waist engaging unit and the thigh support member are relatively flexible when they bend about the user, they are structured to become rigid to provide stable anchor points for the hinge unit.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a front part, a rear part, a crotch part extending between the front and rear part, and fasteners for fastening the side portions of the front and rear parts together in an overlapping relationship in order to give the absorbent article a pants-like configuration, the overlap between the side portions of the respective front and rear part being adjustable. At least one of the side portions of the front or rear parts have at least one tension indicator.

Abstract: A garment comprising a stretch fabric wherein the garment covers at least a part of the lower body of a wearer, has a crotch part, and is worn by being fitted to the wearer's body, wherein the garment in part has a first portion with a strong straining force; first portion with a strong straining force is a strong straining portion (A); right and left parts of the portion (A) are connected at a second position on the back side of the garment corresponding to any region from os sacrum to vertebrae lumbalis of the wearer's body; and the portion (A) covers a region extending from second position through tops of bulges of the buttocks or vicinities thereof approximately in the direction of muscle fibers of musculus gluteus maximus at right and left to at least the vicinity of trochanter major.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stabilizing a fractured pelvis in an emergency using a sling having a buckle designed to automatically lock the circumference of the sling at a tension level that has been predetermined to be effective for stabilizing a fractured pelvis without excessive or potentially damaging compression.

Abstract: A hernial truss securely and constantly applies pressure to the herniated abdominal area of the patient while minimizing the pain and skin irritations during use. The hernial truss is formed with a front member applied to the abdominal area of the patent, a rear member applied to the back of the patient, left and right waistbands attached to the front member, left and right crotch bands attached to the rear member, and a pressing pad attached to the inside of the front member. The front and rear members are fitted with the patient body by the waistbands and the crotch bands, and each crotch band connects the rear member and the front member through the bottom of the patient to press the pressing pad against the herniated abdominal area.

Abstract: An orthotic trauma device is provided including an elongated orthosis body adapted to be wrapped around a portion of a body, the orthosis body being formed of a pliant material be easily cut with cloth-cutting scissors; a detachable fastening device provided at distal ends of the elongated orthosis body to releasably secure the distal ends to one another; and means for adjusting the tightness of the orthosis body operatively associated with the detachable fastening device.

Abstract: A pelvic sling device is provided for reducing a fractured pelvis. The device includes a belt member and a buckle component that automatically locks at an optimal predetermined tension level to provide distributed hoop-like compression and reduction for a fractured pelvis.

Abstract: An wrapping system for wrapping an injured joint, the joint having recessed areas and prominent areas. The system includes at least one resilient section, the section having an adhesive portion and scored areas to allow separation of the resilient section into stackable sections adapted for nesting in the recessed areas of the injured joint, the stackable sections including an adhesive backing. An elastic wrapping strip, the wrapping strip having ends, each end having an adjustable securement mechanism for selectively securing the wrapping strip or strap over the injured joint.

Abstract: The present invention is a support bra for use by women after breast surgery. It is specifically designed to promote healing and reduce the chance of infection for women who have had a lumpectomy and are undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer. The bra, consisting of two elongated bodice panels attached to three shaped cup panels, features external seams for greater comfort against the skin. The design allows women with limited mobility to easily put the bra on independently.

Abstract: The invention is a postoperative binder and method of use. The binder is made of relatively inelastic material that is cut to fit the patient and held in place by a plurality of tails fastened with Velcro® binders. The present invention uses mechanical, rather than elastic, compression. Mechanical loads are carried over the iliac crest, by hooking the tails of the binder over the iliac crest and then bifurcating the tails for attachment to the abdominal portion of the binder. The present invention provides support of lower abdominal tissue, especially near the genitals and in the area of the peritoneum.