Abstract: An adapter for use with a tattoo machine is disclosed. The adapter may enable a tattoo machine configured with a wireless battery pack to switch to a wired configuration by removing the wireless battery pack and replacing it with the adapter. One end of the adapter may be affixed to a portion of the tattoo machine so that the adapter may deliver power to the componentry of the tattoo machine to facilitate the operation of the tattoo machine. The other end of the adapter may include a connector for enabling connection of the adapter to a power supply or power source so that power may be delivered from the power supply or power source through the adapter and to the tattoo machine. When the tattoo machine is powered, the motor of the tattoo machine may reciprocate a needle included in a needle cartridge affixed to the tattoo machine.

Abstract: A unit for supplying ink to the needles of a tattooing device includes a handling unit, in which the following can be found: a grip; a removable tip provided at one end with one or more tattooing needles; a coupling element configured to connect the grip and the tip to each other; a driver operatively associated with the grip to move the needles by imparting a reciprocating rectilinear motion to them; one or more tanks for containing the ink, operatively associated with the handling unit. The ink supply unit includes an air movement unit driven by the driver and mechanically connected to the handling unit. The air movement unit is configured to push the air moved by the driver toward the tank, the tank for containing the ink communicating with the air movement unit by a valve. Once conveyed into the tank by the valve, the air forces the ink to be dispensed from the tank onto the needles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum treatment array having at least one open-pored contact element, by way of which a negative pressure and/or suction can be generated in a body cavity, wherein the open-pored contact element is configured, at least in sections, in the manner of a tube, having an outer and/or inner boundary surface rotating around a tube axis, at least in part.

Abstract: Transdermal microneedles continuous monitoring system is provided. The continuous system monitoring includes a substrate, a microneedle unit, a signal processing unit and a power supply unit. The microneedle unit at least comprises a first microneedle set used as a working electrode and a second microneedle set used as a reference electrode, the first and second microneedle sets arranging on the substrate. Each microneedle set comprises at least a microneedle. The first microneedle set comprises at least a sheet having a through hole on which a barbule forms at the edge. One of the sheets provides the through hole from which the barbules at the edge of the other sheets go through, and the barbules are disposed separately.

Abstract: A tattoo machine apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a grip adjuster, a grip guide, and a ratchet disc. The components are arranged so that the grip adjuster houses a cartridge receiver and allows for needle depth adjustment while the grip guide ensures that the needle cartridge maintains its orientation and accepts the ratchet disc which provides positive stop adjustment and prevents unwanted rotation and thus accidental adjustment of the needle depth. In use, a backstem portion of a tattoo machine grip is inserted into the receiving portion of a tattoo machine. The tattoo machine is tightened down onto the backstem of the tattoo machine grip and holds it in place.

Abstract: A microneedle for intradermal injection or diagnostics, constructed as a protrusion above a substrate and whose shape is defined by a pair of vertical side surfaces, configured to be symmetrical about a vertical plane of symmetry and to meet along a vertical leading edge, and by an inclined surface, intersecting the side surfaces, the microneedle also including a vertical bore, located centrally between the two side surfaces and substantially near the leading edge, wherein each of the side surfaces is divided, sequentially along the front-to-back direction, into at least two contiguous planar segments, forming pairs of corresponding segments along the respective side surfaces; each pair of corresponding segments mutually form an acute angle, the angle being between 40 and 70 degrees for the pair of segments adjacent the leading edge and less than 35 degrees for the pair of segments farthest from the leading edge and wherein the leading edge is formed so that its profile includes an arc, joined to the side su

Abstract: Accessory structure for a tattoo machine, comprising supplier means (10) and/or means (8) for supplying and/or ejecting a detergent liquid (11) with a nozzle (9) applied using holding means (6) near the colouring needles (4) with reciprocating motion or provided terminating therein, said supplier means (10) and/or ejector means (8) being supplied by a detergent liquid reservoir (13) and pumping means (16, 17, 18) actuated by the operator.

Abstract: A device to stimulate a scalp comprises an array of stimulating elements, the stimulating elements arranged along a circumference of at least one wheel, the wheel adapted to roll over the scalp. A method of treating/preventing a hair-condition comprises: subjecting the scalp to at least 200 distinct electrode-scalp contact events during a time-interval of at most one minute and dividable into 5 non-overlapping equal-duration sub-intervals covering the time-interval, method performed such that i. for at least a majority of the electrode-scalp contact events, no electrode of the event enters into the dermis; ii. a duration of each electrode contact event is at most 100 milliseconds; and iii. for each electrode contact event, an electrical current flows between the electrode and the scalp so as to deposit electrode-released ions of a first metal or of a second metal on the scalp, thereby forming a respective metal-ion-deposition island on the user's scalp.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible and conformal wearable, self-contained medical device. The medical device comprises an integral housing formed by a flexible upper portion and a flexible lower portion joined along their perimeters. The medical device is also provided in a plurality of shapes and configurations for increasing the flexibility and conformability of the housing. The components contained within the housing, such as a drug reservoir, printed circuit board, and power supply are preferably constructed from flexible materials and are formed, connected and positioned according to the configuration of the housing in a manner for enhancing flexibility of the housing. A thermal bubble micropump is provided for controlling flow of a drug from the flexible reservoir, that utilizes a thermal resistor provided locally to a thermal expansion fluid that causes a surrounding membrane to expand and displace a volume of drug to be provided to the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of an actuating device for actuating a needle cartridge and puncturing an epidermis with controlled depth. The actuating device includes a motor housed in a motor housing, an actuating rod driven by the motor and configured to actuate in a reciprocating motion, and an adjustment mechanism. The actuating rod is housed in a rod housing, the rod housing forming a device aperture configured to receive a needle cartridge and to attach to the needle cartridge. The adjustment mechanism interfaces with the rod housing and is configured to adjust a position of the rod housing relative to the motor housing while not rotating the rod housing relative to the motor housing.

Abstract: A tattoo needle has a paddle secured at a point adjacent the distal end of the needle and a swivel secured to the proximal end of the needle. A stationary eyelet is secured to end of the swivel opposite the needle. A sleeve slides over the barrel, which rotates. The barrel retains the paddle of the needle, thus restricting rotating motion of the needle when the barrel is rotated.

Abstract: A computer program product comprises a non-transitory computer readable storage that has a computer readable program stored thereon. When executed on a computer, the computer readable program causes the computer to generate, with a processor, a graphical user interface that provides audiovisual content associated with a three-step skincare treatment process. In particular, the first step of the three-step skincare treatment process performs, with a derma roller, a plurality of movements along an area of intended rejuvenation of a human user. A second step of the three-step skincare treatment process applies, subsequent to the derma roller performance, a chemical compound to one or more patches of skin at the area of intended rejuvenation. Finally, a third step of the three-step skincare treatment process emits, subsequent to the application of the chemical compound, light toward the area of intended rejuvenation. The three-step process may be customized to a user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tattoo machine grip apparatus. The apparatus comprises a grip adjuster, a cartridge receiver, a ratchet disc, and a combined grip guide and backstem. The components are arranged so that the grip adjuster houses the cartridge receiver and allows for the needle depth adjustment while the grip guide ensures that the needle cartridge remains upright and houses the ratchet disc which provides adjustment feedback and prevents unwanted turning and accidental adjustment of the grip. In use, the backstem portion of a tattoo machine grip is inserted into the receiving portion of a tattoo machine. The tattoo machine is tightened down onto the backstem of the tattoo machine grip and holds it in place.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus include a needle cartridge configured to attach to and interface with an actuating device. The needle cartridge includes a housing, a needle group assembly, and a fluid port. The housing forms a cavity and includes a first aperture and a second aperture opposite the first aperture. The needle group assembly includes a needle and a needle holder. The needle group assembly is configured to move in a reciprocating motion relative to the housing along an axis from the first aperture to the second aperture. During the reciprocating motion, the needle fully retracts into the cavity through the first aperture. The fluid port is integrated with the housing and includes a hollow projection forming a conduit and extending away from the housing. The fluid port includes a third aperture, wherein the fluid port is configured to interface with a fluid delivery system.

Abstract: An improved tattooing needle assembly and support assembly for the needle assembly are provided. The needle assembly includes a needle component extending through a main case into an aperture assembly. The needle component is configured to reciprocate between a stowed configuration, in which a tip of the needle component is positioned within the aperture assembly, and a deployed configuration, in which the tip extends beyond the aperture assembly. A tattooing machine causes the needle component to move to the deployed configuration while opposed magnets bias the needle component back towards the stowed configuration. Using a needle protection sleeve, the needle assembly can be removed from and/or installed onto a tattooing machine without requiring a user to come into direct contact with the needle assembly. By securing the needle protection sleeve to a support assembly, the removal and/or installation of the needle assembly becomes a one-hand operation.

Abstract: A device can be used for delivering a dose of a vaccine, a medicine, a medication, a drug, or a prescription. For example, this document describes a wearable vaccination device that plays an audible sound or a musical tune for distracting or entertaining a patient while an intradermal vaccine is delivered via the patient's skin. A control portion of the wearable vaccination device includes a processing unit, a rhythm producer that produces audible sounds to distract or entertain the patient, and an injection module that provides an intradermal injection using one or more microneedles.

Abstract: The combination microarray patch for drug delivery and electrochemotherapy device is a medical device for delivering two separate pharmaceutical preparations to a patient, as well as providing electrostimulation for electroactive pharmaceuticals. A first pharmaceutical preparation is manually delivered into the patient through a first set of drug delivery needles. Similarly, a second pharmaceutical preparation is manually delivered into a patient through a second set of drug delivery needles. A desired electrical potential may then be selectively applied across first and second sets of electrotherapy needles for electroporation to facilitate delivery of the pharmaceutical preparations. The second pharmaceutical preparation may be a conjugate of the first for targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting pigment into the skin comprising a roller head unit comprising 2 or more distal arms; a rotatable structure comprising needles extending therefrom, attached to said roller head unit between said distal arms; a tubular member attached to the proximal end of said roller head unit; an elastic element placed within the distal portion of the inner lumen of said tubular member; a pin placed within said tubular member proximal to said elastic element.

Abstract: A tattoo machine for oscillating a tattoo needle includes a main housing and a motor secured to the main housing. A needle bar member is movably secured to the main housing for linear oscillation relative thereto. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to an output shaft of the motor and to the needle bar member for translating rotary movement of the output shaft into linear oscillation of the needle bar member.

Abstract: This device is a compressible chamber designed to inject a liquid medication through a plurality of needles. It is a self-contained, rapidly deployed device that replaces a classic syringe. It consists of a shallow chamber that is closed on one end and sealed on the other with a sliding elastomeric seal. A rigid ring slides up into the chamber that has multiple small double-ended needles mounted through the periphery of the ring perpendicularly so as to be able to perforate the seal of the chamber with the proximal end and simultaneously penetrate the subcutaneous tissues with the distal end thus allowing medication to flow from the chamber into the tissues when pressure is applied to the top of the chamber. The needles are also imbedded in, or juxtapose to a ring of compressible dye-containing material that serves to conceal the needles and provide demarcation of the area injected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for a chemical applicator used applying chemicals to living organism's internal tissue, including the internal tissue of plants and animals, for organisms which reside on or in mediums such as land, air or water. The device of the present invention is predicated, in part, on the piercing elements being engageable with the chemical reservoir in order to effect the coating of the piercing elements with the chemical. Once coated, these piercing elements are then used to pierce the living organism's tissue such as plant tissue to deliver the chemical.

Abstract: A transdermal patch that can easily deliver a controlled volume of a fluidic drug compound to skin is provided. More particularly, the patch contains a microneedle assembly that is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a drug delivery assembly. The microneedle assembly contains a support and a plurality of microneedles that extend outwardly from the support. The microneedles are formed with one or more channels of a certain dimension such that passive capillary flow drives a flow of the drug compound. The drug delivery assembly contains a reservoir for the drug compound that is in fluid communication with a rate control membrane that helps control a flow rate of the drug compound by modulating a pressure of the drug compound, downstream from the reservoir. A release member is also positioned adjacent to the microneedle and drug delivery assemblies. Prior to use, the release member acts as a barrier to the flow of the drug compound and thus inhibits premature leakage.

Abstract: A kit for forming a bioerodible composition is provided with a first aliquot portion of a reaction mixture having an aldehydic polymer solution, and a second aliquot portion of a reaction mixture having solids which include a cross-linking hydrazide. When mixed, the first and second aliquot portions of the reaction mixture react at a pH of 4 to 6 to form a solidified bioerodible composition within about 1 to about 10 minutes, to form a hydrazide cross-linked aldehydic polymer matrix. The bioerodable composition may be usefully employed to seal and/or treat wounds (e.g., a surgical incision).

Abstract: The present invention is an electrophysiology, RF ablation, or similar catheter (i.e., catheter or sheath) that includes an actuator that significantly increases the length of travel (i.e., steering travel) of the actuation wires, as compared to the length of travel provided by prior art actuators. The catheter includes a hollow flexible tubular body, a pair of actuation wires disposed in a side-by-side relationship in the body, a handle attached to a proximal end of the body, an actuator pivotally mounted to the handle, an arcuate internal gear rack disposed on the actuator, one or more pulleys pivotally mounted on the handle and coaxially coupled to a pinion gear engaged with the gear rack, and a guide block mounted within the handle. The one or more pulleys include a first channel in which the first actuation wire resides and a second channel in which the second actuation wire resides. The actuation wires pass through holes in the guide block, which aligns the wires into their respective channels.

Abstract: An array for placement on the skin of a human or animal patient for the purpose of the transdermal application of pharmaceuticals, toxins or active agents, having microneedles that are situated on a carrier substrate, the microneedles having a preset breaking point in the area of the transition to the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A contrast medium injection management apparatus includes a measuring unit which repeatedly measures the injection amount of contrast medium injected from at least one contrast medium injection device into a subject to be examined, a cumulative injection amount calculating unit which repeatedly calculates a cumulative injection amount at the start of examination or after an arbitrary point of time from the injection amount, and a display unit which displays the cumulative injection amount.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma and a drug delivery device for pneumostoma care. The drug delivery device may be used to introduce therapeutic agents into the pneumostoma for direct treatment of the pneumostoma, treatment of the lung by way of collateral ventilation, and/or treatment of non-lung tissues by diffusion into the bloodstream. The drug delivery device includes a therapeutic agent dispenser for supplying a therapeutic agent and a propellant at positive pressure, an outlet and a connector for correctly positioning the outlet relative to a pneumostoma management device. The drug delivery device includes a self-centering and self-sealing connector for engaging the pneumostoma management device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to inject an implant (6) into tissues (50). The inventive device is characterized in that it comprises: a main hollow body (2; 2?) having a hollow needle (4; 4?) fixed thereto, into which the implant (6) is introduced; a secondary body (26; 26?) which is disposed coaxially inside the main body (2; 2?) and which surrounds the needle (4; 4?); and a plunger rod (36; 36?) which can slide coaxially inside the hollow needle (4; 4?).

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma and a drug delivery device for pneumostoma care. The drug delivery device may be used to introduce therapeutic agents into the pneumostoma for direct treatment of the pneumostoma, treatment of the lung by way of collateral ventilation, and/or treatment of non-lung tissues by diffusion into the bloodstream. The drug delivery device includes a therapeutic agent dispenser for supplying a therapeutic agent and a propellant at positive pressure, an outlet and a connector for correctly positioning the outlet relative to a pneumostoma management device. The drug delivery device includes a self-centering and self-sealing connector for engaging the pneumostoma management device.

Abstract: An epicutaneous test plaster, which is intended for removable adhesion to a skin portion of a person subjected to testing, has a flexible carrier (10) with a medical adhesive layer (12) and a number of test chambers (31). The test chambers contain a filter element (17) for absorption of allergen and are oriented with their opening directed away from the flexible carrier (10). A removable cover layer (27, 32) extends over all the test chambers and the carrier (10) and is removably secured to them by means of the adhesive layer (12) of the carrier. According to the invention, the test chambers (31) are formed as separate chambers, which are each separately fixed to the carrier and which are made up of a number of different sub-layers (13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26).

Abstract: An abrasion device and method for delivery of substances into the skin using a microabrader for delivering a substance into the skin are disclosed. An abrasion device with a cover is also disclosed. Such devices and methods can be effectively used to deliver bioactive substances into skin.

Abstract: Skin patches (20) having a microprojection array (10), a reservoir (18) containing an antigenic agent and an immune response augmenting adjuvant, and methods of using same to vaccinate animals (e.g., humans) is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the microprojection arrays (10) are composed of a photoetched and micro-punched titanium foil (14). The microprojections (12) are coated with a liquid formulation containing a vaccine antigen and an adjuvant such as glucosaminyl muramyl dipeptide, dried, and applied to skin of the animal to be vaccinated using an impact applicator. The microprojections (12) create superficial pathways through the stratum corneum to facilitate permeation of antigenic agent and adjuvant. Antigen dose and depth of penetration can be controlled. This technology has broad applicability for a wide variety of therapeutic vaccines to improve efficacy, and convenience of use.

Abstract: A device for treatment of venous congestion provides for subcutaneous introduction of anticoagulant through an incision positioned within a collection shell for withdrawal of an effused material. A widened delivery tip provides dispersal of the anticoagulant and may be agitated to disrupt clot formation.

Abstract: A replaceable cartridge for use in a minimally invasive allergy testing system includes a microneedle array; encapsulated allergens, and packaging to hold the array in alignment with the allergens. A method of manufacturing a replaceable cartridge is disclosed. A formable layer is placed on a mold having cavities and vacuum lines coupled to the cavities. Heat is applied to the formable layer and a negative pressure is applied to the vacuum lines to wrap the cavities with the formable layer. The wrapped cavities are filled with allergens. The filled cavities are covered with a plastic cover to form an encapsulated allergen assembly. A removable seal is applied over the plastic cover. A microneedle array having a substrate and at least one microneedle is formed. An energy storage device is coupled to the substrate to form a microneedle array assembly. The encapsulated allergen assembly is coupled with the microneedle array assembly.

Abstract: An assembly according to the present invention includes a tattoo machine, a grip attached to the tattoo machine, and a light assembly inside the grip utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs). The assembly further includes a power supply, a power cord for connecting the tattoo machine to the power supply, and two alligator clips conductively connected to the power cord or tattoo machine which transmit power to the light assembly via wires extending from the light assembly to the alligator clips.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering or withdrawing a fluid through at least one layer of the skin is provided. A device includes a body having a top face, a bottom face, a side edge and at least one channel. The bottom face includes a first surface area and a second surface area adjacent to and recessed at a first distance from the first surface area. The bottom face further includes at least one raised protrusion disposed on the second surface area. The protrusion has a height from the first surface greater than the first distance. At least one dermal-access member is provided in the protrusion and is in fluid communication with the channel to deliver or withdraw the fluid. The dermal-access member extends at least 1 mm from the protrusion. A mechanism drives the device against the skin at a calculated speed of about 6 m/s to about 18 m/s.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device used to prevent the cross-contamination of patients or injectors in which various components placed on the injector minimize or eliminate back splash contamination of the injector.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of microneedles for abrading the stratum corneum of the skin to form a plurality of grooves in the tissue having a controlled depth and width. The microneedles have a length of about 5-250 microns and generally about 5-200 microns. The device is rubbed over the skin to prepare an abraded site after which a transdermal delivery or sampling device is applied to the abraded delivery site. The abrasion increases the permeability of the skin and the rate of delivery and extraction of a substance without pain or irritation to the patient.

Abstract: An agent delivery or sampling device (2) comprising a member (6) having a plurality of blades (4) for piercing the skin and a connecting medium (65) covering at least a part of the skin contacting side (48) of the member (6) for increasing transdermal flux of an agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering or withdrawing a fluid through at least one layer of the skin is provided. A device includes a body having a top face, a bottom face, a side edge and at least one channel. The bottom face includes a first surface area and a second surface area adjacent to and recessed at a first distance from the first surface area. The bottom face further includes at least one raised protrusion disposed on the second surface area. The protrusion has a height from the first surface greater than the first distance. At least one dermal-access member is provided in the protrusion and is in fluid communication with the channel to deliver or withdraw the fluid. The dermal-access member extends at least 1 mm from the protrusion. A mechanism drives the device against the skin at a calculated speed of about 6 m/s to about 18 m/s.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for treating biological tissue. The treatment comprise implanting a scaffold implant device into in combination with a therapeutic material such as cells, tissue or cell components. The scaffold device serves to hold the therapeutic material at the treatment site, protecting it from being squeezed out by surrounding tissue. Additionally the scaffold device is believed to trigger an injury response that leads to angiogenesis in the tissue, which provides blood flow and nutrients to the associated therapeutic material to sustain it for a therapeutically effective amount of time. The devices may also be implanted at a tissue site already treated with a therapeutic material to initiate angiogenesis at the treatment site to sustain the material. The devices and methods also may be used to treat tumors with a necrosis factor.

Abstract: An abrader device for delivering a substance into skin via an abrasion process includes a housing adapted to be pressed against the skin at a desired delivery site, an applicator head disposed in an upper opening of the housing and movable across a lower opening of the housing to abrade the delivery site in at least one furrow, and an abrader surface attached to the applicator head whereby the housing remains firm and stationary at the delivery site and structure of the housing and the applicator head controls parameters of the abrasion process. In particular, the amount of force or pressure applied to the abrader surface, the speed at which the abrader surface moves across the skin and the number of lateral passes of the abrader surface across the skin are controlled so that the abrader device provides a furrow with a length of substantially the same depth thereby providing reproducible results, even though different technicians are applying the abrader device against a patient's skin.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering or withdrawing a fluid through at least one layer of the skin is provided. A device includes a body having a top face, a bottom face, a side edge and at least one channel. The bottom face includes a first surface area and a second surface area adjacent to and recessed at a first distance from the first surface area. The bottom face further includes at least one raised protrusion disposed on the second surface area. The protrusion has a height from the first surface greater than the first distance. At least one dermal-access member is provided in the protrusion and is in fluid communication with the channel to deliver or withdraw the fluid. The dermal-access member extends at least 1 mm from the protrusion. A mechanism drives the device against the skin at a calculated speed of about 6 m/s to about 18 m/s.

Abstract: A transdermal delivery device includes a plurality of microneedles for injecting a substance such as a pharmaceutical agent into or below the stratum corneum of the skin. The device has housing formed from a top and bottom wall to define a chamber for containing a pharmaceutical agent. An inlet port is provided in the top wall of the housing for supplying the pharmaceutical agent to the chamber and directing the agent to the microneedles. The housing can have a Luer lock type fitting for coupling with a syringe having a Luer lock collar to inject the pharmaceutical agent into the housing. The housing can be divided into a plurality of chambers by an internal wall for supplying different agents simultaneously or sequentially to a patient. The microneedles have a length of about 5-250 microns and generally about 50-100 microns.

Abstract: A device for treatment of venous congestion provides for subcutaneous introduction of anticoagulant through an incision positioned within a collection shell for withdrawal of an effused material. A widened delivery tip provides dispersal of the anticoagulant and may be agitated to disrupt clot formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generation of a protective sleeve against infections for a percutaneous lead through human or animal skin. The percutaneous lead (1) includes an extrusion port (7). When the lead extends through a body (3) of a patient, a pump (9) in operative connection with the lead is operative to move biocompatible liquid polymer material from a reservoir (10) through the extrusion port. As the polymer material comes in contact with body tissues of the patient it forms a protective sleeve against infections (5). The protective sleeve must be periodically clipped as it continuously or intermittently grows in an upward direction (6) outside of the body. The continual formation of the protective sleeve prevents the formation of a biofilm on the percutaneous lead that can cause the body tissue to separate from the percutaneous lead.

Abstract: Device for withdrawing Blood for Diagnostic Purposes. A lancet holder (8) for holding a lancet (7) and a lancet drive (12) having a loadable elastic drive spring (15) are provided within an elongated housing (2). The relaxing motion of the drive spring (15) is converted into a puncturing motion, after release of a locking device, to move the lancet (7), held by the lancet holder (8), at high speed in the puncturing direction until its tip exists out of an exit opening (5) of the housing (2). An improved handling and simultaneous minimization of pain is achieved by providing a two-sided rotary/translatory transmission (25) in the housing (2), wherein a) the input side (24) of the rotary/translatory transmission (25) transforms the motion of a loading button (17), protruding out of the rear end (16) of the housing.

Abstract: A device (3) comprising a sheet member (6) having a plurality of microprotrusions (4) for penetrating the skin and a rigid support (15) contacting and extending across the sheet member (6) for transmitting an applied force evenly across the length and width of the sheet member (6) to reproducibly and reliably penetrate the skin with the microprotrusions (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of tissue comprises a wound dressing (10) which has a porous layer (11) for contacting a wound site and a lumen tube (20) which includes at least first and second conduits (22,23). A proximal end (21) of the lumen tube is installed into the porous layer of the wound dressing and at least one distal end (40) of the tube provides a first coupling means (35) for coupling the first conduit to a source of vacuum supply and a second coupling means (43) which couples the second conduit to a source of treatment fluid which is beneficial to wound healing. The first and second conduits provide fluid communication between the porous layer (11) and the first and second coupling means.

Abstract: Essentially inelastic backing material for medical purposes, characterized in that the backing material has an addition of high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having an ultimate tensile stress strength of at least 60 cN/tex, preferably from 80 to 500 cN/tex, the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having a water absorption of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and, with particular preference, less than 3% and the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or threads giving the backing material an ultimate stress strength of at least 50 N/cm, preferably from 60 to 450 N/cm and, with particular preference, from 65 to 250 N/cm, and in that the backing material is coated at least partially on at least one side with a hotmelt adhesive composition.