Abstract: A method of correcting parafunctional behavior of the mandibular complex by engaging in a vertical measurement of the mouth followed by stretching open the mouth even further at least once followed by inserting an anti-occluding device between the teeth and retaining it there for a pre-determined period of time then removing it and stretching the mouth wide open at least once. This method also may entail placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth [defined as the N-position] and keeping it there while opening and closing the mouth several times after which the mouth is opened to its maximum extent and then closed until the lips touch but the teeth do not touch. This position and the N-position are maintained for as long as possible and performed several times daily.

Abstract: An incubator for premature and newborn patients is provided with a heater (6), and a fresh air flow (13) fed in with oxygen metering, characterized in that the incubator has an electrically operated oxygen concentrator (12), and an oxygen sensor (5) for measuring the oxygen concentration in the incubator, wherein the oxygen metering device (7) meters the oxygen released by the oxygen concentrator (12) into the fresh air flow (13) fed into the incubator.

Abstract: A pelvis correction apparatus is disclosed, by which appropriate pelvis correction therapy is performed with application of sufficient pressing force at a predetermined angle to a patient by simple operation irrespective of therapist's skill. The apparatus includes a bed, pressing bars which moves from both sides of the bed toward a pelvis of the patient on the bed with a predetermined inclination angle, the pressing bars having pressing members on one ends, the pressing members brought into contact with the patient to convey pressing force to the pelvis, and a member for urging the movement of the pressing bars.

Abstract: A portable apparatus which allows a user to perform self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency between a pair of epidermal locations proximal to nerve conduction paths. The device provides a simple and low-cost self-diagnostic apparatus which may be used for the detection and ongoing monitoring of sensory latency, such as sensory latency which is the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. The apparatus is powered by a single battery which provides power to all circuitry of the apparatus. Upon power activation, the device generates a series of high voltage stimulus pulses at an electrode in epidermal contact with the user/operator. The nerve response voltage is detected by a second electrode located along nerve pathway and the time delay between stimulus and response is displayed and periodically updated as each new response is detected.

Abstract: An improved ventilator which delivers ventilatory support that is synchronized with the phase of the patent's respiratory efforts and guarantees a targeted minimum ventilation. Improved synchronization is achieved through an instantaneous respiratory phase determination process based upon measured respiratory airflow as well as measured respiratory effort using an effort sensor accessory, preferably a suprastemal notch sensor. The ventilator processes a respiratory airflow signal, a respiratory effort signal and their respective rates of change to determine a phase using standard fuzzy logic methods. A calculated pressure amplitude is adjusted based upon the calculated phase and a smooth pressure waveform template to deliver synchronized ventilation.

Abstract: An orthotic device for absorption of heel shock, treating edema and swelling and for lessening pain. It is comprised of an elastic sleeve adapted to fit over the foot and heel of a person. The sleeve includes a shock absorbing heel pad inside of the sleeve in a position to be disposed under the heel when the sleeve is worn around the heel. The sleeve is of elastomeric material providing compression to treat edema and swelling. The pad may be a polymeric plastisol material which can be cooled to provide cold therapy and positioned under the heel to provide cushioning and shock absorption.

Abstract: A thumb and wrist brace comprising, in combination, the brace having multiple elongated stiffeners with extents generally alongside the thumb, and strap means carried to wrap relative to the thumb and proximate the stiffener extents, whereby the main extent of the thumb is substantially immobilized by the stiffeners and strap means, at least one stiffener extending to a wrist zone of the brace.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube pressure monitoring system for an endotracheal tube having at least pressure sensor in communication with a major lumen of the endotracheal tube, and a pressure monitoring subsystem in operative communication with the pressure sensor. The system may also have at least one fluid pressure line in fluid communication with the major lumen and in operative communication with the pressure monitoring subsystem to monitor the pressure of fluid within each respective fluid pressure line, and a purging subsystem in fluid communication with the fluid pressure line. Each fluid pressure line that is in fluid communication with the purging subsystem being selectively purged by the purging subsystem when pressure monitoring subsystem determines the respective pressure line has become obstructed. Purging the fluid pressure line maintains the patency of the pressure line so that accurate pressure measurements within the endotracheal tube can be obtained for calculation of parameters in lung mechanics.

Abstract: An interactive pressure support system and method employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and an interactive system associated with the pressure generating system to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device. In a further embodiment, the operation of the pressure generating system is controlled based on the second information provided by the patient.

Abstract: A traction device for applying traction to a patient's leg while supporting the patient's foot to avoid foot drop and heel or lateral malleolar pressure ulcers. The device includes a body having forefoot and lower leg portions, a continuous cavity within the forefoot and lower leg portions, and an anterior opening sized to permit a patient's foot and lower leg to pass therethrough into the cavity. The body supports the patient's lower leg so that the patient's heel is suspended within the cavity. Elements adjustably close the anterior opening and traction straps are removably attached to lateral regions of the body and extend from the forefoot portion. The interior surface of the cavity provides a sufficiently high friction interface with the patient's lower leg to prevent sliding of the body on the lower leg when full traction loads are applied through the traction straps.

Abstract: Self-enclosing heat exchangers are made from stacked plates having raised peripheral flanges on one side of the plates and continuous peripheral ridges on the other side of the plates, so that when the plates are put together, fully enclosed alternating flow channels are provided between the plates. The plates have raised bosses defining fluid ports that line-up in the stacked plates to form manifolds for the flow of heat exchange fluids through alternate plates. Expanded metal turbulizers are located in the flow channels. The turbulizers have portions thereof crimped closed to control the flow inside the channels and prevent unwanted bypass flow.

Abstract: A hip orthosis includes a hip engaging unit that can be secured to the contours of a human hip. An appendant orthotic member is formed to extend diagonally about and to be fixed to a human appendage. A connector assembly, with a support plate with a curved configuration at an anchor location to permit adjustment, interconnects the hip engaging member and the appendant member and includes an articulated joint member to control flexion, extension, abduction and adduction. The joint members can include an adjustable linkage system extending across and connected to both sides of the articulated joint. A first link member can be adjusted in length to control the movement of the articulated joint.

Abstract: A medical device for overcoming upper airway obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine position, featuring a flat rectangular support base that attaches to the support frame perpendicularly, and a variation of lower jaw supports that attach to the support frame after encircling the patient's lower jaw.

Abstract: A medical device for overcoming upper airway obstruction when a patient is placed in supine position. A cradle receives the patient's head, and the patient's head rests on and is secured to the cradle. Specifically, the head rests upon a first portion. The weight of the head upon the first portion anchors the entire device. A second portion has an adjustable band that generates an upward pull on the patient's chin, thereby opening the patient's upper airway. The first and second portions are generally perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A planar wound dressing for the heel of the foot, having an adhesive layer with a backing layer, and three slits which can be reversibly closed and joined to form a non-planar wound dressing that conforms to and adheres to the heel of the foot. The wound dressing is constructed so that one slit is placed over the Achilles tendon, the second slit is placed over the inner ankle, and the third slit is placed over the outer ankle. With this orientation after closure of the slits the wound dressing covers the heel uniformly without wrinkles, gaps, leakage, contamination, or infection. The wound dressing is particularly useful in protecting and preventing blisters on the heel that occur in sports such as soccer, track, and the like.

Abstract: A portable campfire apparatus has a base, a fire pan supported by the base, a gas manifold disposed in the fire pan and a quantity of low-density, non-flammable particulate material in the fire pan at a depth to cover the manifold. The fire pan and the base are substantially the same shape and size. A cylindrical spacer can be interposed between the fire pan and the base, and a lid of geometry similar to the base and fire pan is disclosed and rests on an inwardly projecting shoulder on the rim of the fire pan. When upright, the upper rim is parallel to the ground, but when tipped over the rim is at an angle of no less than ninety degrees to the ground. Different shapes of the base and fire pan are taught, and different configurations of the manifold are shown.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to crystalline copolymers of l-lactide and a minor portion of a cyclic monomer, preferably ?-caprolactone or trimethylene carbonate or both. The present copolymers have a melting temperature of at least 150° C. and a crystallinity of at least 20%. Preferred are high molecular weight copolymers having an inherent viscosity of at least 1.1 dl/g. A variety of surgical constructs may be formed from the present copolymers. Disclosed are coated surgical constructs including sutures made of multifilament yarns of the present copolymers and coated with nitrogenous copolyesters which will bioabsorb in less than three years and will maintain at least 50% of their initial strength three weeks post-operatively.

Abstract: A patient interface gas delivery mask having a forehead and chin support system including a forehead support, a chin support, and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a mask, forehead support, and chin support. The forehead support includes a supporting arm which is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. Likewise the chin support is also adjustably mounted to the mask shell.

Abstract: An inhaler for holding a canister (2) of medicament. The canister (2) has a mount (26) secured thereto mounting an indication member (41) movable slidably from a first state to a second state. A ratchet arrangement (41a, 42) is provided between the mount (26) and the indication member (41) to make the movement irreversible. The inhaler has a catch (49) for moving the indication member from the first state to the second state on removal of the canister (2) from the inhaler. An electrical switch contact (48) detects the state of the indication member (41), thereby providing an indication of whether the canister (2) has been used before. An LCD display is controlled in response to the detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for generating a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP device), in particular a nasal CPAP device (nCPAP device), with a hollow body (10) in which an overpressure can be built up; with a first opening (20) provided in a first side wall of the hollow body (10) and used for introduction of a respiratory gas flow (A) directed into the hollow body (10) and for removal of the exhaled respiratory gas flow (B); and with an attachment piece (30) which can be fitted on the hollow body (10) in order to connect the hollow body (10) to a nosepiece and/or mouthpiece (100). A second opening (71) is provided in a second side wall of the hollow body (10) and is used for introduction of a medicament flow (M) directed into the hollow body (10).