Abstract: A dental appliance is provided. The dental appliance includes a dental form configured to receive a portion of a dental arch of an individual, and an adhesive strip comprising a first side and a second side. The first side of the adhesive strip is attached to a portion of the dental form. The second side of the adhesive strip comprises a mucoadhesive configured to adhere the adhesive strip to a tongue of the individual such that the tongue of the individual can be selectively attached to the dental appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental appliance composed of a thermo-plastic polymer with low compressibility, high toughness, and high tensile strength, with a low softening point. The appliance has perforations that enable it to be easily custom-fitted by the user or a health professional. The appliance begins as a generally U-shaped, unformed dental tray that is significantly thinner than existing dental appliances. Once fitted, the dental appliance provides superior protection against damage to the enamel of the teeth and abrasion of the teeth due to bruxism or other mechanism leading to biomechanical wear of dental surfaces. The perforations facilitate the custom-fitting process by allowing the user to suck air through the perforations, thus applying a negative pressure between the material and the teeth while the material is still soft and pliable.

Abstract: Polymeric articles, such as condoms or gloves, including a decoration, are described. The polymeric article includes at least two polymeric layers, and a decoration. The decoration is at least one of a polymeric film, a decal or a temporary tattoo disposed between the at least two polymeric layers. Methods for manufacturing polymeric articles including a decoration are also described.

Abstract: A condom comprises, on one or more surfaces thereof, a self-lubricating coating comprising a dry powder having a particle size of 300 microns or less. The self-lubricating coating becomes lubricious when the coating comes into contact with a liquid environment. A method of making a self-lubricating condom comprises providing a dry condom and coating said condom, on one or more surfaces thereof, with a self-lubricating coating comprising a dry powder. The invention also provides the use of a dry powder such as xanthan gum to provide a self-lubricating coating for a condom.

Abstract: An extremity stabilization apparatus and methods for supporting and immobilizing an extremity during venous access. One example of an apparatus includes a cuff having a top surface structured for receiving a limb of a patient, the cuff having a front end and a back end. The surface of the cuff may be c-shaped such that the cuff partially surrounds the extremity received in the cuff. The apparatus further includes a handle having a grip for receiving the hand of a patient, the grip arranged offset from the front end of the cuff, and an assembly coupled to the cuff, the assembly movable between at least a first position and a second position to change the position of the top surface of the cuff, each of the first position and second positions corresponding to a different angle of the top surface of the cuff.

Abstract: A mandible support device comprising a structural member comprising a support component and an adhesive component. The support component is configured to extend from the head or face above the mandible to the region of the gonial angle. The adhesive component is configured such that the structural member can be temporarily attached to the skin.

Abstract: Shear-reduction cushioning devices are provided for the prevention of shear related wounds. Cushioning devices include upper and lower cushioning layers that contact each other through at least one internal shear reduction layer provided between the cushioning layers and extending over a shear reduction region, such that dynamic relative translation of the two cushioning layers is permitted within the shear reduction region while absorbing friction and shear internally. The interface between the cushioning layers (where the shear reduction layer is provided) may be angled relative to an external surface of the cushioning device. The cushioning layers may be attached or attachable to one another beyond the shear reduction region, to limit an amount of relative translation of the cushioning layers and to re-center or reset the cushioning layers after use.

Abstract: A mask is provided that can inactivate viruses adhering thereto even in the presence of lipids and proteins regardless of whether or not the viruses have an envelope. The mask can inactivate viruses adhering thereto and includes a mask body provided with a member used when the mask is worn and virus inactivating fine particles having a virus inactivating ability and held by the mask body. The virus inactivating fine particles are particles of at least one selected from the group consisting of platinum(II) iodide, palladium(II) iodide, silver(I) iodide, copper(I) iodide, and copper(I) thiocyanate.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods described herein reduce the risk of surgical fires for patients receiving supplemental oxygen. Airflow with elevated concentrations of oxygen is drawn away from a surgical field when the tubing is fluidly connected to a suction source. Tubing may be strategically positioned at locations presenting risk of oxygen gas buildup, such as the nasofacial sulcus or bucco-facial sulcus. Apertures are present in the turbine wall to draw airflow away from the surgical field and into the tubing. Various embodiments are contemplated in which the tubing is used with a surgical mask or a surgical drape, and a method of use is provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for improved breathing is provided. The apparatus may include an improved oral appliance, an improved mask, an improved coupler to couple an oral appliance to a mask, and/or a combination of these improvements.

Abstract: Closure devices that may be used for various articles, such as braces, medical devices, shoes, clothing, apparel, and the like. The closure devices may include a tightening mechanism that may function as a handle that allows an individual to wrap an article around body part, couple the article about the body part, and then tension or tighten the article using a single hand.

Abstract: An exoskeleton (100) adapted to be coupled to a lower extremity of a person includes a thigh link (102), a shank link (104) and a knee joint (106) allowing flexion and extension between the thigh and shank links (102, 104). A torque generator (156) connected to the knee joint (106) includes a wrap spring (110) having a first end (112) coupled to the thigh link (102), and a second end (118) coupled to an electric actuator (116) capable of selectively positioning the second end (118) of the wrap spring (110). A controller (120) causes the electric actuator (116) to position the wrap spring (110) to provide a selective torque between the thigh and shank links (102, 104) based on a signal (212, 214, 216) produced by a sensor (164, 166, 168).

Abstract: A filter mask for filtering air inhaled and exhaled from the mouth and nostrils while providing a secure fit and comfort to the wearer is provided. The filter mask has upper and lower edges which are provided with at least one malleable stiffener for conforming to the shape of the wearer's nose and cheek area and/or the lower jaw and chin area. In some embodiments, the filter masks further comprises a malleable stiffening member configured to conform the filter material to at least a chin portion and a jaw portion of the face. In some embodiments, the malleable stiffener can have a bend portion, which allows the wearer of the mask to know which part, center and side of the mask is to be properly placed on the nose and cheek area. The masks provide excellent filtration and provide a secure and comfortable fit to the wearer.

Abstract: The present description provides an earplug. One exemplary earplug described herein includes a stem and a sound attenuating body attached to the stem. The sound attenuating body includes a leading end, a base end, a tip region positioned rearward of the leading end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the leading end and the base end. An array of cavities is positioned within the tip region and spaced around the longitudinal axis and provides a collapsible volume.

Abstract: A composite flavored mouthguard comprising a mouthguard base including a first material; an elastomeric frame including a second material; and a liner including a third material, wherein at least one of the first material, the second material, or the third material includes a flavorant and at least one of the first material, the second material, or the third material independently includes a flavorant that provides sweetness.

Abstract: A surgical incise drape of the invention comprises: an essentially transparent or translucent extensible film having opposite first and second major surfaces and opposite first and second side edges; a pressure-sensitive adhesive adhered to at least a major portion of the first major surface of the extensible film; an extensible carrier removably adhered to the second major surface of the extensible film and extending past the first and second side edges of the extensible film to provide gripping portions for facilitating wrinkle-free application of the drape to a patient; and, optionally, a release liner adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive opposite the extensible film. Methods of applying such surgical incise drapes to a surgical site on a patient's body are also disclosed.

Abstract: A strapping system for retaining a rigid support member of an orthopedic brace in a desired utilitarian position on a body of a wearer is provided which includes a strap having a first strap end, a second strap end and an intermediate strap point between the strap ends. The strap is operatively configured to follow a strap path having a first connection point, a second connection point and a third connection point sequentially positioned on the support member. The first strap end is attached to the first connection point and the strap extends from the first connection point around the body of the wearer to the second connection point where the intermediate strap point is attached thereto. The strap is redirected at the second connection point in an opposing direction and extends back around the body of the wearer to the third connection point where the second strap end is attached thereto.

Abstract: An intraoral device is disclosed. The device includes a curved portion configured to extend along a user's teeth, and first and second back portions connected to the curved portion. In addition, the device includes a plurality of projections extending from each of the first and second back portions, where the projections are positioned such that, when in the user's mouth, the projections are between upper and lower teeth of the user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for improved breathing is provided. The apparatus may include an improved oral appliance, an improved mask, an improved coupler to couple an oral appliance to a mask, and/or a combination of these improvements.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for improved breathing is provided. The apparatus may include an improved oral appliance, an improved mask, an improved coupler to couple an oral appliance to a mask, and/or a combination of these improvements.