Abstract: A method for external ear canal pressure regulation to alleviate one or more symptoms associated with a disorder or treat one or more disorders, the method including providing a fluid transfer device which generates a fluid flow of a fluid through an earplug, the earplug having an earplug external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal wall as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure; sealably engaging the earplug of the fluid transfer device with the external ear canal wall as the barrier between the external ear canal pressure and the ambient pressure; and operating the fluid transfer device to generate the fluid flow of the fluid through the earplug to achieve an external ear canal pressure differential between the external ear canal pressure and the ambient pressure effective to alleviate a disorder symptom or treat a disorder.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has an elongate, tubular body defining a patella opening located generally at a center portion of the tubular body. A patella buttress including a buttress pocket is located on the tubular body and about the patella opening. The buttress pocket has various stretchability characteristics relative to the tubular body. A buttress element is associated with the buttress pocket.

Abstract: A wearable posture enhancement device triggers muscles in the body to act to enhance posture of the body. The posture enhancement device is not a brace and does not apply any forces to the body sufficient to force the body to move to any position or hold any position. The posture enhancement device includes a torso strap, arm straps, and a posture signaling panel. The torso strap is configured to hold the posture enhancement device to a human body at a first pressure level. The posture signaling panel extends from a front of the torso strap to a back of the torso strap. The posture signaling panel is configured to provide a second pressure level to the human body, and the second pressure level signals muscles to correct posture of the human body. The second pressure level is less than the first pressure level.

Abstract: An intrauterine contraceptive device may include a frame made completely or partially of a first metal having a first galvanic potential and at least one metallic member coupled with the frame that is made of a second metal having a second galvanic potential different from the first galvanic potential. In some embodiments, the first galvanic potential may be more anodic than the second galvanic potential. In alternative embodiments, the first galvanic potential may be more cathodic than the second galvanic potential. In one embodiment, the first metal is Nitinol, and the second metal is copper. In some embodiments, the first and second galvanic potentials may be configured to achieve, at least approximately, a desired copper ion elution rate for the intrauterine device.

Abstract: A sanitary mouth shield assembly including a headset with multiple locations of adjustability, both linear and rotational, in order to accommodate a variety of head sizes. A pair of side portions support therebetween a bridging and arcuate extending, length adjustable band. A shield sub-assembly is supported by the headset and includes elongated and arcuate side supports which are rotatably and adjustably secured at first ends to exterior side locations of the side supports. The shield sub-assembly is rotatably supported to extending ends of the sides supports and in turn exhibits a combination arcuate and planar shape. A base component of the shield subassembly includes a pair of end supported clips. A fibrous filter element is sandwiched between an inner surface of the base component and an attachable retaining component, the retaining component including lateral projections which seat within the clips to secure the subassembly in place.