Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode arrangement (1) for generating a non-thermal plasma, comprising: a layer-shaped first electrode (2) made of an electrically conductive material, a layer-shaped second electrode (4) made of an electrically conductive material, wherein the second electrode (4) is electrically insulated from the first electrode (2), and a dielectric barrier (3) being arranged between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4), so that the non-thermal plasma is generated by a dielectric barrier discharge. The inventive electrode arrangement is characterized in that at least one of the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (4) comprises several perforations which are distributed over the electrode.

Abstract: A device for assisting with plantar flexion includes a calf component that secures to the lower leg, two attachment points located on the calf component, a heel and or forefoot attachment point, and a strap extending from an attachment point on the calf component to the heel and or forefoot attachment point. The strap of the device produces tension between the calf and the heel of the foot to assist with plantar flexion by either pulling the heel upwards or limiting forward tibial progression in stance to provide stance stability for that leg.

Abstract: A stockinette (200), suitable for covering an appendage (1440) of a patient, includes one or more folds (206). The fold (206) can be in a length of material (205) disposed between an open end (204) and a closed end (203). Alternatively, the fold (880) can be in an optional cuff (860) formed by a section of material (661) near the open end (603). Folds can be present both in the length of material (205) and in the cuff (860) as well. The cuff (860) can be disposed atop the fold (206) in the length of material (205). The stockinette (200) enables one person to apply the stockinette (200) to an appendage (1440) with one continuous motion that expands the folds.

Abstract: A compression garment, having: (a) a first portion that wraps at least partially around a body part to provide compression to the body part; and (b) a second portion that wraps at least partially around a body part; wherein the second portion is wrapped onto the first portion or is attached to the first portion such that the attachment of the second portion onto the first portion changes the elastic profile of the garment from a first elastic profile to a second elastic profile; and wherein the dimensions of the first and second portions are selected such that the relative amount of the circumference of the body part that is covered by each of the first and second portions of the garment results in a garment applying a pre-determined range of compression level fluctuation to the body part during wear.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal. The apparatus (10) includes a gas washout vent (15), a vent valve (18) adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent (15), and a pressure sensitive vent valve control means (20,22,23). The control means is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve (18) to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent (15) in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply, thereby substantially regulating the volumetric flow of gas and/or CO2 gas through the washout vent (15) over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: A dynamic hand splint including a hand support section, a sleeve configured to receive a digit therein, and a first tensioner having an elastic body and forming a loop, wherein the first tensioner is attached to the hand support section, as well as a first location of the sleeve, such that the first tensioner extends from the hand support section to the first location and a first joint of the digit. The elastic body of the first tensioner has sufficient flexural strength to resist, but not prevent, bending of the digit received within the sleeve such that, when the digit is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the elastic body of the tensioner is elongated with the digit and the digit is urged by the tensioner toward the extended position.

Abstract: A medical device for combating overweight or obesity in humans by achieving a more rapid feeling of satiety utilizes a bite raiser which can be connected to the human maxilla and/or mandible and which covers at least some of the occlusal surface of the masticatory teeth. A splint adapted to tooth crowns equips at least some of the masticatory teeth with an occlusal elevation for reducing the size of the masticatory surface. The occlusal elevation overlies the cusp tips of a masticatory tooth in order to link the bite elevation to a spanning of the masticatory relief of the covered masticatory tooth.

Abstract: An articulating surgical armrest further includes two (2) elongated plates and a pivot hinge. A distal end of a first plate is pivotally attached to a distal end of a second plate. The plates are attached to form one (1) elongated structure in the same plane. A user rests their arm on the rest and articulates the first plate to provide range of motion for the user's arm while maintaining a muscular relaxed state in that arm.

Abstract: A sterile surgical drape for protecting a robotic surgical system includes an oblong drape of a clear flexible plastic material, which unfolds from a compact packet. From the proximal side of the main panel of the drape there project two pocket flaps, which are separated by a medial trough. The two pocket flaps are configured to slip over one another and together enclose the top of the control tower in an overlapping fashion, such that the robotic manipulator arms extend on either side of the main panel, while the camera/endoscope arm extends through the medial trough. The open ends of the pocket flaps are folded over to form cuffs, wherein a nurse can insert his/her hand to draw the flap over the top of the tower without touching non-sterile surfaces. The unfolding of the main panel is controlled by adhesive tabs or tear strips, so that the bottom of the panel does not engage the cart's wheels or the floor.

Abstract: A device in connection with sleep apnoea, includes a dental splint (1) designed to engage with the jaws of the user in the position of use of the device and the device moreover includes elements (10, 11) for delivering air to the nostrils of the user from an external air source and a holder element (3) for supporting the elements (10, 11) for the delivery of air, the holder element (3) being connected to the dental splint (1). The holder element (3) is connected to the dental splint (1) by way of elements (7, 9) for adjusting the distance between the dental splint (1) and the holder element (3).

Abstract: An intraoral orthosis including a first shell and a second shell. The shells are connected together by an adjustable connection device, the adjustable connection device including two notched tabs that are arranged respectively on either side of one of the shells, each notched tab co-operating in adjustable manner with a respective adjustment housing, arranged correspondingly on either side of the other of the shells, the adjustment housings being molded integrally with the other shell, each adjustment housing being connected to the other shell by a foldable support structure.

Abstract: A medical positioning apparatus for positioning and holding an object, including: a telescopic member; a support member for receiving the object; a base member securable to a base; a first and a second joint mechanism movably securing the telescopic member to the support member and the base member and each having at least two rotational degrees of freedom; a locking device operatively connected to the joint mechanisms and the telescopic member, the locking device operable between a locked position in which the configuration of the positioning apparatus is fixed, and a released position in which the configuration of the positioning apparatus may be changed, the locking device being passively biased in the locked position; and a lock activation device to unlock the locking device in order to change the configuration of the positioning apparatus.

Abstract: Contraceptive and/or sterilization methods and devices are disclosed which may improve the speed of tubal occlusion and mechanisms for anchoring for a contraceptive device. In accordance with some embodiments, improvements may be made to the delivery catheter to induce trauma and create faster tubal occlusion, improvements may be made to the occlusion device to prevent migration and induce trauma, and improvements may be made to the occlusion device to reduce the total volume of in-growth required compared to conventional expansive occlusion devices.

Abstract: An implant for treating an obstructive airway disorder includes an elongate implant body configured for implanting in airway-interface tissue. At least a portion of the elongate body carries a light transmission material for permitting light transmission therein. Systems and methods of treating an airway disorder including implanting an implant in an airway-interface tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A male chastity device utilizes sensors to detect sexual arousal, sexual activity, and/or attempts to tamper with or remove the device. It reports sensed data and/or employs an aversive electric stimulus to discourage the detected unwanted behaviors. The male chastity apparatus includes a structural element wearable on male genital anatomy, and at least one sensor for detecting unwanted activity relating to the male genital anatomy. The apparatus can also include at least two electrodes capable of delivering aversive stimulation to the male genital anatomy. The at least two electrodes can also be capable of delivering pleasurable stimulation to the male genital anatomy. The structural element can also include electrodes for electrically preventing or electrically inhibiting removal of the structural element from the male anatomy.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an implant delivery device can include a housing defining a housing passageway. A distal end of the housing can flexibly couple to a head that can define a head passageway. Collectively, the housing passageway and the head passageway can define an insertion passageway such that, at least a portion of the insertion passageway is nonlinear. The implant delivery device can include at least one insertion member having a distal end configured to be removably coupled to an implant. The insertion member can be disposed within the housing such that, at least a portion of a proximal end of the insertion member is housed within the housing. The insertion member can be configured to bend, pivot, and/or rotate and move within a portion of the insertion passageway to convey the implant to a target tissue.

Abstract: An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of sexual aids and more particularly to a machine that facilitates copulation by positioning the female participant so that her genitalia are more easily penetrated by her male partner when he copulates with her from the rear.

Abstract: Orthopedic braces and splints for use on a limb of an animal, that provide stability for unstable joints and limbs for short or long term support and function. These orthoses are designed to prevent the occurrence of, or reduce the severity of, a joint injury. These braces and splints can also be fitted immediately after corrective surgery, and can support and stabilize the joint while assisting or restricting the range of motion. Various embodiments of the orthoses are modular, thermoformable and may include an adjustable tensioning system, which in combination provide a custom fit for a wide variety of animals and injuries.

Abstract: A hinge for an orthopedic device includes an upper hinge component, a lower hinge component, a first plate pivotally connected at a first location point to the upper hinge component and connected at a second location point to the lower hinge component, and a second plate pivotally connected at the first location point to the upper hinge component and at the second location point to the lower hinge component. A first rotation stop is connected at a third location point to the first and second plates. A center link is pivotally attached at a fourth location point to the upper hinge component and at a fifth location point to the lower hinge component. The center link has a first stop surface arranged to directly abut the first rotation stop. The hinge components and the center link are arranged between the first plate and the second plate.