Abstract: The rifle rest is for use with a vertical support post. The rifle rest includes a body including a collar configured to substantially surround the vertical support post, and at least one tightening mechanism coupled to the collar and configured to tighten the collar and position the body at a selected height on the vertical support post. A pivotable arm, defining a rifle rest platform, is pivotally coupled to the body and configured to be pivoted between a stored position adjacent the vertical support post and a deployed position extending away from the vertical support post. The pivotable arm is coupled to the body via a pivotal resistance that keeps the pivotable arm selectively secured in the stored position and the deployed position, respectively, until a user overcomes the pivotable resistance and pivots the pivotable arm to selectively store the pivotable arm and deploy the pivotable arm.

Abstract: The accessory eyeglasses retention device secures eyeglasses to a wearer's head. The accessory eyeglasses retention device includes an elongated body extending between a front end and a back end, and an adjustment mechanism, including a canal within the elongated body, and configured to directly and firmly grip a temple of the eyeglasses and adjustably position the elongated body relative to the temple. An angled retainer is at the back end of the elongated body, extending and angled in a medial direction towards a user's head and to contact the user's head when the eyeglasses are worn on the wearer's head, and configured to securely retain the eyeglasses in a desired location on the wearer's head.

Abstract: An accessory eyeglasses retention device is integrally formed as a single elastomeric piece to secure eyeglasses to a wearer's head. The accessory eyeglasses retention device may include an elongated body extending between a front end and a back end, an adjustment mechanism including a first elastic strap and a second elastic strap, for example, longitudinally spaced apart on the elongated body and configured to hold a temple of the eyeglasses and adjustably position the elongated body relative to the temple. An angled flap is at the back end of the elongated body, extending and angled in a direction towards a portion of the wearer's head when the eyeglasses are worn on the wearer's head, and configured to securely retain the eyeglasses in a desired location on the wearer's head. Also, a lanyard attachment feature may be included at the back end of the elongated body and configured to attach the elongated body to an eyeglasses lanyard.

Abstract: An accessory for eyeglasses that functions as a combined hearing aid and/or eyeglasses retention device which can maintain housings of behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids in place on a user's ears. The combined hearing aid and/or eyeglasses retention device can also maintain eyeglasses from slipping down the nose of a user which also maintains the device at its optimal position to retain housings of BTE hearing aids in place. The combined hearing aid and/or eyeglasses retention device also prevents displacement of BTE housing(s) off a user's ears when a user removes a mask. The combined hearing aid and/or eyeglasses retention device can also be a ‘standalone’ eyeglasses retention device when a user does not wear BTE hearing aids.

Abstract: Medical devices are disclosed as providing nasal airway dilation in subjects in need thereof whose nasal airways are partially or completely blocked, such as for sleep; with CPAP masks; for exercise; wearing goggles alone or with helmets; and for swimming. In an aspect, the devices with a group of applications provide nasal dilation to overcome obstruction caused by nasal valve dysfunction. Methods of employing the same to dilate nasal airways are further disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for eyewear and eyeglasses providing in situ adjustability to stabilize and maintain positioning of the eyewear and/or eyeglasses on a user are disclosed. The devices are further suitable for use in conjunction with a retainer strap and/or integrated with a retainer strap. The devices are further suitable for integration into the manufacture of eyewear and/or eyeglasses. Embodiments of the device and methods of employing the same are set forth.

Abstract: Devices for eyewear and eyeglasses providing in situ adjustability to stabilize and maintain positioning of the eyewear and/or eyeglasses on a user are disclosed. The devices are further suitable for use in conjunction with a retainer strap and/or integrated with a retainer strap. The devices are further suitable for integration into the manufacture of eyewear and/or eyeglasses. Embodiments of the device and methods of employing the same are set forth.

Abstract: Medical devices are disclosed as providing nasal airway dilation in subjects in need thereof whose nasal airways are partially or completely blocked, such as for sleep; with CPAP masks; for exercise; wearing goggles alone or with helmets; and for swimming. In an aspect, the devices with a group of application provide nasal dilation to overcome obstruction caused by nasal valve dysfunction. Methods of employing the same to dilate nasal airways are further disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for eyewear and eyeglasses providing in situ adjustability to stabilize and maintain positioning of the eyewear and/or eyeglasses on a user are disclosed. The devices are further suitable for use in conjunction with a retainer strap and/or integrated with a retainer strap. The devices are further suitable for integration into the manufacture of eyewear and/or eyeglasses. Embodiments of the device and methods of employing the same are set forth.

Abstract: Medical devices are disclosed as providing nasal airway dilation in subjects in need thereof whose nasal airways are partially or completely blocked, such as for sleep; with CPAP masks; for exercise; wearing goggles alone or with helmets; and for swimming. In an aspect, the devices with a group of applications provide nasal dilation to overcome obstruction caused by nasal valve dysfunction. Methods of employing the same to dilate nasal airways are further disclosed.

Abstract: A system of the invention is a housing-liner apparatus complex and/or eye shield comprising an air leak preventing system is provided for use with continuous positive airway pressure devices, e.g. CPAP mask. The system includes a housing-liner and/or an eye shield reversibly or irreversibly attached to a mask, and adjustable straps extending from the housing-liner and/or eye shield to attach onto a mask to create an improved seal between the mask and the user. Beneficially, the system muffles noise associated with air leakage, and reduces other side effects with CPAP masks, e.g. slippage of the lower part of the mask into the user's mouth and/or puffing out of cheeks during sleep. Furthermore, the system may include a chin support to reduce mouth opening of the user during sleep. Overall, the system creates greater user comfort by maintaining the interface between the mask and user's face during sleep.

Abstract: Sickle cell patients atypically experience exaggerated inflammatory responses to pathogens that normally cause mild respiratory infections in non-sickle cell humans. There appears to be heightened inflammatory responses to pathogens in combination with hypoxia in sickle cell disease. The novelty of this invention provides a new paradigm to explain the exaggerated inflammatory response of sickle cell disease to pathogens especially when accompanied by hypoxic stress. In particular, sickle cell chest injury and other complications associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by vaso-occlusion can involve co-stimulation of the NALP-3 inflammasome by pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and hypoxic-induced danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), leading to exaggerated pro-inflammatory responses marked by increased IL-1? secretion and subsequent induction of neutrophilic inflammation.

Abstract: The present apparatus insures proper orientation during use of an oral or nasal inhaler, as well as providing an audible rattle to aid in remembering to shake the inhaler prior to use. An indicator ball is confined within a substantially horizontal tube in the inhaler housing. One end of the tube is visually exposed within the user's field of view. The indicator ball remains out of view within the inhaler housing unless the inhaler orientation is held in a substantially vertical orientation. When proper vertical orientation is achieved, the indicator ball rolls to the exposed end of the tube and is visible to the user. Shaking the inhaler prior to use causes the indicator ball to rattle within the tube producing an audible rattle. The event of shaking the inhaler and hearing the rattle provides the user with a reinforced memory to shake the inhaler prior to use.

Abstract: An insert (14) for supporting a double ended needle (94, 98) during a blood collection procedure is translatably mounted with a cylinder (12) for retracting the anterior needle (98) into the cylinder (12) on completion of the procedure to prevent needle stick while the posterior needle (94) remains continually shielded against needle stick by the insert (14). An anterior lock position stabilizes the double ended needle (94, 98) during the blood collection procedure and a posterior lock position retains both ends (94, 98) of the needle shielded. Ramps (130, 132) may be associated with the posterior lock position to prevent further translation of the insert (14) and reuse of the holder (10). For a reusable holder embodiment, the used double ended needle (94, 98) is retracted, safely enclosed and locked inside the cylinder (12).

Abstract: A needle guard attached to the barrel of a hypodermic syringe encloses and shields the needle against contamination prior to use and prevents inadvertent direct contact therewith by medical personnel after use. Development of an aperture at the end of the needle shield to accommodate protrusion by the needle is effected by a removable member. Translation of the needle guard along the syringe barrel to uncover and recover the needle is effected by manipulation from a location rearwardly of the needle point to further protect the medical personnel. A double ended needle, usually used with a collection tube holder of a blood evacuation system, includes a needle guard which may interlock with the holder upon translation of the needle guard to expose the anterior needle and to prevent inadvertent disengagement with the holder and resulting exposure of the posterior needle.

Abstract: An insert for supporting a double ended needle during a blood collection procedure is translatably mounted within a cylinder for retracting the anterior needle into the cylinder on completion of the procedure to prevent needle stick while the posterior needle remains continually shielded against needle stick by the insert. An anterior lock position stabilizes the double ended needle during the blood collection procedure and a posterior lock position retains both ends of the needle shielded. A ramp may be associated with the posterior lock position to prevent further translation of the insert and reuse of the holder. For a reusable holder embodiment, the used double ended needle is retracted, safely enclosed and locked inside the cylinder. The anterior end of the cylinder is adapted for receiving the open end of a conventional needle shield to permit gripping of the needle supporting hub and disengagement of the needle from the insert without exposure to needle stick.

Abstract: A holder includes a double ended needle supporting insert translatable within a cylinder for receiving a blood collection tube during a medical procedure. Upon translation of the insert posteriorly, the double ended needle becomes fully enclosed within the cylinder and the insert is locked in place to shield the double ended needle from contact by medical personnel. An adapter fits within the insert to accommodate pediatric tubes.

Abstract: A non-rotatable axially translatable anterior guard exposes, upon posterior translation along a needle supporting hub, the anterior end of the needle ready for use. Upon anterior translation of the anterior guard, it lockingly engages the hub to retain the needle therein. A detachable tab creates an aperture in the anterior guard for exteriorizing the needle and upon attachment seals the aperture to isolate within the anterior guard, in combination with the fit between the hub and the anterior sleeve, any body substances remaining with the needle after use. A removable posterior guard encloses the posterior end of the hub to receivingly retain any body substances remaining therewith after use of the needle. The anterior and posterior guards, in combination with sealing tape, permit sterilizing the needle prior to use and isolating there within any body substances after use.

Abstract: An indwelling placement device having an introducing needle and a catheter for infusing fluids into a blood vessel incorporates a guard for shielding the needle prior to extension from therewithin and for receiving the needle upon retraction thereinto to preclude an operator inadvertently contacting the needle after use. Once retracted, the needle cannot be extended from within the guard. Upon retraction of the needle into the guard, a button mates with the open end of a hollow hub of the needle to prevent outflow of residual blood therefrom. A valve is incorporated with the catheter to preclude blood outflow from the catheter upon withdrawal of the needle and prior to attachment of an intravenous line for conveying a fluid to be intravenously administered.