Abstract: A swallowable drug delivery device includes a capsule and a tissue attachment member. The capsule may contain a drug and may be sized to pass through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The tissue attachment member may be coupled to the capsule. In an initial state, the tissue attachment member may allow the capsule to pass through the at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of the patient. In an activated state, the tissue attachment member is configured to at least selectively attach the capsule to a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the patient. The tissue attachment member may be configured to change from the initial state to the activated state in response to an in vivo condition associated with a predetermined location in the gastrointestinal tract of the patient.

Abstract: A toothbrush system configured to be coupled to an external suction source. The toothbrush system includes a shaft with a main body with a first end and a second end, and a bristle array and a suction port arranged at the second end. The bristle array and the suction port both extend away from the shaft so that an opening of the suction port is proximal to a distal end of the bristle array. The shaft also includes a stem arranged at the first end. The stem includes a passageway that extends through the main body to provide a fluid connection to the suction port, and is configured to be coupled to the external suction source. Also, the handle is removably coupled to the shaft and includes a drive system operably coupled to the bristle array to actuate motion of the bristle array.

Abstract: A toothbrush system configured to be coupled to an external suction source. The toothbrush system includes a shaft with a main body with a first end and a second end, and a bristle array and a suction port arranged at the second end. The bristle array and the suction port both extend away from the shaft so that an opening of the suction port is proximal to a distal end of the bristle array. The shaft also includes a stem arranged at the first end. The stem includes a passageway that extends through the main body to provide a fluid connection to the suction port, and is configured to be coupled to the external suction source. Also, the handle is removably coupled to the shaft and includes a drive system operably coupled to the bristle array to actuate motion of the bristle array.

Abstract: A toothbrush system configured to be coupled to an external suction source. The toothbrush system includes a shaft with a main body with a first end and a second end, and a bristle array and a suction port arranged at the second end. The bristle array and the suction port both extend away from the shaft so that an opening of the suction port is proximal to a distal end of the bristle array. The shaft also includes a stem arranged at the first end. The stem includes a passageway that extends through the main body to provide a fluid connection to the suction port, and is configured to be coupled to the external suction source. Also, the handle is removably coupled to the shaft and includes a drive system operably coupled to the bristle array to actuate motion of the bristle array.

Abstract: A sample liquid preparing apparatus includes a first cylinder portion, a cap portion, and a liquid preparation vessel. The first cylinder portion has a first to-be-fixed portion and a second to-be-fixed portion. The first cylinder portion accommodates a first plug and a second plug. A liquid is sealed between these plugs. The cap portion includes a plunger portion to push the second plug and a first fixing portion to limit the plunger portion from pushing the second plug by fixing the first to-be-fixed portion. The liquid preparation vessel includes a second cylinder portion whose internal space is pressed by the first cylinder portion and a second fixing portion to limit the first cylinder portion from pushing by fixing the second to-be-fixed portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is a safety scalpel having a handle, and a replaceable blade cartridge assembly that is releasably attached to the handle. The handle comprises a first end and a second end. The blade cartridge assembly comprises a housing that can be slideably mounted onto the second end of the handle, a blade holder that can be disposed within the housing, and a blade that can be attached to the blade holder. The safety scalpel has a resilient lock member that prevents the cartridge assembly from being detached from the handle during use.

Abstract: Devices and methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing a sample. A sample collection module is configured for collecting, mixing diluting, and filtering a sample for analysis. A reaction cartridge is configured for processing a sample, mixing it with dried reagents, and conducting a chemical reaction for detecting target analytes.

Abstract: A sample liquid preparing apparatus includes a first cylinder portion, a cap portion, and a liquid preparation vessel. The first cylinder portion has a first to-be-fixed portion and a second to-be-fixed portion. The first cylinder portion accommodates a first plug and a second plug. A liquid is sealed between these plugs. The cap portion includes a plunger portion to push the second plug and a first fixing portion to limit the plunger portion from pushing the second plug by fixing the first to-be-fixed portion. The liquid preparation vessel includes a second cylinder portion whose internal space is pressed by the first cylinder portion and a second fixing portion to limit the first cylinder portion from pushing by fixing the second to-be-fixed portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is a safety scalpel having a handle, and a replaceable blade cartridge assembly that is releasably attached to the handle. The handle comprises a first end and a second end. The blade cartridge assembly comprises a housing that can be slideably mounted onto the second end of the handle, a blade holder that can be disposed within the housing, and a blade that can be attached to the blade holder. The safety scalpel has a resilient lock member that prevents the cartridge assembly from being detached from the handle during use.

Abstract: Devices and methods for collecting, processing, and analyzing a sample. A sample collection module is configured for collecting, mixing diluting, and filtering a sample for analysis. A reaction cartridge is configured for processing a sample, mixing it with dried reagents, and conducting a chemical reaction for detecting target analytes.

Abstract: A frame is provided for an orthopedic brace having a frame assembly and an opposing frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a first longitudinal support and a second longitudinal support rotatably connected by a rotational hinge. The opposing frame assembly includes a first opposing longitudinal support and a second opposing longitudinal support rotatably connected by an opposing rotational hinge. The first longitudinal support has a greater degree of flexibility than the first opposing longitudinal support and/or the second longitudinal support has a greater degree of flexibility than the second opposing longitudinal support to enhance the fit of the frame with the body of a user.

Abstract: An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track.

Abstract: A method is provided for securely fitting an orthopedic brace to the body by means of a plurality of straps, strap locks, strap attachment members, and strap connection members. The method retains the close fit of the brace to the body without the need for substantial readjustment of the fit even after repeated removal and remounting of the brace on the body. The method also enables repositioning the brace on the body without requiring removal of the brace from the body or substantial readjustment of the fit.