Abstract: An example neck massaging system includes a housing. The housing is configured to fit around a neck of a wearer. As such, the housing includes an interior region defining an opening configured to receive the neck. The housing also includes a top region and a bottom region opposite the top region. The neck massaging system further includes at least one massager attached to the housing. The massager is positioned on the housing to be adjacent to the interior region which allows the massager to contact the neck. In an example, the massager is positioned on the housing such that the massager contacts the internal jugular vein. The neck massaging system also include at least one actuator operably coupled to the massager. The actuator is configured to move a portion of the massager adjacent to the neck in a direction that generally extends from the top region to the bottom region.

Abstract: A device to hold one's foot in a neutral position while sitting in order to aid in healing includes a large plastic panel with a set of parallel plastic strips extending upward. These strips are adjustable upon the surface of the board using a series of small holes and corresponding pins. The strips are thus aligned to match the width of one's foot being held in a shoe. When aligned upon the floor, the foot, in a normal shoe without the use of a brace, is held in a neutral position which helps prevent contracture of the leg and foot muscles thus promoting faster healing after surgery. Additionally, the current device does not provide for pinching or twisting as commonly occurs with conventional prosthetic braces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fireplace flue sealing device comprising a plate, a shaft mounted onto the plate, a tubular base for releasably receiving the shaft, and a locking mechanism having a locking position and a releasing position. The locking mechanism is positioned in relation to the tubular base and engaged with the shaft such that when the locking mechanism is in the locking position, no motion of the shaft relative to the tubular base is allowed, and when the locking mechanism is in the releasing position, the shaft is movable back and forth relative to the tubular base.

Abstract: An arrangement, for use in whitening a patient's teeth includes an arched surface and an array of light-generating devices, for example, light emitting diodes positioned on the arched surface. The light-generating devices are arranged to form a relatively uniform field of light in a particular range of wavelengths, and further arranged to focus the generated light in an overlapping manner onto a patient's teeth when the mouthpiece is properly positioned relative to the patient's face. The proper positioning is aided by a number of light sources, in the visible range, that shine on the patient's face in a predetermined manner when the mouthpiece is properly positioned. To remove whatever heat is generated at the surface of the patient's teeth in the course of the procedure, the mouthpiece includes air passages between the light emitting devices, and a fan that draws air away from the patient's face.

Abstract: A novel method of spinal catheter insertion via seated lumbar puncture using a surgical chair in which the patient is forward-facing is provided. The chair provides a stable, safe platform for patients, and reduces the need for additional personnel to maintain the patient's position. The seated position provides for ergonomically desirable alignment of the spinous processes, aiding in the successful lumbar puncture and spinal catheter insertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for tooth whitening which has a light source, at least one optical output a projection means for holding and positioning said optical output outside of a patient's mouth in a manner to so as to provide approximately simultaneous and uniform illumination of a patient's front teeth by said optical output; and a connection means for connecting said light source to said optical output. Also provided are methods of using the tooth whitening device with a tooth-whitening composition containing a transparent carrier compound and a transparent oxidizing compound which when in contact with the surface of a stained tooth and exposed to actinic light is activated to facilitate tooth whitening.

Abstract: A light frequency communications system and method of using the system is disclosed. The system includes a base station and a plurality of remote units wherein the base station and all the remote units communicate in a full duplex mode utilizing a single light wave carrier. Multiplexing between the units is accomplished by modulating an audio signal on at least one subcarrier frequency.

Abstract: A stationary optical antenna forming a part of a full duplex optical communication system, includes optical emitter and receptor devices having peak power axes, and a mounting arrangement for positioning the devices at an elevated location within a room with their axes directed downwardly at a given angle to a horizontal plane, based upon the height of the devices above the floor, thereby enabling remote portable transceivers to be able to communicate therewith within the same room. Baffles help prevent interference between the emitters and receptors, and a compensation circuit is employed to enable the optical communication to take place, even in bright light conditions.

Abstract: The optical transceiver includes a headset antenna assembly, which is adapted to be worn on the head of the user, and which is connected electrically by a cable to a transceiver unit adapted to be worn on the belt of the user. The headset antenna assembly includes a set of alternating light emitting diodes and photosensitive diodes which are disposed on the antenna assembly to transmit and receive optical signals about a substantially 360 degree radial axis. The light emitting diodes are inclined upwardly from a horizontal plane to help avoid obstructions. Baffles are disposed between the diodes to reduce feedback interface, and a circuit in the transceiver unit discriminates against background light.

Abstract: The clipping suppression arrangement for a compandorized communication system, includes a limiter peak level detector for causing the gain of an input amplifier to be reduced quickly when a compressed output is driven toward a clipping output condition.