Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

Abstract: Massage device (10) comprising head (12), which 76 defines cavity (8) and an opening to cavity (8). Head (12) has one or more contact surfaces and post (32) connected to head (12). Post (32) is positioned within cavity (8) and extends toward the opening. Post (32) also has one or more contact surfaces. Vacuum source (49) communicating with cavity (8) provides a means for creating negative pressure with cavity (8). Additionally, a method and system for performing abrasion on a surface, such as on the skin 74 of a patient, is disclosed. The dermabrasion apparatus includes means for delivering and retrieving material to and from a selected site to be abraded, a delivery and retrieval hand piece, an abrasive handling device, and a waste retrieval holding device. Hand piece (118) is coupled to the abrasive handling device as well as the waste retrieval holding device, which is further coupled to the delivery and retrieval means.

Abstract: A method and system for performing abrasion on a surface, such as on the skin of a patient, is disclosed. The dermabrasion apparatus includes apparatus for delivering and retrieving material to and from a selected site to be abraded, a delivery and retrieval hand piece, an abrasive handling device, and a waste retrieval holding device. The hand piece is coupled to the abrasive handling device as well as the waste retrieval holding device, which is further coupled to the delivery and retrieval apparatus. The abrasive handling device further includes an abrasive supply device, a receiving channel, a feeding chamber, and a delivery channel. The abrasive supply device typically is a canister fitted with a funnel-shaped spout that is inverted into the receiving channel. The receiving channel feeds abrasive to the feeding chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for performing abrasion on a surface, such as on the skin of a patient, is disclosed. The dermabrasion apparatus includes means for delivering and retrieving material to and from a selected site to be abraded, a delivery and retrieval hand piece, an abrasive handling device, and a waste retrieval holding device. The hand piece is coupled to the abrasive handling device as well as the waste retrieval holding device, which is further coupled tot he delivery and retrieval means. The abrasive handling device further includes an abrasive supply device, a receiving channel, a feeding chamber, and a delivery channel. The abrasive supply device typically is a canister fitted with a funnel-shaped spout that is inverted into the receiving channel. The receiving channel feeds abrasive to the feeding chamber.

Abstract: A sealed ventilation circuit adapter that enables simultaneous patient ventilation and safe tracheal suctioning is embodied to accommodate any of a wide variety of commercially available suction catheters. The adapter comprises a manifold assembly, and a catheter carrier. The manifold assembly may be attached to a patient for an extended period, while the catheter carrier is advantageously constructed as a single procedural use disposable device. The carrier couples with the manifold assembly and functions to effect an introduction of a catheter through a normally closed valve structure carried by the manifold assembly.

Abstract: A dual handled walking-assist and uprisal-assist device is disclosed having the handles spaced at a predetermined distance to provide a stable structure for rising from and lowering to a seated position, in addition to serving as a walking aid. The walking- and uprisal-assist device has a structure having a first handle or first pair of handles which are useful whenever a user is in a standing position. A second handle or second pair of handles are spaced a preselected distance from the first handle or handles and at a preselected distance from the bottom of the device. An infirmed user can use the second handle or handles as a grip to push against when the user is rising from a chair. The second handle or handles are connected to one or more load-bearing shafts and the geometrical centers of the handles are positioned relative to the load-bearing shafts to provide a stable structure when used for uprisal and walking.

Abstract: A sealed ventilation circuit adapter that enables simultaneous patient ventilation and safe tracheal suctioning is embodied to accommodate any of a wide variety of commercially available suction catheters. The adapter comprises a manifold assembly, and a catheter carrier. The manifold assembly may be attached to a patient for an extended period, while the catheter carrier is advantageously constructed as a single procedural use disposable device. The carrier couples with the manifold assembly and functions to effect an introduction of a catheter through a normally closed valve structure carried by the manifold assembly.

Abstract: A dual handled cane having the handles spaced at a predetermined distance to provide excellent uprisal characteristics is disclosed. The cane is a unitary structure having an upper handle which is useful whenever a user is in a standing position. A lower handle is spaced a preselected distance from the upper handle and a preselected distance from the tip of the cane. An infirmed user can use the lower handle as a grip when the user is rising from a chair. The second handle is connected to the shaft of the cane, that is, the straight shaft portion of the cane by a gooseneck wherein both handles are geometrically centered over the load bearing shaft of the cane. A load bearing shaft generally comprises two elements; one, a telescoping lower element which includes the tip of the cane and an upper element into which the lower element slides so that the length of the shaft may be adjusted to fit more comfortably the height of a particular individual.