Abstract: Improved methods of disseminating advertising messages to consumers are provided for. In particular, the subject invention provides for methods for disseminating manufacturer coupons to a target consumer group. The method comprises packaging a product in a pouch container having associated therewith a manufacturer coupon pertaining to products or services other than the packaged product. The packaged product is a single-serve food product. The manufacturer coupon is redeemable by a consumer of the product and a member of a target consumer group. The manufacturer coupon also includes machine readable code associated therewith to facilitate automated processing of the coupon. The packaged product is then packaged in a shipping carton. The shipping carton has a machine readable indicator assigned to the manufacturer coupon. The indicator is read and, in response thereto, the carton with the packaged product is shipped to consumer food service outlets associated with the target consumer group.

Abstract: The folding machine comprises a pair of folding rollers (1, 3) rotating about axes essentially parallel to each other and defining a nip (5) through which a web material (N) to be folded passes. Disposed on each of the folding rollers are folding members (61, 61A; 63, 63A) which form folds on the web material parallel to the axis of rotation of the folding rollers. For each folding roller (1, 3) a transferring device (11, 13) is also provided to transfer packs of products folded by the folding rollers towards an unloading area (9), which comprises a plurality of separating fingers (15) movable along a closed path, from an area of engagement with the folded products to an unloading area of the folded products. Each of the transferring devices extends inside an annular groove (1G, 3G) of the respective folding roller (1, 3).

Abstract: A method of turning a medical device, having a magnetically responsive element associated with its distal end, at an operating point within an operating region inside a patient's body from an initial direction to a desired final direction, through the movement of at least one external source magnet. The at least one external source magnet is moved in such a way as to change the direction of the distal end of the magnetic medical device from the initial direction to the desired final direction without substantial deviation from the plane containing the initial direction and the desired final direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating ailments of the human body by electromagnetic waves arm described. The body part to be treated is located inside an induction coil and the coil is energized from a storage battery through the special switching device. The switching device comprises a pair of metal rods one of which is hand-held by the operator and intermittently contacted with the other to apply successive pulses of current to the coil. The current pulses have a substantially rectangular waveform with a trailing edge produced by an arc discharge current when the switch is opened.

Abstract: An infant warmer for supporting an infant upon an infant platform. A radiant heater is located above the infant platform to direct infrared energy toward an infant positioned upon the infant platform. There is a pre-heat cycle that is carried out by a controller of the radiant heater that may be activated, manually or automatically, at the start-up of the infant warmer. The pre-warm cycle then warms the infant platform as well as other surfaces in close proximity thereto in order to heat those components prior to the infant being placed on the infant platform. The pre-warm cycle continues until those components are sufficient heated whereupon a signal, audible, visual or both, alerts the user that the pre-heat cycle has been completed and the infant warmer is ready to receive the infant. By warming those components, the possibility of hypothermia of the infant is reduced.

Abstract: Endoscopic subxiphoid surgical procedures and instruments facilitate translumination of tissue through the pericardium, and promote encircling an intrapericardial region with one or more tissue-ablating probes for ablating cardiac tissue substantially encircling the left and right pulmonary veins as a treatment for chronic atrial fibrillation. Such endoscopic subxiphoid surgical procedures and instruments also facilitate placement of epicardial tacks about the annulus of the mitral valve for supporting a tensioned suture or band that decreases the size of the mitral annulus to repair a regurgitant valve. Suction-oriented instruments facilitate temporary attachment to an organ to establish precise positioning on the organ during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus including an internal unit, adapted to be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient so as to enable inspection of the tract, an anchor unit, adapted to be held in a position outside the gastrointestinal tract and a flexible sleeve, having a proximal end fixed to the anchor and a distal end fixed to the internal unit, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve between the proximal end distal ends is held initially in a compact state at the internal unit and is arranged to feed out from the internal unit as the internal unit is advanced into the gastrointestinal tract. A method for endoscopic examination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing surgery on a shoulder joint utilizes one positionable support arm attached to a retractor support apparatus. The method includes incising a patient to expose the shoulder joint. After exposing the shoulder joint, the humeral ball is dislocated from the glenoid cavity. A retractor is mounted to one of the support arms at a proximal end. A humerus retractor blade at a distal end of the humerus retractor engages the humerus. The humerus retractor blade is positioned about the humerus and a mechanical system within the humerus retractor is manipulated to laterally displace the humeral ball from the glenoid cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for medical monitoring of a patient at a patient premises. A medical-data collection device is adapted to collect medical data from the patient. The medical-data collection device is interfaced with a transport medium internal to the patient premises. A network interface device is also provided with multiple application devices interfaced with the transport medium internal to the patient premises. One of the application devices is a medical-monitoring application device adapted to process the collected medical data. Another of the application devices is adapted to exchange data with a transport medium external to the patient premises. A processor in communication with the application devices is adapted to coordinate transmission of the collected medical data over the transport medium external to the patient premises.

Abstract: Monitoring airflow from a person is accomplished by using a central server arranged to receive and communicate data together with at least one microprocessor-based subsystem. The subsystem includes a microprocessor, a display and a memory. It presents information to the person on the display and processes a digital signal representing airflow from the person. Airflow-related data is communicated to the central server and, in turn, is communicated to at least one health care professional computer. The system can be used to realize systems for self-care monitoring and control of afflictions and physical conditions, such as chronic respiratory afflictions. The system can also be used together with other monitoring devices, such as glucose, blood pressure, pulse and temperature monitors, to monitor the person's condition and to communicate related data to the central server.

Abstract: A breast tomography scanner including a stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, a movable chamber within the stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, and breast scanning apparatus. Various configurations for housing the ultrasonic transducers are disclosed, along with filling and draining apparatus, leakage protections turbulence-reduction configurations and control systems.

Abstract: Method for determining, monitoring and updating correction data for correcting measured value distortions and for calibrating liquid-filled transmission systems, via which signals from the patient detected in the body of a patient are transmitted to an external measured value receiver, in particular for invasive pressure measurements in cardiology, intensive care medicine and anaesthesia. The correction data are determined in the frequency range for each frequency from statistics of the signals from the patient measured at this frequency, in particular from the transmission function obtained from the signal from the patient. In the determination of the correction data, empirically checked assumptions about the corresponding statistics of undistorted signals from the patient and general properties of the transmission function are used.

Abstract: The cardiovascular evaluation apparatus of the present invention maintains a pulse wave detection means for detecting pulse wave generated while external pressure is applied to the artery, a pulse wave pattern formulation means for formulating a pulse wave amplitude pattern that indicates the dependency characteristic of the pulse wave amplitude in regard to said external pressure, a pattern shape matching means for matching general polyangular patterns to a pattern portion of said pulse wave amplitude pattern that includes at least a part of the envelope curve where the area of the general pattern, and an index derivation means for deriving a cardiovascular dynamics index related to arterial mechanical characteristics and/or cardiac function.

Abstract: Method and system for detection and treatment of visual attention deficit is suggested. The method is based on exposing a patient to a visual display, capable to generate various images suitable for use as stimuli and to run the stimuli with a required frequency in front of the patient. Following the training program, the patient's performance becomes considerably improved both in terms of display test and in daily reading tasks.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for securely affixing a medical instrument to desired tissue in a patient's body, using a fixation agent. Such medical instruments may comprise localization wires or tissue acquisition instruments, such as biopsy instruments, for example. In the case of tissue acquisition instruments, the inventors have discovered significant advantages for securely affixing the distal end of the tissue acquisition instrument to a particular tissue target area. For example, such an approach permits the imaging environment to be uncoupled from the procedural environment so that expensive and often unavailable imaging equipment, such as stereotactic imaging equipment, need not be used. In a preferred embodiment, a bonding agent, such as adhesive, surgical glue, or a solvent, is used as the fixation agent.

Abstract: A device for producing high pressure ultrasound pulses. The device includes an ultrasound source having a piezoelectric transducer provided with electrodes and presenting polarization in a given direction (f1). An electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes to emit an ultrasound wave and to apply an electric field in a direction (f2) opposite to the polarization direction (f1) in order to compress the ultrasound transducer. A transient electric field having the same direction (f3) as the polarization direction (f1) is then applied so as to cause a compression ultrasound wave to be emitted in the coupling medium.

Abstract: A thermal rotary massager is provided. The thermal rotary massager according to current application is comprised of two noble rotary electric connectors to heat four heaters embedded inside of four massage balls while the massage balls are rotating. Each electric connector according to current application is comprised of a seating member and one metal bearing connection parts for conduction of electricity. The seating member fits on ribs that is formed on the upper surface of a case and does not rotate. However, the massage balls are heated to emit far-infrared ray and anions while they are rotate-ably massaging user's body. It is possible due to the rotary connectors.

Abstract: A waterproof bathing slipper having a plurality of nodules for massaging and stimulating specific parts of the soles and sides of the users feet. The present invention includes static and electrically operated pulsating nodules disposed in such a manner as to stimulate specific regions of the foot as applied by the principles of reflexology.

Abstract: A belt for weight reduction having a buckle that fits over the abdomen and stomach, the buckle having one or more air bladders with pressure sensors, an air pump, and a massager. The air bladders are maintained at a constant pressure as signals from the pressure sensors activate the air pump to fill or deflate the air bladder. The constant pressure applied chronically to the abdomen reduces hunger and food intake to produce weight loss. Activation of the massager helps to further control hunger between meals.

Abstract: A spine massager is disclosed to include a master air bladder, two supplementary air bladders bilaterally provided at the top side of the master air bladder, and a pressure control unit formed of a switch pressure switch and a second pressure switch and connectable to an external air pump for inflating the air bladders in such a manger that the two supplementary air bladders are alternatively inflated and exhausted after the master air bladder has been inflated to the saturated status.

Abstract: A bandage assembly includes a panel that is flexible and has a first end edge, a second edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The panel has a first side and a second side. An adhesive is attached to and covers the second side of the panel. A housing has a gel therein and defines a gel pack. The gel pack is attached to a central portion of the second side of the panel. The gel pack is positioned between the first and second end edges. The gel is selectively cooled. The panel may be attached to a portion of skin and the gel pack aligned with a wound.

Abstract: The orthopedic arm sling is a sling designed to stabilize the shoulder and arm of an infant, toddler and child. The orthopedic arm sling includes a sling trough and a plurality of neck straps that allow the arm of the user to be supported within the trough and suspended from the user's neck. A pair of torso straps secures the trough about the user's torso, limiting abduction of the extremity. A mesh panel is integrally connected to the sling trough to provide for increased ventilation to the user's forearm and hand. A pair of L-shaped and edge strips of hook and loop fastening material are affixed to a first and second side of the sling trough. When the sling is worn, L-shaped and edge strips of hook and loop fastening material are joined together, uniting the first and second sides of the sling trough to further stabilize the extremity.

Abstract: Custom footbed devices, methods of constructing the devices and kits for constructing custom footbeds are disclosed that may be particularly advantageous in the treatment of plantar ulcers. The devices offer the advantage of off-loading pressure from the plantar ulcers in a device that is easy to construct, reusable, lightweight, and custom-made to improve patient comfort. The footbeds are constructed using a curable substrate that is formed to the plantar surface of the foot except in the areas occupied by spacers designed to off-load wounds on the bottom of the foot.

Abstract: An adjustable support device for the knee provides in one embodiment a strap, a primary tensioning device positioned on the strap, and a secondary tensioning device carried on the strap. A preferred embodiment of the device includes an elongate bar secured to the strap between first and second ends of the strap by a patch of material, stitching, or any number of known adhesives. The secondary tensioning device may include one or more patches of elastic, or alternatively, inelastic material that provide radially-directed pressure against the knee joint. In another embodiment, the secondary tensioning device provides pairs of ligatures secured to each end of the elongate bar for concentrating radially-directed pressure against the knee joint.

Abstract: A method for providing at least partial bypass of the heart to supplement the pumping function of the heart to thereby enable the surgeon to perform various surgical procedures thereon includes providing a circulatory assist system having a portable extracorporeal axial flow pump with a pump housing, a rotating pumping member disposed in the pump housing and inlet and outlet cannulated tubes respectively connected to inlet and outlet ports of the pump housing, accessing the patient's left atrium of the heart with the inlet cannulated tube, accessing the aorta with the outlet cannulated tube, actuating the rotating pumping member to draw oxygenated blood from the left atrium of the heart through the lumen of the inlet cannulated tube and into the inlet port of the pump housing whereby the pumping member imparts mechanical energy to the oxygenated blood passing through the pump housing and directs the oxygenated blood through the outlet port and through the lumen of the outlet cannulated tube to be transferred

Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal blood circulation, which is used for a single-needle dialysis, comprises a blood withdrawal line (2) having an arterial pump portion (23), and a blood return line (4) having a venous pump portion (43). Pump portions are designed to be coupled with corresponding peristaltic pumps (6), (7). An arterial expansion chamber (25) is arranged on the withdrawal line downstream from said arterial pump portion. A venous expansion chamber (45) is arranged on the return line upstream from said venous pump portion. The two expansion chambers are firmly joined one to the other into an integrated structure (9), which is equipped inside with two ducts connecting the arterial expansion chamber with two fluid connections attached outside to the integrated structure. The circuit can be assembled and disassembled from a dialysis machine easily and rapidly.

Abstract: Systems and methods manually process blood and blood components in sterile, closed environments, which further condition the blood components for subsequent pathogen inactivation processes. The systems and methods mate the manual collection of random donor platelet units with the creation of larger therapeutic doses of platelets targeted to undergo pathogen inactivation prior to long term storage and/or transfusion.

Abstract: A self-retaining catheter that eliminates the problem of residual urine and also of bladder wall irritation caused by continuous contact with a spherical retention balloon which does not rely on a stylet for placement. The system may use an internal control wire that reversibly foreshortens the proximal end of the catheter thus radially displacing longitudinal strips defined in the proximal catheter to form retention wings. Alternatively, a balloon situated between the longitudinal strips is inflated to force open the retention wings once inside the urinary bladder. Radial displacement of the retention wings widens the spaces between the longitudinal strips, these spaces constituting the drainage apertures which permit complete emptying of the urinary bladder. The radially displaced retention wings abut the bladder wall in a non-continuous manner thereby reducing the area of bladder-catheter contact and further reducing bladder wall irritation.

Abstract: A volume-regulating device for medical fluids has a button body, which expands by an elastic protrusion, to overcome the problems arising from a conventional structure in which the elasticity is provided by coil springs. The present apparatus provides for the storage and the discharging of medical fluids, and by being formed into a single channel, not only enables manufacturing in a small size, but also achieves precise discharging of a volume of medical fluids.

Abstract: A medical device known as an implantable infusion device is configured for implanting in humans to deliver a therapeutic substance such as pharmaceutical compositions, genetic materials, and biologics to treat a variety of medical conditions such as pain, spasticity, cancer, and many other conditions. The infusion device incorporates a motor coil connector and mechanical sealing system between the clean motor compartment and the potentially corrosive pump compartment that provides a reliable electrical connection between the motor coil and the motor drive electronics. The motor coil connector provides for bonding of a very small diameter coil wire to one end of the connector and a highly corrosion resistant connection at the other end of the connector. Additionally, the motor coil connector and mechanical sealing system provides a seal against harmful corrosion materials that could emanate from the pump compartment and reach the motor compartment and cause malfunction of the motor.

Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent panel interposed between these sheets. Folding guides which are extending in a longitudinal direction are formed between front waist section and wings of the panel and stretchable elastic members which are extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced outward from the folding guides in a transverse direction are contractibly attached to side flaps.

Abstract: An absorbent insert for use with an absorbent garment has a body-facing outer surface and a garment-facing outer surface. The garment-facing outer surface is at least partially permeable to fluids. The insert also includes one or more absorbent layers and one or more delay layer(s) adapted to substantially affect the flow of fluid through the insert.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: Flexible microconduits integral at a proximal end to a substrate and adapted for connection to a biological environment at the distal end are provided. Also provided are microsystems with at least one flexible microconduit integral at a proximal end to a substrate and with a distal end that is adapted for connection to a biological environment. The microconduits may be fluid conduits, electrical conduits, or electro-fluidic conduits that transmit both fluids and electrical signals. Methods for fabricating the microconduits and other structures integral with the substrate are also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus of the invention is provided with an improved cleaning ability and easy recyclability. A grasping member (1720) includes a first element (1721) molded of a heat resistant resin, and a second element (1722) located inside the first element (1721) as a reinforcement in such a manner that the first element (1721) covers the outer surface of the second element (1722) entirely.

Abstract: A catheter for the treatment of tumors and other affections using hyperthermia induced by radio frequency includes a tubular body with or without an anchoring balloon at its distal end. An active electrode is positioned around the body and connected to a radio frequency generator. At least one thermistor needle measures the temperature around the electrode. The active electrode is flexible and connectable to a supply source of a fluid for cooling the electrode. It includes a helical conduit, which can be metal, conductive ceramic or graphite.

Abstract: A vertebral implant comprising a first base configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra, and second base configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A connecting member is configured to associate the first and second bases at a preselected spacing from each other, and the implant is preferable adjustable to select the spacing.

Abstract: A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member and an anchoring member. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The saddle member further has a hole therethrough bounded by an inner wall, and the hole forms a lower opening in the saddle member. The lower opening in the saddle member may contain angular cutouts placed symmetrically about the axis of the saddle to increase the allowable angulation of the bone screw in relationship to the axis of the saddle. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the hole in the saddle member is adapted to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: A tissue grasping instrument and method for use in arthroscopic surgery is disclosed. Typically, the instrument will be used in the manipulation of sutures and a graft in the form of an acellular matrix during the repair of rotator cuffs.

Abstract: A system and method of use for effecting the bypass or other anastomosis, connection, or port in a portion of a native blood vessel, duct, lumen or other tubular organ within the body of a living being. The system includes a connector assembly and a deployment instrument for carrying the device to the desired position within the vessel, duct, lumen or tubular organ. The system includes a piercer-dilator instrument to form an opening in the wall of the vessel, duct, lumen or tubular organ into which a connector assembly may be deployed by the deployment instrument. The connector assembly may be at least partially formed of a resorbable material and includes movable members for securing it to the tissue of the vessel, duct, lumen or tubular organ contiguous with the opening. Other components may be included in the device for expediting the procedure, with or without the use of sutures.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier for use in closing wounds under the microscope in small blood vessels modifies a well-known clip applier system to make more steady and reliable the application of very small clips during surgery on a scale of vessel size of 2 mm in external diameter and smaller. The known device is modified internally so as to be capable of receiving a flexible remote actuation device which can be a cable release such as used for a camera shutter, or which can be a flexible hydraulic or pneumatic line as a force-transmitting device. Thus, the surgeon can hold the clip applier very steadily at the site desired without contracting any intrinsic muscles while the cable release is depressed by another person, or with the surgeon's other hand, or with a foot pedal.

Abstract: A blood vessel knife allows a doctor to easily see a knife main body when holding it for surgical operation. In a blood vessel knife having a cutter holder at a tip portion of a rod-shaped grip, and a knife main body attached to a tip of the cutter holder, at least one of a first bent portion 2a formed at an end of the grip 2 and a second bent portion 3a formed on the cutter holder 3 is provided; the cutter holder 3 can be detachably engaged with the tip portion from either an inside or outside thereof; and an angle between the grip 2 and the knife main body is changeable whether the cutter holder is engaged from the inside or the outside of the tip portion. When gripping the blood vessel knife 1, doctors can easily see the knife main body 4 due to the second bent portion 3a, and the knife main body 4 diagonally penetrates a blood vessel 15 to prevent the knife main body 4 from penetrating a lower blood vessel wall 15b.

Abstract: A sampling member defines a passageway including an inlet opening for reception of a bodily fluid therein, and a wicking member having a first portion coupled with the sampling member adjacent to the inlet opening. The wicking member further includes a second portion displaced from the first portion for initially contacting the bodily fluid. In use the sampling member is placed adjacent to an incision site with the second portion of the wicking member positioned to have the bodily fluid first contact the wicking member and thereby draw the fluid from the incision site to the inlet opening. In related embodiments there is provided a sampling system and method which further includes a lancing device to create the incision and optionally expression members to urge the bodily fluid from the incision, preferably in an integrated unit.

Abstract: An embolic coil retrieval system for retrieving or repositioning an embolic coil within the vasculature of the human body which is comprised of a very small embolic coil retriever having a jaw member with major and minor teeth which form pockets for grasping an embolic coil when the jaw member is closed.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used to stimulate and/or restore hair growth in areas of hair loss. Methods and compositions relating to PDT treatment for alopecia are disclosed. In light of PDT use to remove unwanted hair by inactivating or destroying hair follicles or destroying the tissue feeding the hair follicles, such methods and compositions relate to a surprising and unexpected discovery. PDT permits a means to treat conditions relating to hair loss such as androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata and drug-induced alopecia.

Abstract: A thermal pack for applying thermal therapy to a human body part includes a flexible body that defines a cavity holding a thermal medium. A skeletal structure supports the flexible body. The skeletal structure is malleable such that it can be deformed around and held adjacent the human body part. The skeletal structure may be disposed within the cavity of the flexible body without being attached thereto and/or secured to an interior surface (and/or exterior surface) of the flexible body. The skeletal structure preferably includes a plurality of elongate leg portions that are wrapped around the human body part to hold the flexible body in place adjacent the treatment area during use. The thermal pack can be adapted for use with other mammalians.

Abstract: A device is provided for endoluminal delivery of a luminary graft. As applied in the vascular system, the device comprises a catheter configured to be advanced endovascularly to a graft location. A generally tubular temporary stent having a distal end and a proximal end is tapered and attached to the catheter at the proximal end. The temporary stent comprises helically braided thread members that expand radially outwardly to a maximum diameter in a resting state. The temporary stent terminates in discrete ends temporarily affixed to the graft at the distal end. A tubular sheath selectively and reversibly radially constrains the temporary stent. The sheath is configured to be longitudinally moveable relative the temporary stent to constrain and reconstrain the temporary stent when positioned over the temporary stent, and to release the temporary stent when withdrawn from over the temporary stent.