Abstract: A centrifuge includes at least two centrifugal drums, each drum including a disc stack and each drum being rotatable about first and second axes of rotation. The first axis of rotation extends through a center of gravity of and is within each drum. The second axis of rotation is situated outside each drum.

Abstract: A rotor mounting structure arranged in a centrifugal separator. A cylindrical shaft having elastic tongue pieces provided substantially equidistantly on the peripheral edge of the upper surface of the cylindrical shaft is provided at the distal end of a drive shaft; the tongue pieces have hooks; a shaft accommodation orifice accommodates the cylindrical shaft is formed in the center of the rotor; elastic tongue piece insertion grooves mate with the elastic tongue pieces of the cylindrical shaft; the rotor is joined to the cylindrical shaft, while bending the elastic tongue pieces; and in a state in which the rotor is completely joined to the cylindrical shaft by engaging the hooks of the elastic tongue pieces with the upper edges of the grooves of the rotor by the elastic force of the elastic tongue pieces.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for artificially inseminating animals using an improved artificial insemination device that prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract of an animal. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the animal's reproductive tract.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. A delivery device is used to place the jacket on the heart. The delivery device includes a plurality of attachment locations. Each of the attachment locations is releasably secured to separate positions surrounding a periphery of the open upper end of the jacket. The delivery device also includes a control arrangement which is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The control arrangement is connected to the attachment locations such that the attachment locations are in a compact array urging the open upper end of the jacket into a collapsed configuration when the control member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device, a power supply and a display. These components, and user actuatable controls, are integral with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. An autofocus device moves an image sensor relative to a fixed lens array. Components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum, which is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures. Embodiments also includes a tube and controller configured to apply material, capture data, and/or effect movement of the speculum.

Abstract: A pill inserted into a body of a patient acquires in-vivo information on the body of the patient. The in-vivo information on the body of the patient is input to a receiver from the pill through a receiving antenna. The pill receives a power-supply signal from the receiver through a power receiving antenna, and a power recovering circuit recovers power from the power-supply signal. A level determining circuit compares the power recovered with a predetermined value to determine the strength of the power-supply signal, and wirelessly transmits the determination result signal to the receiver.

Abstract: An ideographical language framework is disclosed that is designed to enable the description and communication of a series of workflow steps. An ideogram is defined as a character or symbol representing an idea or thing without expressing the pronunciation of a particular word or words for it, i.e. not dependent on any specific natural language representation. Further, an ideogram may further be culturally independent as well. A workflow is defined as the activities, e.g. tasks or procedural steps, entities involved, i.e. participants, such as people, organizations, machines, etc., inputs and outputs, states, requisite tools, and the relationships therebetween, for each step in a process. The various activities, entities, inputs, outputs, tools and relationships are referred to as workflow elements. The disclosed embodiments represent workflow elements of a given workflow using ideograms meaningful to workflow participants, i.e.

Abstract: An intraocular tension measuring method comprising vibrating an eyeball to be examined by a sound wave, measuring vibration of the eyeball to be examined by a noninvasive means to determine a Q value of resonance of the eyeball to be examined, and calculating intraocular tension from the Q value, and an intraocular tension measuring device comprising a vibrating means for vibrating an eyeball to be examined by a sound wave, a measuring means for noninvasively measuring vibration of the eyeball to be examined, a Q value calculating means for calculating a Q value of resonance of the eyeball to be examined from the vibration measured by the measuring means, and an intraocular tension calculating means for calculating intraocular tension from the Q value.

Abstract: An arm insertion type sphygmomanometer having enhanced operability and visibility at the time of measurement. A remote control unit can be detached from the sphygmomanometer body portion and operated wirelessly. The arm insertion type sphygmomanometer comprises a sphygmomanometer body portion (10) provided with an arm band (2) through which an upper arm is inserted, and a remote control unit (40) capable of controlling the sphygmomanometer body portion (10) remotely. The remote control unit (40) can be fixed removably to a holding portion (5) of the sphygmomanometer body portion (10) and has an operating portion for operating the sphygmomanometer body portion (10), and a display portion for displaying the result of measurement. In a state where the remote control unit (40) is placed in the holding portion (5), the remote control unit (40) operates the sphygmomanometer body (10) by performing wired or wireless communication therewith.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument with an internal specimen collection mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A living body inspection apparatus which quantitatively evaluates timings of movements (bending and stretching) of fingers. The apparatus includes: a movement sensor including a transmitter coil for generating a magnetic field and a plurality of receiver coils for receiving the generated magnetic field from the transmitter coil; analyzing means which analyzes time-series waveform data acquired from the movement sensor; and display means which displays a result of analysis made by the analyzing means. For comparison of waveform data, the analyzing means includes distance waveform generating means for generating distance waveforms corresponding to the waveform data, and standard point generating means for generating standard points based on standard distances in the distance waveforms.

Abstract: A method for producing a non-linearly varying therapeutic signal for therapy wherein a string of randomly or nonlinearly varying data increments the input to a mathematical function such as incrementing the phase angle of a sine function to produce a non linearly varying signal for application as therapy. This method also includes inserting upward chirps and sequencing different therapeutic signals to create a composite signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a massage apparatus having a housing with a massage formation for contacting a body part of a user. A massage mechanism is oriented within the housing for imparting a massage effect to the massage formation. A light source is provided on the massage formation for conveying an illumination effect from the massage formation. A partially translucent massager is disclosed for providing a visual effect of the underlying massage operation. Further, a roller massage assembly is provided wherein a load imparted to a roller is distributed directly to a structure of the massager for preventing distribution of the load to the massage mechanism.

Abstract: To provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive component that can be quickly and easily used to fix an ankle joint by persons having no expert knowledge on taping without causing problems such as difficulty in wearing shoes due to thickening upon application of the tape, a pressure-sensitive adhesive component includes a bottom portion; a first tape-shaped body; and a second tape-shaped body, wherein a cut is provided between the first and second tape-shaped bodies running in a longitudinal direction, the first tape-shaped body including a first front tape body and a first rear tape body, and the second tape-shaped body including a second front tape body and a second rear tape body, and wherein a ratio of a width of the front tape body to a width of the rear tape body is within the range of 5:5 to 5:3.

Abstract: Methods of using a catheter involve providing a sheath comprising a proximal region, a deflection region, a distal-end region including a shapeable region, an anchor region defined between the deflection region and the shapeable region, and a longitudinal axis. The method also involves imparting a pre-established shape to the shapeable region. The method further involves applying axial force in a proximal direction at the anchor region so as to cause the deflection region to deflect relative to the longitudinal axis while the pre-established shape imparted to the shapeable region of the sheath is substantially maintained.

Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, injector system, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be seated within an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe about its axis with respect to the injector.

Abstract: An enteral feeding catheter (5) that provides access to both the stomach and the jejunum for feeding, aspiration and decompression. The catheter includes a dual lumen “D” tube (30) that joins to an external “Y” connector (25) at the proximal end of the tube. The connector serves both lumens as a source for fluid or aspiration. The gastric lumen (37) and the jejunal lumen (38) of the “D” tube both connect to a transitional connector bolus in the stomach. The gastric lumen of the “D” tube joins with a lumen in the transitional bolus that communicates with a gastric port (27). The gastric port is recessed to the level of its full internal lumen, thereby providing maximum protection against occlusion and maximum area for outflow. The “D” jejunal lumen connects in the bolus with a lumen that transitions from a “D” shape to a full circle shape. The latter provides for the attachment of a smaller, round, single lumen tube that extends into the jejunum.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has a pair of barrier cuffs. Each of the barrier cuffs includes inner and outer sheet strips provided separately of each other. The first and second sheet strips include bottom side edges fixed to the inner surface of the diaper and top side edges left free from the inner surface. The bottom side edge of the first sheet strip is inwardly spaced from the bottom side edge of the second sheet strip. The first and second sheet strips are locally bonded to each other in a part of the overlapping area of these sheet strips. One of the first and second sheet strips has its top side edge spaced from the top side edge of the other sheet strip and is provided with an elastic member.

Abstract: A method and device are described for applying a microprotrusion member (44) including a plurality of microprotrusions (90) to the stratum corneum with impact. The method and device are used to improve transport of an agent across the skin for agent delivery or sampling. The applicator (10, 60, 80) causes the microprotrusion member (44) to impact the stratum corneum with a certain amount of impact determined to effectively pierce the skin with the microprotrusions (90). The preferred applicator (10, 60, 80) impacts the stratum corneum with the microprotrusion member (44) with an impact of at least 0.05 joules per cm2 of the microprotrusion member (44) in 10 msec or less.

Abstract: A method of vascularizing cardiac tissue using an instrument through the vascular system to an entry situs located at or adjacent the cardiac tissue is provided including providing a flowable agent comprising microspheres or microparticles having a particulate size range of 1 micron to 1 mm, introducing the agent through the instrument, imparting a particle moving force through the instrument that is generated externally to cause the microspheres or microparticles to pass directly through contiguous tissue to target cardiac tissue, the particle-moving force imparting a high pressure on the agent of several thousand psi, the microspheres or microparticles passing through the contiguous tissue without any mechanical means, whereupon the microspheres or microparticles directly enter the target cardiac tissue, forming channels in the wall of the myocardium at spaced locations and in communication with the interior of the heart, and introducing the flowable agent in the channels.

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: An administering device with an osmotic drive for administering an injectable product includes a housing with a first chamber containing a solvent, a second chamber containing a solution and a product chamber for accommodating the product. A semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The second chamber is adjoined by a delivery means for delivering product out of the product chamber. A triggering device for triggering the osmotic drive includes an impermeable separating means between the first chamber and the second chamber. The delivery means is slidable relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a tissue of an eye with a laser beam include at least one processor that determines angles between a curved surface and a laser beam, controlling an ablative treatment in response to the angles. Angles between a surface of a cornea and a laser beam may be mapped over a treatment area. A mapped area may include an apex of a cornea displaced from a center of a pupil of an eye. Ablation properties may be determined locally in response to the incident angle of a laser beam with respect to a local slope of a tissue surface. The treatment area may be ablated using local ablation properties to form a desired surface shape.

Abstract: Straight and curved catheters for treatment or diagnoses of tissue, including cardiac tissue, using hydrogel virtual electrodes and hydrogel sensing electrodes are disclosed. Each catheter comprises at least one conductive hydrogel electrode, whether a virtual electrode or a sensing electrode. Hydrogel virtual electrodes may be used to deliver ablative energy or chemotherapeutic agents to tissue. Hydrogel sensing electrodes may be used to map various electrical activity of tissue. The ablation catheters include a variety of hydrogel delivery features to deliver the conductive hydrogel electrodes against or adjacent to tissue to be treated. Each hydrogel delivery feature comprises at least one opening in the distal portion of the catheter and may also include a permeable or semi-permeable membrane. The mapping catheters include conductive hydrogel disks (i.e., conductive hydrogel sensing electrodes) and nonconductive hydrogel disks.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tumors comprises an elongated delivery device that includes a lumen and is maneuverable in tissue. An impedance sensor array is deployable from the elongated device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an energy source or a switching device. The impedance array includes a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality being positionable in the elongated device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated device in a deployed state. In the deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defines a sample volume. At least one of the resilient members includes an impedance sensor and at least a portion of the array is configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways. An energy delivery device is coupled to one of the array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated device.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus, and methods for dissecting, resecting, severing, cutting, contracting, coagulating, or otherwise modifying a tissue or organ of a patient. An apparatus of the invention includes an electrosurgical probe configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the probe including an active electrode terminal, a fixed return electrode disposed proximal to the active electrode terminal, and a movable return electrode configured to move linearly with respect to the active electrode terminal between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A method of the present invention comprises clamping a blood vessel between the active electrode terminal and the movable return electrode, coagulating the clamped blood vessel by application of a first high frequency voltage, and severing the coagulated blood vessel by application of a second high frequency voltage.

Abstract: An ablation catheter having a catheter shaft and a virtual electrode, the virtual electrode comprising portholes through an outer peripheral wall of the catheter shaft and a metal electrode, the catheter being used for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, for example, atrial fibrillation, by electrically isolating a vessel, such as a pulmonary vein, from a chamber, such as the left atrium. The catheter shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an active region, which is either a looped structure transverse to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft, or a linear structure that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. During use, the active region is directed into contact with, for example, the wall of a pulmonary vein. Upon energization, the virtual electrode creates a continuous lesion on an inner wall of the pulmonary vein, thereby electrically isolating the pulmonary vein from the left atrium.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors for treating biological tissue include first and second scissor blades. A shearing surface and cutting edge of each blade is electrically neutral. The scissors include a pair of electrical connections for receiving electrical currents of opposing polarities. Each blade includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode positioned on a surface opposite the shearing surface The at least one first electrode on the first blade and the at least one second electrode on the second blade are coupled to the first electrical connection. The at least one second electrode on the first blade and the at least one first electrode on the second blade are coupled to the second electrical connection. In a first energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current only to the first electrodes. In a second energized state, the electrical connections deliver electrical current to all of the electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.

Abstract: A T-shaped gauge and acetabular cup navigation system and acetabular cup aligning method using the T-shaped gauge, which can measure anantomical landmarks of the pelvis at the same time, calculate an anterior pelvic plane from the measured value, calculate a transformed anterior pelvic plane by converting the anterior pelvic plane in comparison with a pelvic reference frame, and set a direction vector of an acetabular cup on the transformed anterior pelvic plane, thereby exactly inserting the acetabular cup into the acetabulum without regard to movement of the pelvis.

Abstract: A remotely controllable system and method for positioning and operating a scleral depressor. A track is positioned to encircle at least a portion of the eye. One or more independent thrusters, or actuators, are radially positionable about the eye. An actuator is selectively deployable and selectively retractable by remote control. Thrusters may be mechanically operated and include pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, chemical or other power supply forces. Remote control is provided by hand-operated controls, foot-operated switches or voice-operated control. A light source is positioned about at least a portion of the eye to provide transcleral illumination.

Abstract: A hair removing device capable of selectively attaching an epilator head for hair epilation and a shaving head for hair cutting. The device includes the housing incorporating the rotary motor, and the epilator or shaving head detachable to the housing. The head includes a drive mechanism powered by the motor for hair epilation or cutting. The motor has an output rotor fixedly carrying a noncircular joint. The drive mechanism includes a coupler which is detachably connected to the joint to receive the rotary motion of the motor. The coupler is arranged coaxially with the joint and is movable along the axis of the joint together with the head into and out of engagement with and from the joint, and the coupler is slidable along the axis of the joint while keeping the driving connection therebetween.

Abstract: A trigger lockout device for a clip applying instrument. The lockout device includes a displaceable slider actuable by squeezing a trigger slidable in first and second directions a longitudinal axial direction within the barrel, and a block disposed within the barrel. When a first number of clips have not been applied and when the trigger is squeezed, the slider slidably engages and displaces the block and slides along a path in the axial direction to retrieve a clip of the first number of clips, and to insert the clip into the pair of jaws, and when a second number or none of the clips have not been applied, the slider engages the block to substantially prevent the slider from sliding along the path in at least one of the first or second directions such that the triggery cannot be unsqueezed.

Abstract: A trocar having a cutting shaft with a cutting surface at a distal end. The cutting shaft moves longitudinally with respect to an obturator such that in one position the cutting surface is in an exposed position suitable for application of a piercing force. Upon interruption of the piercing force to the cutting surface, the cutting surface moves longitudinally with respect to the obturator such that the cutting surface is in a retracted position within the obturator. The trocar may include a first spring urging the cutting surface to an exposed position and a second spring urging the cutting surface to a retracted position. The second spring has a slightly stronger biasing force than the first spring to bias the cutting surface to the retracted position.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for stenting, spacing, draining, ventilating and/or delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects, including methods and systems for treating paranasal sinusitis and ethmoid disease.

Abstract: A medical delivery system for delivering or retrieving a medical implant. In one embodiment, the medical delivery system includes a tube having a lumen; an implant; and a suture releasably joined to the implant, the suture comprising a first end, a second end, and a releasable knot, wherein tension applied to the first end of the suture collapses at least a portion of the implant for introduction into the tubular lumen and tension applied to the second end of the suture releases the implant.

Abstract: Vertebra bodies in the human spine are stabilized through the use of minimally invasive surgery for the implantation of an elongate implant plate assembly having spaced first and second screw receiving socket elements which are configured for respective attachment to first and second spaced vertebra with the aid of bone fixation screws and these elements are slidably received with respect to each other for adjustably changing the distance between the screw receiving socket elements. A lock assembly is also provided for selectively locking the first and second screw receiving elements from further relative sliding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for causing necrosis of tissue and specifically intended for thermal ablation of the uterine cavity to cauterizing the endometrial tissue. The apparatus includes a liquid-tight, liquid filled system having a distal flexible member; a proximal flexible member; and a catheter joining and providing a liquid path between these distal and proximal members. The apparatus further includes a pressurizable pneumatic chamber into which the proximal flexible member is inserted and a means to controllably heat the contents of the pneumatic chamber. The system operates to: first withdraw substantially all of the liquid into the proximal flexible member contained within the pressurizable pneumatic chamber; second to heat this liquid to a temperature such that it can cause tissue necrosis; and third to force the heated liquid from the proximal flexible member into the distal flexible member where it is maintained for a predetermined time and at a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A method of deploying a prosthesis includes engaging a hub assembly of a handle to a threaded outer surface of a slide shaft of the handle; rotating the hub assembly to cause axial translation of the hub assembly and a sheath coupled to the hub assembly to initiate deployment of the prosthesis; disengaging the hub assembly from the threaded outer surface by pivoting a thread tooth of the hub assembly out of threaded engagement with the threaded outer surface; and sliding the hub assembly on the slide shaft to further retract the sheath and complete deployment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).

Abstract: A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).

Abstract: Provided herein is a copolymer that includes a soft block (A) that contains poly(ester amide) (PEA) and a hard block (B). The copolymer can be any of AB, ABA or BAB type block copolymers. By varying the relative amount of the PEA block and the hard block, one can obtain a copolymer with a Tg for mechanical integrity in drug-delivery stent applications. The copolymer can be used alone or optionally in combination with a biobeneficial material and/or a biocompatible polymer to form an implantable device or a coating on an implantable device. When the copolymer is used in combination with a biobeneficial material, the copolymer and the biobeneficial material can be co-deposited or applied in sequence during the coating process. A coating formed of the copolymer may also include a bioactive agent.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic spinal intervertebral prosthetic device offering individualized optimization of an implantable disc prosthesis by having selectable crown plates modules with differing lordosis angles and differing cross-sectional profiles, and selectable bellows cartridges having differing load-bearing capabilities. The device offers substantially full physiological degrees of motion, and by the incorporation of both a dashpot mechanism and a biasing element within reversibly displaceable and tiltable bellows provides hydraulic load bearing capability. The bellows assembly is advantageously pre-loaded to sub-atmospheric pressure. The dashpot further increases resistance to lateral sheer loading beyond the bellows convolutions acting alone. Rotational coupling of the upper crown plate and center bearings plate permits normal twisting movements, and spinal flexural freedom is provided by the bellows interposed between the center bearings plate and the lower end plate.

Abstract: An artificial disc includes a top vertebra-attachment portion and a lower spacer support connected to the top vertebra-attachment portion; a bottom vertebra-attachment portion and an upper spacer support connected to the bottom vertebra-attachment portion. The spacer supports are disposed between the vertebra-attachment portions, and the lower spacer support is disposed between the bottom vertebra-attachment portion and the upper spacer support. The disc further includes a first elastic spacer positioned between the spacer supports for compressively resisting tensile loading of the disc; and a second spacer disposed between the bottom vertebra-attachment portion and the lower spacer support or between the top vertebra-attachment portion and the upper spacer support for compressively resisting compressive loading of the disc.

Abstract: A prosthetic elbow for replacing an elbow of a dog or a human to restore normal, pain-free joint function. The elbow includes a humeral component for attachment to a humerus and a radioulnar component for attachment to an ulna. The humeral component includes a generally cylindric spool having a contoured external surface defining a first articular surface. The radioulnar component has a generally U-shaped contour with an inner peripheral surface defining a second articular surface sized and shaped for engagement with the first articular surface. Positional guides provide for implantation at precise locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light prosthesis as a purely optical substitute for a missing limb, including a shaped body (1) for replacing the missing limb as naturally as possible and a socket (2) for connecting the prosthesis to the stump (3) of the missing limb. In order to provide such a prosthesis for temporary or permanent use without having to fulfill any functionality, thus being suitable also for elderly patients, it is contemplated that the shaped body (1) is made of a light synthetic material, and that the periphery of the socket (2) for connecting the prosthesis to the stump (3) is variable in a manner known per se. The shaped body (1) may, in particular, also be made of an elastic, air-tight synthetic material (9) and include at least one valve (10) for inflating the shaped body (1).

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device includes an elongated upper forefoot portion, an ankle portion, and a lower footplate. The forefoot portion can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly through an arch section, and to a toe section. The ankle portion can attach to the forefoot portion, and can extend rearwardly through an upper attachment section, downwardly through an ankle section, forwardly under the ankle section of the forefoot portion, and rearwardly to a heel section, in a substantial s-shaped profile. The lower footplate is disposed under the ankle and forefoot portions, and can extend through a heel section, an arch section, and to a toe section. The upper forefoot portion, the ankle portion, and the lower footplate are flexible to store energy and resilient to return energy.

Abstract: The invention provides an oxidation hair color system consists essentially of a dye phase and a developer phase, wherein the dye phase includes: a) a water soluble nonionic surfactant; b) a water soluble anionic polymer; c) water; d) oxidation dye intermediate; e) dye antioxidants and stabilizers and wherein the developer phase includes: a) secondary ethoxylated fatty alcohols; b) an oxidizer and c) water.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one direct dye, processes for treating keratin fibers, such as human keratin fibers, using the compositions, and devices comprising the compositions. Use of the compositions as lightening agents and as coloring agents for the keratin fibers is also provided.

Abstract: An electrode includes a composite mixture layer formed by applying a composite mixture having one of a cathode active material or an anode active material on one of main surfaces of a plurality of current collectors formed in substantially rectangular shapes; and a non-applied part to which the composite mixture is not applied at both end parts in the longitudinal direction. One current collector is connected to the other adjacent current collector at one end side in the longitudinal direction through a connecting part to which the composite mixture is not applied and which is provided continuously to the non-applied parts. In the electrode constructed as described above, a plurality of current collectors can be laminated to obtain a multi-layer structure and an electric current can be collected from a lead welded to only one end part of the current collector. Thus, the electrode of a new form having an excellent productivity and a high capacity can be provided.