Abstract: A microfluidic valve for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The valve may include a chamber formed between a substrate and a flexible membrane. The valve may also include a boss disposed in the chamber and having a top edge in selective contact with the flexible membrane. The top edge includes a relief portion and a non-relief portion, with the relief portion being structurally arranged so that a pressure required to separate the membrane from the relief portion is less than a pressure required to separate the membrane from the non-relief portion. The valve also may include an inlet extending through the boss and the substrate through which fluid enters the chamber and an outlet configured to allow fluid to exit the chamber. Methods for priming a microfluidic valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for laser eye surgery that accommodates patient movement includes: generating a first and a second electromagnetic radiation beam, the second beam configured to modify eye tissue; propagating the first beam to a scanner along a an optical path length that changes in response to eye movement; focusing the first beam to a first focal point within the eye; scanning the first focal point at different locations within the eye; propagating a portion of the first beam reflected from the first focal point location back along the variable optical path to a sensor; generating an intensity signal indicative of the intensity of the portion of the reflected first beam; propagating the second beam to the scanner along the variable optical path; focusing the second beam to a second focal point and scanning the second focal point to create an incision in the cornea of the eye.

Abstract: A method for generating cut surfaces in the cornea of an eye in order to correct ametropia using an apparatus. The method includes providing the apparatus including a laser unit, which focuses pulsed laser radiation into the cornea and moves the focused radiation in the cornea to generate cut surfaces, and a control unit, which controls the laser unit for generating cut surfaces. The method includes forming at least two mutually spaced apart cut surfaces as opening cuts by application of the pulsed laser radiation from the laser unit, each opening cut extending from an anterior corneal surface into the cornea and forming a further cut surface as a relieving cut by application of the pulsed laser radiation from the laser unit, which relieving cut extends from the anterior corneal surface into the cornea. The position and shape of the relieving cut is selected such that the relieving cut contributes to the correction of the ametropia of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eye marker tip that includes a base, one or more marking wings, and a marking element attached to a marking wing and configured to deliver ink (or another indicator) to a surface of an eye. Embodiments may include a hollow or translucent post and light channel, or a base having a fixation button, to form a central light shape visible to a patient. Embodiments may include either or both of a magnifying lens and a parabolic light deflector, to form circles of light that may be used in connection with a central light shape to properly align the eye marker tip with a patient's eye.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a goggle with an interchangeable lens. In certain aspects, a goggle system of the invention includes a frame defining and opening and comprising a forward surface that circumscribes the opening. The forward surface includes a groove element along the entirety of the forward surface. The removable lens includes a gasket configured to mate with the grove element of the frame to form a continuous seal between the frame and the removable lens.

Abstract: This device comprises for example two screens (20, 22) opaque to radiation and withstanding sprays, and suitable for preventing the radiation and sprays from reaching the eyes (4, 6) of a user, and a device (24) for acquiring an image of a scene (8) and restoring the image to the user, comprising at least one image-formation optical device (26) rigidly secured to the screen (20) and associated with an imaging device (28) for acquiring the image of the scene (8), and at least one restoration device (30) for restoring the acquired image to the user. According to the invention, this restoration device comprises a device for projecting the image of the scene into the eye of the user.

Abstract: A cap worn on the top of the wearer's head, having two flaps hinged under the peak along the axis allows each flap to be raised and temporarily fastened under the peak, alternately exposing each eye to clear vision or the restricted vision of an image of a flap that is sufficiently opaque to light to prevent the user from perceiving images through the flap.

Abstract: A ventilation device includes a hollow body having a main portion, at least one distal member coupled to a distal end of the main portion and at least one proximal member coupled to a proximal end of the main portion. The at least one distal member is formed of a shape memory material. The hollow body includes a deployed state for maintaining an opening in an anatomical structure and an undeployed state. The shape memory material forms the at least one distal member into a deployed position. The shape memory material is reversibly deformed from the deployed state into the undeployed state such that at least the distal member changes in shape to an undeployed position, while the main portion of the hollow body remains unchanged.

Abstract: An orifice occluding inflated device that includes a fluid reservoir system operable to store excess fluid and apply positive fluid pressure, an inflatable balloon system configured to receive a fluid and impinge upon the walls of an orifice thereby causing occlusion, a fluid flow management system that regulates fluid flow between the inflatable balloon system and fluid reservoir system, a complementary systems package configured to be in communicative contact with the occluded orifice, and a vent in fluid commutation between the inner and outer occluded orifice operable to regulate the passage of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad for application over the wound site, a wound drape or sealing enclosure of the foam pad, the heating, and cooling pad at wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.

Abstract: A medical pressure-sensitive adhesive tape according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, a film base material; a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; and a release liner releasably laminated to cover the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in the stated order, wherein: the release liner is divided into a first divided piece and a second divided piece; the first divided piece is placed at a widthwise-direction end on one side of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to cover part of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; the second divided piece is placed to cover a portion of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that is not covered with the first divided piece; and the second divided piece has a folding portion extending toward a widthwise-direction end.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting urine and stool secretion mounted over two or more layers of garment, said sensor comprising: at least one light source configured to illuminate said garment; at least one photodetector configured to output an indication of the amount of light reflected from said garment; and an electronic circuit configured to detect said secretion by monitoring said output of said photodetector and identifying a temporal pattern being characteristic of said secretion event.

Abstract: An absorbent core structure for disposable absorbent articles, having improved fluid handling properties

Abstract: A diaper kit includes a packaged single-use disposable diaper comprising, a sealed substantially air impermeable encasement completely enclosing an interior space and having at least one airtight seal, and a single compressed single-use disposable diaper vacuum-sealed within said interior space, wherein said interior space has at least a partial vacuum whereby a pressure differential acts upon said encasement and said diaper to maintain said diaper in said compressed state; at least one diaper accessory for use in the diaper changing; and wherein said diaper accessory is disposed inside of said interior space of said encasement; wherein said encasement is dimensioned to fit within a pocket of an article of clothing; and wherein said single compressed single-use disposable diaper vacuum-sealed within said interior space is folded at least once; wherein the diaper kit is packaged together with a plurality of non-vacuum-packaged diapers in a combination package for retail sale.

Abstract: A fastening member having a reinforced region is disclosed. The fastening member may have a first layer formed of a nonwoven and a second layer at its reinforced region formed of either a polymeric film or another nonwoven, bonded to the first layer by a plurality of bond sites arranged in a pattern. The polymer(s) forming the fibers of the first layer and the polymer(s) forming the film or fibers of the second layer may be of like chemistry to enhance thermal bonding between the layers at the bond sites. The fastening member may be imparted with enhanced appearance and tear resistance attributes and may be suitable for use as a fastening member of a wearable article such as a disposable diaper.

Abstract: A receptacle for storing and counting surgical pads system includes a receptacle for storing and counting surgical pads assembly including a cylindrical receptacle having a flat base, a side wall having a cylindrical rim around a perimeter, and a convex top section having a plurality of inner fins. The receptacle for storing and counting surgical pads system includes the receptacle for storing and counting surgical pads assembly. The receptacle for storing and counting surgical pads assembly houses both used and unused said surgical pads suitably used in a variety of medical and surgical procedures. The receptacle for storing and counting surgical pads assembly is structured and arranged to provide a means for handling, disposing, and keeping track of each said surgical pad effectively ensuring that the surgical pad is not left inside of a user-patient that would potentially cause ill-effects.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle, wherein at least one ground-engaging wheel is connected to a pivotable hub, the pivotable hub being attached to the body of the vehicle by a fixed pivot member and a laterally-adjustable pivot member, the position of the laterally-adjustable pivot member being adjustable to cause the hub to pivot and thereby adjust the camber of the said wheel, and wherein the pivotable hub is provided with one or more lugs arranged to engage the laterally-adjustable pivot member when the wheels are in a minimum or maximum camber position.

Abstract: A wheelchair has an additional auxiliary drive device that allows the wheelchair to be moved even without using one's hands, To this end, a wheelchair includes at least one chair frame having drive wheels arranged at the side thereof and connected by means of a wheel hub. A seat is arranged between the drive wheels, the seat surface of which is arranged such that it can be tilted along the wheel axis of the drive wheels, wherein the tilting axis of the seat is located centrally between the drive wheels above the wheel axis.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus according the present disclosure has a head end and a foot end. The patient-support apparatus includes a source of pressurized air, a plurality of bladders, a manifold, a plurality of pressure sensors, and a controller. The controller includes a processor, a timer, and a memory device. The processor configured to execute instructions from the memory so that the processor retrieves a baseline patient-specific profile from the memory, calculates a first patient outcome corresponding to an amount of migration of a patient toward the foot end of the bed over time, updates the baseline patient-specific profile to include the first patient outcome, calculates a set of operating parameters based on the updated patient-specific profile, the set of operating parameters including a set of target pressures for the plurality of bladders, and adjusts the pressures in the bladders to the target pressures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention thus define a system and methods for moving a patient into a medical treatment/imaging apparatus. By appropriate use of relatively narrow guides, a bed can be held securely both prior to movement onto the apparatus and while on the apparatus. By use of relatively wide guides, the bed is allowed a degree of lateral play to ensure a smooth transition on to the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacement of a human body is provided, which comprises: a cushion, a height adjustable movable platform, a first lifting mechanism, a guide rail assembly and a roller assembly. The first lifting mechanism is arranged on the cushion and is configured for lifting or lowering the cushion. One end of the guide rail assembly is positioned on the movable platform, wherein the guide rail assembly includes at least one guide rail. The at least one guide rail is simultaneously positioned under the cushion in a horizontal direction or a longitudinal direction at least in part. The roller assembly is arranged between the guide rail and the bottom of the cushion, in such a way that the cushion is capable of sliding to or off the movable platform along the guide rail.

Abstract: A method according to an embodiments includes administering at least two Cyclic Variations in Altitude Condition (CVAC) sessions to a mammal disposed in a pressure vessel unit. The at least two CVAC sessions each have a duration of at least twenty minutes. The at least two CVAC sessions each include a start point of ambient pressure at a delivery site, an end point of ambient pressure at the delivery site, and a plurality of atmospheric pressure targets executed between the start point and the end point. The administering is configured to treat at least one of loss of sensation and chronic pain.

Abstract: A surgical table for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure and including a patient support structure, a first support structure, and a second support structure. The patient support structure is configured to support the patient during the surgical procedure and may be operably coupled at a first end to the first support structure and at a second end to the second support structure. The first support structure includes a first column and a first displacement apparatus operably coupling the first column to the first end of the patient support structure.

Abstract: A lower leg protector includes a body having a base and a recessed region. The recessed region is arranged in the body opposite the base and is configured to receive a lower leg of a patient.

Abstract: A set-down device for setting down on a neurophysiological stimulator for transmitting movements generated by the system, at least comprising a set down side for setting down on the stimulator, and also comprising a transmission side for transmitting the movements received via the set-down side, wherein the transmission side has at least one at least partially projecting stimulation element, which is suitable for transmitting the movements and thus for neurophysiological stimulation. A neurophysiological stimulator for stimulating an object by the transmission of movements generated by the stimulator, at least comprising a movement unit and at least one drive unit for generating the movement, the drive unit being coupled to the movement unit, wherein the drive unit is designed as a tumbling and/or spinning unit and generates a tumbling and/or spinning movement. A method for the neurophysiological stimulation of an object by the transmission of movements generated by a stimulator.

Abstract: Systems for auto-calibrating a pneumatic compression system may include one or more manifolds from an inflation fluid source and one or more individually inflatable cells. One or more pressure sensors may be associated with the one or more manifolds and/or each of the individually inflatable cells. Each of the pressure sensors may provide either dynamic or static pressure data to a controller. A method for auto-calibrating the compression system may include introducing a portion of inflation fluid into a cell while measuring a dynamic cell pressure, stopping the introduction of fluid, measuring a static cell pressure, and comparing, by the computing device, the dynamic cell pressure and the static cell pressure. The comparison between dynamic and static cell pressures may be used to calculate a dynamic target cell pressure equivalent to a desired static target cell pressure.

Abstract: A wearable action-assist device includes a biosignal detection unit detecting a biosignal from a wearer, an action-assist wearing tool having a drive source supplying a torque acting on the wearer around each joint of the wearer as an axis of rotation, a control unit controlling the drive source to generate the torque according to the detected biosignal, a drive torque estimation unit estimating a drive torque generated by the drive source, a joint-angle detecting unit detecting an angular displacement of the joint, and a parameter identification unit identifying kinetics parameters concerned by substituting the estimated drive torque and the detected angular displacement into an equation of motion of an entire system including kinetics parameters intrinsic to the wearer. The control unit is configured to control the drive source according to a predetermined control method based on the equation of motion into which the identified parameters are substituted.

Abstract: An apparatus having an upper frame adapted to at least partially encircle a person; a lower frame; a scissor mechanism for coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame can be varied by adjusting the scissor mechanism; and a telescoping rod coupled to the scissor mechanism for locking the scissor mechanism, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame is locked by the telescoping rod.

Abstract: A massage tool and methods of using the massage tool are provided.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for therapeutically treating an individual, which includes an upper support, a frame for supporting an inner working assembly and attaching thereto lobe and seat lever controls and a switch panel for motor control, and a structural base for supporting the upper support and frame and attaching thereto a leg rest. The inner working assembly includes rightward and leftward segments each having fore and aft lobes connected together by a hinge mechanism and in part by a flexible guide rail and a plurality of roller assemblies each connected to chains to propel the roller assemblies, with the assistance of the motor, over the flexible guide rails. The lobe lever control changes the geometric profile of the flexible guide rails to correspond with the individual's spine, whereas the seat lever control changes the position of an adjustable lower support to allow the roller assemblies to motion the pelvic region upward and downward and inward and outward to effect traction of the spine.

Abstract: A therapy tool for treating muscular and/or myofacial pain comprises a shaft having rotatedly mounted thereon at least two roller wheels. At least one of the roller wheels has a polarity of projections evenly spaced around the wheels' periphery by in which the projections are generally flat at their outer surface and have a round edge. In one embodiment at least one of the roller wheels has a smooth peripheral edge which may be used to identify the presence of trigger points and adhesions.

Abstract: One embodiment of a sex toy for simulating a sexual encounter by a user having a base unit being substantially hour glass shape comprising a configuration of members for engagement by a user's feet. The body assembly is an elongated tubular member and is mated to the front end of the base unit. A support arm having a stimulating element attached to its distal end is attached to the body assembly. A pair of elongated tubular members each comprising a strapping mechanism are also for engagement of the user's feet and are threaded to the right and left sides of the base unit. In use, a user gets into the desired position with the apparatus between the user's legs. After insertion of the stimulating element, the user manipulates the apparatus by use of hands or feet or both hands and feet together.

Abstract: An instrumentation absolute value differential amplifier (212) is used as part of an electroencephalogram, electromyogram or electrocardiogram to quantify the excitation state of a user, processing and transmitting this information as a control signal for a user feedback device. In one embodiment, this feedback device comprises a wireless sex toy (500) which responds to the sent control information, acting as a mind-controlled sex toy. This provides a simple, intuitive, aesthetically appealing interface for creating a unique sexual experience. The use of an instrumentation absolute value differential amplifier is sufficient to monitor the desired signals while reducing the number of parts required and allowing for less precise tolerances than traditional biological monitoring circuits, thus decreasing the cost of production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic device (1) comprising: —an end piece (5) comprising at least: —a first base (21) with a transverse axis (X) comprising at least one upstanding element (41), —a second base (22) with a transverse axis (X?) comprising at least one upstanding element (42), —a body (3) configured to receive the end-piece (5), —a first means for setting the first base (21) in vibratory motion relative to the body (3) along the axis (X), characterized in that it comprises a second means for setting the second base (22) in motion relative to the body (3).

Abstract: A chest compression monitor for measuring the depth of chest compressions achieved during CPR. A sensor of the chest compression monitor is disposed within its housing such that compression of the housing due to CPR compressions, and its resultant deformation, is detected by the sensor and used by the control system as the starting point for calculating chest compression depth based on an acceleration signal indicative of the downward displacement of the chest.

Abstract: A mobile sauna apparatus and related methods are provided. The mobile sauna apparatus includes a mobile vehicle having a vehicle body with a floor, roof and sidewalls. A sauna is mounted in the vehicle, the sauna having a heater with a heater orifice, and an extension from the heater orifice through one of the sidewalls of the vehicle and opening to the exterior of the vehicle. A stove pipe is mounted above the heater, the stove pipe surrounded by an insulating material, wherein the stove pipe extends through at least one of: the roof of the vehicle and one of the sidewalls of the vehicle, and wherein the insulating material is positioned between the stove pipe and the at least one of: the roof of the vehicle and the sidewall of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fitting for a bathing installation includes a body portion defining a hollow main body portion having an interior opening, and a connection portion having a passageway in communication with the interior opening. The connection portion includes at least one connection port for attachment to a hose carrying pressurized water, and a flange portion defining a recessed mount surface inside a peripheral lip surrounding a recess. Open regions are defined in the peripheral lip. A nozzle member is fitted into the interior opening and has a nozzle orifice configured for concentric mounting relative to a hole formed in the wall of the vessel to allow pressurized air or water to pass from the connection port through the central opening and through the nozzle orifice into the tub hole and into the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for massaging, cleansing, or delivering of liquid substances has a variably configurable handle that is adapted to function with a plurality of head attachments. The handles may be swiveled relative to each other at various angled positions, or they may be detached to function as two, separate devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and apparatus for converting a container into a smart bottle. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a smart-bottle apparatus may comprise a container portion comprising a plurality of individually addressable sensor pairs covering the wall of the container portion. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a smart-bottle apparatus may comprise a container portion comprising a plurality of individually addressable sensor pairs covering a neck portion of the container portion.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system for oral administration comprises a dispenser and cartridges from which medicine is dispensed. Each cartridge includes a hollow shell with a septum at one end, a piston at the other end, and the medicine in a cavity between the septum and the piston. The dispenser includes receiver in which a cartridge is received, a plunger that can slide relative to the receiver and that has a plunging head that can drive the piston, and a barrel in which the cartridge, receiver and plunger can be received, at least partly. Once a cartridge has been inserted into the receiver, the receiver and cartridge are inserted into the barrel and a piercing head ruptures the septum. The plunger is pushed to drive the piston and the medicine is dispensed by the piston, through a discharge passage of the barrel.

Abstract: A container and a method for handling and for treating a bio-compatible feeding liquid, or of a liquid for biological use, having an interior volume wherein the liquid is held and is distributed as a shallow layer of thickness. The feeding liquid, is disposed in contact with surface of the container having large areas. The numerical denomination of the areas may be larger than the thickness by at least 50%, or by one, two, three or more orders of magnitude. The large areas and the shallow thickness enhance rapid heat exchange between the liquid, and a fluid having a thermal capacity wherein the container is immersed. A through opening is disposed in the container for bidirectional liquid communication with the interior volume. The through opening may be coupled to a feeding bottle and to ancillary equipment.

Abstract: A novel baby nipple assembly for use with a flexible drink pouch, wherein the baby nipple assembly generally comprises a mount subassembly (sometimes hereinafter referred to as simply “the mount” or “the disk”) for attachment to the flexible drink, pouch, and a nipple subassembly (sometimes hereinafter referred to as simply “the nipple”) for connection to the mount subassembly, wherein the mount subassembly comprises a relatively large fiat element for adhesion to an outside surface of the flexible drink pouch, and the nipple subassembly comprises (1) means for connection to the mount subassembly, (ii) a sharp tube for extending through the mount subassembly and puncturing the side all of the flexible drink pouch, and (iii) a soft nipple in fluid communication with the sharp tube, whereby a baby or young child can suckle on the nipple and receive the beverage from the flexible drink pouch.

Abstract: Process for making a conditioning gel phase comprising:—forming a ‘comelt’ in a first vessel comprising fatty alcohol and cationic component and 0-15% wt. comelt of water (A) adding the ‘comelt’ to a second vessel containing water at 50-60° C. (B)—mixing wherein the temperature of the mixture of the comelt and the water in the second vessel (B) is controlled such that it is maintained from 56-65° C., preferably from 58-62° C., more preferably 60° C., wherein the fatty alcohol has from 8 to 22 carbons and wherein the cationic component comprises from 0-70% wt. cationic component, cationic surfactants have the formula N+R1R2R3R4, more preferably from 30-60% wt. cationic surfactant component, and wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently (C1 to C30) alkyl or benzyl and process for manufacturing a conditioning composition by forming a conditioning gel phase obtained by any of claims 1-7 and then adding any remaining ingredients.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for administering collagen to a human subject have been developed. The collagen-containing lipid vesicles of the invention provide a delivery system for human collagen which eliminates problems associated with chemical and physical instability of the collagen as well as immune responses to non-human collagen.

Abstract: Provided is a volatile oil for cosmetics, which has excellent volatility, hair care properties and skin care properties. The volatile oil for cosmetics according to the present invention comprises a paraffin mixture, wherein the paraffin mixture contains an isoparaffin having 12 to 16 carbon atoms, has a boiling point ranging from 185 to 215° C. and has a 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane content of less than 10 mass %. The volatile oil for cosmetics according to the present invention can be used for, for example, a hair cosmetic and an external preparation for the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particular cationic paraphenylenediamine compounds of formula (I) below and also to the use thereof for dyeing keratin fibres, in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair. The invention also relates to a dye composition comprising, in a suitable dyeing medium, one or more cationic para-phenylenediamines as defined previously. Finally, the invention relates to a dyeing device using the said composition.

Abstract: A composition which contains a) one or more N-methyl-N-acylglucamines, at least 80 wt.-% of the N-methyl-N-acylglucamines having a saturated or unsaturated C16-, C17- and/or C18-acyl group, b) one or more fatty alcohols, c) one or more cationic surfactants, d) optionally other additives, and e) water is suitable for producing cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical emulsions, especially for use in hair care products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a furan-based chemical comprising a furan group, hydrophilic group and hydrophobic group, wherein the hydrophilic group can be ionic, zwitterionic, or nonionic, and further, and wherein said hydrophobic group can be alkyl or alkenyl, linear or branched moeities

Abstract: Suggested are new cosmetic compositions comprising diterpenoic acids.