Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant (10) includes superior (20) and inferior (30) bone contacting members and at least one vertical wire netting (50) interconnecting the superior and inferior bone contacting members. The superior and inferior bone contacting members include at least two bone contacting components interconnected via one or more lateral wire nettings such that the implant is vertically and laterally expandable in situ from a first insertion configuration to a second expanded configuration. The vertical and lateral wire netting are preferably constructed of a plurality of individual link members. The present invention also preferably relates to an associated method of manufacturing the intervertebral implant such that the intervertebral implant can be manufactured as an integral component or part.

Abstract: A dynamic spinal implant utilizes cartilage bearing graft material in dynamic disc replacement and/or facet arthroplasty. Methods and apparatus for dynamic spinal implants incorporate bulk articular graft tissues derived from donor joint sources in human (allograft or autograft) or non-human (xenograft) tissue. The donor joint is preferably prepared as a biological dynamic spinal implant with articular cartilage as a bearing interface between adjacent bone surfaces that naturally articulate with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An exemplary interbody fusion device includes a synthetic non-metallic radiolucent interbody spacer having an opening formed between its top and bottom surfaces. A cancellous allograft plug is configured to be disposed within the opening formed in the spacer. The cancellous allograft plug can be reconstituted with a material that will help to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an intradiscal space between opposing vertebral bodies by expanding an expandable interbody fusion device and establishing an osteoconductive path between the opposing vertebral bodies through the device during expansion. The device is expanded by introducing at least one intermediate element between an upper element and a lower element to achieve ligamentotaxis. Each of the upper element, intermediate element and lower element comprises a region of porous biocompatible material coated or impregnated with material having relatively high osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. During and upon expansion the regions are stress loaded by the opposing vertebral bodies to promote fusion between the vertebral bodies through the device.

Abstract: An alignment guide is provided having a shaft with a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second portion extends from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis. The third portion extends from the second portion at a second predetermined angle.

Abstract: A suspension liner sleeve adapted to provide an interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket, and having outer and inner surfaces. The liner sleeve includes an elongate, generally conical body portion formed from at least one material segment defining the liner outer surface. The at least one material segment being at least radially elastically extensible from a relaxed non-extended condition and including proximal and distal end areas. The liner sleeve includes a layer of polymeric material disposed on the at least one material segment and defining the liner sleeve inner surface, and a plurality of resilient seal elements protruding radially from the liner sleeve outer surface. The plurality of seal elements extend around at least one peripheral portion of the liner body portion. A pair of opposed annular recesses may be adjacently located above and below each of the at least one seal element.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can, for example, navigate tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The devices can also conform to the shape of tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Methods and structures are provided for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the device while maintaining a cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, a distal stent cover covers the distal end of the device and reduces friction between the stent and an inner surface of a delivery device, such as a catheter.

Abstract: A vibrator sex toy is provided with touch-based sensors for an ergonomic in-situ method of controlling the operation and intensity of the vibrator. The vibrator sex toy has an internal end, an external end and a middle staging section. The staging section includes a control circuit and batteries. The internal end includes electric vibrator motors connected to the control circuit by wires. The external end includes ergonomically placed touch sensors that behave like variable resistors. The touch sensors respond to natural human gestures such as grasping, stretching, compressing and bending the external end of the sex toy with changes in resistance. The touch sensors are connected to the control circuit by wires and act as potentiometers in the control path of the vibrator motors. The user is able to vary the sensations from the motors intuitively and in-situ by manipulating the external end or applying it to a partner.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention generally provides self-adjusting gastric banding systems for the treatment of obesity and obesity related conditions, as well as systems for allowing the automatic self-adjustment of gastric bands when a patient swallows a large bolus. In some embodiments, the present invention generally provides for gastric banding systems having a satiety booster, for example, to increase satiety levels when a patient desires to curb appetite at a particular time. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for gastric banding systems that allow for both the automatic self-adjustment of gastric bands when a patient swallows a large bolus and an incorporated satiety booster for increasing satiety levels when a patient desires to curb appetite at a particular time.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for treating wounds in patients who lack the innate ability to regulate glucose (e.g., diabetic patients). In one aspect of the invention, a method includes positioning an internal bypass device within the duodenum to inhibit contact between chyme passing therethrough and an internal wall of the duodenum and maintaining the internal bypass device within the duodenum for a sufficient period of time to decrease insulin resistance and reduce a blood glucose level in the patient. The internal bypass device increases peripheral blood flow and elevates an immune system response to accelerate healing of the wound.

Abstract: This invention provides new above knee (AK) and below the knee (BK) orthotic devices and implements specific manufacturing processes for the production of orthotic devices through the automated, computer controlled bi-axial and tri-axial braiding of orthotic devices, over a mold or mandrel made of carved foam, plaster material or wax that is a replica of the patient's limb, and is created by a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file controlling a Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tool. This method of manufacture using aerospace fibers such as graphite or Kevlar, and high performance resins, is used to create a orthotic device which is stronger and lighter weight than conventionally manufactured orthotic devices. Braiding also allows incorporation of woven cloth, tapes and other reinforcements into the braiding process for added strength at selected areas. The method dramatically decreases the production time and cost of the relative to conventional methods.

Abstract: A method for tuning an orthosis for the correct stiffness and/or shank angle includes via one or more computers, receiving patient information including forces experienced by a joint of a patient wearing an orthosis, wherein the orthosis has a degree of stiffness and a shank angle, via one or more computers, comparing the patient information to model information, wherein the model information includes the forces of a correctly functioning joint, and changing the degree of stiffness and/or the shank angle of the orthosis.

Abstract: A novel tightening device for orthoses for supporting and preserving the function of the human body, and more particularly for back orthoses surrounding the body, allows individual, segmental adjustment of the supporting action by way of individual, separate tackle assemblies.

Abstract: Fastening device for people with reduced mobility conditions, of the variety employed in chairs or arm chairs in domestic, geriatric, care or hospital environments, comprising fixation means (50), which can be adapted to the back of the chair or arm chair and containing means (100) to contain the person to be fastened. Said device (1) comprises a portable support body (10) in which said fixation means (50) and containing means (100) are located and the containing means (100) comprise at least one containing strap (101, 102, 103) connected to an emergency locking retractor (104, 105, 106) which is configured in order to facilitate the free movement of the person fastened to said chair or arm chair and to prevent falling movement of the same.

Abstract: A device providing erection assistance includes a first sleeve of flaccid material that can fit over a male penis and extend from the base to the corona of the penis. Also included is a second sleeve of flaccid material of similar length that can fit over the penis. One or more wall regions are disposed between the first and second sleeves. The wall region(s) extend(s) continuously along the lengths of the first and second sleeves. The wall region(s) is (are) coupled to the first and second sleeves, and define a void region along the length of the sleeves that is readily aligned with the urethral tube of a male user.

Abstract: A disposable heated glove for heating a wearer's hand includes a fabric material for covering the palm and back of the hand, four finger portions for covering the wearer's fingers and a thumb portion for covering the wearer's thumb. The glove also includes five small elongated pouches with each pouch being associated with a different one of the finger and thumb portions. A quantity of exothermic chemicals is sealed within each of the pouches whereby removing chemicals from one of the pouches results in the destruction of the pouch so that it cannot be reused. In one embodiment, the chemicals are activated to create heat by manually manipulating the same to mix the chemicals. In another embodiment, the chemicals are activated by exposing them to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved medical tack. The tack of the present invention includes attachment points at each end where at least one of the attachment points is moveable, varying the effective length of the tack. Varying the length of the medical tack adapts the tack for use with tissue of different thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow to an ocular region is provided. The apparatus includes a control unit having a processor, a user interface configured to receive data from the processor and provide information to an operator, and a memory unit configured to provide information to the processor. The memory unit includes a lookup table configured with a plurality of fluid parameter related conditions potentially expected to be encountered during a phacoemulsification procedure and a plurality of warning entries, each warning entry associated with fluid parameter related conditions potentially expected to be encountered during the phacoemulsification procedure. Each warning entry corresponding to a level of performance outside a predetermined range is conveyed to the operator via the user interface and in certain instances functionality of the apparatus may be altered.

Abstract: A device 1500 for performing an anterior capsulotomy procedure, wherein the device includes a body 1504 having proximal and distal ends. A cutting element 1010 having at least one surgical blade 1014 is rotatably disposed on a distal end of the body. The cutting element is attached to a pinion 1300 comprising a plurality of gear teeth 1310. The gear teeth on the pinion intermesh with gear teeth 1204 disposed on a distal end of a shaft assembly 1202. As the shaft assembly 1202 is moved laterally within the body 1504, the pinion 1300 is caused to rotate.

Abstract: Systems and methods to treat a region of a cornea of an eye having an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer. The system comprises a device to map a thickness of the epithelial layer over the region of the cornea to generate a map of epithelial thickness over the region, and a laser to generate a laser beam of an ablative radiation. A movable scan component is coupled to the laser to scan the laser beam over the region. A processor system is coupled to the laser and the movable scan component, and the processor system is configured to arrange pulses of laser beam to ablate the epithelial layer of the region in response to the map of epithelial thickness.

Abstract: A passive semi-insert noise reducing device configured for insertion into the ear of a subject includes at least one muffler tube having a closed end and an opposing open end, the muffler tube being configured to be secured to the head of a subject. The at least one muffler tube is defined by an elongate hollow tubular section, including the closed end, and a transverse hollow tube at the open end that is configured for placement in the outer ear of the subject. The at least one muffler tube is defined by a length that produces quarter wave resonance in low audible sound frequencies. A soft sealing member disposed onto an exterior surface of the hollow connecting tube has a distal end surface that is substantially flush with the open end of the muffler tube.

Abstract: Wound treatment systems and methods are presented that involve treating a wound, such as a burn wound, with an absorbent polymer that helps maintain a desired moisture level and that also involve an evaporative subsystem that removes excess liquid from the absorbent polymer. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented herein.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster has a pivotable frame that moves from an extended position to a compressed position under the influence of reduced pressure. The closing bolster may have a first closing member, a second closing member, and an interior space. A manifold member is disposed within the interior space and may be coupled to the pivotable frame. When a reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position. A first gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound may be attached. Likewise, a second gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound may be attached. Systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying discrete components of a first substrate to a second substrate includes a programmable servo motor having a shaft. The servo motor is programmed to rotate the shaft in a first phase and a second phase at a variable angular velocity in a single direction. The apparatus also includes a crank member connected with the shaft, a connector link connected with the crank member, and a tamper member connected with the connector link. When the shaft rotates in the first phase, the tamper member travels from a first position to a second position to displace a selected portion of the second substrate into contact with the discrete component.

Abstract: A water disintegratable leak-proof sheet for an absorbent article that has an excellent leak-proof property during wear and excellent water disintegrating property after disposal. The water disintegratable leak-proof sheet of the present disclosure has the following construction. A water disintegratable leak-proof sheet for an absorbent article comprising a water disintegratable base material layer and a water-insoluble and biodegradable resin layer on the water disintegratable base material layer, wherein the tearing strength in the planar direction of the water disintegratable leak-proof sheet is no greater than 0.15 N/40 mm in both a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Aspects of the methods and apparatuses relate to making elastic laminates, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for applying elastic material in a curved path onto an advancing substrate. The elastic material may be in various forms, such as for example, elastic strands and/or ribbons. Apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may also provide for the application of viscous fluids, such as adhesives, in pre-determined patterns to the elastic material while being positioned on an advancing substrate.

Abstract: An adhesive is independently ejected from a plurality of ejecting sections to an outer layer nonwoven fabric continuum conveyed in a conveyance direction. At this time, the adhesive is ejected to three partial regions, of an opening portion formation region in which an opening portion is formed, which are divided by two straight lines passing an inside of the opening portion formation region from the ejecting sections corresponding to the partial regions. Further, when ejection of the adhesive from the ejecting section is stopped, an adhesive non-application region is formed in the inner partial region held between the outermost two partial regions of the three partial regions.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a holding conveying mechanism configured to convey a web using a holding surface, and a cutting mechanism configured to perform first cutting to cut the web conveyed while being held by the holding conveying mechanism along a crossing direction crossing a conveyance direction of the web and performing second cutting to cut the web along the crossing direction with a predetermined distance from the first cutting. The holding surface includes a main holding area configured to hold the web along the crossing direction between the first cutting and the second cutting, and an auxiliary holding area configured to hold the web by a holding power weaker than the holding power in the main holding area, at least in either upstream or downstream of the conveyance direction of the main holding area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent structure, preferably for use in absorbent articles as used in the personal hygiene industry such as feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants or adult incontinence garments. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article comprising such absorbent structure and to a method of manufacturing the absorbent structure. The absorbent structures comprise a carrier layer, an auxiliary layer and an absorbent material there between wherein substantially permanent primary attachments and substantially temporary secondary attachments join the carrier layer and auxiliary layer at least partially together, whereby the substantially temporary secondary attachments are loosened as a result of exposing the absorbent structure to a liquid whereas the substantially permanent primary attachments remain substantially intact.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a bodyside liner, an outer cover, an absorbent body located between the bodyside liner and the outer cover, and an enclosure. The enclosure comprises a cover and backing joined together to form a pocket with an object disposed therein. The enclosure is joined with the absorbent article and is adapted to transition from a closed condition to an open condition such that the object disposed within the enclosure may be accessed.

Abstract: Emergency vehicle patient transport systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an emergency vehicle patient transport system includes: a loading passage providing access to an interior of an emergency vehicle; one or more tracks coupled to a floor of the emergency vehicle, a ceiling of the emergency vehicle, a wall of the emergency vehicle or combinations thereof wherein, a travel path is delineated by the one or more tracks; and a chair slidingly engaged with the one or more tracks, and vertically positioned between the floor and the ceiling. The chair locks in one or more set positions. And, the one or more set positions are selected from a group consisting of an airway care position, an extended airway care position, a procedural care position, a responder position, a patient care position, and a patient load position.

Abstract: A combined type nursing bed. A moveable backrest is provided on a fixed bed body, and a wheelchair is disposed at an end of the moveable backrest. The wheelchair includes three rectangular plates, a wheelchair support, and a second driving mechanism. When in use, the three rectangular plates are driven by the second driving mechanism and pivots around rotating shafts to form the wheelchair. The wheelchair can be separated from the bed body. Through separation and combination of the wheelchair and the bed body, a patient can be easily transferred. The transferring process does not require hard labor of the nursing personnel, and the patients do not suffer addition discomfort due to use of the nursing bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for disabled, impaired or handicapped persons in reaching or maintaining a standing or partially standing position. The apparatus includes a knee support and a movable torso support that is connected to an actuator arrangement. The actuator arrangement moves the torso support in a vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support and in a horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support. The user engages the torso support during the raising movement during which the torso support moves simultaneously forward and upward until he is substantially standing whilst leaning forward over the torso support (and vice versa for the lowering procedure). The torso support can also be rotated, independently of the vertical and horizontal position of the torso support. The apparatus is provided with a load sensing system monitoring self-participation of the user.

Abstract: A backrest of a bed is pivotable with respect to a bed frame. A backrest actuator assembly connects the backrest to the bed frame. The backrest actuator assembly is configured to raise and lower the backrest with respect to the bed frame by way of an actuator. The backrest actuator assembly is further configured with a lockable damper to release the backrest to lower due to gravity over a damped range of motion. The backrest can be so lowered during an emergency, such as an emergency that requires administration of CPR to the bed's occupant. The lockable damper can stop the lowering of the backrest at any position along the damped range of motion. After an emergency lowering, the backrest actuator assembly can automatically reset to a normal operation state.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for preventing and treating pressure ulcers in bedfast patients. The invention includes providing a non-powered mattress having a first zone adapted to conform to a first body part and a second zone adapted to provide support to a second body part, and off-loading interface pressure on the first body part to the second body part by dynamically increasing the support provided to the second body part by the second zone based on a weight of the first body part on the first zone. The off-loading of interface pressure from the first body part to the second body part equalizes blood oxygen saturation in tissue of the first and second body parts. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A person support apparatus may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. One or more sensors, which may be operably coupled to the person support apparatus, monitor changes in the position of a person situated on the person support apparatus. A control system receives output from the sensor or sensors over a period of time, while the person is positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system makes a determination relating to the activity and/or mobility of the person positioned on the person support apparatus. The control system may use the activity and/or mobility determination to control a feature of the person support apparatus, or for other purposes.

Abstract: An improved incubator (4) and control apparatus (16) include separate temperature and humidity control loops (36, 38) wherein a commanded temperature (44) and a commanded relative humidity (RH) value (46) are commanded to the control apparatus via a user interface (40). The humidity control loop (36) employs specific humidity (SH) in its control operations. The use of SH rather than RH decouples humidity from temperature and thus simplifies control of both.

Abstract: An adjustable personal treatment apparatus that is usable by women of all sizes to enable them to enjoy, without harm, the full healthful benefits of proper and necessary massage and therapy. More particularly, the apparatus permits the proper pressure to be applied to a female patient during massage, or therapeutic treatment, without causing discomfort and possible damage to breast tissue or breast implants.

Abstract: A table cover may include (A) a top portion; (B) a pair of opposing side portions on opposite sides of the top portion, each side portion including (i) a vertical side portion attached to a side edge of the top portion, and (ii) a horizontal side portion, attached to a lower edge of the vertical side portion, for extending under a supporting table; (C) a front portion attached to the front edge, of the top portion, at an upper edge of the front portion, the front portion having opposing front seam edges respectively attached to a respective side seam edges of a corresponding side portion, the front portion further including a vertical front face; and a flap attached to a lower edge of the vertical front face, and the flap extending under the supporting table. The flap may be defined within the front portion by a pair of slits.

Abstract: A powered exoskeleton configured to be coupled to lower limbs of a person is controlled to impart a movement desired by the person. The intent of the person is determined by a controller based on monitoring at least one of: positional changes in an arm portion of the person, positional changes in a head of the person, an orientation of a walking aid employed by the person, a contact force between a walking aid employed by the person and a support surface, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a force imparted by the person on the walking aid, a relative orientation of the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person, and relative velocities between the exoskeleton, moveable components of the exoskeleton and the person.

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. sure. 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 system for gait training which includes a height-adjustable rolling platform for attaching to the foot with or without a shoe, on the affected side of a subject. When the subject shifts their body weight away from the affected side, the platform is capable of forward and backward movement to follow the swinging movement of the leg. When the subject shifts their body weight to the affected side, a passive braking system arrests any further movement of the affected limb.

Abstract: A method for treatment of skin and sub-dermis by a housing. The housing accommodates two adjacent vacuum chambers sharing at least one common wall between them. The chambers a coupled to a surface of skin and the air pressure in the chambers is alternated such as to effect back and forth massaging movement of skin tissue in parallel to the surface of said skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a health massage apparatus, providing a neck massager including a U-shaped neck pillow capable of being hungon a neck of a person, an inside of the U-shaped neck pillow corresponding to the neck has at least one massage component, the at least one massage component include at least two massage heads from the top down along the inside of the U-shaped neck pillow, a height of the upper massage head is lower than the adjacent lower massage head in sequence. According to the human neck characteristics involving the protrusion of the upper neck and the depression of the lower neck, in the present invention the upper massage head is set a low position and the lower massage head is set at a high position, advantageously, each of the massage heads respectively massages the corresponding neck part, the good massage effect can be obtained.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for cardiopulmonary resuscitation includes: an information acquiring section configured to acquire information of a force, displacement, and velocity during a compression of a chest of a living body; a calculating section configured to calculate viscoelasticity information of the chest based on the information of the force, displacement, and velocity, which are acquired by the information acquiring section; an evaluating section configured to perform evaluation related to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation by using the viscoelasticity information which is calculated by the calculating section; and an outputting section configured to perform an output showing the evaluation which is performed by the evaluating section.

Abstract: A novel fitting for air blowers in air baths that is to be used in conjunction with the blower plumbing system between the blower and the mandated water backflow prevention safety device. The fitting has an internal structure that acts through a dual push/pull effect in order to divert a portion of the air through an ozone generator. The influent side acts as an air ram, like a pitot tube while the effluent side acts as a venturi. The design is symmetrical in that the fitting can be installed in either direction, i.e., the fitting is reversible in relation to the blower.

Abstract: An uninsulated portable spa unit is inverted, and a seal plate having a flat interior surface and a plurality of doors is lowered onto the bottom surface of the inverted spa. The doors are successively opened and glass wool installation apparatus is successively inserted through the door openings and operated to install glass wool insulation into the interior of the spa unit.