Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Device embodiments and methods for using same are disclosed for treatment of static ankle plantar flexion. The device includes a sock configured to contain a patient's foot, the sock having a loop at an upper portion and a mechanical link coupled to the loop. The device further includes an adjustable plate, and an adjustable strap that is configured to selectively attach to the mechanical link. A cavity is formed by the sock and the adjustable strap that is configured to hold the adjustable plate when the strap is engaged to the mechanical link.

Abstract: A torso wrap is disclosed for providing relief to a person suffering from back pain, including: an inner layer of water-retaining material; a middle layer of moisture-barrier material; and an outer layer of stretchable material having first and second securing ends that secure to each other when the torso wrap is placed around the torso of a person. The inner layer is configured to be moistened with water and is worn in contact with the torso of a person wearing the torso wrap. The middle moisture-barrier layer is attached to the inner layer so as to trap moisture within the inner layer. The middle layer is attached to the outer layer of stretchable material that includes attachment ends for securing the torso wrap around the torso of a person.

Abstract: A support fabric with pockets for accommodating stiffener comprises two woven layers which are joined by stitch bonding and, during production, are separated from one another in areas so that they are not joined in these areas, thereby directly defining one or more profiled pockets to accommodate stiffener inserted in the pockets after production. The pockets are incorporated inside the body of the support fabric. Each pocket has an opening for inserting one of the stiffener.

Abstract: A sacroiliac belt with a non-elastic inner belt to wrap around the user's hips and an elastic outer belt to wrap from the back to opposite sides of the inner belt. Non-cinchable hook and loop fastener construction is used to secure the inner and outer belts in position. The inner belt includes an inside elastomeric foam layer with open-cell frictional gripping surface, a non-elastic outside layer of loop material, and a hook tab for engaging the loop material to close the belt. The inner belt may be established with a non-elastic composite foam-fabric structure comprising a bi-laminate of the foam and elastic fabric, and a strip of loop material secured lengthwise onto the fabric side of the bi-laminate. The outer belt includes an elastic strip and hook tabs for connecting to the strip of loop material. The non-elastic composite foam-fabric may be used in other orthopedic braces and supports.

Abstract: A convex ostomy device, including i) a moldable pressure-sensitive thin center region covered on both sides with an adhesive; and ii) a thick region outside of and thicker than the center region, covered on both sides with the adhesive.

Abstract: A valved nasal cannula (10) insertable in a nose of an intended user (14) and usable to selectively restrict a flow of air flowing through the valved nasal cannula (10), the nose having a nostril (12) defining a nostril inlet (15) and a nostril vestibule (16) extending inwardly into the nose from the nostril inlet 15), the valved nasal cannula (10) comprising: —a cannula body (18), the cannula body (18) defining a cannula passageway (20) extending therethrough, the cannula passageway (20) defining a passageway longitudinal axis (22), the cannula body (18) also defining a cannula proximal end (28) and a substantially longitudinally opposed cannula distal end (30), the cannula body (18) being, at least in part, insertable in the nostril with the cannula proximal end (28) positioned inside the nostril vestibule (16) substantially spaced apart from the nostril inlet (15) and the cannula distal end (30) positioned substantially adjacent the nostril inlet; —a valve operatively coupled to the cannula body (18) for s

Abstract: An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a flexible chamber, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the flexible chamber, and a fluid transfer assembly in communication with the fluid reservoir and the flexible chamber for transferring fluid therebetween for selectively modifying the rigidity of the flexible chamber. The flexible chamber is implantable within the soft tissue of an oropharyngeal airway of a patient, such as within the tongue, the soft palate, or the pharyngeal wall. The fluid reservoir and the fluid transfer assembly are implantable within the inframandibular region of the patient. The fluid transfer assembly is selectively engageable by the patient for transferring fluid between the two chambers for modifying the rigidity, flexibility, and/or shape of the flexible chamber with minimal or no change to the volume of the implant.

Abstract: Methods and devices treating an autonomic nervous system associated disease condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the invention include inducing one or more physiological response selected from the group consisting of sweating, gastric emptying, enhanced heart rate variability and enhanced quantitative sensory test responsiveness in a manner sufficient to modify the autonomic nervous system so as to treat the subject for the disease condition. The methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, e.g. in the treatment of subjects suffering from conditions arising from disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

Abstract: A system and method for thermal regulation, the system comprising a bedding element that is configured to enclose at least a part of a living being or other object. The system further comprising a temperature regulation element that is included in the bedding element and that includes a phase change material which changes between a liquid phase and a solid phase within the desired temperature range.

Abstract: An inflatable convective pad for warming a person during surgery has two ends, two sides, and at least two openings, each located in an area of the pad between the two ends and between a respective side and the center of the pad. The openings, which may be in the form of slits, allow the threading of a sheet or the person's arms through the pad to restrain the arms during surgery.

Abstract: Relatively non-invasive devices and methods for heating or cooling a patient's body are disclosed. Devices and methods for treating ischemic conditions by inducing therapeutic hypothermia are disclosed. Devices and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia through esophageal cooling are disclosed. Devices and methods for operative temperature management are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for deploying intraocular shunts without the use of an optical apparatus that contacts an eye, such as a goniolens. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve inserting into an eye a deployment device configured to hold an intraocular shunt, determining that a distal portion of the device is properly positioned within the eye without use of an optical apparatus that contacts the eye, and deploying the shunt from the device.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a housing sleeve disposed in an inner bore of the handle configured to project a distance from the handle distal end, an optic fiber disposed in the housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve disposed over a distal end of the optic fiber, and a light source configured to connect to a proximal end of the optic fiber. The shape memory sleeve may be configured to curve the distal end of the optic fiber at an angle, e.g., 90 degrees, when the shape memory sleeve is not contained within the housing sleeve.

Abstract: A goggle structure includes a protective soft pad, a frame, and a subsidiary lens frame. Convex portions are formed on upper and lower sides of the subsidiary lens frame and inserted into slots disposed at the frame, respectively. Hook portions are formed on upper and lower sides of the frame and extend backward. By inserting the frame into a receiving space disposed at the protective soft pad, the hook portions press against the periphery of the receiving space. Pressing portions and carrying portions are formed on upper and lower portions at the middle segment of the frame and adapted to hold the protective soft pad. The bottom of the subsidiary lens frame straddles the pressing portions and carrying portions. Branch portions extend from two outer sides of the frame to press against a concave portion of the protective soft pad. Hence, related components are engaged with each other.

Abstract: A material for use as a wound dressing, the material being in the form of a roll and comprising gel forming fibers and the material having lines of longitudinal stitching.

Abstract: A method of protecting an article of clothing with a napkin. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a napkin having (i) an area coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive on a first major surface of the napkin proximate the periphery of the napkin, (ii) a release liner overlaying the pressure sensitive adhesive, and (iii) an aperture through at least the pressure sensitive adhesive and the release liner configured and arranged to accommodate passage of a button therethrough, and (b) selectively securing the napkin to an article of clothing worn by a person by either (i) inserting a button affixed to the article of clothing through the aperture in the tab and through that area of the napkin overlying the aperture, or (ii) removing the release liner and adhesively securing the napkin to the article of clothing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for making an absorbent core comprising a nonwoven core cover that offers improved performance on holding back fine particulate material after having been exposed to external strain.

Abstract: A sanitary tampon 10 includes an absorber 11 and a strand member 12 extending out from a tail end of the absorber 11 in a direction of insertion inside the vagina. A hook unit 20 is configured from a member different from the strand member 12 and distended outside from a circumferential surface 12e of the strand member 12 is provided in the strand member 12.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an array of front-fastenable disposable wearable absorbent articles with differing ear shapes. Each different ear shape corresponds to a body shape and activity level for a particular wearer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first article, sized for a wearer of a first size, has a first side ear with a first side ear upper edge with concave portions, and a second article, sized for a wearer of a second size that is greater than the first size, has a second side ear with a second side ear upper edge with convex portions.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises first and second substrates and one or more elastic elements disposed at least partially intermediate the substrates. The second substrate is attached to the first substrate and/or to portions of the elastic elements. The absorbent article comprises an adhesive having a first and second pattern of elements disposed on first substrate, and first and second texture zones. The first texture zone comprises a first portion of the substrates, a first portion of the elastic elements, and the first pattern of elements of the adhesive and forms a background pattern in the first portion of the substrates. The second texture zone comprises a second portion of the substrates, a second portion of the one or more elastic elements, and the second pattern of elements of the adhesive and forms a macro pattern in the second portion of the substrates.

Abstract: A seat for a vehicle, the seat being releasably anchored to the interior of the vehicle by an anchoring mechanism and having wheels to enable it to be rolled when not anchored to the interior of the vehicle. The seat is temporarily removable from the vehicle for the purpose of seating a person in the seat while it is outside of the vehicle, before moving the seat back into the vehicle while the person remains seated in it. The wheels are retractable from a lowered position for rolling the seat, to a raised position for anchoring the seat.

Abstract: A motor power device for wheelchairs of disabled users is removably mounted on the front of the wheelchair-in order to be controlled by the user while sitting on the wheelchair. The device has a motor unit provided with an electrical motor, an intermediate frame disposed between the motor unit and the wheelchair, first inclination adjusting means between the motor unit and the intermediate frame and second inclination adjusting means between the intermediate frame and a bearing frame of the wheelchair. The intermediate frame and the motor unit are mounted and dismounted easily and rapidly.

Abstract: An enclosure for enclosing an area including a frame and a canopy assembly. The frame includes an upper laterally-extending support, a first upstanding support coupled to a first end of the upper support, and a second upstanding support coupled to a second end of the upper support. The upper support is length-adjustable. The canopy assembly is connectable to the frame for defining an enclosed area, and includes a plurality of collars removably connectable to the frame, and at least one panel holdable in a plane defined by the supports of the frame. The circumference of at least one such collar is adjustable so that when the length of the upper support is adjusted, the collar circumference can be adjusted to accommodate the change in length.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a cover sheet with an electrically conductive spacer material.

Abstract: An air mattress with an internal pump has a plurality of air cell groups lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress. Each of air cell groups has a plurality of bladder-shaped cells lined up in the lengthwise direction of the air mattress. The air mattress has an air supply/release pump; and an air tube linking the air cell groups and the air supply/release pump in an independent system for each air cell group out of two or more air cell groups. All of the bladder-shaped cells are rod shapes extending in the widthwise direction of the air mattress, and the length of the air cell groups corresponding to the leg area of a reclining person is up to 30% less than that of the other bladder-shaped cells, leaving a space between there and the edge of the air mattress in which the air supply/release pump is disposed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.

Abstract: An orthopedic or therapeutic support pillow is provided for use by a patient to support an arm and shoulder while the patient is resting in a generally prone position on a resting surface. The pillow includes a back section for positioning and supporting the pillow on resting surface, the back section having a central memory foam section to adapt to the contour of the body of the patient. The pillow further includes a pair of side arms extending from the back section, each side arm including contoured areas and a plush thickness to support the body, arms, and shoulders. The back section includes shoulder support zones to engage and support the shoulders of the patient when reclining on the pillow.

Abstract: A patient positioning system employs an arm having a first portion and a second portion which is telescopic relative to the first portion. A first positioning device may be coupled to the first portion of the arm providing support for the arm. The first positioning device is rotatable on a first axis, allowing the arm to rotate with the first positioning device. The second positioning device is coupled to the second portion of the arm and movable with the second portion of the arm relative to the first portion of the arm. The second positioning device is operable to rotate a patient support at least on a second axis.

Abstract: A body stretching assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a pulley, a plurality of body attachment straps, and a rope. The pulley comprises a securing end and a wheeled end, wherein the securing end includes a frame having a proximal aperture, a protrusion, and a pair of distal legs with fastening apertures. The proximal aperture is configured for connection with a pulley assembly supporting structure, such as a door jam or an exposed support such as a pole. A user threads a rope over the pulley wheel to begin treatment. One end of the rope comprises a hand attachment, whereas the opposing rope end includes one of a head, hand, or ankle attachment. The user pulls one end of the rope, thereby causing the opposing end to pull on the body of a user. Gradual actuation of the rope end provides a stretching exercise to a user.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for improving voluntary control of paretic muscles in a patient extremity is provided. The therapeutic device is designed to be portable and may be strapped onto a patient's wrist or ankle. The device employs a plurality of micro-motors configured to deliver vibratory sensations to a patient extremity as somatosensory inputs. Each micro-motor is dimensioned to reside on a patient's respective finger or along their foot. The therapeutic device also includes a micro-processor programmed to actuate the micro-motors for designated times and in pre-programmed sequences, and a housing containing the micro-processor. A method of using somatosensory input as a functional guidance to improve motor function in a patient extremity is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that affect vacuum to massage a volume of the skin and one or more types of skin treatment energies coupled to the massaged volume to treat the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue and produce a desired treatment effect. The method and apparatus are based on coupling an array or a number of arrays being an assembly of skin treatment units with each skin treatment unit including a hollow cavity and a number of different energy to skin applying elements operative to receive skin treatment energy from a source of such energy and couple or apply the received energy to a treated segment of skin.

Abstract: A compression integument for applying controllable intermittent sequential compression to the limbs of a user comprises an elongated fabric body sized to encircle a limb of a user, one or more compressible pads affixed to a surface of the fabric body facing the limb when the fabric body is wrapped around the limb; one or more tensioning elements integrated into the fabric body or compressible pads and arranged to encircle the limb when the fabric body is wrapped around the limb, and a micro-processor based actuator for selectively actuating the one or more tensioning elements to reduce the effective diameter of the tensioning elements encircling the limb, to thereby apply pressure to the limb by way of the compressible pads.

Abstract: A waterproof, floatable and dockable remote control for controlling portable spa functions comprising a waterproof touch screen display and a sealed battery housing containing a battery rechargeable by wireless power transfer wherein the remote communicates over a wireless link with a spa-based controller and employs a graphic display system designed to maintain graphics responsiveness while extending battery life.

Abstract: A blister and package system made of a blister card and an outer package with unique interacting locking mechanisms. The blister card or strip is inserted into the outer package or sleeve and locks immediately without having to further process the outer package or the blister card or strip. The user is able to expose the blisters from the outer package by disengaging the lock. The blister card or strip includes a formable, pliable sheet material, into which one or more individual cavities or blisters are formed. The separated cavities are loaded with product and sealed with one or more layers of puncturable or tearable sheet material, such as aluminum foil. The blister card or strip contains a plastic rivet assembly that forms an interference mechanism. The rivet is trapped by an internally formed panel and stopped by a catch flap included in the outer package.

Abstract: Device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d; 40) for extracting, storing and/or processing blood or other substances of human or animal origin, and for applying blood compounds or other biological compounds, which comprises a body (2; 41) inside which a piston (3; 42) is capable of moving longitudinally and is separable at least in part, where the body (2; 41) is provided with an internal space (9; 51) that may be connected to the outside by means of a conduit (6; 50) at a first end (4; 48) of the body (2; 41), where the body (2; 41) and the piston (3; 43) may be blocked longitudinally in at least one position to allow the creation of different degrees of vacuum. The device has multiple uses and is extremely versatile.

Abstract: A device having a compartment with cavities disposed on opposite sides, each cavity disposed for receiving at least one pill case. The pill cases are disposed on mounts in the cavity using pressure to hold in place. A drawer is disposed in a cavity opening on a top surface. The device is held upright by a support structure to allow a user to access pill cases from each side of the device. The pill cases may be disposed between rails. An indicator may be attached to the rails thus allowing a user to indicate which pill cases, or compartments in pill cases do not have an adequate supply medicine.

Abstract: A non-spill valve for the neck of a liquid container. The invention also relates to a non-spill valve for the nipple of a feeding bottle, to a teat which is provided with such a nipple and to a feeding bottle which has such a teat. The valve has a tube which is open at one end and upstands from a support, which is complementary with interior element so that it forms a partition and permits the passage of liquid from an aperture in the support only into the tube interior, wherein the other end of the tube is closed except for an incision which separates the closed end from an adjoining side wall portion. The incision defines a flap that can permit liquid to reach from the tube interior to the mouth of the neck or spout or nipple.

Abstract: A photopolymerizable dental composition for application to and for the isolation and protection of gums and/or teeth during dental treatment is described. The composition can include (a) one or more photopolymerizable monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylates and methacrylates, (b) one or more photoinitiators, preferably selected from the group consisting of alpha-diketones, benzoin alkyl ethers, thioxanthones, benzophenones, acyl phosphine oxides, acetophenones, ketals, titanocenes, borates and sensitizing dyes, and (c) one or more molecular weight regulators selected from the group consisting of compounds which can be reacted with a radical of a monomer of component (a) with abstraction of an H radical from the molecular weight regulator in the allyl position. Also disclosed are kits comprising such a composition, methods for producing a corresponding protective layer, methods for treating one or more teeth, and methods of using the compositions as a masking compound.

Abstract: Method for adjusting or improving or optimizing the usage properties of filler(s)-containing, flowable dental material, which involves relating to at least one measuring value representing the tackiness to at least one measuring value representing the texturing or plasticity or consistency. Flowable, usage-optimized, usually non-polymerized dental composites contain, as fillers, at least one glass filler and at least one filler from the group of chipped polymers or pre-polymer fillers based on ground polymer that is pre-polymerized together with inorganic particles, and, as additive(s), at least one compound represented through formula H—Y—Z (I), where: Y=—O—, —S—, —CO—, —OSi(OR1)2—, —OE Z=H, OH, SH, NH2, COOH, COOR2 E=—CnHmOp- R1=H, C1-C4-Alkyl R2=C1-C15-Alkyl, interrupted by one or more O atoms. C2-C14-Alkyl, n=2 bis 5 m=4 bis 11 p=n.

Abstract: This patent application is for Enamel Bond, a chemical solution for creating tooth enamel that successfully bonds to the dentin layer and provides both structure and composition of true, natural enamel.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultraviolet-shielding agent including resin particles formed by coating a core portion with a coating layer, wherein the core portion is made of any one resin of an organic ultraviolet absorbent-containing resin and an inorganic particle-containing resin, and the coating layer is made of the other resin or both resins, a method for producing the same, an ultraviolet-shielding agent-containing dispersion liquid, and a cosmetic preparation.

Abstract: A functional soap includes nanoscale platinum, gold, silver, organic germanium and organic selenium to prepare soap, wherein anti-bacterial, sterilizing, skin irritation relieving and skin moisturizing functions provided in platinum, gold, silver, organic germanium, and organic selenium are added to the washing effect of the conventional soap.

Abstract: Oral compositions containing high purity barium sulfate particles, preferably greater than 97.5% barium sulfate by weight of the particles, and an orally-acceptable carrier are effective for polishing or cleaning teeth and also exhibit enhanced fluoro compound and/or peroxide stability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-in-oil-type skin-whitening cosmetic, which has a moist feel without stickiness when used and has good emulsion stability over time even when accommodated in a glass container or a metal container. The water-in-oil-type skin-whitening cosmetic is characterized in that it contains an alkoxysalicylic acid or a salt thereof, an organic modified clay mineral, and a liquid fatty acid. It is preferable that the liquid fatty acid is selected from higher fatty acids having 12 to 22 carbon atoms and having a linear or branched alkyl chain, such as oleic acid, linolic acid, linolenic acid, and isostearic acid.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising succinic acid, aconitic acid, and a carrier, wherein the succinic acid and aconitic acid are present in a ratio of from about 0.9:1 to about 40:1. Also provided are methods of disrupting a biofilm comprising applying to a surface having a biofilm a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising succinic acid, aconitic acid, and a carrier, wherein the succinic acid and aconitic acid are present in a ratio of from about 0.9:1 to about 40:1. Also provided are methods of disrupting a biofilm comprising applying to a surface having a biofilm a composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Formulations, kits, and methods for rebuilding the disulfide bonds in keratin found in hair, skin, or nails. Hair that is damaged due to a hair coloring treatment and/or other reducing treatment, such as during a permanent wave, can be treated with the formulations containing one or more active agents. The formulations may be applied subsequent to a hair coloring treatment or simultaneously with a hair coloring treatment. Use of the active agent formulations during a permanent wave treatment prevents the reversion of the hair to its previous state, for at least one week, preferably at least three months, more preferably at least one year, most preferably greater than one year, after one or more than one application of the formulation. Application of the active agent formulation to skin or nails can help repair damaged disulfide bonds due to natural wear and tear or natural aging.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nontherapeutic cosmetic use of at least one cannabinoid compound chosen from the compounds corresponding to general formula (I): and also the geometric isomers and optical isomers thereof, the cosmetically acceptable acid or base salts thereof, and the hydrates thereof; in which compounds of formula (I): R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C30 alkyl group; it being possible for said alkyl group to be optionally substituted with a hydroxyl (OH) group; R2 represents a halogen atom or a group chosen from hydroxyl, thiol (SH), and amino optionally substituted with one or two C1-C6 alkyl groups; R3 and R4 form, together with the carbon atom which bears them, an oxo group or else R3 and R4 represent a hydrogen atom; R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; X represents a heteroatom chosen from oxygen and sulfur atoms and the divalent group —N(R6)—, with R6 representing a hydrogen atom or a C1-C6 alkyl group; represents a single or double bond; n is 1, 2 or 3, prefe

Abstract: A thick cleaning composition, comprising a long-chain fatty acyl acidic amino acid ester; a fatty compound of fatty acid, fatty alcohol, fatty alcohol ether or polyol fatty acid ester; a surfactant; a solvent composed of water, lower alcohol, polyol and polyol ether; and further comprising a beautifying and cleaning adjuvant for skin, eyes, teeth and hair. The cleaning composition can achieve satisfactory thick appearance when used for cleaning skin and hair, and maintain stable viscosity at different temperatures. In use, the composition can be easily daubed, and foams quickly with good foaming quality.