Abstract: A device and method are provided for positioning an infant's hips, and for maintaining the hip joint in a physiological position, during early months of life. The hip-positioning device includes a flexible base having a pair of opposed, outwardly extending side portions. The side portions are dimensioned for supporting thighs of an infant at an acute angle greater than zero relative to a dorsal plane of the infant, with knees of the infant in a flexed position. The base further has a downwardly extending, generally central portion that is adapted for positioning between the infant thighs and dimensioned for retaining the infant thighs in an abducted position. The device additionally includes an element for retaining the base on the infant.

Abstract: A compression wrap for the lumbar spine region includes an elongate longitudinally stretchable belt for wrapping around the lumbar region of a person, a fastening device for securing the belt, a pressure pad extending transverse to the belt longitudinally along the spinous process and extending laterally in the hollow between the para-vertebral spinal muscles for applying support directly to the lumbar spine.

Abstract: A lumbar-sacral orthosis comprises in combination a first lateral belt portion having a dorsal end portion having two substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots, the first lateral belt portion having a third slot, a second lateral belt portion having a dorsal end portion having two substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots, the first lateral belt portion substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots and the second lateral belt portion substantially parallel horizontally extending upper and lower slots being substantially aligned, a central dorsal portion, the central dorsal portion attached to the first and second lateral belt portions by an upper pin extending from the central dorsal portion through the upper slots, and a lower pin extending from the central dorsal portion through the lower slots, such that the first and second lateral belt portions may be moved with respect to one another.

Abstract: A kit for containing components for fabricating functional casts, and including a box, and a length of liner for being placed next to the skin of the body part to be immobilized; a moisture-proof package containing a length of cast tape of the type impregnated with a moisture-curable resin that remains in a flexible, comformable state until activated and hardened into a rigid state by exposure to moisture; at least one strap for securing the cast onto the body part being immobilized and a length of adhesive edger material for enclosing raw edges of the hardened cast tape for protecting the skin of the cast wearer from exposure to the cast tape, each of which is contained in the box.

Abstract: Provided is an adaptable protective device configured to include a portion of body to protect, including: a main casing impermeable to the passage of fluid, flexible and defining a main volume, the main casing being configured to be placed at least partially around the portion of body to protect so that the portion of body to protect is outside the main volume, the main casing defining an inner surface substantially in contact with the portion of body to protect and an outer surface not in contact with the portion of body to protect, an inner casing placed inside the main casing, permeable to the passage of fluid and flexible; and including a plurality of filler particles, a first valve, configured to form or interrupt a connection for fluid passage between the main volume and the external environment, a closure casing impermeable to the passage of fluid, flexible and including sealing means configured to create a fluid seal between the closure casing and the portion of body to protect thereby forming a close

Abstract: A nasal insert may include a wall in the shape of a tube, the wall including a first end defining a first orifice and a second end defining a second orifice. The first end may have a diameter, diagonal measurement, or cross-sectional area larger than that of the second end. The first end may define at least one break in the wall, so that the first end incompletely encircles the first orifice. The second end may completely encircle the second orifice.

Abstract: A device includes a rolled tubular section and at least two strips rolled together with the tubular section. The strips extend from a rim of the tubular section and are spaced a distance apart from each other, with at least a portion of an inside area of the tubular section provided with an adhesive. When rolled, the adhesive on the inside area of the tubular section contacts at least a part of one of the two strips and the two strips form a path along the tubular section. Each of the two strips has a release layer that is configured to provide each of the two strips with a release value away from the adhesive on the inside of the tubular section of between 15-50 dynes.

Abstract: A system for a closed circuit forced hot air warmer of patient beds and blankets with improved sterility has a patient mattress or blanket microprocessor controlled warmer that circulates heated air in a closed system without releasing warmed air into the area surrounding the patient or into the operating room. The system helps to avoid the exposure of patients and hospital workers in the operating room to possible infecting microbes carried in unsterile turbulent air currents related to the release of air from non-closed systems. The machinery and flexible hoses of the system are initially sterilized by a microprocessor controlled antimicrobial mist generator. The system does not discharge jets of warmed air due to the closed circuit arrangement. Turbulent air flow previously produced in the vicinity of the patient by high velocity air jets is eliminated. An ambient, quiescent condition accorded by closed circuit heating prevents infection of patients and operating room personnel by microbe migration.

Abstract: An improved heating pad which minimizes or eliminates skin burns due to improper uses in three ways: by monitoring an absolute temperature of each surface of the heating pad; by monitoring a temperature difference between each surface of the heating pad, where a small temperature difference indicates that both sides of the heating pad are covered; and by monitoring the duty cycle of a heating element, where a large off portion of the duty cycle indicates both sides of the heating pad are covered.

Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on the injector device, or on a portion of the injection device housing, or on a drug reservoir. Some devices may be removably attached to a drug reservoir, for example, through a luer connector. Other devices may comprise internal luer seal for securely connecting a drug conduit of the device to the luer cavity of a drug reservoir. Yet other devices may comprise a priming-enabling element to facilitate the drug priming of a shielded needle. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: A lithotripsy probe is used to break up cataracts, sinus blockages and other body masses, where the broken materials may be removed by suction. The lithotripsy probe may have a spark generator, a fluid motion generator, or other component for breaking up the body mass.

Abstract: A biomaterial mass is inserted through a punctum into a canaliculus in the lacrimal outflow system with a syringe. The mass has an outer cross section that is less than the inner cross section of the canaliculus. The mass absorbs liquid to swell to form a lacrimal filler or sealing mechanism. The lacrimal filler has an external cross section that conforms to the internal cross section of the canaliculus and a soft outer surface relative to the surrounding tissues to prevent erosion of the canaliculus lining. The lacrimal filler forms an occlusion that prevents the outflow of liquid through the lacrimal outflow system to retain tears within the eye to maintain eye lubrication and wetness. The mass and syringe are provided in kit with a rubber stopper and, optionally, a punctal dilator, an injecting catheter, and an enzyme for dissolving or degrading the lacrimal filler at a later time.

Abstract: A microfluidic pump for implantation proximate an eye of a patient is disclosed herein. The microfluidic pump includes a first substrate with a microfluidic actuator that includes a first chamber and a second chamber coupled by a channel, an electrode in each of the chambers, and a slug positioned within the channel. The slug is displaceable by an electric potential. The microfluidic actuator of the microfluidic pump includes a reservoir aligned with the chamber, a membrane portion separating the reservoir and the chamber, and a second reservoir aligned with the second chamber. A second membrane portion separates the second reservoir and the second chamber. Each of the reservoirs has an inlet and an outlet; each of the inlets has a valve that prevents backflow. A second substrate of the microfluidic pump includes a flow path coupling the outlet of the first reservoir to the inlet of the second reservoir.

Abstract: A method and device to stabilize the cornea with fewer adverse effects. In particular, a greater stability and shorter treatment time are to be made possible. To this end, the cornea is locally irradiated successively at different sites so that collagen fibers are indirectly or directly crosslinked at the irradiated sites. In this way, the collagen fibers are advantageously crosslinked in a spatially resolved manner. Accordingly, the entire eye need not be irradiated with tissue-damaging UV light, and regions having a weaker structure can be locally stabilized selectively. The sites of the cornea are preferably irradiated so that the collagen fibers are ionized in each instance by photoabsorption of a plurality of photons which each have an energy below an ionizing energy of a given molecule. After a short treatment period, strong covalent bonds are formed directly between the collagen fibers. Crosslinking agents need not be used.

Abstract: An eye-surgical laser system includes a laser source, to generate a laser beam, an XY scanner, to scan a focal spot of a received laser beam in an XY direction essentially transverse to an optical axis of the laser system, and a lens group, disposed in the optical path between the laser source and the XY scanner, to receive the laser beam generated by the laser source, to precompensate an aberration of the laser beam, and to forward the precompensated laser beam to the XY scanner, the lens group having a movable lens, movable in a Z direction along an optical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus, techniques and systems are provided for interfacing with an eye in laser surgery.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a method of forming an absorbent article. The method comprises providing a nonwoven substrate comprising a plurality of fibers. At least some of the plurality of fibers comprise a plurality of fibrils extending outwardly from a surface of the fibers. The fibrils comprise a lipid ester having a melting point greater than 35° C. The method comprises incorporating the nonwoven substrate into the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.

Abstract: An absorbent article including features facilitating toilet training of a wearer is provided. The article includes at least a first appearing graphic that changes from an initial, less visible state to a subsequent, more visible state in the absence of wetness, thereby to provide positive encouragement to a child during toilet training. The appearing graphic becomes less visible if subjected to liquid. A wetness sensation member may also be provided to give tactile, negative sensation to the child, thereby giving feedback received by at least two different senses. Additionally or alternatively, a second appearing graphic, different from the first appearing graphic, may be provided to increase a child's interest in the toilet training process. The first and second appearing graphics may become visible at different times, thereby providing a sequential or spaced reveal of the image.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious film topsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface; a backsheet having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface; an absorbent core having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, the absorbent core being provided between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a bonding layer having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The body facing surface of the bonding layer has a fibrous matrix comprising cellulosic fibers and thermoplastic fibers, and the garment facing surface of the topsheet is directly bonded to the body facing surface of the bonding layer at discrete adhesive-free bond points.

Abstract: A packaged absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface; and a wrapper sheet for wrapping the absorbent article so that at least a portion of the garment surface of the absorbent article can be seen through the wrapper sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose first aid apparatus for a person or animal including, a body adapted for carrying items, securing means for use with the body; and at least one attachment means. In use, at least one attachment means can be used to attach the body so as to be transported with the person or animal. The items can be carried within or about the body and in the case of an injury to a limb of the person or animal, the body can be used with the securing means, to firmly support the limb of the person or the animal until professional medical or veterinary assistance can be sought. The invention also relates to variants of the apparatus and a method of use.

Abstract: A patient transfer device is utilized to transport infant patients between locations within a hospital environment. The patient transfer device includes a center, support section and a pair of side sections that can be moved into contact with each other to surround the infant patient. The first and second side sections each include a handle that can be brought into close proximity to each other and can be grasped by a single hand of a clinician. The patient transfer device includes a heart rate sensor positioned to provide a heart rate measurement of the patient when the patient is received on the patient transfer device. The patient heart rate can be displayed on either an integrated display or wirelessly transmitted to an external display device. In this manner, the heart rate of the infant can be continuously monitored during transport.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. The system includes two attachment members, two vehicle anchor assemblies, and at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a fixed or moveable barrier. A tensioning assembly is operable connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may extend and articulate to apply a force against one or more points of the mobility device that are not coplanar with vehicle wall. The mobility securement system may further include a rear barrier which may move, swivel or articulate.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a jack for the change of a position of the seat base in a wheelchair. The jack has, in the lower frame (1), the driving system of the screw jack with a vertical screw (14) is fixed; and the upper end of the screw (14) is pivotally fixed in the main arms (3) of the scissors system. The driving system of the screw (14) of the screw jack is fixed to the base (11) attached slideably to the lower frame (1) in the tracks (8) in such a way that the screw (14) is permanently in a perpendicular position to the lower frame (1) and the upper frame (2) with maximum deviation of ±10°; and the base (11) is driven by the arms (17), with their first ends fixed pivotally in the main arms (3), and the other ends fixed pivotally in the base (11).

Abstract: A bed device includes: an operation section that receives an operation input; a controller that controls a movement of the bed in accordance with the operation input; a detector that detects a position of a patient on the bed; and, a limitation table that stores a limitation area set on the bed in association with a limitation content, wherein when the position of the patient detected by the detector is included in the limitation area, the limitation content is read out from the limitation table so as to control the controller in accordance with the limitation content. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a higher safety bed device which can not only notify the danger based on the bed movement but also limit the movement of the bed in accordance with the status of the patient or the bed device.

Abstract: A method for automatically varying the internal air pressure in at least one inflatable air bladder associated with at least one zone of a pressurized mattress system to achieve an optimal zone air pressure for a patient. The method includes a step of incrementally decreasing the zone air pressure of the at least one zone until more than a predetermined percentage or portion of the patient is directly supported by a substrate disposed below the at least one inflatable air bladder. The method then determines the appropriate increase in zone air pressure to achieve the optimal zone air pressure for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for sacral and trochanteric support and off-loading. The system provides a ultra low pressure plenum and a positioner. The patient body size and size and corresponding surface area of the positioner control the amount of gas which is displaced evenly against the walls of the ultra low pressure plenum to allow the combination of the ultra low pressure plenum and the positioner to slightly lift a patient from a bed surface, thereby offloading the sacrum and trochanter.

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: An exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes an exoskeleton trunk connected to first and second leg supports at respective hip joints, which allow for flexion and extension about respective hip axes. A counterweight device including an auxiliary mass is connected to the exoskeleton trunk through an actuator such that the auxiliary mass extends in a position behind the exoskeleton trunk. A front load is supported by the exoskeleton through a load bearing device including a load shifting device for selectively operating powered reel mechanisms to raise or lower the front load with respect to the exoskeleton trunk. The auxiliary mass can be selectively shifted with respect to the exoskeleton trunk to balance the moment created about the hip axes by the auxiliary mass and the moment created by a downward force of the load on the load bearing device.

Abstract: Example ambulation aid apparatus and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed and described herein. An example ambulation aid apparatus includes an ambulation aid body formed as a integral part, the integral part formed in monocoque construction to provide support for mobility of a user through the integral part, the integral part providing a plurality of grippable areas to facilitate user movement and support through the integral part. Another example ambulation aid apparatus includes a primary panel formed in monocoque construction to provide support for and assist in mobility of a user through the skin of the monocoque primary panel, the primary panel formed to interrelate with one or more subassemblies to provide an integrated monocoque part to assist in providing support for and improved mobility of the user through the integrated monocoque part. Example methods of manufacture are also disclosed and described.

Abstract: A vibroacoustic system has a shell for containing water to which transducers are mounted. Multi-channel input signals cause the transducers to drive the shell to effect distinct, but coordinated tactile and aural stimuli providing a unique combined vibratory and auditory water experience for the user.

Abstract: A mechanical chest compression device is secured to a gurney, transport stretcher or ambulance cot while engaging a patient's thorax to provide mechanical CPR during transport. The mechanical chest compression device compresses the patient's thorax against the gurney deck. The mechanical chest compression device may engage the side rails on the gurney, the gurney deck or any suitable structural elements of the gurney.

Abstract: A medicated module includes (i) a rotatable reservoir body comprising (a) a flow path and (b) a medicament-reservoir profile and (ii) a pin feature disposed in the rotatable reservoir body, the pin feature comprising a medicament-cavity profile. The medicated module also includes a second medicament, wherein the second medicament is held in a reservoir formed at least in part by the medicament-reservoir profile and the medicament-cavity profile, and wherein, prior to dispense, the second medicament is filled to at least the proximal end of the medicament-cavity profile.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel.

Abstract: An embodiment of a medication dispenser comprises a drug pump having a control module. A medication dose request device can be in communication with the drug pump. A dispensing device, for dispensing substantially solid medication in response to activation of the medication dose request device, can be in communication with the drug pump.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube includes a connector. The connector has a first connection end, a second connection end and a flow channel formed through the connector. The first connection end is connected to a first tube, and the second connection end has a positioning sleeve formed thereon. The positioning sleeve has a connection part extended from the flow channel and jointing with an assembling part of the second tube. The first tube of nasogastric tube of the present invention can be inserted to a stomach from a nasal cavity, and then the connector is placed in the nasal cavity, and the positioning sleeve is fixed in the nostril. The second tube can be detached from the connector when not being used.

Abstract: A teether is provided for infant use. The teether comprises an exterior portion and a mouthpiece wherein the mouthpiece includes a substantially U-shaped biting section comprising first and second arms extending from a central portion. At least part of said central portion is resiliently collapsible upon application of pressure thereto during use of the teether by an infant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel compound and a composition including the compound that exhibit small polymerization shrinkage particularly during curing and are producible at low cost on the industrial scale.

Abstract: There is provided a novel water-in-oil type emulsified cosmetic comprising a diester of neopentylglycol with isononanoic acid. Said cosmetic exhibits not only the refreshed feeling on use without unfavorable stickiness after application, but also proper oily feeling. There are obtained good affinity to the skin, little occurrence of creasing and/or make-up deterioration, no oily sheen upon the elapse of long periods of time after application, and little irritation to the skin and excellent safety to the skin. In addition, the present cosmetic is able to be removed with commercially available cleansing agents. Moreover, the dispersibility of pigments as well as the storage stability is excellent. A water-in-oil type emulsified cosmetic comprising (A) 10 to 60 parts by mass of a diester represented by the following formula (I): (B) 1.0 to 11 parts by mass of a nonionic surfactant, (C) 0.3 to 11 parts by mass of an oil-soluble and/or water-soluble thickener, (D) 0.

Abstract: The invention includes a dentifrice composition that comprises a zinc ion source, a polyphosphate ion source, an anethole, and a silica. The silica has a mean particle size of about 5 to about 12 microns, an Einlehner hardness of about 1 to about 20, and an oil absorption of about 40 to less than about 100 cc/100 g. The composition contains zinc ions and polyphosphate ions in a weight ratio of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 and has a RDA value of about 100 to about 200 and a PCR value of about 75 to about 110. Related methods are also included.

Abstract: A composition comprising 4-oxovaleric acid present in an amount of 0.05 to 1% by weight (as supplied) of the composition and leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate present at 0.2 to 2% by weight (as supplied) of the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surfactant solution containing: (a) 28 to 65 wt.-% of a mixture of (a1) 5 to 20 wt.-% of N-methyl-N-oleylglucamine, (a2) 50 to 93 wt.-% of N-methyl-N—C12-C14-acylglucamines, (a3) 0 to 30 wt.-% of other N-methyl-N-acylglucamines, components (a1), (a2) and (a3) adding up to 100 wt.-%, (b) 0 to 20 wt.-% of one or more alcohols, (c) 20 to 72 wt.-% of water, and (d) 0 to 5 wt.-% of additives, components (a), (b), (c) and (d) adding up to 100 wt.-%.

Abstract: Dyes, compositions comprising dyes and methods for using the same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal cleansing composition with an antimicrobial effect. The personal cleansing composition is in the form of a bar soap and contains zinc pyrithione and a soap surfactant. When dispersed in an aqueous solution at 1 wt %, the personal cleansing composition of the present invention is characterized by a pH value ranging that is higher than about 9.6 and lower than about 10.3. The present invention also relates to a process for forming an antimicrobial bar soap as described hereinabove.

Abstract: Composition for treating keratinous fibers, more particularly human hair, comprising in a cosmetically appropriate vehicle a) at least one organic and/or inorganic acid, b) at least one direct dye and c) at least one compound of the formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, formulations and medicaments comprising a bupropion salt, in particular, modified-release tablets comprising an effective amount of bupropion hydrobromide, and the use of the bupropion salt to prepare a medicament to treat a condition.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient who has extravasation of blood from an intravascular compartment to an extravascular compartment. An agent is administered to the patient which mitigates a harmful effect of break-down products of blood at an extravascular site, resulting in the patient having reduced morbidity and mortality. The morbidity and mortality of the patient is further reduced by concomitant administration of a suspension of submicron protein spheres having a molecular weight of ranging from 780 billion Daltons to less than 0.8 billion Daltons.

Abstract: A method of treating chronic post-myocardial infarction including helical needle transendocardial delivery of autologous bone marrow (ABM) mononuclear cells around regions of hypo or akinesia in chronic post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. The treatment is safe and improves ejection fraction (EF).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising cross-linkers for cross-linking a retention vehicle polymer. The compositions are particularly useful for local administration of a bioactive agent, wherein prolonged or extended availability of the bioactive agent at the site of administration is desired. Also disclosed are methods of delivering the compositions to a subject.