Abstract: A segmented disc nucleus replacement prosthesis and system for its implantation wherein the segments are made of a compliant, homogeneous material throughout. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of modular segments that mate together in a rail-and-slot arrangement. The rails and slots are configured to interlock and hold together under load despite being formed of compliant materials. In one embodiment, insertion tools and stabilizers are utilized for manipulation of the modular segments, the insertion tools and stabilizers being designed to accommodate for handling the compliant modular segments.

Abstract: Two or more expandable fusion devices are capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space. The devices may be implanted at varying heights to maintain disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, two implants are implanted into the intervertebral disc space and then expanded or contracted to different heights.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods related to articulating interbody cages. The device includes a caudal plate configured to be positioned adjacent a first vertebral endplate within an intervertebral disc space, a cephalad plate configured to be positioned adjacent a second vertebral endplate within the intervertebral disc space; and a first and second sidewall each rotatably coupled to both the caudal and cephalad plates. At least one of the first and second sidewalls includes a hinge element restricted from achieving an on-center or over-center rotational position around the hinge element upon dimensional expansion of the device in at least a first dimension.

Abstract: An instrument for engaging a bearing configured to facilitate articulation of a femoral component and a tibial component. The instrument includes a first bearing engaging portion configured to engage a first end of the bearing, and a second bearing engaging portion configured to engage a second end of the bearing that is opposite to the first end. A coupling member of the instrument interconnects the first and the second bearing engaging portions. The coupling member is operable to move the second bearing engaging portion relative to the first bearing engaging portion to secure the bearing therebetween.

Abstract: Insertion tool assemblies for positioning an implant at a target location in a patient. Insertion tool assemblies that comprise first and second jaw portions configured to engage an implant; a sleeve assembly coupled to the first and second jaw portions; and a handle coupled to the sleeve assembly.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing an electrically powered artificial hand that can be constructed with a simple configuration, the operation of which is easy to master and the control of which is highly reproducible. The electrically powered artificial hand (1) is provided with: a shape-detecting sensor (2) for detecting the shape of the forearm of an upper limb amputee; a hand section (6) having a pair of arms (7a, 7b) that are capable of opening and closing movements; and a main control unit body (8) having a sensor signal-receiving circuit for receiving the sensor signal output from the shape-detecting sensor (2) according to the shape of the forearm, and a control signal-generating and -sending circuit for generating a control signal on the basis of the sensor signal and sending the control signal to the hand section (6) to control the opening and closing movements of the arms (7a, 7b).

Abstract: A device for use in reducing or preventing the occurrence of restenosis following procedures such as PTCA, in which a stent is used to hold a bodily lumen open. The device comprises a two layered stent, one lying within the other. Both stent layers have an open weave structure, such that they can expand to the correct dimensions after implantation. The outer stent layer is static and grips the inner wall of the lumen in which it is deployed in the usual manner. The inner layer stent is constructed such that it can be vibrated relative to the outer static stent layer. The inner layer stent may be made of a material which can be vibrated from an external source, such as a ferromagnetic material. This vibration prevents restenosis of the treated lumen. Alternatively, a vibrator, such as a piezoelectric device, can be installed on the inner stent layer.

Abstract: Lumen support devices and methods of their use are provided. A lumen support includes one or more plastically deformable cells having two stable configurations with no stable configurations between the two stable configurations. The lumen support device may be plastically deformed to other stable configurations.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polymeric stents by forming a pattern on a polylactic acid tube using a second harmonic generator laser and polylactic acid polymeric stents having a pattern formed using a second harmonic generator laser.

Abstract: This stent delivery system includes: a guide catheter inserted into the inside of a cylindrical stent, and inserted into the interior of the living body with the stent; a pusher catheter inserted into the interior of the living body with the guide catheter in a state where the guide catheter is inserted into the inside of the push catheter, and which is for pushing the stent along the guide catheter; a stent connecting member for connecting the stent with the pusher catheter; and a stent releasing member for releasing the stent from the pusher catheter by separating the connection between the stent and the pusher catheter depending on the stent connecting member, which is independently operable separately from the guide catheter, and which is inserted into the inside of the pusher catheter.

Abstract: A capsule assembly for an endograft introducer is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a capsule and a capsule plug. The capsule has a cavity for receiving an end of a stent graft and a capsule wall terminating in a distal end. The capsule plug comprises: a tip portion having a lead-in surface and an abutment surface; and a tail portion having an external surface engageable with an inside surface of the capsule wall. The capsule is slideably movable with respect to the capsule plug from a first position in which the distal end of the capsule wall surrounds an opening into the cavity to a second position in which the distal end of the capsule wall is positioned proximally with respect to the abutment surface, whereby movement of the tip portion into the capsule is resisted by abutment between the distal end of the capsule wall and the abutment surface.

Abstract: A stent crimping tool insert comprises a core body configured for insertion into and removal from within a crimping chamber of a stent crimping tool. The core body has a core surface configured to withstand a compressive force without a reduction in diameter of the core surface.

Abstract: A walking apparatus is provided that includes a sole having an adjustable length, the sole comprising a heel portion, a forefoot portion operatively coupled to the heel portion, the forefoot portion configured for adjustment from a first position to at least one other position relative to the heel portion, wherein a length of the sole is configured to adjust from a first length to a second length when the forefoot portion is adjusted from the first position to the at least one other position.

Abstract: A knee brace capable of correction only in a required angle range and of reproducing a normal screw-home movement in a knee joint of a knee osteoarthritis patient having outer and inner leg joints including first and second couplings coupled at coupling portions. The coupling portion includes a cam groove, a long groove, a rotation fulcrum shaft, and a cam shaft. When flexing the knee, the rotation fulcrum shaft and the cam shaft slide in the long groove and the cam groove and the second coupling rotates around the coupling portion with respect to the first coupling to flex the leg joints, and when extending the leg joints, the rotation fulcrum shaft and the cam shaft slide in the long groove and the cam groove to move the second coupling on the outer leg side upward and rearward and the second coupling on the inner leg side downward and forward.

Abstract: A strap tab assembly has a strap tab defining a substantially square-shaped locking hole located generally at a first end, and an elongated slot on a second end. The strap tab assembly includes a top cap defining a top cover, a square-shaped locking projection corresponding in shape to the locking hole, and a female portion forming a center channel and extending beyond and concentric with the locking projection. A bottom cap has a male portion adapted for being received in the center channel of the female portion to engage the top cap. The locking projection extends beyond the periphery of the female portion, and is configured and dimensioned to correspond to and engage an inner periphery of the locking hole.

Abstract: An improved back brace apparatus employs sensors to automatically change the support provided to the back of a human torso. The sensors can detect the user changing position from a standing position to a bending position and the back brace apparatus automatically responds by increasing the support provided to the back of the user's torso. As the user returns to a standing position, the sensors detect the change and the back brace responds by automatically reducing the support provided to the back of the user's torso.

Abstract: Provided is a goggle kit including a goggle clip attachable to the goggle frame, and a corresponding nose element, which adheres to the user's nose. The nose element and the goggle clip are configured to be detachably engageable therewith, such that when the nose element is placed on the user's nose and the goggle is placed over the user's eyes, the goggle clip and nose element may be engaged with each other, thereby urging the nasal opening of the user to dilate.

Abstract: In some implementations, a boot includes an outer shell having a first side and a second side located opposite the first side. The boot also includes a retention strap, a first one-way tensioning device, and a second one-way tensioning device. The first one-way tensioning device is coupled to the first side of the outer shell, and the first one-way tensioning device is configured to allow movement of the retention strap in a first direction and to restrain movement of the retention strap opposite the first direction. The second one-way tensioning device is coupled to the second side of the outer shell, and the second one-way tensioning device is configured to allow movement of the retention strap in a second direction and to restrain movement of the retention strap opposite the second direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a forced air warmer comprising: a chamber having an outlet port; an air heater arranged to heat air within the chamber; an air propagator arranged to propagate heated air from the chamber along a heated air flow path passing through the port; and a temperature sensor provided in the heated air flow path to measure the temperature of heated air propagated along the heated air flow path. The forced air warmer further comprises an air flow conditioner in the heated air flow path downstream of the temperature sensor, the air flow conditioner being arranged to condition air flow at the temperature sensor so as to improve the reliability of temperature measurements made by the temperature sensor. The forced air warmer may be used to supply heated air to an air warming blanket for regulating the temperature of a patient.

Abstract: Dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally comprise a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat or other forms of energy, pressure, drugs, moisture, etc. (alone or in combination) to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more patches. Moreover, the one or more strips may be configured to emit energy to the underlying region of skin and where the one or more strips are shaped to follow a location of one or more meibomiam glands contained within the underlying region of skin.

Abstract: An ocular implant is provided that is adapted to reside at least partially in a portion of Schlemm's canal of an eye. The implant includes an implant body having plurality of filars extending along a longitudinal axis of the implant. The implant is configured to move between a radially collapsed state and a radially expanded state. In some embodiments, the implant is configured to assume the radially expanded state when no external forces are acting thereon. Methods of delivering and using the ocular implant are also provided.

Abstract: An integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow a physician (e.g., a surgeon) to perform laser surgical procedures on an eye structure or a body surface with an integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus disposed at a first (i.e. local) location from a control system disposed at a second (i.e. remote) location, e.g., a physician's office. In some embodiments, communication between the integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus and control system is achieved via the Internet®.

Abstract: An eye protection device a first covering sheet, a protection sheet, and a second covering sheet. The first covering sheet has a first supporting edge with a containment slot and a first opening disposed on the first supporting edge. The protection sheet is disposed in the containment slot and has a non-transparent sheet and an axial aperture provided in the sheet. The second covering sheet has a second supporting edge and a second opening provided on the second supporting edge. The second supporting edge overlaps the first supporting edge, and the first and second supporting edges sandwich the protection sheet in the containment slot.

Abstract: A polymeric stent can be implanted for treatment of the Eustachian tube. The stent can be designed to have length-dependent radial strength to allow it to stay within the Eustachian tube and to allow normal closing and opening of the Eustachian tube. A balloon can be used to implant the stent, and the balloon can be coated with a therapeutic agent. A coated balloon can also be used to transfer therapeutic agents to the sinus cavity during a balloon sinus dilation procedure.

Abstract: A wound dressing for covering a wound is formed of at least one absorbing member and a plurality of elongated activated carbon fibers. The at least one absorbing member is made of a foamed polymeric material and includes a plurality of pores. The activated carbon fibers are distributed in the at least one absorbing member and partially protrude into the pores. Each of the activated carbon fibers has a diameter of 2-15 ?m and a length of 40-1500 ?m. In light of the above, the tissue fluid leaking from the wound can be absorbed by the absorbing member to prevent the wound from soakage and the activated carbon fibers inside the absorbing member can emit far-infrared rays to promote the blood circulation around the wound for quickening healing of the wound.

Abstract: Applicators for inserting feminine care devices into the body are provided. The applicators include an applicator barrel having unique insertion tip designs. The insertion tips employ a plurality of petals that can have an inflection or bending point above the bases of the petals.

Abstract: An absorbent article may comprise a first zone comprising graphics and a second zone comprising graphics, wherein the first and second zones have different elastic properties. Further, the absorbent article may comprise a first absorbent article component and a second absorbent article component having substantially different elastic properties, wherein the first absorbent article component comprises an elastomer. Additionally, the absorbent article may comprise a third absorbent article component overlapping the first and second absorbent article components, wherein the third absorbent article component comprises graphics on at least the portions which overlap the first and second absorbent article components.

Abstract: An array of absorbent article packages for multiple baby stages of development displayed via a merchandise display system may comprise multiple packages. Each package may comprise articles having absorbent article configurations appropriate for the stage of development of an infant, newborn, or toddler. Each package may also comprise indicia representative of the appropriate stage of development of the infant, newborn, or toddler. And, absorbent article configurations may differ between packages having overlapping size ranges.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a frame, a lift mechanism supporting the frame, and a litter deck for supporting a person. The litter deck is adapted to be reconfigured between a chair configuration and a cot configuration. The litter deck is also adapted to be removably mounted to the frame, with the litter deck being adapted to be supported by the frame while the litter deck is in its chair configuration and also while being reconfigured between its chair configuration and its cot configuration.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a roll-in cot may include a support frame, a pair of back legs, a pair of front legs, and a cot actuation system. The pair of back legs and the pair of front legs can be slidingly coupled to the support frame. Each of the pair of front legs can include a front wheel and an intermediate load wheel. The intermediate load wheel is offset from the front wheel by a load wheel distance. A front actuator can raise the pair of front legs such that the front wheel and the intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs are aligned along a loading level. The intermediate load wheel of each of the pair of front legs can be offset from the pair of back legs by a loading span. The load wheel distance can be greater than the loading span.

Abstract: A basket assembly for a wheelchair is described herein. The basket assembly can include a basket and a mounting assembly coupled to the basket. The basket can include a base panel having at least one bracket coupling feature, a rear panel and a front panel coupled to the base panel, and a left side panel and a right side panel coupled to the base panel, the rear panel, and the front panel. The mounting assembly can include a main portion having a first end, a second end, and at least one basket coupling feature disposed between the first end and the second end. The mounting assembly can also include an elbow coupled to the first end of the main portion, and a wheelchair coupling feature coupled to the elbow, where the wheelchair coupling feature can be configured to couple to a portion of a wheelchair.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a platform assembly that includes a slide-out tray, a flexible cover, a toilet basin, and a storage pouch. The toilet basin is equipped with a waste liner and is capable of being removed from the slide-out tray. The bottom of the assembly has guide rails that enable the flexible cover to cover the toilet basin when it is inserted into the slide-out tray. The pouch, which is located on a front of the toilet seat can store supplies such as liners and deodorizers, as well as to conceal the toilet basin.

Abstract: A foot support is disposed in a horizontal plane and is positioned on a housing of the lower section of a motorized wheel chair rearwardly of upwardly facing receptors. A control post has a lower end removably received in the receptors and an upper end having an upper cross piece with spaced hand grips. A control assembly is coupled to the upper cross piece. A motor within the housing powers laterally spaced drive wheels. A steerer within the housing directs directional wheels. The control assembly includes a drive wheel controller for varying the speed of the system and a directional wheel controller for varying the direction of the system.

Abstract: A height-adjustable pillow for supporting a patient's head. The pillow includes a casing of flexible material defining a casing volume and a volume of filler material partially occupying in said casing volume. The casing volume is compressible and expandable. The casing volume includes a support portion positioned above a base portion. An air valve is associated with the casing for introducing air into and evacuating air from said casing volume.

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: A method of increasing strength using a nutrient holding device (pedal device, hat band, necklace, locket, belt, etc.) which contains at least one nutrient which has the ability to stimulate reflex zones on the skin resulting in improved performance when worn during athletic endeavors (exercise).

Abstract: An orthopedic stretcher allows for alternately applying flexion and extension forces to a patient's leg. The orthopedic stretcher includes a base with a first leg pivotally connected thereto. A second leg support for engaging the patient's lower leg is linked to the first leg support. A first motor moves the first leg support and second leg support relative to the base, and a second motor moves the second leg support relative to the first leg support. The first motor and second motor apply an extension force or flexion force to the patient's leg to bend the patient's leg.

Abstract: Attachments, apparatuses, and methods for partial weight bearing gait training are described. Attachments for partial weight bearing gait training may include a structure sized and configured for attachment to a walker, an undampened elastic member, and a harness. Apparatuses may include a walker with a walker frame and at least two wheels, a harness support base frame connected to the walker, a suspension arm coupled to the harness support base frame, an undampened elastic member connected to the suspension arm, and a harness connected to the undampened elastic member. Related methods of assembling a gait training apparatus and of using a gait training device are also described.

Abstract: A body-weight support system is disclosed, including an improved lift system and method. The system enables not only the support of patients undergoing rehab therapies, but including exercise modes that are both customizable and dynamic in nature, as well as a track system, wherein the system is capable of providing alternative functionality at differing locations. Other features disclosed include a system by which a movable support unit tracks or follows a patient, adjustable and variable supportive forces for users based upon, for example, a percentage of sensed body weight, and a user-interface that may be employed in a mobile, wired or wireless manner and will allow the use of multiple lift systems on a single, looped track system.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device with pace pattern projecting function and seat structure and a control method thereof are provided. The rehabilitation device includes a body with a moving module, a projection device, a first sensor and a control system. The projection device projects pace patterns on a walking plane. The first sensor detects a walking situation of a user on the walking plane. Based on the walking situation detected by the first sensor, the control system adjusts a distance between the rehabilitation device and the user by controlling the moving module and adjusts a position of the pace patterns on the walking plane by controlling the projection device. Moreover, a movable seat mechanism is also disposed on the rear of the rehabilitation device. The user can sit down on the movable seat mechanism and towards the front of the rehabilitation device to rest moderately.

Abstract: A guiding device for use by visually impaired persons comprising: a compact, handheld GPS navigation system having a Braille keyboard, voice controlled operation, and a verbal response mode for indicating routes, directions, and alerts regarding obstacles in a user's path.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to therapy wraps for the application of compression and/or thermal therapy to a patient. The wraps are formed of at least two layers of material which are sealed together to form at least one cavity between them. At least two layers of the wrap are sealed together using a plurality of different seal patterns. A first seal pattern is provided in at least one zone. The zone is surrounded by a perimeter seal, an internal seal or at least one different seal pattern or a combination thereof. The pattern within the zone or zones provides higher volume fluid flow paths than the pattern or patterns surrounding the zone or zones.

Abstract: Sex paraphernalia comprising a platform assembly 7 (Rabbutt™) which has a dildo 11 on one side facing one way and a rabbit 13 on the other side facing the other way, configured so that, when Pants with a crotch opening (Rabbutt Hole Pants™) as disclosed herein, or a strap-on dildo harness, are worn by a lady user with the rabbit side of the assembly inside facing her clitoris and the dildo sticking out through the opening, she may insert the dildo into a partner with the rabbit pleasing her clitoris while she bangs away. Pants may have cutouts for spanking or caressing. Pants may be suitable for outdoor wearing (without the platform assemble) to attract a sex partner who is in-the-know, or to raise questions from others like, what's the hole for? Jackets suitable with Pants may complete the ensemble. Embodiments also lend themselves to a lone lady for masturbation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layer tube for medical use, the tube being characterized by having: an outer layer including a resin material that contains high-density polyethylene, and an inner layer including a resin material that contains random polypropylene and/or block polypropylene. Also disclosed a medical infusion bag provided with the multi-layer tube.

Abstract: The application describes innovative designs for components of a drug transfer apparatus that overcome problems encountered in daily use of prior art apparatuses. Specifically described are components configured to prevent liquid from entering the air chamber of syringes coupled to the apparatus and to prevent tearing of the rubber stopper of drug vials when they are attached to the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices for exchanging therapeutic agents, such as cells, from one liquid medium to another liquid medium are provided. Aspects of embodiments of the methods include transferring a therapeutic agent from a first medium, such as a freezing, storage or shipping buffer, into a second medium, such as a sterile physiologically compatible buffer. In certain aspects, the transfer of the therapeutic agent from a first medium to a second medium involves the use of acoustic-focusing, or acoustophoresis. Embodiments of the subject methods may facilitate the transfer of a therapeutic agent from a storage medium to an infusion medium, and in certain embodiments include administering the therapeutic agent contained in the infusion medium to the subject. Also provided by the present disclosure are devices for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A system includes a smartphone contained within a medication adherence case, the medication adherence case including a repository and a hinged access door to the repository, a wireless network linking the smartphone to a content data network (CDN), the CDN including a medication adherence server, and an application residing in the smartphone that sends data to a medical adherence process in the medical adherence server upon receiving a signal generated from a communication device residing in the hinged access door that indicates the hinged access door has been opened.

Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor that rotates around a first shaft, a second rotor that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall extending from the second rotor towards the first rotor, a medicine discharge port provided on the outside of the second rotor, a medicine guide section located in the downstream of a movement section in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator disposed between the movement section and medicine guide section. In addition, the width regulator that is disposed between the medicine guide section and the height regulator is further provided. Also, a medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means for detecting the medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port, and a counting means (central control unit) for counting the medicines based on the detection performed by the medicine detection means.

Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.

Abstract: Medicinal container bags are presented. Bags can include openers capable of sealing an opening of the bag. Disclosed bags further comprise electronic assemblies configured to detect opening or closing events as the openers move along the rims of the bag opening. The assemblies can compile usage data based on opener movement, and then provide the data to remote monitoring systems.