Abstract: A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the tool, and a slidable shaping element. A capsulotomy and movement control unit provides electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a relatively small corneal incision. Then, the burning element is opened to a full circular, extended configuration, by pressing the shaping element against both joints of the bands, allowing a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element.

Abstract: The invention includes: a new composition of matter (a composite comprising a naturally occurring in vivo cornea in an in situ eye together with at least one volume of vitrified non-naturally occurring corneal stromal tissue formed within the naturally occurring corneal stromal tissue) wherein the vitrified tissue is modified in structure and properties from its naturally occurring condition into a non-naturally occurring glass-like condition with modifications including but not limited to increased elastic modulus; methods for producing and using the new composition of matter for modifying corneal structure and properties, including but not limited to corneal optical aberrations; wound closure adhesion and transplant adhesion; and a photovitrification system for producing the new composition of matter comprising at least one photon source with controllable treatment parameters.

Abstract: A goggle adapted for utilizing a plurality of batteries to perform a powered function for the goggle comprising: a lens retained in a goggle body, strap extension members connected to the goggle body, each extension member defining therein a cavity having a contact for retaining a battery pod, each battery pod having a chemical cell battery therein, for powering the goggle to enable one or more of heating the goggle lens, video capture, GPS, stereo sound or other electronic function of the goggle. The cavities are symmetrical about a z-axis and the batteries for the system are interchangeable such that any battery pod may be flipped about the z-axis and retained in any battery cavity. The goggle is further comprised of a strap portion, either attached to the extension members or integral therewith, for retaining the goggle on a user's head or helmet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid-absorbing article comprising: a first sheet layer presenting an array of absorbent receiving pockets; masses of superabsorbent material, which masses are placed in said absorbent receiving pockets; a second sheet layer placed on top of the first layer; bonding beads placed between the respective pockets.

Abstract: Disclosed are reusable tampon applicators, methods of use, and methods of manufacture thereof. A reusable tampon applicator comprises a cylindrical body, and a pusher for pushing a tampon through the cylindrical body during tampon insertion. The cylindrical body comprises a base opening at a distal end for inserting the tampon into a straight barrel connected to a convex apex at a proximal end. The convex apex comprises a slit opening for the tampon to pass through during tampon insertion. The slit opening extends from the proximal end to the distal end to form a full slit on a first lateral side of the cylindrical body; it further extends from the proximal end towards the distal end to form a partial slit on a second lateral side. Such reusable tampon applicators provide a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to disposable tampon applicators.

Abstract: A textured laminate structure and absorbent articles having a component formed of the textured laminate structure are disclosed. The textured laminate structure may have a first layer formed of a nonwoven web having a preexisting pattern of first apertures therethrough, a second layer, and one or more elastic members disposed between the first and second layers in a prestrained condition. The laminate structure may be discontinuously joined or bonded such that the first layer is joined or bonded to the structure in first portions and unjoined or unbonded to the structure in second portions. The structure provides a stretch laminate with tactilely and visually interesting features, and may be used to form components of a disposable absorbent article such as a side panel thereof.

Abstract: An article including: an absorbent body including two liquid-permeable non-woven fabric sheets bonded together at bonded portions in a predetermined pattern, and a plurality of granular particles placed therebetween separately in each of a plurality of placement areas partitioned from one another in the predetermined pattern; and a non-liquid-permeable back sheet placed on a non-skin-contact surface of the absorbent body, wherein: a liquid-permeable sheet is placed so as to cover an entire surface of the non-woven fabric sheet on a skin-contact surface side; and an easily-breakable portion capable of being broken when the granular particles absorb a bodily fluid to swell is formed in placement areas on at least one non-woven fabric sheet.

Abstract: Absorbent articles herein may provide a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a printed adhesive layer disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The absorbent core may comprise channels, and the adhesive print layer may be visible through the topsheet.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a disposal aid coupled with an exterior surface of a waistband region of the diaper. The disposal aid includes a base, a first removable cover and a second removable cover. A disposal bag is placed on the base and covered by the first removable cover. A cleaning wipe is place on the first removable cover and covered by the second removable cover. The base may include a cavity to receive the disposal bag so as to reduce the overall height of the disposal aid. The disposal aid may alternatively be configured to include a disposal bag encased in a casing and a cleaning wipe, both of which are placed on the base of the disposal aid and covered by a single removable cover.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a conveyance, such as a wheelchair, that allows the user to set the recline angle of the seat back at a seating position, fold the seat back down to a folded position and back up to the seating position, such that the seat back is returned to the seating position at the user selected recline angle R unless the recline angle is adjusted by the user. The user selected recline angle R is not disturbed by folding the seat back from the seating position, to the folded position 106, and back to the seating position.

Abstract: A partial-leg support and method for comfortable, adjustable, cleanable, and portable support for the leg stump or stumps remaining after partial amputation of the leg or legs while seated.

Abstract: A lifting assistance device to aid in lifting an immobile person includes a panel that is flexible and has opposing ends that comprise sleeves. A first fastener is coupled to a first end of a strap. A second fastener is adjustably coupled to the strap between the first end and a second end of the strap. The second fastener is complimentary to the first fastener. The strap is positioned in and extends through the sleeves, such that the first fastener and the second fastener extend from the sleeves on a respective one of a pair of opposing edges of the panel. The first fastener is couplable to the second fastener to form a loop. The loop has a pair of exposed sections positioned adjacent to the opposing edges of the panel.

Abstract: A migraine helmet includes a hollow, spherical shell having an exterior surface, an interior surface that defines a head cavity, a face opening and a neck opening. On the interior surface of the shell are multiple, motorized massaging units positioned to engage a wearer's temples and the nape of the neck. A pair of gel packs are removably attached to the interior surface of the shell for cooling the head to further ease painful symptoms associated with migraine headaches. A separable chin strap depends from each of two lower edges of the shell for securing the helmet to the wearer.

Abstract: A wearable power assistive device for hand rehabilitation includes a hand brace having an external platform and an internal platform connected to and spaced inwardly from the external platform. Five finger assemblies are adjustably mounted on and extending from the distal end of the external platform. Each finger assembly includes a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal joint. Five motors are used to actuate the five finger assemblies respectively. Each motor is mounted in close proximity to the external platform and has one end connected to the external platform and another end coupled to its proximal follower assembly by a ball joint in order to facilitate transfer of force and minimize mechanical stress on the other parts of the device.

Abstract: A crutch includes a grip and a forearm support that are coupled to an elongated member that extends from the forearm support to the ground. The inner surface of the forearm support can correspond to a digital representation of a forearm of the patient and the outer surface of the hand grip can correspond to a digital representation of a palmar surface of the patient's hand in at least a partially closed position.

Abstract: A handheld massage device that may be employed to provide therapeutic massage to a user's backside includes a user-grippable, generally hook-shaped handle and a massage tool mounted at one end thereof. The massage tool has a plurality of body-contacting work elements that may be selectively moved into operative position and locked in place. A releasable, spring-loaded locking mechanism is provided between the handle and the massage tool so that the tool is locked in position when engaged and unlocked and rotatable when disengaged. The handle may be formed as an integral piece or in segments that can be assembled in end-to-end relation or disassembled and compactly folded for storage. In segmented form, a resilient line may extend internally within tubular segments between the respective end segments to securely hold the handle segments together and cooperating parts axially and rotationally align the separable segments when assembled.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood flow in a limb that is wrapped with a sleeve having at least one chamber for applying compression to the limb in a region generally underlying the chamber includes pressurizing the chamber to a first compression pressure and then reducing the pressure to a refill pressure. Pressure in the chamber is then sensed to determine a first venous refill time. The preceding steps are repeated a second and other times using second and other compression pressures that are different from the first compression pressure and from each other to determine second and other venous refill times. A customized compression pressure is determined by locating the compression pressure at which blood flow out of the region generally underlying the chamber is maximized by finding compression pressure at a maximum venous refill time. A compression device employing such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a massage chair, having main frame with specific curve, a chair back located by the chair seat, wherein the chair back is adjusted properly by the chair seat for rotating and having a rotation angle; wherein the main frame including back section, buttock section and leg section, the buttock section has an upward curve and the leg section has a downward curve, thus, massage provider can provide massage service to human thigh when the rotation angle is more than 110 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention is a massage chair, having frame body with specific curve, a chair back located by the chair seat, wherein the chair back is adjusted properly by the chair seat for rotating and having a rotation angle; wherein the frame body including back section, buttock section and leg section, the buttock section has a downward curve and the leg section has an upward curve, thus, massage module can provide massage service to human thigh when the rotation angle is more than 110 degrees.

Abstract: A device and method that simulates the squatting position for bowel elimination while still sitting on a toilet.

Abstract: An ingestible gastrointestinal capsule (GIC) for mechanically stimulating a segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) wall by alternately and repeatedly pressurizing, and/or vibrating it is provided. The GIC is programmed to being activated following a predefined time delay. The activated GIC agitates, shakes, rattles, jolts, vibrates and/or moves in a reciprocal expanding and contracting motion thereby mechanically stimulating the adjacent segment of the GI wall at a targeted location. Activation of the GIC may include a number of automatically accomplished partial activations, such as when the time elapsed from the moment of setting the GIC on equals a predefined time delay; when the mechanical load applied onto the GIC exceeds, and/or gets lower than a respective predefined level of mechanical load; when the ambient pH reaches a predefined level, or changes, and/or a temperature associated with the user reaches a predefined threshold. Agitation is accomplished by means of agitation means embedded in the GIC.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing CPR on a patient within an imaging field of an imaging device. The device has a compression belt and a belt tensioning mechanism, both located on or in the device such that the head, neck, thorax and abdomen of the patient may be place within the imaging field with the compression belt installed about the patient and the belt tensioning mechanism will be located outside of the imaging field.

Abstract: A spectral electrotherapy device and a method of controlling the same are introduced, wherein a central processing unit provides a control signal for controlling the switching operation of an output driver to generate output voltage, thereby controlling output features of the spectral electrotherapy device. The control signal provided by the central processing unit to a switching unit uses central frequency f0 as a standard to thereby define the bandwidth of the central frequency f0 with difference ?f and define the points in time of the next change in the central frequency f0 and the difference ?f with first and second time intervals t1, t2, respectively. Values of the central frequency f0, the difference ?f, the first time interval t1, the second time interval t2 are generated from a dynamic parameter generating unit in different points in time. Electrical stimulation thus performed on the human body is complete and comprehensive.

Abstract: A sampling port (10) has a body (12) having an space (35) open at one end (20) and adapted to receive a sampling vial (70) with an cannula (24) extending longitudinally along the space (35) with a pointed end (26) facing the open end (20), whereby a sampling vial passed into the space from the open end may be impaled on the cannula. The port includes at least one guide member (36) extending into the space (35) to reduce the effective size of part of the space (35), the at least one guide member (36) guiding a vial (50) of a first size when inserted into the open end (20) and the at least one guide member (36) being movable to allow a vial (70) of a size larger than the first size to be inserted into the space.

Abstract: A drug mixing system including at least one receptacle port adaptor adapted to be inserted into a port of a fluid receptacle, at least one syringe adaptor adapted to be attached to a syringe and to the at least one receptacle port adaptor and at least one vial adaptor adapted for connection to a vial containing a drug and adapted for connection to the at least one syringe adaptor, the system being characterized in that at least one of the receptacle port adaptor, the at least one syringe adaptor and the at least one vial adaptor being vented to the atmosphere in a manner which prevents release to the atmosphere of possibly harmful contents of the vial in a liquid, solid or gaseous form.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pill tray that allows a user to efficiently and reliably verify the contents of an automatically filled prescription. Design features that avoid the presence of sharp edges and allow visualization of the entire surface of the pill tray help reduce and/or eliminate the risk of commingling of pills between separate prescriptions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides addition-fragmentation oligomers of the general formula: The crosslinking oligomers of this disclosure provide stress relief by including labile crosslinks that can cleave and reform during the polymerization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition with at least one polymerizable binder, wherein the composition contains a photoinitiator mixture which contains (a) at least one diacylgermanium compound of general formula (I) in which R1, R2 independently of each other are a linear C1-4-alkyl, or C2-4-alkenyl radical, which can be substituted by one or more polymerizable groups; R3, R4 independently of each other are in each case H, halogen, a branched or linear C1-4-alkyl or —O—C1-4-alkyl radical; R5, R6, R7 independently of each other are in each case H, halogen, a linear C1-20-alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkoxy or -alkenoxy radical, which can be interrupted by one or more —O—, —S— or —NR8— radicals and substituted by one or more polymerizable groups; and R8 independently is in each case H, a C1-20-alkyl, -alkenyl, -alkoxy or -alkenoxy radical, (b) at least one ?-diketone and (c) at least one accelerator, as well as the use of the composition for example for producing a filling composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polysiloxane compound comprising specific siloxane units, curable dental materials comprising one or more than one polysiloxane compound according to the invention, cured dental materials obtainable from the curable dental materials according to the invention, a method for preparation of polysiloxane compounds according to the invention, a method for preparing curable polysiloxane compounds according to the invention and a method for preparing cured dental materials according to the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral care compositions, for example dentifrice compositions, comprising an oral care composition comprising an orally acceptable vehicle, metal oxide particles having an average particle size of no greater than a dentin tubule and at least one amino acid capable of chelating the metal oxide. The composition may comprise a polymeric adherent material for adhering the metal oxide particles in the dentin tubule. The metal oxide particles have a median particle size of 5 microns or less, and may comprise zinc oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcapsule particle composition that is composed of a sol-gel material. The microcapsule particle composition is well suited for personal care and cleaning products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition carrier in which one or more foams having a number of pores in the range of 10 ppi to 130 ppi are impregnated with a cosmetic composition having a viscosity of 1,000 to 5,000 cps and 15,000 to 100,000 cps so as to enable a user to carry a compact type liquid cosmetic composition.

Abstract: A composition is provided, wherein the composition comprises a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a complementary oligomer capable of hydrogen bonding to the hydrophilic polymer, and a whitening agent, preferably a peroxide. The composition finds utility as a tooth whitening composition and is applied to the teeth in need of whitening, and then removed when the degree of whitening has been achieved. In certain embodiments, the composition is translucent. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for solubilizing and/or removing a hair styling aid composition from hair. The compositions comprise at least one active solvent, wherein the active solvent is a glycol or an ester; and a carrier composition comprising a liquid vehicle. Also disclosed are methods for solubilizing and/or removing hair styling aids from hair.

Abstract: Method for treating hair wherein a first hair treatment composition is applied to the hair, e.g. the hair roots and a second hair treatment composition is applied to the hair, e.g. the hair lengths and tips, wherein the pH of the second hair treatment composition is higher than the pH of the first hair treatment composition.

Abstract: Esters of O-substituted hydroxy carboxylic acids are provided having Formula 1, or 2, or both Formulas 1 and 2: wherein R and R1 are independently selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted, branched- and straight-chain, saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated C1-C22 alkyl, substituted and unsubstituted C3-C8 cycloalkyl, substituted and unsubstituted C6-C20 carbocyclic aryl, and substituted and unsubstituted C4-C20 heterocyclic; wherein the heteroatoms are selected from sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen; and wherein n is 1-6. Process of producing esters of O-substituted hydroxy carboxylic acids are also provided.

Abstract: A composition having a pH in the range of from 3 to 8.5, comprising: (a) in the range of from 0.1% to <10% w/w (based on the total weight of the composition) of a stock solution comprising a mixture of bioflavonoids and fruit acids or salts thereof; (b) sodium hyaluronate; and (c) water; and, optionally, (d) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor; wherein the sodium hyaluronate has an average molecular weight of between 800,000 and 4,000,000.

Abstract: Porous resin particles are disclosed that comprise a polymer of a monomer mixture. The monomer mixture includes: a mono(meth)acrylate-based monomer in an amount of 3 wt % to 40 wt % containing: an ethylenic unsaturated group only in a (meth)acrylic acid residue; and a hydroxyl group and at least either an ether group or an ester group in an alcohol residue; another monofunctional vinyl-based monomer in an amount of 10 wt % to 69 wt % containing a single ethylenic unsaturated group; and a polyfunctional vinyl-based monomer in an amount of 30 wt % to 70 wt % containing two or more ethylenic unsaturated groups.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for topical treatment of hair loss/alopecia including three natural, active ingredients, caffeine, saw palmetto berry extract, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The invention also provides methods for using this composition to treat hair loss.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide a beneficial biological effect for a subject, and/or a method of treating the subject using the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured to trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject. The apparatus may rely on a non-invasive mechanism to elevate Glutathione levels in the subject. The apparatus may not require a traditional power source such as a battery or wall plug in order to be effective in elevating Glutathione levels in the subject. To trigger and maintain the elevation of Glutathione levels within the subject, the apparatus may transmit communication to the body of the subject that results in increased levels of Glutathione within the subject.

Abstract: A polymeric matrix for delivery of an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor such as a statin to tissue such as cardiac tissue in need thereof for the treatment or prevention of a disease or defect such as atrial fibrillation has been developed. In the preferred embodiment, a statin is delivered by means of a patch sutured to cardiac tissue at the time of cardiothoracic surgery. In the most preferred embodiment, the patch is a biodegradable material providing controlled or sustained release over a prolonged period of time, such as a week. Suitable materials include extracellular matrix, or other biodegradable hydrogels or polymeric materials providing sustained or controlled release of statin at the site of application.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for improving ocular discomfort.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides oral dosage forms comprising an antiplatelet agent and an enterically coated acid inhibitor, as well as methods of treating subjects with an antiplatelet agent and an enterically coated acid inhibitor.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of semi-plastic pharmaceutical unit doses using a rotary moulding machine and semi-plastic pharmaceutical dosage units obtained by this process.

Abstract: A formulation for oral transmucosal administration of at least one active principle with antispasmodic and/or analgesic effect, including the active principle in base form and/or in salt form, an aqueous alcohol solution titrating at least 35° alcohol by weight, the active principle being present in a state of stable and complete dissolution in the aqueous alcohol solution. Also, a method of preparing this formulation and its use for treating spastic crises.

Abstract: Articles, compositions, kits, and methods relating to nanostructures, including those that can sequester molecules such as cholesterol, are provided. Certain embodiments described herein include structures having a core-shell type arrangement; for instance, a nanoparticle core may be surrounded by a shell including a material, such as a lipid bilayer, that can interact with cholesterol and/or other lipids. In some embodiments, the structures, when introduced into a subject, can sequester cholesterol and/or other lipids and remove them from circulation. Accordingly, the structures described herein may be used to diagnose, prevent, treat or manage certain diseases or bodily conditions, especially those associated with abnormal lipid levels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a new design of nanocarrier compositions that release their therapeutic load specifically at intraperitoneal cancers' site. These nanocarriers are administered intraperitoneally and comprise a plurality of porous nanoparticulates that (a) are loaded with one or more pharmaceutically-active agents alone or in combination with imaging agents thus providing a theranostic value and (b) that are encapsulated by and that support a lipid bilayer which is disrupted upon contact with a reactive oxygen species generated within the environment of the cancer. In other embodiments, the invention provides methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions comprising nanocarriers as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liposome having excellent lung migration ability that had not existed hitherto, by including GALA or Chol-GALA in the liposome. Furthermore, by using the liposome, a pulmonary delivery carrier having a stronger knockdown effect of siRNA when compared to existing carriers is provided.

Abstract: Controlled-release therapeutic compositions including melatonin combined with sedative and/or analgesic ingredients are described. The compositions have a solid core including melatonin in an acidified polymeric matrix. A sedative ingredient such as GABA receptor agonist may also be in the acidified polymeric matrix. The composition may include an expedited release portion providing a burst release of active ingredients and a sustained release portion providing a sustained release of active ingredients.

Abstract: Embodiments may include a method for reducing a solvent concentration in a plurality of microparticles. The method may involve contacting a mixture including the plurality of microparticles and the solvent with water to form an aqueous suspension. A first portion of the solvent may dissolve into the water of the aqueous suspension to reduce the solvent concentration in the plurality of microparticles from a first solvent concentration in the mixture to a second solvent concentration in the aqueous suspension. The method may also include transferring the aqueous suspension to a concentration unit that may further reduce the solvent concentration from the second solvent concentration to a third solvent concentration. The method may further include transferring a microparticle concentrate with the third solvent concentration to a washing unit to form an amalgam of washed microparticles with a fourth solvent concentration. The method may also include drying the amalgam of washed microparticles.