Abstract: A multi-layered therapy pad is provided having a comfortable and supportive structure that houses heat therapy and electrotherapy means for treating back injuries and sores while an individual lies thereon. The pad comprises a first and second outermost layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam sandwiching an internal layer of higher density foam, which also supports electrical connections between the therapy controller, the power source, and the two therapy means within the pad. The electrotherapy means comprises static or tethered electrodes that apply pulsing electric current directly onto the user's back for stimulation and easing of back pain, while the heat therapy is applied using a resistance heating element within the pad, which heats a majority of the pad for applying heat to the user's back. The operation of the therapy means is controlled by an external controller, while power in received through an external source or an internal battery pack.

Abstract: Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.

Abstract: An ocular implant includes an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway that provides a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The implant includes a hydrogel member attached to the elongate member, wherein the hydrogel member is adapted to expand upon implantation of the elongate member in the eye. An attachment attaches the hydrogel member to the elongate member.

Abstract: An inserter for treating glaucoma can comprise a housing, a needle, a plunger, a slider component, and a drive component. The drive component is disposed within a cavity of the housing and rotatable within the cavity to result in movement along a longitudinal axis of the inserter to the needle and the plunger upon rotation of the drive component. The slider component is coupled to the housing and slidable along an elongate groove of the drive component such that movement of the slider component along the axis rotates the drive component within the housing.

Abstract: Some embodiments concern a lens for protection of one or more eyes of a user. The lens can include: a first surface; and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface such that the lens has a variable thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The first surface can include substantially an arc. The second surface can include a substantially elliptical curve and the lens can be a smooth, arcuate, substantially plano lens. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A headband, cap, hat, or the like worn by a child, particularly an infant, includes an embedded sound-attenuation system to protect hearing against loud sounds that might startle, awaken, or injure a wearer. Shells formed of a comparatively soft and flexible elastomeric material are secured against the head of a user, each enclosing an ear in an air tight chamber, to close down the transmission paths available to sound waves. The shells are impervious to air, and flexible to conform to the head when secured by the headgear in which the shells are embedded. Each shell is provided with a rim, sufficiently flexible to deform and deflect into complete, sealed contact with the head.

Abstract: An improved skin substitute is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a woven nylon fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit the porosity of the skin substitute to be adjusted by clinicians by means of applying tension to the skin substitute that differentially opens the slits. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the skin substitute to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations. A layer of water soluble or water insoluble anti-scar compound is also present, the preferred compound being salinomycin.

Abstract: A baby compress including: a strip sized to be wrapped around the abdomen of a baby; a pocket on said strip adapted to hold a liquid-soaked wipe, wherein the pocket has: an inner wall facing the baby and comprising mesh adapted to allow the liquid to permeate there through; and a back wall lined with impervious retention layer, adapted to reduce evaporation and leakage of the liquid through the back wall of the pocket; and a fastener for fastening said strip while it is wrapped around the abdomen of a baby.

Abstract: A method for detecting a liquid discharge event in an absorbent article including a sensor adapted to generate an electrical output signal representative of a degree of wetness of the absorbent article, wherein the electrical output signal is received by a processing unit. The method including the steps of providing reference data over time representative of a liquid discharge; acquiring liquid discharge data over time in form of the electrical output signal; analyzing the liquid discharge data over time in relation to the reference data over time by the processing unit; and detecting a liquid discharge event based on the analysis. Also disclosed is a system for detecting liquid discharge event in an absorbent article including an absorbent article including a sensor being arranged to generate an output signal representative of an electrical property, and a processing unit adapted to process the output signal generated by the sensor of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a backsheet, a wetness indicator composition, and an absorbent core. The wetness indicator composition may comprise a stabilizer, a colorant, and a matrix. The absorbent core may comprise a nonwoven layer and an absorbent polymer material, and optionally, a thermoplastic adhesive material. The wetness indicator composition may be in direct contact with an inner surface of the backsheet and an outer surface of the nonwoven layer. And, the absorbent polymer material, and optionally, the thermoplastic adhesive material, may be in direct contact with an inner surface of the nonwoven. Further, the absorbent core may be substantially cellulose free and may be oriented in at least one row.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for rejecting defective absorbent articles from a converting line. At a downstream portion of a converting process, a continuous length of absorbent articles may be subjected to a final knife and cut to create discrete absorbent articles advancing on a first carrier. From the first carrier, the discrete absorbent articles may be transferred to a transfer apparatus, which in turn, transfers the discrete absorbent articles to a second carrier. The transfer apparatus may include carrier members that orbit around an axis of rotation and may be adapted to receive the absorbent articles from the first carrier and transfer the absorbent articles to the second carrier. Defective absorbent articles may be detected by an inspection system, which may be operably connected with the transfer apparatus and/or the first carrier to remove the defective absorbent articles from the converting process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved water-absorbing storage layers for use in hygiene articles, the water-absorbing storage layers being essentially free of cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A disposable belt for use with an absorbent product and a belt system is provided. The disposable belt includes a length of belt material and a hook material patch connected to a first surface portion. The length of belt material has a first major surface and an opposite second major surface, and includes a loop surface structure. The hook material patch is flat and has a first side facing away from the first surface portion, and a second side abutting against the first surface portion. The first side is provided with a first hook surface structure. The second side of the hook material patch is provided with a second hook surface structure, and the second hook surface structure engages with the loop surface structure. The belt system includes the disposable belt and a second length of belt material.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method for securing a wheelchair or other mobility device, and its passenger, within a public or private vehicle. In various embodiments, the system includes one or two attachment members, one or two vehicle anchor assemblies and, potentially, at least one fixed or moveable bumper, and may further include a barrier. A tensioning assembly is operably connected to at least one attachment member and vehicle anchor assembly. One or more moveable bumpers may articulate to apply a force against the mobility device, and one attachment member may be hidden behind a stored position of a moveable bumper.

Abstract: A mobility device includes at least two drive wheels mounted on a shaft; a drive controller drivingly coupled to the shaft; a seat mounted to a tilt mechanism such that the seat is able to tilt in a forward, backward, left and right directions as a result of the user shifting their body weight in either of those directions; a weight displacement sensor connectable to the tilt mechanism and the drive controller such that upon sensing a weight displacement of a user in a particular direction the weight displacement sensor causes the drive controller to impart drive to the drive wheels to move the mobility device in the direction of the sensed displaced weight of the user so that the mobility device is able to be driven in a forward and backward direction and steered in a left or right direction.

Abstract: A shower stretcher assembly includes a frame which supports a platform having panels that define a back rest section, a seat section, and a foot section. The seat section is of flexible material which conforms to the shape of a person lying thereon. This flexible material provides increase in the effective length of the mattress support that conforms to person's body between navel and knees.

Abstract: An invertible drinking device, moveable between an upright position and an inverted position, and including a body including a fluid chamber, a lid removeably attachable to the body, at least one drinking spout with an output end, and a valve assembly moveable between a first position and a second position. The body and the lid at least in part define a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The first fluid flow path is open to fluid flow, from the fluid chamber to the output end of one of the at least one drinking spouts, when the valve assembly is in the first position. The second fluid flow path is open to fluid flow, from the fluid chamber to the output end of one of the at least one drinking spouts, when the valve assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: A patient helper apparatus for use with a patient support is disclosed. The patient helper apparatus includes a first L-shaped support tube coupled to the patient support, a shaft coupled to the first L-shaped support tube and extending over the patient support, and an egress handle coupled to the first L-shaped support tube. The egress handle moves between a stowed position and an assist position. In the stowed position, the egress handle is situated inside a footprint of the patient support. In the assist position, the egress handle extends outside the footprint of the patient support.

Abstract: To provide a compact type of equipment with less noise by which stool of a person receiving care can be processed surely without the person's unpleasant sensation regardless of stool's nature, reducing the load on the person receiving care. In the processing equipment of excretory substances, the suction circulation tube is led to the cooling unit outside the device house box from the discharge side of the suction motor and cooled down by heat exchange with outer air inside the cooling unit, and then returned to the return box unit. The defecation sensor comprises a sensor which detects stool's hardness to control in order to vacuum up at the setting with the higher suction power for signals of harder stool. The urination sensor comprises a sensor which has two contact points to calculate a necessary suction power according to the degree of the signals and control.

Abstract: A bedrail clamp with a jaw member positionable by an actuating member, the actuating member being configured to move to move the jaw member away from the bedrail and toward the bedrail to move the jaw member into contact with the bedrail to secure the bedrail against the clamp housing. Either the actuating member or the jaw member features an inclined surface that includes a first portion with a first angle and a second portion with a second angle. Methods of operating a bedrail clamp.

Abstract: A collapsible upright wheeled walker with adjustable armrests that support sufficient user upper-body weight to facilitate a natural upright gait and provide unassisted mobility for a wide range of mobility-impaired individuals. The apparatus may be easily and quickly folded (and unfolded) and may include bilateral stabilizing wheel suspensions to facilitate navigation over uneven terrain. The apparatus includes a frame-stiffening folder assembly and may also include mechanical brakes, an adjustable upper armrest assembly with removable padded forearm supports and two pairs of handles, at least one of which is disposed sufficiently forward to place the user within the polygonal footprint defined by the front and rear wheels to provide support without leaning, stooping, or risking falls.

Abstract: A method of treating venous insufficiency and lymphedema in an individual by placing pulsatile, localized pressure or compression on deep veins and subcutaneous tissue by inflating and deflating volume-changing members implanted within the individual. A method of potentiating venous circulation, by placing pulsatile, localized pressure that compresses the deep veins by expanding and contracting volume-changing members located between the fascia and muscular compartment, such that the increase in volume from the volume-changing members is transferred to deep veins, and augmenting the effects of muscle contractions around the deep veins and improving blood circulation. A method of potentiating lymphatic circulation. A method of potentiating venous and lymphatic circulation. A pulsatile pressure implant including at least one volume-changing member in electronic connection with an electronic-controlled microprocessor.

Abstract: The Wrist Band Motion Analyzer with Comparison Feedback is a wrist worn device that shows feedback to the user wearing the device in order to achieve the correct speed and force of the user's hand. The purpose of the Wrist Band Motion Analyzer is to give the user wearing the device real time feedback in order to achieve a specific speed and G-force of the wearers hand motion; whereas when accomplished may lead to the wearer's woman partner achieving an ejaculating orgasm with locked fingers placed correctly on the G-spot. This new device gives real time feedback to the proper speed and G-force of the user's hand compared to a pre-programmed G-force and frequency which is known to give women an ejaculating orgasm. This is achieved by measuring the G-force and speed in real time through the use of an accelerometer and microcontroller.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a container system for medical solutions such as peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions. The invention particularly features a system which includes a first compartment that contains a first medical solution, e.g., a PD osmotic agent, and a second compartment that contains a second medical solution, e.g., a PD buffer agent. The compartments maintain their respective contents separately from one another for purposes of transport, storage and/or sterilization. However, the compartments are fluidly couplable, so that their respective contents can be combined with one another, e.g., following sterilization of the agents and prior to their introduction into the patient's abdomen. To that end, a container system can include a diffuser that is disposed in a fluid pathway between the first and second compartments, e.g., to facilitate homogeneous mixing of the first and second PD agents.

Abstract: The invention relates firstly to a method for producing a crimp cap for a container for receiving a pharmaceutical substance, in particular an ampoule, wherein the crimp cap has a metal foil layer, which is covered over at least on the outside with a layer of plastic forming a covering of the foil layer. In order to provide an advantageous method for producing a crimp cap from a metal foil layer with a layer of plastic forming a covering of the foil layer, while avoiding the risk of particle formation as much as possible, it is proposed that a material strip M having an already plastic-covered foil layer is formed into the crimp cap by punching out and deep drawing. The invention also relates to a crimp cap for a container for receiving a pharmaceutical substance, and also to a container with a pharmaceutical substance.

Abstract: A vial access device is described comprising an upper housing having a fluid connecter in fluid communication with the upper housing; a vial access spike projecting from the upper housing; a fluid filter body within the upper housing or connectable thereto, the fluid filter body in fluid communication with the vial access spike and the fluid connector. Methods of reducing or eliminating particulate matter from medicament solutions are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of an indwelling device equipped with a circular hub having a radius, a top surface, a side surface, and a circumferential recess defined in the side surface. The connector has a resilient assembly including a plurality of release buttons extending from the resilient assembly and may include a conduit defining a fluid pathway through the connector. Each release button has a finger contact zone and a catch. The catch is configured to releasably engage the circumferential recess. The connector is coupled by positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector until the catches engage the circumferential recess such that the connector is configured to rotate completely about the circular hub. The connector is decoupled from the hub by pressing the release buttons to reversibly displace the respective catches radially to disengage from the circumferential recess.

Abstract: A pacifier for use with premature newborns and infants. The pacifier has a shield and a hollow bulb projecting from one side of the shield, the bulb defining a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile or internal shape along at least a portion of its length from the shield to its distal free end.

Abstract: The embodiments herein discloses a composition and method for the synthesis of an effervescence producing tablet for reducing and eliminating a mouth odor and oral staining caused by ingested beverages and food. The method comprises mixing excipients, disintegrating agents, flavor and sweetener in a V-blender. The lubricant is added V-blender to obtain a mixture. The mixture is compressed on tablet press equipment with a round tooling. The tablets are packaged in a foil pouch. The “excipients” in the effervescent tablet composition are malic acid, sorbitol, potassium bi-carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and magnesium oxide. The malic acid react with potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate to form an effervescence reaction to induce tablet disintegration, provide a pleasant sensation in the mouth, and to clean a wine stain in the mouth.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for transdermal delivery, treatment of skin, and improving the appearance of skin. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: Substantially aqueous-free, enamel protectant and enamel repair toothpaste treatments containing: stannous fluoride, calcium and a substantivity agent comprising: an emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane in a nonionic surfactant, wherein: (a) substantivity of said stannous fluoride and calcium into biofilm present on enamel is enhanced through calcium binding shifting from bidentate to monodentate in the presence of stannous fluoride; and (b) said toothpaste treatments indicate substantially improved, enamel protectant factor (EPF) and enamel repair factor (ERF) values compared to fluoride brushing treatments with comparable or higher fluoride levels.

Abstract: A moisturizing apparatus includes an ion generating device, a mist generating device, and a control device. The ion generating device generates positive ions and negative ions bound to water molecules from the air by an electrical discharge in the atmosphere. The mist generating device reduces the liquid to fine particles in the form of mist and sprays the liquid in the form of mist. The moisturizing apparatus moisturizes the skin or hair, through combined use of application of ions from the ion generating device and spraying of the mist from mist generating device, toward the skin or hair.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to formulations having one or more ingredients segregated from other constituents of the same formulation. The formulations are typically for topical application to an integument.

Abstract: The present specification discloses fluid compositions comprising a matrix polymer and stabilizing component, methods of making such fluid compositions, and methods of treating skin conditions in an individual using such fluid compositions.

Abstract: A method of improving the appearance of skin, involves topically administering to a subject in need thereof a botanical antioxidant composition having a botanical antioxidant extract blend with: (a) at least one hydroxycinnamic acid, and (b) a camellia sinesis, vitis vinifera, euterpe oleracea, curcuma longa, and/or theobroma cacao extract, wherein the composition is in cream, lotion, solution, serum, anhydrous preparation, emulsion, microemulsion, multiple emulsion, gel, solid stick, ointment, dry powder, spray, or aerosol form.

Abstract: A personal care composition comprising a multi-active system for down regulating cytokines comprising: bis-abolol and ginger extract, and a surfactant derived from a triglyceride such as olive oil, and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers, comprising one or more fatty substances, one or more surfactants, one or more oxidation bases, one or more particular couplers of meta-phenylenediamine type substituted in position 2, and one or more basifying agents, the fatty substance content in the dye composition representing in total at least 5% by weight relative to the total weight of the said composition. The invention also relates to a dyeing process using such a composition, and also to multi-compartment devices suitable for performing the said process.

Abstract: A method of producing an anhydrous antiperspirant composition comprising (a) providing a mixture of at least one antiperspirant active including a metal salt, and an anhydrous carrier for the at least one antiperspirant active in which the at least one antiperspirant active is dissolved, the carrier comprising a eutectic mixture of at least one basic compound selected from a basic amide and a basic amine and at least one member chosen from a cation and zwitterion; and (b) heating the mixture to form a stabilized eutectic system of the at least one antiperspirant active and the anhydrous carrier, and wherein the at least one antiperspirant active, the at least one basic compound and the at least one member chosen from a cation and zwitterion form a ternary eutectic system.

Abstract: A triggerable composition for two-stage, controlled release of a functional active chemical includes an encapsulation material for encapsulating a betaine ester or betaine ester derivative including a functional active. The encapsulation material is triggerable to release the betaine ester or betaine ester derivative at a first stage upon the occurrence with an environmental stimulus, such as a pH change, an enzymatic change, and a temperature change. The betaine ester or betaine ester derivative of a functional active with at least one hydroxyl group releases the functional active through a hydrolysis reaction upon contact with an aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating dental erosion comprising orally administering to a mammal (preferably, a human) a beverage composition having a pH of less than about 5; wherein the beverage composition comprises a compound having the structure: wherein n is an integer averaging from about 7 to about 100 and M, M?, and M? are each, independently, selected from the group consisting of sodium and potassium. The present invention is further directed to kits comprising the foregoing beverage composition and information that use of the beverage composition provides treatment against dental erosion.

Abstract: The present invention was made in view of an object to produce a novel proteoglycan-containing material, and find a novel use and/or a superior effect of the proteoglycan-containing material. The present invention provides a proteoglycan-containing material obtained from fish cartilage, wherein the proteoglycan-containing material comprises an acidic saccharide component having a molecular weight of not less than 2000 kDa. The proteoglycan-containing material provides advantageous effects for skin-moisturizing and skin anti-aging, including a superior skin fibroblast proliferation effect, an effect of enhancing and improving the skin barrier function, an effect of enhancing and improving the skin's capability to produce collagen, a dermis-thickening inhibition effect, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, treatment of skin, and improving the appearance of skin, e.g., medically or cosmetically. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: A formulation for a stable ascorbic acid composition which, in a simplified form, is comprised of ascorbic acid in solution with a hygroscopic compound (i.e., a substance with the ability to attract water molecules from the surrounding environment through either absorption or adsorption). Also disclosed herein are methods for the production of such compounds and methods of using such compounds in the prevention, inhibition and treatment of striae gravidarum, radiation dermatitis, rhytids, lentigoes, dyschromia, sun-damage induced hyperpigmentation, cellulite, scars and purpura, among other skin diseases or conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cosmetic composition comprising a first film-forming polymer having a contact angle of at least 85°, a second film-forming polymer having a contact angle of at least 85°, a lipid having a melting point of at least 5° C., optical particle, and at least 20% of water by weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glycerin derivative-modified organopolysiloxane elastomer comprising: as a hydrophilic group, a glycerin derivative group in which an average number of repetitions of glycerin units is in a range of 1.0 to 2.4, being free of an oxyalkylene structure having an average number of repetitions of an oxyalkylene unit of 2 or higher; and a crosslinked three-dimensional net-like structure having a carbon-silicon bond in a crosslinking part.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent eluting element includes an elongate body member and one or more therapeutic agents elutable from the body member. The elongate body member is configured to be implanted subcutaneously along side of a therapy delivery element. The elongate body member may be formed from a polymeric material, and the agent eluting element may consist essentially of the body member and the one or more therapeutic agents. The therapeutic agent eluting element may be a part of a system or kit that includes a therapy delivery element and a tunneling tool, such as a dilator, sheath, catheter passer, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a refinement of the processing of particles that are to form a dry powder formulation which is to be administered to the lung using a dry powder inhaler (DPI) device. In particular, the present invention provides the processing of particles of active material and particles of carrier material in the presence of additive material to provide a powder composition which exhibits excellent powder properties and which is economical to produce.

Abstract: The present invention provides dry powder formulations comprising nicotine, methods of using the same, and methods for making the same. The dry powder formulations may further comprise excipients, therapeutic agents, and flavor components. The dry powder formulations may be manufactured by dry processes and wet processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquid vehicles that can be used to create dilute solutions of water-soluble pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles are formulated to provide desired osmolalities, viscosities, pH, and taste masking capabilities to match the particular intentions of the user and to complement the inherent differences in the various oral contrast agents. The liquid vehicles comprise an aqueous medium, an osmotic agent to adjust osmolality, a buffering agent, a viscosity agent, and sweeteners and flavoring agents to improve palatability.