Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing and using a fracture reduction brace, comprising: providing one or more rigid splint members configured to be disposed adjacent to or about an anatomical structure; providing one or more reduction members deployable from an interior surface of the one or more rigid splint members into the anatomical structure such that the one or more reduction members apply pressure to the anatomical structure thereby reducing an associated fracture; disposing the one or more rigid split members securely adjacent to or about the anatomical structure; and deploying the one or more reduction members from the interior surface of the one or more rigid splint members into the anatomical structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for supporting the head and neck of a wearer. The head and neck support device can have a head cover and a harness. The head cover can have a head-receiving component and a pair of neck straps. The harness can have a chest portion, an opposed back portion, and first and second attachment zones for securing the neck straps to the harness.

Abstract: A stoma guard for ostomy patients that is applied directly to the ostomy pouch. The guard prevents blunt force trauma, helps the user conceal protruded stoma and protects against daily impacts that can harm stoma region. The stoma guard has no sharp corners to prevent leakage and to increase maneuverability. The stoma guard is comprised of a rigid semi circular dome shaped guard and a crescent shaped applicator that secures the guard directly to the ostomy pouch. The guard has a convex shape facing outward that protects the stoma area once secured to the ostomy pouch. The stoma guard is sized to conform around the upper part of the ostomy pouch where the stoma is located. The stoma guard includes an opening at the base permitting flow of waste material. The stoma guard does not need to be removed when emptying waste from the ostomy pouch.

Abstract: Foley catheter bag support sleeves for receiving and securing a catheter bag that can be secured to the inside of a user's clothes, including flexible support sleeves preferably made with fabric that are equipped with a lining on at least one side to avoid irritation to the user's skin. In some examples, the catheter bag support sleeve is secured using hook or loop material (such as Velcro®) that mates with corresponding material that is attached to the interior of a garment worn by the user, such as a pair of pants. In other examples, the catheter bag support sleeve can be secured to the user's garment using any removable attachment means. In some further examples, the support sleeve includes ends that can be opened or secured shut to provide alternative or additional securing of an enclosed catheter bag.

Abstract: A dental orthotic strut having at least one multi-axis rotable joint connecting the strut to either a maxillary and/or mandibular retainer attached to the teeth. Jaw advancement may be accomplished by periodically replacing the strut with a new strut having a slightly longer minimum length, thereby advancing the resting position of the closed jaw. The rotable joint or joints allow greater freedom of movement and comfort when the jaw is opened in a non-sagittal plane. A plurality of strut pairs having a same length, but with progressively longer sets of strut pairs is generally supplied, so that left and right struts can be progressively replaced with longer struts over time.

Abstract: Occlusion devices and delivery systems are described in which a polymerizing oil is used to protect a hydrogel from premature swelling. In an embodiment, a delivery system includes an occlusion device releasably coupled within a catheter sheath. The occlusion device includes an expandable implant and a hydrogel. An at least partially oxidized polymerizing oil is inside a lumen of the catheter sheath between the distal end of the catheter sheath and the hydrogel.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented whereby cryotherapy may be conducted with both an enhanced healing process and a reduced risk of collateral ischemic injury when compared with existing options. A cold effect is applied to an injured tissue for a sufficient time to lower the temperature sufficiently to suppress local pain and inflammation. In an alternating manner a warm effect is applied to the tissue at the same treatment site with sufficient intensity to raise the temperature at the treatment site to equal or exceed the baseline value for a sufficient time to cause an increase in local blood flow equal to or exceeding the baseline value, after which the cycle is repeated until therapy is no longer needed.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a femto-fragmentation procedure on tissue in the crystalline lens of an eye requires that a laser beam be directed and focused to a focal point in the crystalline lens of the eye. The focal point is then guided, relative to an axis defined by the eye, to create a segment cluster by causing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of tissue in the crystalline lens. The resultant segment cluster includes a plurality of contiguous, elongated segments in the crystalline lens that are individually tapered from an anterior end-area to a posterior end-area, Specifically, this is done to facilitate the removal of individual segments from the segment cluster in the crystalline lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and systems for laser beam positioning, shape profile, size profile, drift, and/or deflection calibration using an image capture device, such as a microscope camera, for enhanced calibration accuracy and precision. The methods and systems are particularly suited for iris calibration and hysteresis measurement of a variable diameter aperture. One method for calibrating laser pulses from a laser eye surgery system using an image capture device comprises imaging a known object with an image capture device. A pulsed laser beam is directed onto a calibration surface so as to leave a mark on the calibration surface. The mark on the calibration surface is then imaged with the image capture device. The laser eye surgery system is calibrated by comparing the image of the mark on the calibration surface to the image of the known object.

Abstract: An apparatus for laser assisted eye treatment comprises: a laser device configured to provide focused laser radiation and having an adapter coupling port; an adapter module including first and second sub-modules, the first sub-module configured to detachably couple to the laser device at the adapter coupling port and having a contact surface for an eye, the second sub-module including an eye suction ring portion having a ring axis, wherein the second sub-module delimits at least one suction space, and the adapter module includes a vacuum inlet port in association with each of the at least one suction chamber, wherein the adapter module includes an evacuation path system configured to establish a vacuum communication connection between each of the at least one suction space and the associated vacuum inlet port, wherein the vacuum inlet port is provided at the first sub-module and the evacuation path system extends from the first sub-module to the second sub-module.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument for the application of laser radiation in a patient's eye, particularly for the examination and/or surgical laser treatment of the cornea and the lens of the eye, includes a femtosecond laser, an objective and optical assemblies. The optical assemblies are arranged in front of the objective, and selectively vary the focus position in the coordinate direction X,Y and Z either within the region of the cornea or within the region of the lens of the eye. The objective or at least one lens group is movable relative to the eye. The variation of the position of the lens group objective shifts the focus position from the cornea to the lens of the eye and vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering a sheet of tissue into the eye in such a way that damage to the tissue is minimized, damage to the eye during insertion and manipulation of the tissue is minimized, and the tissue is released and delivered in a precise and controlled fashion.

Abstract: A foot pedal with a treadle that pivots up and down to vary its pitch, and/or side to side to vary its yaw. The pivot range of motion is divided into a plurality of zones, each zone configured to correspond to a respective virtual switch. When the treadle is pivoted into one of the zones, the corresponding virtual switch is activated. The virtual switch controls an operatively coupled device such as a handpiece used in a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A device for treating eyes, the device having a lance-like housing which extends along a longitudinal direction (L) and can be inserted into an area of the eye to be treated. The device further includes at least one cutter element, which is arranged at least partially inside the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The housing has an opening through which the cutter element can contact the area of the eye to be treated. The apparatus preferably includes a drive for generating the movement of the cutter element. The cutter element is configured to be rotatable or pivotable with respect to a predefined axis extending in or oblique to the longitudinal direction (L).

Abstract: Provided herein is a lacrimal stent that includes a flexible tube. The flexible tube includes a first distal end, a second distal end, and an elongated body between the first distal end and the second distal end. A first magnet is arranged at the first distal end of the flexible tube, and a magnetic material is arranged at the second distal end of the flexible tube. When the first distal end of the flexible tube is inserted into a lacrimal sac of an eye through a first punctum and the second distal end is inserted into the lacrimal sac of the eye through a second punctum, a magnetic attraction between the first magnet and the magnetic material causes the flexible tube to flex so that the first magnet of the first distal end magnetically engages the magnetic material of the second distal end.

Abstract: A goggle for use in snowsports including a flexible frame and a lens assembly, magnets or magnetic elements being provided on upper and lower edges of an inner surface of the lens assembly and magnets or magnetic elements being provided in corresponding positions on an outer surface of the frame, for releasably holding the lens assembly in the frame, and at least two releasable clips being provided on the frame, the clips being movable between a released position and an engaged position, the clips in the engaged position overlying a portion of the lens assembly and each clip including at least one retaining member which in use passes into an aperture at least part way through the lens assembly, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the lens assembly, for preventing or limiting movement of the lens assembly in a direction away from the lateral side of the frame.

Abstract: An earplug extending along an earplug axis may include an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion may include a proximal portion extending from a second end region, a distal portion extending from a first end region, and a slant portion therebetween. The outer portion may define an interior space. The inner portion may extend between a first and second end region and may be coupled to the outer portion within the interior space. A distance between an end of the inner portion proximate the second end region of the inner portion and an end of the outer portion proximate the second end region of the outer portion may be greater than a length of the proximal portion of the outer portion measured along the earplug axis.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating a tissue site are described, In some embodiments, the system may include a pouch having an upstream layer, a downstream layer, and an absorbent member enclosed between the upstream layer and the downstream layer. The upstream layer and the downstream layer may each include a hydrophobic side and a hydrophilic side, The hydrophilic side of both the upstream layer and the downstream layer may be positioned facing the absorbent member. The hydrophobic side of both the upstream layer and the downstream layer may form a portion of an exterior surface of the pouch such that fluid incident on the pouch is distributed laterally along the exterior surface of the pouch before being absorbed by the absorbent member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing composition for use as or in a wound dressing and to methods of making the wound dressing composition. The wound dressing composition comprises an absorbent material, an adhesive material and an anchor material attached to the absorbent material and the adhesive material. The anchor material is operable to maintain a link between the absorbent material and the adhesive material when the wound dressing composition is wet.

Abstract: The invention is a class of medical bandages that are effective for use in the treatment of various types of tissue burns, such as burns due to heat, chemicals, or sun exposure. The inventive bandages are comprised of a thin and flexible heat sink such as a hydrogel infused with a thermally conductive material such as aluminum oxide particles. The inventive bandages rapidly cool a burn wound by ensuring direct contact of the infused hydrogel with the burn to draw heat away from the burn via conduction.

Abstract: A treatment system including a tension relief layer having a central elastic region coupled between a pair of opposing wings; a porous region within the central elastic region that allows for the passage of material from an incision or wound to an upper surface of the tension relief layer; and a conformable sealing layer configured to be applied over the tension relief layer and adhered forming a sealed space around at least a portion of the wound. At least a portion of each of the opposing wings have adhesive lower surfaces. The opposing wings are configured to be stretched away from one another towards a first tensile configuration and while held in the first tensile configuration adhered to skin on opposing sides of the incision or wound. Related devices, systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: A bandage comprising a base substrate, a wound covering portion, a first side coupling member and a second side coupling member, and a first side and second side adhesive portion. The base substrate includes a central region, a first side region and a second side region, and comprises an elastic member. The wound covering portion is positioned over the central region. The first side coupling member extends over the first side region. The second side coupling member extending over the second region. The first side adhesive portion is positioned on the first side region. The second side adhesive portion positioned on the second side region. A method of use as well as a protective carrier are likewise disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for detecting registration features. The apparatuses and methods may utilize sensors in combination with cylindrical optics that blurs the image sampling area in the cross direction, while maintaining focus in the machine direction. The blurring may create an averaging or blending effect of the hue values across the sampled area. The sensors may include red, green, blue (RGB) analog outputs that can characterize sensed registration features by a unique sequence that can be compared with a reference sequence. In turn, the substrate speed and/or tension can be adjusted base on the comparison to control the relative placement of advancing substrates and discrete components in converting lines.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent article including a liquid permeable layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent layer, includes a step for forming a functional composition by mixing water-disintegrable microcapsules containing a volatile functional component with a solvent capable of keeping the functional component as contained in the microcapsules, a step for coating the functional composition on at least a portion of a surface of a layer to be coated to form a functional composition-coated region on the surface to be coated, and a step for stacking the liquid permeable layer, and the absorbent layer and the liquid impermeable layer with an adhesive-coated region coated with an adhesive interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of applying a single SAP (Super Adsorbent Polymer) type granules or multiple SAP types at high speed in a continuous or intermittent 2-dimesional or 3-dimensional profile via volumetric or gravimetric metering onto a receiving system such as a carrier layer and/or into an air stream for use in an absorbent article, particularly diapers for babies or adults, training pants, pull-up diapers (diaper pants), sanitary napkins, panty liners or the like. These articles typically comprise of a carrier layer with the SAP particles and/or a mixed SAP and fiber core together with further layers, making up the complete article.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a composite sheet associated with an absorbent article, including: a producing device that produces a substrate sheet by fixing a stretchable sheet to at least low-extensible sheet, the stretchable sheet continuing along a transporting direction, the stretchable sheet being in an extended state in which the stretchable sheet is extended in the transporting direction, the producing is performed while the producing device is transporting the stretchable sheet; a reference-section forming apparatus that forms a physical reference section on the substrate sheet, the substrate sheet being in a first extended state and being transported; a contraction apparatus in which the substrate sheet that has the reference section formed on it contracts until the substrate sheet becomes in a second extended state whose extension ratio is smaller than an extension ratio of the first extended state; and a processing apparatus that performs the certain process to the substrate sheet, t

Abstract: A device for folding a web for producing absorbent sanitary articles along at least one longitudinal fold line parallel to its feed direction includes two diverting elements positioned on opposite sides of the web one after the other, to operate in succession on respective lateral portions of the web and allow transversal folding of one lateral portion on the other and both on the web. Each diverting element has a diverting surface which is used for folding and which is equipped with a plurality of holes to emit jets of air under pressure at a tangent to the diverting surface, directed transversely to the feed direction of the web along the same direction as the direction along which the two lateral portions are transversely folded by the diverting surface and defining between the latter and the web a laminar fluid bed.

Abstract: A method for forming a wrapping material for hygiene articles involves: providing one of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the first region with a first resealable adhesive, such that the other of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the first region is adhesive-free; providing one of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the second region with a first resealable adhesive, such that the other of the inner edge portion and the outer edge portion of the edge zone of the second region is adhesive-free; and providing at least one of the first central portion of the first region and the second central portion of the second region with a second adhesive; wherein the steps a-c are performed simultaneously.

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: In a disposable diaper, a back waist region includes a belt region extending in a transverse direction on a skin-facing surface and a downward openable pocket facing, in a front-back direction, a central sub-region in the transverse direction of the belt region. The pocket is defined by a pocket outside wall facing the middle portion in the front-back direction and extending upward from the crotch region, a pocket inside wall facing the pocket outside wall and the belt region, respectively, in the front-back direction, and being continuous with the pocket outside wall through a folded portion and extending downward from the fold line so as to become continuous with the pocket inside wall of the middle portion in the belt region, and both pocket lateral portions formed from the respective lateral portions of the inside and outside walls, and tucked inward in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transpiration leak protection element. which consists of a moisture-proof membrane layer, a cover layer of a smaller size which is attached thereto, and a moisture-permeable pocket filled with a highly absorbent material.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent body for body fluid-absorbing articles, that is both soft and strong. The absorbent body for body fluid-absorbing articles: includes 100 parts by mass cellulose-based water-absorbent fibers and 7.5-100 parts by mass thermoplastic resin fibers; and has an apparent density of 0.06-0.14 g/cm3. The thermoplastic resin fibers having a fiber length longer than the cellulose-based water-absorbent fibers are twisted together. The absorbent body has compressed sections arranged in a repeated pattern. The compressed sections are characterized by having a Gurley bending resistance of no more than 1 mN as a result of not being fused.

Abstract: An absorbent, disposable article includes an absorption body having longitudinally extending edges is disposed between the liquid-permeable casing layer and the substantially liquid-impermeable backside layer. The article includes a longitudinally extending centre line, a crotch area, a front end area and a back area. The absorption body includes a first absorption layer facing the user and a second absorption layer facing away from the user during. At least one elastic element is disposed between the liquid-permeable casing layer and the backside layer outside of the respective longitudinally running edge of the absorption body. The elastic elements have a return force between 0.30 N and 0.80 N at an extension of 70% of the accessible extension. The first absorption layer includes a first longitudinal opening disposed in the crotch area and the second absorption layer includes a first longitudinal compression disposed in the crotch area.

Abstract: Absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have Relaxed Product Waist Widths, Relaxed Product Hip Widths, and Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes as disclosed herein. And, arrays of the present disclosure may have Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist Silhouettes and Array Average Product Hip-to-Waist-to-Weight Ratio as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tampon applicator package assembly having a tampon applicator and a cap having a closed end and an open end. The tampon applicator has a barrel for housing a pledget and a plunger. The plunger has an end portion that is a cap cover that connects to a remainder of the plunger and mates with the cap at the open end to provide a seal with the cap that completely encloses the tampon applicator in the cap. Also disclosed is an assembly having a tampon applicator, a cap having both a closed end and open end, and a cap cover for covering the open end of the cap. When the cap cover is placed on the open end, the open end is sealed and the tampon applicator is completely enclosed in the cap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of providing a disposable product with a contoured leg opening. In this method at least one chip is removed from at least one ear of a disposable product. The chip may be removed from an ear prior to attaching the ear to the chassis web. Alternatively, the chip may be removed from the ear after the ear is attached to the chassis web.

Abstract: A lightweight multi-use collapsible stretcher for carrying a load comprising: two opposing collapsible longitudinal frames; at least one bedding member disposed between said longitudinal frames; and at least one interconnecting bar disposed between said two opposing longitudinal frames and hingedly connected to at least two longitudinal frames. The interconnecting bar comprises first and second sections, which have a position attached to said frame plates when said stretcher is in said folded position and a position transversely deployed towards each other when said stretcher is in said unfolded position. The interconnecting bar has interconnecting means at at least one free terminal thereof; said two opposing collapsible longitudinal frames are interconnectable via interconnecting bar and said interconnecting means in said unfolded position.

Abstract: A module element for a vehicle, in particular a public transport vehicle such as a bus or train, comprises a lower component and an upper component connected to the lower component at an interface. The essentially identical lower component can be combined with different upper components.

Abstract: A mobility securement system, and method configured to secure 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 are configured to 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 standing-up assistance method and apparatus may measure a pressure applied to a part of a body of a user, acquire information about a torque corresponding to the measured pressure, and provide an assistance force to the body of the user based on the information about the torque.

Abstract: A sitting motion assist system for assisting a sitting motion of a patient changing their posture from a standing posture to a sitting posture includes a care belt, a knee-bending adviser, and a pulling mechanism. The care belt can be put on the patient and includes a hold mechanism including a first holder capable of holding the neck or shoulder of the patient and a second holder capable of holding their lower back, and a coupler capable of being positioned on their chest and coupled to the hold mechanism. The knee-bending adviser advises the patient to perform a knee-bending motion. The pulling mechanism is coupled to the hold mechanism via the coupler and pulls the care belt downward and slightly forward relative to the patient after the advice by the knee-bending adviser, and thereafter pushes the care belt downward and slightly backward to assist the sitting motion.

Abstract: In a standing-up motion assist system for assisting a care receiving person, a care belt includes a first holder that holds a neck part or a back part of the care receiving person, a second holder that holds a lumbar part of the care receiving person, a third holder that connects the first holder and the second holder and holds armpits of the care receiving person, a second connector located at a chest of the care receiving person, and a first connector that connects the first holder and the second holder. A pulling mechanism is connected to the second connector and pulls the second connector. A controller controls the pulling mechanism so as to pull the second connector in a forward and upward direction with reference to the care receiving person, and, thereafter, pull the second connector in a backward and upward direction with reference to the care receiving person.

Abstract: A bed is provided. The bed may include a lift system which raises and lowers a support deck of the bed. The lift system may include multiple individually actuatable lift systems. The bed may include an expandable support deck. The bed may include a powered caster braking system.

Abstract: A central bed having a longitudinal bed frame and a bed section mounted to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical axis between a home position aligned with the bed frame and an away position.

Abstract: A person support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, cot, recliner, or the like, includes a support surface adapted to support a person, a litter, an accelerometer positioned below the support surface, and a controller that processes signals from the accelerometer to detect the presence or absence of a person on the support surface. In some embodiments, the controller also receives signals from a plurality of force sensors and uses them in combination with the accelerometer outputs to determine if the person has exited the person support apparatus. The controller may also be adapted to use outputs from the accelerometer to detect an impact against the person support apparatus, compare a magnitude of the detected impact with a threshold, and, if the threshold is exceeded, to issue a warning indicating potential damage to one or more of the plurality of force sensors.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce pressure on selected areas on a body include an array of programmable supports and at least one sensor to detect a physical property of the body. Each programmable support of the array of programmable supports includes an adjustable member and a mechanism to adjust the length of the adjustable member based on the detected physical property of the body.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support may include a plurality of inflatable members. The plurality of inflatable members may include a core including a resilient material. The patient support may be controlled with a first controller positioned within an envelope of the patient support. The patient support may include a detector to detect when an external controller is coupled to the patient support, the patient support being controlled by the second controller when the second controller is present.

Abstract: A standing motion assist system includes a care belt including a holding mechanism including a holder that holds a back and both armpits of a care-receiver, and a connector that is connected to the holding mechanism; a rotational force applying mechanism that is connected to the holding mechanism and that rotates a front lower part of the holder upward and a rear upper part of the holder downward about a rotation axis extending through both armpits; a traction mechanism that is connected to the connector and pulls the connector; and a controller that controls the rotational force applying mechanism and the traction mechanism so that, after the traction mechanism has started the pulling motion, the rotational force applying mechanism rotates the holder at the same time as the traction mechanism pulls the connector forward and upward, and subsequently the traction mechanism pulls the connector upward.

Abstract: An infant care system for warming infants is disclosed. The infant care system comprises a supporting structure and an infant enclosure. The infant enclosure is assembled onto the supporting structure and capable of holding an infant. The infant enclosure includes a plurality of walls for forming the enclosure. The plurality of walls is capable of providing heat energy into the infant enclosure for the infant. An electric source is electrically connected to the plurality of walls for providing power to these walls for generating the heat energy for warming the infant.

Abstract: An incubator of the disclosure is configured such that a top hood is detachable from a peripheral frame by unlatching first latch mechanisms that latch the top hood. The incubator is also configured such that any of wall portion among four wall portions configuring the peripheral frame are detachable from an incubator base by unlatching any of corresponding second to fifth latch mechanisms.