Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including an inner surface and an outer surface, a plurality of at least one type of commensal microbe associated with at least a portion of at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to shoes with ankle support elements, typically including a foot support element and a leg support element which are joined together via a joint to allow the leg support element to pivot with respect to the foot support element. The joint is typically located behind the ankle bone and at a height at least as great as the ankle bone. Straps are typically used to tighten the support elements for a good fit. Embodiments typically are formed so that neither the support elements nor the straps contact the ankle bone. And typically the foot and leg support elements work together to limit supination and adduction, while allowing fairly free extension.

Abstract: Provided is footwear whereby it is possible to desirably carry out correction and stretching of a transverse arch of a foot. A transverse arch pressure part which protrudes such that a cross-section in the width direction is an arc shape is formed between portions in a foot contact surface of an article of footwear directly below the ball of the large toe and the ball of the little toe, and a pair of runners which do not support the ball of the large toe or the ball of the little toe are formed in the foot contact surface directly below the ball of the large toe and the ball of the little toe.

Abstract: An adjustable cervical collar is in the form of a u-shaped base with a front joined to a pair of rearwardly extending wings. Left and right chin supports are pivotally connected at their distal ends to the distal ends to of respective wings with a chin piece connected between the upper proximal ends of the chin supports. An adjustable latch is individually coupled between each wing and the lower proximal end of the associated chin supports. Preferably the latch is in the form of 1) an arcuate slot in each wing arranged around the respective pivot axis with a track formed on opposite sides of the slot and 2) a retractable locking pin carried by each chin support and movable within the respective slot, the locking pins adapted to engage the ribs in the respective track to releasably lock the chin support to the respective wing.

Abstract: A splint assembly comprising a first section with at least one compartment and one or more rigid members positioned within the at least one compartment, the one or more rigid members providing a rigid dimensional axis and at least one flexible dimensional axis; and at least one second section configured to couple with the first section, the at least one second section comprising at least one compartment and one or more rigid members positioned within the at least one compartment, so that the at least one second section has a rigid dimensional axis and at least one flexible dimensional axis; and at least one attachment member is operatively coupled to the at least one second section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for controlling body temperature of a patient during hypothermia treatment, comprising: a body trunk cooling unit having a first affixing portion to be applied on a surface of the trunk of a patient's body and for cooling the surface of the trunk of the patient's body; and a body peripheral part heating unit having a second affixing portion to be applied to the peripheral part of the patient's body and for heating the peripheral part of the body by utilizing exhaust heat from the body trunk cooling unit and suppressing activation of cold receptors of the skin of the patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns the manufacture of personal care articles consisting of compresses having a cooling effect by swelling with water which are presented individually in vacuum packaging. According to the invention, successive doses of powder comprising absorbent particles are placed in grooves formed by elastic deformation in a lower sheet made of water-permeable textile material, which is continuously unwound, and covered with an upper sheet, which is continuously unwound at the same time as the lower sheet. The lower sheet is then heat-welded in the intervals between adjacent grooves thus isolating the grooves from each other. Successive compartments each containing a dose of the powder are then enclosed in each groove by heat-welding the sheets along transverse weld lines across the width of the moving sheet assembly.

Abstract: A catheter has a hollow conduit through which working fluid from a heat exchange system flows. The conduit in turn is configured to extend along a longitudinal central axis in a continuously varying non-constant azimuthal orientation so that it defines a non-round enclosed passageway through which blood can flow to exchange heat through a wall of the conduit with the working fluid flowing within the conduit.

Abstract: Materials and methods for producing localized hypothermia in a patient (e.g., for treatment of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant to the orbit. In some instances, the systems may include a delivery device having a tongue member and a handle. The delivery device may further include an ejector configured to deliver an implant from the tongue member. The delivery device may also include a piercing member configured to create an opening in tissue. The systems may further include a piercing member for creating an opening in tissue. In some instances, the piercing member may have a first blade member rotatably connected to a second blade member.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as lenses, a system and a method for providing custom ocular aberrations that provide higher visual acuity. The apparatus, system and method include inducing rotationally symmetric aberrations along with an add power in one eye and inducing non-rotationally symmetric aberrations along with an add power in the other eye to provide improved visual acuity at an intermediate distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for ophthalmic procedures contains a source of aiming and treatment laser beams, folded mirrors and lens arrays to cause the formation of a static pupil on a delivery mirror for observation and treatment by an operator of the apparatus.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation lever, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. An actuation of the actuation lever about a pivot pin of the handle may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation lever about the pivot pin of the handle may gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: Eyewear is disclosed that can have multiple ventilation states providing different amounts of ventilation through the eyewear. The eyewear can include a lens and a frame. In some embodiments, the lens can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states. In some embodiments, the eyewear can include a gasket that removably attaches to the frame. In some embodiments, the gasket can be movable with respect to the frame to provide the multiple ventilation states.

Abstract: Provided is an auditory sensitivity adjustment device suitable to enhance concentration and attentiveness in any direction. An auditory sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes grab parts 32a and 32b for holding a pinna 50, springs 22 for applying to the grab parts 32a and 32b a force for pulling, in an extending direction, the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b, and a base 38 for rotating the pinna 50 held by the grab parts 32a and 32b so as to twist the pinna 50.

Abstract: Lighted headgear, and more particularly lighted earwear such as earmuffs or headphones, is provided herein that are configured to mount or secure to a user's head while providing light forwardly thereof. The lighted headgear includes ear engaging or covering assemblies, which can be connected by a headband or other crown portion. The ear covering assemblies can include one or more light sources mounted thereto or can have a light module secured thereto to provide a user with hands-free lighting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotating and transferring a discrete article. The rotation apparatus may include a slot portion defining a longitudinal slot axis. A head assembly may be positioned adjacent to the slot portion. The head assembly may include a transfer member. The transfer member may define a longitudinal transfer axis. A support member extending from the transfer member toward the slot portion may rotate about the longitudinal transfer axis. A first follower and a second follower may be operatively engaged with the support member. The first follower may include a first follower outer surface defining a first longitudinal follower axis and the second follower may include a second follower outer surface defining a second longitudinal follower axis. The first follower and the second follower may be positioned such that the first longitudinal follower axis and the second longitudinal follower axis intersect the longitudinal slot axis.

Abstract: An absorbent medical accessory ensures that the skin around a medical tube remains dry. The accessory includes an upper pad having a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The bottom side is comprised of an absorbent material. The upper pad has an opening extending through the top and bottom sides. A lower pad is coupled to the upper pad and has a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The lower pad is comprised of an absorbent material. The lower pad has a hole extending through the top and bottom surfaces. The hole is alignable with the opening such that a medical tube is configured for being extended through each of the opening and the hole for retaining the medical tube against each of the upper and lower pads.

Abstract: A universal bilaterally shifting wheelchair seat assembly that uses a battery powered control unit assembly including an electrical motor to bilaterally displace a wheelchair seat a predetermined distance to help prevent pressure ulcers. The control unit assembly is connected to an actuating disk using a shaft that travels through a channel in the wheelchair seat. The actuating disk includes an actuating rod mounted to the bottom of the seat that bilaterally moves the seat upon the actuating disk's rotational movement. The wheelchair seat can include an electrical regulator that a user can adjust to modulate the frequency and speed of the seat's displacement.

Abstract: A lateral support assembly for attachment to a wheelchair includes a mounting portion for attachment to the wheelchair, a pad support portion for attachment to a pad, and a link sub-assembly including one or more links that connect the mounting portion to the pad support portion. The mounting portion includes an attachment part, a hinged part, and a sliding part. The attachment part is adapted to be affixed to the wheelchair and the hinged part is connected to the attachment part and is selectively pivotable about a first rotational axis. The pad support portion includes a pad bracket coupled to a secondary housing in which the pad bracket is selectively pivotable about a second rotational axis. The sliding part is connected to the hinged part and is selectively extendable forward.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing humidity (i.e., moisture) and/or heat within and/or adjacent a patient support mattress, without requiring any electrical power. A spacer fabric is used to create a non-crushable area of support below a patient's core area, where moisture and heat more commonly buildup. Integrated air cells in the mattress have resilient elements such as open-celled foam interiors. The air cells are connected by air tubing to the spacer fabric, and the mattress is otherwise vented externally from the spacer fabric. As a result, the patient's movement causes air to be expelled from or drawn into the air cells, which in turn results in air movement in the spacer fabric below a patient or user, resulting in cooling effects by removing moisture and/or heat, all without requiring external or internal electrical power.

Abstract: A biomechanical stimulation device is presented. The biomechanical stimulation device comprises a base that supports an adjustable height arm and an easily removable drum connected to the arm. The drum is driven by a motor to provide an elliptical stimulation motion. An anti-rotation device prevents rotation, but allows orbital translation of drum. The drum may connect to the arm at a single attachment point. The arm 20 may be pivotally attached to the base and selectively movable to a desired position. A pair of struts may support the arm to assist in positioning the arm. The struts may be locked to prevent movement of the arm, or unlocked by a release button to allow selective positioning of the arm. The biomechanical stimulation device may further include a hand controller and other peripheral devices to provides a convenient interface for controlling the speed and run time of the biomechanical stimulation device.

Abstract: A vertebral column traction device is disclosed for expanding the vertebral column of an individual. The vertebral column traction device comprises a support body having a front surface generally adjacent to a first femur and a second femur for creating a first inclined orientation and a second inclined orientation respectively. A rear surface of the support body is distanced from a first tibia and a second tibia for creating a first cantilever orientation and a second cantilever orientation respectively. A pivot area of the support body is generally adjacent to the first tibia and the second tibia for defining a first fulcrum and a second fulcrum respectively. A first lever and the second lever are defined about the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum respectively for expanding the vertebral column.

Abstract: A portable deep vein leg massager apparatus with harness attaching to a human lower leg having a segmented calf surface staged assemblies compressing and decompressing the calf muscle directionally toward the shin. The segmented staged electromechanical assemblies act synchronously to compel deep vein blood vessels to push blood from the ankle towards the heart.

Abstract: A compression garment apparatus including a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and maintains a baseline pressure in the therapeutic bladder to maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The baseline pressure is adjusted in response to sensed physical characteristics.

Abstract: A vibrator for delivering distributed vibrations over a diffuse area of a human body. The vibrator includes a vibration head operable to deliver vibrations to a first region of the body, and one or more flexible elements disposed on one or more sides of the vibration head. The one or more flexible elements are operable to deliver vibrations to one or more additional body areas on one or more sides of the first body region. The one or more flexible elements are sufficiently compliant to conform to a contour of the one or more additional areas and lie in substantially contacting engagement against surfaces thereof along substantially the entire length of each flexible element.

Abstract: Wearable sensors and cybernetic systems that allow one or more operators to interact and control operations of electronic, mechanical, robotic, or biomedical systems, and methods of use in gynecology, female sexual response and female sexual well-being.

Abstract: A mechanized sexual stimulation device is provided that provides a reciprocating stimulation body, preferably emulating a male in function with various length of penetration possible. Designs herein allow the protruding dildo to move back and forth to a variety of length, speeds and angles while flexing in many directions. The device includes a housing with a ball reverse screw rotatably mounted to the housing, and a reversing nut which retains bearing balls that allow the nut to move linearly up and down the ball reverse screw as the screw is turned in a single direction, thereby moving a reciprocating stimulation body such as a dildo connected (indirectly or directly) to the reversing nut. Channel or groove structures on the ball reverse screw and reversing nut guide the reciprocating back and forth stoke in a linear motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the intensity of the massaging motion of a massage device including at least one preferably elongated massage section with at least one wall that forms the outer surface of the massage section. The massage device also has at least one first electric drive device having a first electric motor unit and at least one second drive device having a second electric motor unit, at least some sections of each unit being operatively connected either directly or indirectly to the wall in order to generate a massaging motion. A control assembly, which is connected to the electric motor units, is provided to control the intensity of the massaging motion.

Abstract: An occupant-actuated massager for a hydrotherapy vessel. The massager jet has an actuation point at which the occupant applies force to cause the pressurized water to flow therethrough and provide a massage via a shuttle. A valve piston is actuated to open and close based on the application of force to the actuation point. Optionally, a venturi can be used to introduce air into the water flow to provide further massage.

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of a pharmaceutical container formed, at least in part, of a glass composition which exhibits a reduced propensity to delaminate, i.e., a reduced propensity to shed glass particulates. As a result, the presently claimed containers are particularly suited for storage of pharmaceutical compositions and, specifically, a pharmaceutical solution comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient, for example, daclizumab (ZENAPAX®).

Abstract: The present invention is based, at least in part, on the identification of a pharmaceutical container formed, at least in part, of a glass composition which exhibits a reduced propensity to delaminate, i.e., a reduced propensity to shed glass particulates. As a result, the presently claimed containers are particularly suited for storage of pharmaceutical compositions and, specifically, a pharmaceutical solution comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient, for example, Prolia® (denosumab), Xgeva® (denosumab), Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa), AMG-145, romosozumab (AMG-785), ganitumab (AMG-479), trebananib (AMG-386), brodalumab (AMG-827), and rilotumumab (AMG-102).

Abstract: A child resistant blister pack includes a blister layer which includes one or more blister cavities for receiving a product. A frangible retaining layer is attached to the blister layer over the blister cavities to retain the product within the blister cavities. A first backing layer is attached to the retaining layer on a side opposite the blister layer. The first backing layer has one or more lines of weakness aligned with the blister cavities. A second backing layer is attached to the first backing layer on a side opposite the retaining layer. The second backing layer has a plurality of removable sections. At least two removable sections are arranged over each line of weakness in the underlying first backing layer.

Abstract: A pill crushing apparatus for use with first and second nestable cups comprising a first cup holder which is moved linearly toward a second cup mounting surface holding a second cup. The first cup holder rotates relative to the rotationally fixed second cup. During the crushing process, the pills first may begin to crush against the linear load being applied thereto, and thereafter grind into a fine powder due to the rotational force of the first cup against the second cup. The first cup and second cup have different sidewall angles to promote pill crushing while inhibiting migration of the crush material to prevent the crushed material from reaching the open gap between the top perimeters of the nesting cups. Each cup includes a plurality of lugs having a curved profile configured to engage respective recesses on the cup holders. Each cup is fabricated through thermoforming or vacuum forming techniques.

Abstract: An add-on unit for a handheld container, preferably a medication container, for storing medication objects, e.g. pills, to be dispensed, includes an open channel with dimensions enabling a free passage of an object to leave the container under influence of a gravity force without using a dispensing mechanism. Shaking the medication container while it is held in a slanting upside down position causes that objects are moved to the channel and will fall through the channel to leave the container. A detector detects the object which passes the channel. Electronic circuitry derives and stores information related to one or more detected passages of objects. The add-on unit is provided with an interface for communication with the outside world for outputting the information derived. Preferably the add-on unit has the form of an insert unit which fits in the neck of a standard container.

Abstract: A blister packaging including a blister card including a plurality of flexible blisters; and a backing sheet including blister backing portions and backing securing portions, wherein when the backing securing portions are secured to the blister card, the blister backing portions are aligned to each blister forming a plurality of compartments adapted to store a medicament, and wherein the backing includes two or more conductive first leads affixed to the backing, two or more conductive second leads affixed to the backing, and a plurality of conductive zones, wherein each conductive zone electrically connects one of the first leads to one of the second leads, and wherein each blister backing portion includes a conductive zone.

Abstract: An electronic pill box having a housing with a base and grid and into which a blister pack is selectively engaged. The blister pack includes a plurality of vials prefilled with medication and sealed with a cover imprinted with pertinent information. Each vial is received in a chamber in the base having an LED and a sensor for determining whether medication has been removed therefrom. The LED and sensor are operatively engaged with a microprocessor including programming for dispensing medication from the pill box. An alert is issued if medication is not removed from an illuminated vial after a predetermined time interval. When all medication has been dispensed therefrom, the blister pack is replaced with another prefilled blister pack A card with patient information thereon may be provided on the prefilled blister pack and is detached and stored in the housing prior to loading the blister pack therein.

Abstract: An electronic pill box for receiving a blister pack having a plurality of dosettes pre-loaded with doses of medication. The pill box includes a base module having a plurality of receptacles that receive the dosettes of the blister pack. The number of receptacles is sufficient to hold about a month of medication. A day module is engaged with the base module but is detachable therefrom. Individual dosettes are detached from the blister pack and loaded into receptacles in the day module. The base module and day module include capacitance sensors for determining if a dose of medication has been removed at the required time. The day module also includes a light sensor assembly that verifies whether the dosettes loaded into the day module's receptacles are the correct dosettes for the time of day a particular dose of medication should be taken.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a food container. The food container includes an open end and a closed end. The food container is provided on a surface thereof with one or more apertures. The food container is made of a resilient material for use with foodstuff.

Abstract: A composition for endodontic irrigation is provided. The composition includes a chemical depilatory during intra-canal, and chemo-mechanical instrumentation in endodontic. The composition includes calcium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium thioglycolate or calcium thioglycolate to form an effective root canal medicament. Further, the composition may incorporate mineral oil, urea, cetearyl alcohol, D&C yellow No. 8, chromium hydroxide, theobroma cocoa seed butter, iron oxides, fragrances, and ceteareth-20 to enhance its functioning. The composition disinfects, lubricates, chelates, irrigants, dissolves, and facilitates removal of the pulpal tissue and debris. Furthermore, the composition reduces and even eliminates bacteria from micro-endodontic systems. Further, the composition of the present invention enhances eradicating pathogens along with chemo-mechanical debridement of the root canal system.

Abstract: The invention relates especially to a composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion comprising an inner fatty phase and an outer aqueous phase and containing: a) at least 0.01% by weight and preferably at least 0.05% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one inulin modified with hydrophobic chains, and b) at least 0.05% by weight and preferably at least 0.1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one thickening polysaccharide of plant origin, the said composition being free of silicones. The invention also relates to a cosmetic process using the said composition.

Abstract: Liposomes with cosmetic and/or dermopharmaceutical ingredients for the care of the skin, scalp and/or hair and their use in washing agents and/or sprays for the treatment of textile materials.

Abstract: A fluoride-releasing dental composition includes a polymeric compound selected from (meth)acrylate polymers, (meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, and mixtures and combinations thereof; and a cariostatically effective amount of a fluoride compound. A dental appliance made from the fluoride-releasing dental composition.

Abstract: Methods for use in selectively conditioning and remineralizing teeth. An exemplary method comprises the steps of applying a conditioning composition to one or more of a person's teeth, and separately applying a remineralizing composition to the person's teeth. The conditioning composition includes a conditioning agent, and the remineralizing composition includes a remineralizing agent comprising calcium ions and/or fluoride ions. The conditioning composition may be applied prior to or after application of the remineralizing composition. In one embodiment, both the conditioning composition and the remineralizing composition include different remineralizing ions (e.g., one including calcium, one including fluoride).

Abstract: Described herein are oral care compositions comprising an effective amount of aluminum chlorohydrate suspended in a carrier for preventing, reducing or inhibiting dentinal hypersensitivity, the aluminum chlorohydrate exhibiting a SEC chromatogram having a SEC Peak 4 to Peak 3 intensity ratio of at least 7 and a Peak 4 intensity greater than a Peak 5 intensity; and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An antiperspirant active composition comprising an aluminum salt, the aluminum salt (i) having an aluminum to chloride molar ratio of 0.3:1 to 3:1; and (ii) having a species of polyhydroxyoxoaluminum cation detectable at 76 ppm by 27Al NMR that is present in a relative abundance on a 27Al NMR spectrograph that is greater than any other polyhydroxyoxoaluminum cation detectable by 27Al NMR. Also, disclosed are methods of making the antiperspirant active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula (Ia) by reacting styrene with a secondary alkanol and the hydrogenation of the resulting phenyl-substituted tertiary alkanol. In addition, the invention relates to compounds of the formula (Ia) and to the use of such compounds as fragrances, and also to compositions which comprise compounds of the formulae (Ia) and (Ib).

Abstract: Desensitizing oral care composition useful for treating dentinal hypersensitivity, comprising potassium oxalate and methods of use thereof. Delivery systems including a strip of material and such oral care compositions for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin lightening composition, more particularly a composition which derives synergy between an active of natural origin and an active of synthetic origin. The present inventors have judiciously combined a selective salt of a dicarboxylic acid viz. disodium fumarate along with a specific extract of a plant source e.g. Salvia officinalis rich in certain organic aromatic acids to provide for synergic skin lightening benefits. They have further found that inclusion of certain activity enhancers in the composition of the invention improves the skin lightening efficacy.

Abstract: An oral care composition is provided wherein the composition comprises an ionic liquid, wherein the ionic liquid comprises: a) a quaternary ammonium cation of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each an organic moiety and may be the same or different, and at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 includes a hydroxyl; and b) an anion selected from the group consisting of salicylate, alkylsulfate, sulfate, acetate, halide, phosphate, alkyl phosphate and tosylate; wherein the oral care composition is a mouth rinse, toothpaste, toothpowder, oral bead or strip, fluid-encased dental strip, irrigation fluid, plaque removal liquid, dental floss, hard candy, soft candy, lozenge, chewing gum, or lollipop.