Abstract: A multifunctional hip brace comprises a retaining wrapping base of elastic fabric (12) comprising a side portion (13), a lumbar band (14a) and a thigh band (14b), wherein the lumbar band (14a) and the thigh band (14b) are placed at opposite ends of the side portion (13) and can be wrapped about the waist and about a thigh of the patient and can be clamped in adjustable positions through quick hooking means (16), wherein the side portion (13) is entirely made of fabric and wherein the elastic retaining wrapping base (12) comprises a plurality of arrangements (17?, 17?) for hooking additional accessory elements (18?, 18?) for selectively limiting the movements of the hip joint, such as an articulated rod (18?), said plurality of arrangements (17?, 17?) being externally constrainable in a removable manner to the side portion (13) through quick hooking means (19), and a pair of elastic pulling strips (18?) externally constrainable in a removable manner through quick hooking means (19), diagonally placed between t

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a garment for improving an individual's posture when the individual wears the garment. The garment may comprise front and rear garment portions to cover at least a front portion and a rear portion respectively of the individual's torso. The garment also includes an adjustable set of straps that are adjustable from a rest position to a tensioned position and are collectively disposed over shoulder regions and under armpit regions of the front and rear garment portions. When the individual wears the garment and adjusts the straps to the tensioned position, the straps exert a downward retraction pulling force on the individual's shoulders and a backward pulling force on the individual's chest region thereby improving the individual's posture.

Abstract: A 3D printed cast or splint for application to a patient's body to immobilize a body part includes first and second shell portions configured to conform to at least a portion of the body part. The first shell portion has a distal end, a proximal end, opposing interfacing edges, a plurality of venting holes and a first engagement mechanism positioned proximate one of the opposing interfacing edges. A reinforcement portion extends between the proximal and distal ends. The second shell portion has a distal end, a proximal end, opposing interfacing edges, a plurality of venting holes and a second engagement mechanism positioned proximate one of the opposing interfacing edges. The first engagement mechanism interacts with the second engagement mechanism in a mounted configuration to facilitate mounting of the first shell portion to the second shell portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment tool capable of surely treating wound of ingrown nail also near a root of a nail in addition to near a tip of the nail and immediately relieving pain of the wound of the ingrown nail. An adhesive plaster structure 1 attached to a finger/toe along a lateral nail edge, the adhesive plaster structure 1 comprising: a wound adhesion area 2 having a flexible wound adhesion surface 2A; and a guide area 3 having a slide groove 3A that receives the lateral nail edge, the slide groove being capable of sliding in a longitudinal direction of a nail along the lateral nail edge, wherein the slide groove 3A extends at least over a part of a length between the tip portion and the rear end portion of the adhesive plaster structure 1 in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive plaster structure 1, and the flexible wound adhesion surface is guided to a position of the wound caused by the ingrown nail when the adhesive plaster structure 1 is attached to the finger/toe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sanitary protection article that is structured and arranged to maintain menstrual fluid within the vagina and thereby prevent the menstrual fluid from escaping the body. The present invention also relates to a method of selectively maintaining menstrual fluid within the vagina by means of using such article.

Abstract: The external male catheter is designed to be attached to a drain tube of a standard catheter, with the catheter being non-invasive of the penis. The catheter includes a base secured to the pelvic area of a wearer, the base having a central opening for accommodating a penis. Connected to the base is a sheath for housing the penis, one end of the sheath adjacent the base and a second end of the sheath extending beyond the glans of the penis. The central opening and the sheath have complementary attachment components whereby the sheath may be attached to the base. The sheath includes an opening and attachment means for attaching the sheath to a drain tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention a second sheath is disposed outboard of the first sheath and secured to the base in a similar manner. This protects the first sheath and penis from contamination.

Abstract: A urine collection assembly includes a sock that may be worn on a penis thereby facilitating the sock to collect urine. The sock includes a strap and the strap is matable to itself. The strap is wrapped around the penis thereby removably coupling the sock to the penis. The sock is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb the urine. Thus, the urine is inhibited from penetrating clothing.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient. The method includes the steps of implanting a device into airway-forming tissue without affixing the device to the tissue and permitting a bioerodable portion of the device to bioerode to apply a force to the airway-forming tissue to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: An oral appliance for treating apnea comprising an upper dental tray and a lower dental tray. The upper tray includes an anterior buccal fastener on each lateral side, while the lower tray includes both an anterior buccal fastener and a posterior buccal fastener on each lateral side of the appliance. A vertically oriented elastic band is extended between the respective anterior buccal fasteners of the upper tray and the lower tray, while a diagonally oriented elastic band is extended between the anterior buccal fastener of the upper tray and the posterior buccal fastener of the lower tray.

Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes upper and lower jaw braces and a tongue-engaging member. The upper and lower jaw braces are connected so that the lower jaw brace is advanced in an anterior direction relative to the upper jaw brace when the upper and lower jaw braces are closed together. A partial vacuum is drawn in the oral cavity and the vacuum and lower jaw displacement together control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.

Abstract: An artificial hypothalamus system for regulating body temperature for a human can include monitoring data from a plurality of sensors. The sensor data can be used in a control system to optimize temperature regulation in real time through a feedback loop. The feedback loop can include monitoring the sensor data, evaluating a predetermined set of fuzzy rules using the data, and combining the output of the fuzzy rules to produce a precise value. The precise value can correspond to an output level for various temperature regulation devices, and a signal can be transmitted based on the precise value to activate the temperature regulation devices to a corresponding level of output.

Abstract: An interactive enthalpy exchange system for infant care includes a pouch for receiving an infant, and a heat source arranged in the pouch. The heat source includes a first heat source and a second heat source different from the first heat source. Control circuitry is operatively coupled to the heat source, the control circuitry configured to control interactive enthalpy between the first heat source and the second heat source to maintain a temperature within the pouch at a prescribed temperature.

Abstract: A thermal eye pod assembly for use in efficiently heating and/or cooling a plurality of thermal eye patch members, as desired. A portable thermal eye pod assembly for use in efficiently treating a user's recurring ophthalmic conditions, accelerating a user's healing process, and providing a user with a relatively faster means of pain relief.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic treatment device and a method for operating the same. The present invention provides an ophthalmic treatment device and a method for operating the same, the ophthalmic treatment device comprising: a treatment beam generation unit for generating a treatment beam; a beam delivery unit for forming a path along which the treatment beam generated from the treatment generation unit is delivered to a treatment area positioned on the fundus; a monitoring unit for emitting a detecting beam along the path of delivery of the treatment beam and sensing treatment area state information on the basis of information regarding a change in speckle of the detecting beam, which is scattered and reflected from the treatment area; and a control unit for controlling the driving of the treatment beam generation unit on the basis of the treatment area state information sensed by the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A planning device for generating control data for a treatment apparatus, which by application of a laser device generates at least one cut surface in the cornea, and to a treatment apparatus having such a planning device. The invention further relates to a method for generating control data for a treatment apparatus, which by application of a laser device generates at least one cut surface in the cornea, and to a corresponding method for eye surgery. The planning device is thereby provided with a calculating device that defines the corneal incision surfaces, wherein the calculating device determines the corneal incisions such that after inserting an implant into the cornea, existing refractive errors are counteracted.

Abstract: A cannula device for draining sub-retinal fluid externally to the eye includes a shaft, an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve and the inner sleeve have a curve therein to access the back of the eye externally. The outer sleeve is extendable relative to the inner sleeve and the shaft, and the outer sleeve includes a penetrative tip to penetrate the sclera and provide access to the sub-retinal fluid to the inner sleeve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ophthalmosurgical system which includes a console for accommodating an irrigation fluid vessel containing irrigation fluid and a cassette, insertable into the console, for directing the irrigation fluid to a surgical instrument for an eye to be treated. An irrigation fluid flow path leads from the irrigation fluid vessel to the cassette and to the surgical instrument. A first fluid pump includes a first pump chamber having a first volume and a first drive chamber separated therefrom by a first elastic partition and having a second volume. A second fluid pump is arranged in parallel to the first fluid pump and includes a second pump chamber having a third volume and a second drive chamber separated therefrom by a second elastic partition and having a fourth volume. The first volume or the third volume has a magnitude within the range from 1 to 25 cm3.

Abstract: A paranasal sinus access implant device may include one or more material or geometric features that may enhance performance of one or more portions of the implant device, for example an exposed surface including an antimicrobial agent. Various products and methods may include or use such an implant device.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A device and a method for the femtosecond laser surgery of tissue, especially in the vitreous humor of the eye. The device includes an ultrashort pulse laser with pulse widths in the range of approximately 10 fs-1 ps, especially approximately 300 fs, pulse energies in the range of approximately 5 nJ-5 ?J, especially approximately 1-2 ?J and pulse repetition rates of approximately 10 kHz-10 MHz, especially 500 kHz. The laser system is coupled to a scanner system which allows the spatial variation of the focus in three dimensions (x, y and z). In addition to the therapeutic laser/scanner optical system, the device includes a navigation system.

Abstract: A microsurgical device and methods of its use can be used for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. A dual-blade device can be used for cutting the trabecular meshwork (“TM”) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.2-0.3 mm width) and configuration where a ramp elevates the TM away from the outer wall of the Schlemm's canal and guides the TM to first and second lateral elements for creating first and second incisions through the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the blade is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.

Abstract: Snow goggles allowing disassembly include a goggle frame, a lens set, a protective pad, and a strap, each rapidly detachable for replacement or cleaning. The goggle frame has a first coupling side with first and second engaging portions, a second coupling side with a third engaging portion, and a peripheral portion with two first fastening units. The lens set includes first and second lenses, a connecting member, and a lens mount with fourth and fifth engaging portions for engagement with the goggle frame. The protective pad has a pad mount with a sixth engaging portion for engagement with the goggle frame. The strap has two ends each with a second fastening unit for engagement with the corresponding first fastening unit.

Abstract: Headwear includes a storage region formed in a headwear portion with the storage region having an opening. An accessory is configured to cover a portion of a wearer's face and includes first and second opposing ends. The first end of the accessory is manually removable from the storage region through the opening. A retainer is attached to the second end of the accessory for limiting movement of the accessory within the storage region. The retainer locks the second end of the accessory within the storage region.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site of a patient includes a dressing filler adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. The dressing filler is comprised of a porous substrate having at least one compressed region and at least one expanded region. The compressed region of the porous substrate is held in a compressed state by a first coating capable of dissolving in the presence of a fluid, and the expanded region of the porous substrate is held in an expanded state by a second coating.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget that includes one or more enhanced features that result in the pledget exhibiting increased bypass leakage prevention. These enhanced features may include, but are not limited to, geometry, absorption, and any combinations thereof. There is also provided one or more methods for constructing a tampon pledget having increased bypass leakage protection.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device, and a method of compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device are described. The apparatus can have a press unit support structure rotatable about a fixed axis. An axial direction press unit is associated with the press unit support structure. Second press unit is associated with the press unit support structure wherein the second press unit is one of a non-linear direction press unit or a press unit having a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes an insertion tip at a forward end of the barrel, a main body section that extends from the insertion tip, and a reverse taper section that is joined to the main body section so that the main body section is between the insertion tip and the reverse taper section. The main body section tapers toward the insertion tip section. The reverse taper section tapers in a direction away from the insertion tip section. A finger grip section extends from the reverse taper section to a plunger receiving end of the barrel opposite the forward end. The barrel is straight from the forward end to the plunger receiving end that receives a plunger.

Abstract: A rotary aspirator according to the present invention includes: a body portion which has a length in a front and rear direction, and has an outer circumferential surface formed as any one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape in a lateral direction; a handle which is connected to a rear end of the body portion and has a smaller diameter than the rear end of the body portion so that a user moves the handle forward and rearward and rotates the handle in a state in which the user holds the handle by hand; and an absorbing member which is continuously and spirally wound in the front and rear direction of the body portion and absorbs nasal mucus of a target person.

Abstract: A pant-type absorbent article includes a front and a back portion, longitudinally extending side seams and a connecting portion between the front and back portions. The connecting portion forms a crotch region and leg openings. Part of the front portion, back portion, and the connecting portion is made of an elastic laminate extending transversely across the front, back and connecting portions. Elongated leg elastic members extend along the leg openings in at least part of the connecting portion and terminate at a distance from the respective side seam thus leaving an area corresponding to a peripheral length of at least 50 mm along the respective leg opening where the leg elastic members are absent and wherein the connecting portion in the area where the leg elastic members are absent is made of the elastic laminate in at least 90% of the peripheral length.

Abstract: A multiple use absorbent article includes a chassis absorbent unit having a chassis topsheet, a chassis backsheet, and a chassis absorbent core sandwiched between the chassis topsheet and the chassis backsheet. The article also includes an absorbent insert bonded to the chassis absorbent unit, a removable portion of the absorbent insert configured to be selectively removable from the chassis absorbent unit. The absorbent insert further includes a line of weakness that provides for separation of the absorbent insert into a removable portion configured to be removed from the chassis absorbent unit, and a resident portion that remains bonded to the chassis absorbent unit, wherein the absorbent insert includes a removal device configured to assist a user in separating the removable portion of the absorbent insert from the chassis absorbent unit.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, an article includes a first web and second web underlying the first web. The article further includes a bonding pattern. The bonding pattern includes a plurality of discrete bonding points and a sized spacing between each adjacent bonding point sufficient to have inscribed therein a circle having a diameter of about 1 mm to about 12 mm. The bonding pattern is located solely in one of the front end region or the back end region.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article of a brief or pull-up type incorporates a breathable laminate material composed of two layers. The laminate is an elastic material and may include non-elastic portions created by deactivating the material. The laminate material may be made breathable by the ultrasonic bonding process used to create the laminate. A third layer is adhered or bonded to the laminate and with leg elastics positioned between the laminate that the third layer. The absorbent article includes an absorbent assembly that overlaps with the non-elastic portions of the laminate.

Abstract: An absorbent article (20) having an absorbent core comprising at least about 80% of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) by weight of its absorbent material. An acquisition-distribution system (ADS) (50) is at least partially disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet. The ADS extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article at least from a point A1 disposed at a distance D from the front edge to a point A2 disposed at a distance D from the back edge of the article, D being equal to 32% of the length L of the article. The ADS has a basis weight which may be at least 20% lower at the point A2 than at the point A1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbing and distributing layer for a liquid to be absorbed, to a sheet material at least including a corresponding absorbing and distributing layer, to a hygiene article at least including a corresponding absorbing and distributing layer, to a method for producing a corresponding sheet material, and to the use of the corresponding absorbing and distributing layer.

Abstract: A multiple use absorbent article includes a chassis absorbent unit having a chassis topsheet, a chassis backsheet, and a chassis absorbent core sandwiched between the chassis topsheet and the chassis backsheet. The article also includes an absorbent insert bonded to the chassis absorbent unit, a removable portion of the absorbent insert configured to be selectively removable from the chassis absorbent unit, wherein the absorbent insert includes an insert top-sheet, an insert backsheet, and an insert absorbent core sandwiched between the insert topsheet and the insert backsheet. The absorbent insert further includes a line of weakness that provides for separation of the absorbent insert into a removable portion configured to be removed from the chassis absorbent unit, and a resident portion that remains bonded to the chassis absorbent unit.

Abstract: A cutaway bus is provided with a monocoque body attached to an OEM cab frame having the chassis removed. The bus body includes a horizontal frame to which panels are attached to define a continuous, non-stepped floor for the passenger area of the bus. The floor resides at a lower level than the OEM cab frame. The bus entryway is sloped and includes a deployable ramp for wheelchair ingress and egress.

Abstract: A retractable ramp system for facilitating mobility-challenged individual's entrance to and exit from a structure, particularly, from a motorized vehicle. The ramp system includes a frame having a front member, a first side member, a second side member, a rear member, and a floor. The rear member is pivotally coupled to the frame between an open position and a closed position. The ramp system includes a first track coupled to the first side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein, and a second track coupled to the second side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein. A ramp is pivotably coupled to the first and second tracks about a pivot axis, and includes a ramp floor, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The system includes a latch to maintain the ramp in a stowed positon.

Abstract: The embodiment described and claimed herein are improved barrier-type wheelchair securement systems. In particular, one embodiment of a barrier includes an integral shoulder belt assembly, two integral wheelchair restraint assemblies, and two integral lap belt assemblies. The wheelchair restraint and lap belt assemblies comprise retractors which can be mounted external or internal to the barrier. The integral shoulder belt assembly could be connected to a vertical telescoping member which is movable from a first position, wherein the telescoping member is housed inside of the barrier, to a second position, wherein the shoulder belt assembly is disposed at a proper height for a wheelchair passenger. Alternatively, the shoulder belt assembly could be rigidly mounted to the barrier in a fixed position, or could be adjustable to accommodate passengers of varying size.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair is operated by sensor-based control pads that include force transducers to produce a variable output signal that is proportional to a varying force applied. The control pad provides an analog-type output that provides a variable speed signal to a controller to operate the wheelchair at a variable speed in both forward/reverse directions and in right or left turning directions.

Abstract: A multifunctional nursing bed for excretion includes a bed frame, a board, two elevation devices, an excretion device, a washing device, an anti-splash device, a cover device, and a control device electrically connected to the mentioned devices for operation. When a user has a need for excretion, the control device turns on the elevation devices to elevate the board and the cover device is elevated and opened. Then descending the board and pressing the cover device for descending as well, for the anti-splash device to be elevated and ready for use, whereby the user is able to perform excretion directly on the nursing bed without any help from others.

Abstract: An inflatable device for turning or positioning a person in a bed. The inflatable device includes an inflatable body formed by a top sheet and a bottom sheet disposed beneath the top sheet to define a cavity configured to be inflated such that the top sheet forms a top wall of the cavity and the bottom sheet forms a bottom wall of the cavity. The device further includes at least one port having a port opening in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to provide an air input for air for inflating the cavity, wherein the at least one port comprises an elastic member for adjusting a size of the port opening.

Abstract: Presented herein are various methods for using head positioning pillows to optimize respiratory titration. More specifically, the method includes a first step of determining an optimal relative angle between the patient's mouth and throat at which the patient's airway is optimally opened. The method also includes a second step of adjusting a head positioning pillow relative to the patient's head and neck to modify and transform the configuration of the pillow to achieve a pillow position that achieves the optimal relative angle.

Abstract: A robot includes an arm mechanism that operates in accordance with a first motion pattern for supporting a user with a standing-up motion which starts in a sitting posture and finishes in a standing posture, a control unit that (i) acquires first information used to identify a predetermined position of the arm mechanism corresponding to a half-crouching posture of the user during a motion in accordance with the first motion pattern and (ii) detects whether the current position of the arm mechanism operating in accordance with the first motion pattern is included in a first range including the predetermined position identified by the first information, and a presentation unit that presents a first signal if the control unit detects that the position of the arm mechanism is included in the first range.

Abstract: A robot includes a motion mechanism capable of operating in accordance with each of a first motion pattern for supporting a user with a first motion representing a standing-up motion and a second motion pattern for supporting a user with a second motion representing a sitting-down motion, a battery that supplies electric energy to the motion mechanism, a control unit that determines a multiple-motion availability index indicating the availability of an operation in accordance with a multiple-motion pattern including the first and second motion patterns on the basis of the battery level and the amounts of energy charge in the battery required for the operations performed by the motion mechanism in accordance with the first and second motion patterns if the control unit detects that the battery level is a first threshold value or lower, and a presentation unit that presents the multiple-motion availability index determined by the control unit.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a modular patient positioning system for use during surgical procedures are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment the system comprises two hinged-together pegboards that can be used to support different portions of a patient's body in different planes. Pegs can be further used to retain portions of the patient's body in desired surgical positions. Additionally, a positioning member, such as a pad or cushion may be positioned over several pegs.

Abstract: During orthopedic surgeries, body parts are moved in different ways to cause different anatomic features (e.g. muscles or the trochanters) to tighten or loosen, or become more or less prominent during the intended surgical incisions, which can result in easier surgical procedures. Body parts can be moved using a variety of different structures. The exemplary structures described herein can allow for: (1) a person's leg and foot to be rotated about the axis of the leg (i.e., femur/tibia axis); (2) a person's leg can be pivoted generally about the hip/femoral head/acetabulum to vary the angle between the axis of the leg and a median sagittal plane; (3) a person's leg can be moved in a direction parallel to the leg axis; and/or a person's leg can be pivoted in a generally vertical plane, about the femoral head/acetabulum while the axis of the leg and the median sagittal plane remaining substantially parallel.

Abstract: A water therapy system, including a therapy chair with a tiltable backrest portion, and a foot tub, including a water bucket and an inclined ramp, such that a patient can be lying in the therapy chair with lower legs and feet extended into the water bucket, such that an inclination angle of the inclined ramp ensures a comfortable seating position. Also disclosed is an inclined ramp for holding a water bucket for use in reflexology therapy, including an inclined surface and a base, such that the inclined surface is configured to hold a water bucket.

Abstract: Provide is a health appliance and a method using the same which achieve active and appropriate assistance of bending of a knee joint. The health appliance, which allows a user lying or seated to move their knee joint while supporting the knee joint, includes a support 1 which is a triangular prism having one side surfaces as a bottom surface 11, and an aid 2 mounted on the leg below the knee and can be pulled by the user. The support 1 has a width W at which one knee is supported, and has a cross section forming a triangle with a base corresponding to one side surface 11 and an acute diagonal angle ?1. When sandwiched under the user's knee, the base angle ?2 adjacent to the toe is larger than the diagonal angle ?1 and smaller than the base angle ?3 adjacent to the thigh.

Abstract: Devices and systems are described including a walking aid including a linear rod, a hand grip disposed in proximity to a first end of the linear rod, two or more extendable and retractable load-bearing feet at a second end of the linear rod, at least one first sensor configured to detect a parameter of a walking surface, at least one second sensor configured to detect a parameter of the walking aid, a controller including input circuitry configured to receive information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface from the at least one first sensor and actuation circuitry configured to actuate at least one of the two or more extendable and retractable load-bearing feet in response to the information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface, and a transmission unit including circuitry configured to transmit the second sensor output to a computing device.