Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis includes a leg member, a foot member, and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a link member which may be hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member. The drive assembly may be operable to selectively impart pivotal movement between the foot member and the link member about a first pivot axis, and pivotal movement between the foot member and the leg member about a second pivot axis at the hinge location. The leg member and the foot member strut may be selectively movable in a medial-lateral direction relative to a base of the foot member and the drive assembly. The inferior-superior location of the second pivot axis may be selectively adjustable for substantially aligning the second pivot axis with an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the wearer.

Abstract: An orthopedic system includes a base shell forming an opening over a dorsal aspect thereof and a dorsal shell contoured to generally correspond to the opening of the base shell. The base shell has a proximal member and a distal member connected to the proximal member, each has a semi-rigid shell configuration to protect and support a lower leg, an ankle, or a foot of a user when received in the orthopedic system. A flexible toe portion is attached to a distal terminal end area of the distal member and formed of a different material than the distal member. The flexible toe portion is arranged to terminate above an upper surface of the user's toes and to flex relative to the distal member and the toes so as to reduce the likelihood of pressure points on the toes from the distal member.

Abstract: Various orthotic joint devices, components, and methods are provided. These include orthotic joint alignment devices for adjusting a neutral or fixed angle of an orthotic joint device independently of other parameters, orthotic joint devices providing staged resistance through staged recruitment of separate springs or initiation of staged spring-rate behavior of a single spring retained in a joint body, adapters for converting non-staged resistance orthotic joint devices into orthotic joint devices, and low-noise orthotic joint devices with intermittent normal force-transmitting contact associated with resistive or assistive forces provided by the devices, and methods of using the devices and components.

Abstract: A posture correction garment is designed as a compression shirt that may be worn in connection with various activities, such as daily work, exercise, physical therapy, and everyday life and leisure activities. The shirt can include shoulder straps extending from a back portion of the shirt, extending over the shoulders, and removably attaching at a front, upper region of the shirt. The shirt further includes one or more torso straps, extending from a back portion of the shirt, about the user's torso, and removably attaching to a front, lower region of the shirt. Wearing the shirt, by itself or under additional clothing, can help improve one's posture and help correctly align a user's shoulders and spine.

Abstract: A shoulder brace has: a support structure; strap retractors such as flat spiral torsion springs mounted to the support structure; and left and right shoulder straps each having a first strap part connected to the support structure and a second strap part connected to a free end of a respective spiral torsion spring. A method has the following stages: positioning a support structure against a user's upper back; looping left and right shoulder straps around a user's left and right shoulders, respectively; and in which each of the left and right shoulder straps connects to the support structure via a strap retractor, such as a spiral torsion spring for applying tension through the respective left or right shoulder strap to pull the user's shoulders back.

Abstract: A support and corresponding system and method of using and producing the support, the support being for supporting a joint or body part of a wearer, the support having at least one rigid first support member, at least one fixing device for attaching the support to the wearer, and at least one second support member extending at an angle from the first support member.

Abstract: Provided are an ejaculation promotion apparatus and an ejaculation promotion device by which a varied stimulus and tightening force by an appropriate pressure can be obtained, by using an air pressure in a non-closed air cell formed between a core member and a container as a pressure source that provides a stimulus and tightening force to a penis. Included are a core main body (31) including an insertion inlet (33) and an insertion empty space (35), a plurality of first ribs (40) projectingly provided on an outer peripheral surface of the core main body at necessary intervals, and extending in an approximately the same direction, and an air resistance member (50) that allows passage of air along a flow path F while serving as a resistance against the air flowing in the flow path at the time of expansion of an outer diameter of the core main body.

Abstract: An adapter insert is for the purpose of reinforcing or stiffening a flexible adapter for said guard system to provide greater support and stabilization in the peristomal region in an effort to help reduce herniation, and to help aid adhesion of a faceplate when worn short term without a guard when output is expected to be minimal, for instance, between meals. The conjoined insert and adapter are positioned between a faceplate and a pouch, their inner apertures surrounding the faceplate flanges or heat weld of an ostomy appliance, and worn under form-fitted clothing negating the need for a security strap.

Abstract: An adjustable fastener for a urinary catheter bag includes a slide bar, a movable jaw attached to the slide bar, a grip assembly having a passageway that is adapted to accommodate the slide bar, a fixed jaw affixed to the grip assembly, a biasing assembly attached to the grip assembly and slide bar in such a manner so as to apply a prescribed biasing pressure between the jaws to temporarily adhere them to a structural member in the vicinity of a patient who is using the catheter bag, and a hook that is pivotably attached to an end of the slide bar and configured to set the angular orientation of the hook so that the secure hanging of the catheter bag from the fastener is promoted.

Abstract: A pubic catheter apparatus (20) for storing a urinary catheter and drawing fluid from a bladder comprises a sanitation unit (66) defining a sanitation chamber (68) for impermeably sealing a fluid outlet (42) of the catheter from the environment when the fluid outlet (42) is disposed in the sanitation chamber (68). A support (54, 72) having a retained condition for connecting and holding the sanitation unit (66) adjacent to the body of the human and a release condition for releasing and removing the sanitation unit (66) from the body of the human. The support (54, 72) can include a belt (54) and a pouch (48) disposed thereon for surrounding and storing the sanitation unit (66), and connectors (72) in the pouch (48) having the retained condition for holding the sanitation unit (66) in the pouch (48) and the release condition for removing the sanitation unit (66) from the pouch (48).

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a reservoir element and a receiving element that communicates fluid to the reservoir element. The receiving element includes a first tab, a second tab that can enable the receiving element to stay open on its own during use, and a slot that can receive one of the first and second tabs when the receiving element is in a closed position. The receiving element also includes a first window and a second window, wherein the slot interfaces one of the first and second windows when the receiving element is in a closed position.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a correcting tool by which the center of the body is stabilized and/or a twist in the body is corrected by simply wearing the correcting tool in everyday life. [Solution] According to the present invention, the following invention is provided. (1) A tool for correcting a twist in the body is composed of a cylindrical material having elasticity with a diameter of 7-20 mm, a width 5-10 mm, a thickness of 1-3 mm, and a hardness of 4-6. According to the present invention, the tool of the present invention is worn to perform daily life activities or exercise, thereby stabilizing the center of the body and/or correcting a twist in the body.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: This invention relates to a genital shield capable of being coupled with a condom for use in the genito-scrotal and suprapubic area of a male. This shield comprises an adhesive dressing for application on a user's genital region that is bio-occlusive, thin, flexible, unobtrusive to the senses, and aesthetically pleasing to a user.

Abstract: An intrauterine device (20) with a restricted movement of a knot (5) of the string (4) due to a region (3) having such differed shape and size at a distal end (12) of central vertical stem (1) and due to a trajectory for string (4) in the region (3) that the length of the string (S) is shorter than the distance (r) of the region (3); and the loop (15) of the string and therefore the knot (5) is unable to pivot around the axis (14). The lateral shift of the knot (5) is also prevented. Consequent to restricted pivoting and restricted lateral shift of the knot (5), the hanging portion (9) of the string (4) continue to project downwards and do NOT develop tendency to get retracted and thus do not curl up in the uterus (16) through the cervix (17).

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap assembly includes a pouch that may be wrapped around a user's body. The pouch has an outer surface and the outer surface is matable to itself. Thus, the pouch is removably retained on the user's body. A gel is contained within the pouch. The gel may be heated and cooled thereby facilitating the pouch to provide therapeutic heat and therapeutic cooling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self regulating heater including a first layer made of a thin and flexible electrically insulating material. A second electrically conductive layer includes first and second buses spaced from each other. A third resistive layer electrically connects the first and second buses. The third layer has a higher electrical resistance than the second layer. The third layer experiences a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect when heated. A fourth interface layer directly connected to at least one of the second electrically conductive layer and the third resistive layer directly engages skin of a patient when the heater is attached to the patient. A combined thickness of the first layer, the second conductive layer, the third resistive layer and the fourth layer may be between 5 mil and 20 mil.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, and a programmable controller configured to provide instructions to the one or more cooling elements in response to information regarding one or more physiological conditions of the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-heating thermal-insulation multilayer film comprising a structure of at least three layers, which from outside to inside are respectively: an outer layer (1) formed of an air permeable material; a heat-generating layer (2) loaded with heat-generating composition (21) that generates heat on contact with air, at least an upper sealing surface of the heat-generating layer that is in contact with the outer layer being formed of an air permeable material; and an thermal-insulation layer (3) formed of a material having waterproof and thermal-insulation properties. The present self-heating thermal-insulation film is structurally simple, is not constrained by environmental resources, does not require energy supply from an external energy source, is safe and stable, uniformly generates heat, and can effectively prolong heating time and reduce peak heating temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooling pad for use in bringing down the increased temperature of a hyper-thermic patient. The cooling pad could be adapted in the form of a mattress or could be used to cover the body of hyperthermic patient. The cooling pad comprises a flexible and rollable sealed elongated envelope made of multiple layers. The inner layer of envelope is fluid impervious, followed by a protective outer layer. The envelope encloses a fluid having high latent heat of fusion and may further include additives such as viscosity modifying agent.

Abstract: A mouth cooler is provided. The mouth cooler comprises a first peripheral cooling winding shaped and dimensioned to cool the lower and upper jaw, and at least one second cooling winding in arrangement with the peripheral cooling winding shaped and dimensioned to cool at least the blood entry to the tongue.

Abstract: An injection tool and associated methods are shown. Example tools and methods described provide cooling to numb a local area prior to an injection. The local numbing can be used to reduce or eliminate pain associated with the subsequent injection. In selected examples, circuitry and one or more sensors are used to calculate an appropriate contact time of a heat sink with the local region to best provide a desired amount of numbing.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument assembly is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. In particular, very small and flexible instruments for vitreous surgery are shown with selectable stiffness, thus providing control as well as access to all parts of the vitreous cavity. Embodiments as shown are safer, and increase the variety of cases for which these instruments can be used.

Abstract: A device for cutting and aspirating tissue from the human or animal body, preferably for use in ophthalmology, particularly for vitrectomy, for retinal peeling, etc.

Abstract: The vision correction apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a cutting-off beam generating unit that generates a cutting-off beam for cutting off a part of the cornea for a vision correction surgery, a welding beam generating unit that generates a welding beam having a wavelength in a near-infrared band for welding a part of the cut cornea by irradiating the welding beam to the cut position of the cornea, a beam delivery unit that delivers the cutting-off beam and the welding beam to the cut position of the cornea, an image unit that obtains image information on the cut position of the cornea, and a control unit that controls an irradiation position of the welding beam based on the cut position information of the cornea obtained by the image unit.

Abstract: Zero parallax visual axis glasses for corneal pre-marking include a target light, an alignment light, a polarized lens and a short pass filter. In some embodiments the targeting light and/or alignment light are LEDs and/or configured to blink. In some embodiments the target light is red. In certain embodiments the alignment light is white. The polarized lens can be placed on a user's non-dominant eye and block light originating from the target light and/or alignment light. The short pass filter can be configured to allow light from the target light to only pass through in one direction.

Abstract: A silver-containing tissue dressing for providing antimicrobial properties to a wound site is disclosed. In some embodiments, the tissue dressing may include a wound contact layer having a substrate material coated with a tacky hydrophobic silicone material, and silver-containing particles dispersed in the silicone material. The different surfaces of the substrate material may be coated with the silicone material having various amounts of tackiness. The silver material may provide antimicrobial properties when the tissue dressing is placed in contact with the wound site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wound dressings. In particular, the invention relates to antimicrobial wound dressings, methods of making the same and uses of the same. The wound dressing of the present invention comprises a wound contact layer and an absorption layer, wherein the wound contact layer comprises at least one antimicrobial agent and wherein the wound contact layer is compressed and/or wherein the wound contact layer has a density of greater than 0.06 g/cm3. The wound dressing of the present invention provides an absorbent, conformable and anti-microbial medical device that may be used in a variety of medical situations, including post and/or pre-operative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for visualizing and treating an injury, wound or skin using a visual tourniquet and skin patch system made of transparent materials. The inventive bandage system is capable of applying pressure while absorbing bodily fluids away from the wound or skin and providing support for the application of one or more medicaments or a combination of treatment gas and/or medicine. The inventive bandage system enables the practitioner to visually inspect and measure the size of the wound over time without removing or touching the bandage or tourniquet thereby reducing pain and contamination of the wound bed. One embodiment of the inventive bandage system continuously controls the wound bed temperature thereby reducing pain and inhibiting bacterial growth. Other embodiments of the inventive bandage system are used as a visual tourniquet to apply a combination of pressures to a wound or skin.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed for treating tissue with reduced pressure. A dressing for distributing reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a plurality of liquid-impermeable layers that are stacked and a plurality of spacers disposed at least partially between adjacent liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers are fenestrated at least in part. The plurality of spacers and plurality of liquid-impermeable layers form a plurality of flow paths for allowing fluid flow under reduced pressure. Adjacent layers of the plurality of liquid-impermeable layers are stacked without foam between at least a majority of coextensive surfaces. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed, in some embodiments, that involve treating a tissue site with reduced pressure. In one embodiment, a reduced-pressure dressing may include a dressing bolster, a retention pouch, and a sealing member. The dressing bolster may be adapted to apply a compressive force to the tissue site capable of closing a wound or incision therein. The retention pouch may be adapted to retain and manage fluid extracted from the tissue site to keep the tissue site substantially free of fluid and to prevent clogging of the reduced-pressure dressing. The sealing member may provide a seal over the retention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of the epidermis of the patient. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A combination protective carrier and mechanical coupling system for utilization in association with manufacturing of a bandage. The protective carrier includes a base with opposing sidewalls, cooperatively defining a channel. The protective carrier is elongated and structurally configured to be rolled onto itself. The mechanical coupling system has a base with a plurality of gripping structures. The gripping structures remain within the channel defined by the protective carrier. The mechanical coupling system is positioned within the protective carrier, and rolled onto itself.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of a total covering breathable hand or foot compression bandage system that comprises a breathable hand compression wound bandage cover assembly; a breathable elastic fit compression sterile fabric hand or foot glove compression bandage insert which is inserted into the outer casing member of the hand compression wound bandage system; a plurality of sterile finger and toe tip absorbent pad bandages; adjustable cinching compression bandage straps that have a means to employ adjustable bandage straps to apply pressure to various potential user-selected wound locations; a wrist or ankle fastener which is integrated into the hand or foot compression wound bandage system at the wrist or ankle location to prevent the outflowing of blood or the entry of contaminates. Additional embodiments are a water proof model, have extra absorbency palm members that can apply extra wound pressure, or have pockets.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and method for producing absorbent structures with absorbent layers with channel(s) without absorbent material, using a first moving endless surface (20) with specific raised strip(s) (25) and a second moving endless surface (30) with specific mating strip(s) (31).

Abstract: A method of forming a web includes directing a first discrete segment at a first speed to a first pick-up location. The first discrete segment is transferred from the first pick-up location to an application location using a first segment transfer device. A second discrete segment is directed to at a second speed to a second pick-up location. The second discrete segment is transferred from the second pick-up location to the application location using a second segment transfer device. The first and second discrete segments are attached to each other at the application location to form a web.

Abstract: A converting apparatus operates to transfer a folded absorbent article from a first carrier apparatus to a second carrier apparatus. The converting apparatus includes a transfer apparatus and a guide member located adjacent to the transfer apparatus, forming a gap there between. The transfer apparatus includes a frame that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a transfer member that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The transfer member defines a receiving surface and the guide member defines a guide surface. The guide surface converges toward the receiving surface. The frame advances the absorbent article in a machine direction through the gap. While advancing absorbent article advances through the gap, the transfer member rotates the absorbent article about the second axis of rotation. The guide member includes side seam tuckers that are adapted to tuck the side seams of the absorbent article.

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: 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 first press unit support structure and a second press unit support structure, and each of the first press unit support structure and the second press unit support structure is rotatable about an axis. A first press unit has a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression associated with the first press unit support structure. A second press unit is associated with the second press unit support structure, wherein the second press unit is one of an axial direction press unit, a non-linear direction press unit, or a press unit having a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression.

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 first press unit support structure and a second press unit support structure, and each of the first press unit support structure and the second press unit support structure is rotatable about an axis. A first press unit has a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression associated with the first press unit support structure. A second press unit is associated with the second press unit support structure, wherein the second press unit is one of an axial direction press unit, a non-linear direction press unit, or a press unit having a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wearable sanitary napkin/panty liner having wearable section further comprising an upper side, a lower side a front surface and an inner surface, pocket located at the inner surface of the wearable section, waist band located at the upper side of the wearable section and sanitary napkin is placed within the pocket located at the inner surface of the wearable section and the pocket is permanently sealed.

Abstract: An elastic composite (10, 110, 210, 310) can include a first layer (20, 120, 220, 320), a second layer (22, 122, 222, 322), and a third layer (24, 124, 224, 324). The third layer (24, 124, 224, 324) can be formed by at least one elastic material (32, 132, 232, 332) and can be coupled to the second layer (22, 122, 222, 322) when the elastic material (32, 132, 232, 332) is in an extended condition. The first layer (20, 120, 220, 320) can be coupled to the second layer (22, 122, 222, 322) near the first and second longitudinal edge (16, 18) but can be independent of the second layer (22, 122, 222, 322) therebetween such that the first layer (20, 120, 220, 320) forms gathers (36, 136, 236, 336) when the elastic composite (10, 110, 210, 310) is in a retracted condition.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide the advantages of forming the leg gathers with the liquid impervious film that allow reduction of the used amount of the non-woven fabric while suppressing the deterioration of the texture, and others.

Abstract: To improve the ventilation properties of a sheet used in a flute structure. This disposable diaper has formed therein, on at least one of a front part and a rear part, a cushion part (40). In the cushion part (40), in a state where a waist expansion member (43) is stretched in the width direction of the diaper, the member is sandwiched and secured between an inner sheet (41) and an outer sheet (42). In the cushion part (40), a cushion forming sheet (44) overlaps one or both of the inner sheet (41) and the outer sheet (42), and is intermittently joined thereto so that in the width direction joining portions (51) and nonjoining portions (52) are alternatingly continuous. Formed in the cushion forming sheet (44) are a plurality of openings (60) or depressions that are grouped into row groups (R) and column groups (C).

Abstract: An elastic panel for use in an absorbent article including a first nonwoven web layer, a second nonwoven web layer and an elastomeric film layer disposed between the first and second nonwoven layers. At least one of the first and second nonwoven web layers includes at least one group of folded portions. Each folded portion includes a first fold line and a second fold line so that the folded portion is divided into a proximal section, a distal section and a medial section disposed between the proximal and distal sections. The proximal section is directly attached to the elastomeric film layer and the medial and distal sections are not directly attached to the elastomeric film layer so that the folded portions extend to allow the web panel to stretch elastically.

Abstract: To maintain, in a wide state, the spaces in a ventilation channel formed when a waist expansion member contracts. This disposable diaper has formed therein, on one or both of a front part (1) and a rear part (2), a cushion part (40). The cushion part (40) includes: an inner sheet (41); an outer sheet (42); one or a plurality of waist expansion members (43); and a cushion forming sheet (44). In a state where the waist expansion member (43) is stretched in the width direction, the member is secured between the inner sheet (41) and the outer sheet (42). The cushion forming sheet (44) overlaps one or both of the inner sheet (41) and the outer sheet (42), and is joined thereto so that in the width direction joining portions (51) and non-joining portions (52) are alternatingly continuous. The joining portions (51) are formed by joining-lines (53) which are straight and extend in the longitudinal direction and at least two columns of which are side by side.

Abstract: This invention concerns an adhesive nursing pad particularly useful for absorbing body fluids. The adhesive nursing pad comprises of an inner absorbing layer with a silicone adhesive circumference that attaches to the woman's breast for securely maintaining the nursing pad's position without slippage upon leakage of fluids from the breast of nursing or pregnant women during non-nursing times and a moisture impermeable outer.

Abstract: A diaper changing system for efficiently changing a diaper without having to carry a diaper bag. The diaper changing system generally includes a diaper having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a cavity beneath the interior surface, a plurality of dispensing openings extending through the interior surface to fluidly connect to the cavity, and a receiver opening extending through the interior surface to fluidly connected to the cavity. The receiver opening is adapted to removably receive a nozzle of a cream container to receive a cream for insertion into the cavity and later dispensing from the cavity through the dispensing openings to the skin of the baby. A bag is removably attached to the exterior surface of the diaper for storing the cream container and wipes until used. The bag is removed and used as a garbage container when the diaper is used.

Abstract: The present invention protects a disposable hygienic article characterized in that it has a formulation that promotes the skin care through the use of natural compounds such as the cane wax extract, which has pharmacological properties such as healing and anti-inflammatory, the formulation may also contain agents that helps neutralize unpleasant odors such as chlorophyll, an antimicrobial agent such as grapefruit seeds extract and a fragrance.

Abstract: A mobile screening apparatus has a patient compartment having a floor, and end wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second sidewall has an expanding wall that is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The mobile screening apparatus also has a scanner positioned in the patient compartment. The scanner has a length dimension extending longitudinally within the patient compartment. A scanning table is positioned within the patient compartment. The scanning table is movable in relation to the scanner. The patient compartment is positioned upon a chassis of a vehicle. A generator is connected to the scanner so as to supply power to the scanner. In particular, the scanner is a lung scanner.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting at least one wheelchair securement devices to a pair of spaced-apart vehicle seat mounting structures each secured to and within an occupant transport vehicle and extending in a direction parallel to a direction of travel of the occupant transport vehicle. The apparatus includes an elongated support member extending transversely along a floor of the occupant transport vehicle between the vehicle seat mounting tracks, anchors coupled to opposite ends of the elongated support member and each releasably attachable to a different one of the vehicle seat mounting structures, and at least one wheelchair securement device secured to the elongated support member between the two anchors. In some embodiments, the at least one wheelchair securement device is slidably mounted to the elongated support member and selectively securable to and along the elongated support member between the two anchors.