Abstract: The present invention is a switchable gripping terminal device that can be switched from a voluntary open prehension mode to a voluntary closed prehension mode, at will by the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the terminal device may comprise a movable digit attached to a fixed digit, whereby the user can actuate the movable digit, such that the movable digit rotates relative to the fixed digit. The terminal device may comprise a lever, which enables the user to switch from a first mode, voluntary open (VO), to a second mode, voluntary closed (VC). This switchable biasing means, allows the user to decide the prehension mode, and easily switch the mode at will, according to the circumstances.

Abstract: In an artificial limb system having an actuator coupled to a joint for applying a torque characteristic thereto, a control bandwidth of a motor controller for a motor included in the actuator can be increased by augmenting a current feedback loop in the motor controller with a feed forward of estimated back electromotive force (emf) voltage associated with, the motor. Alternatively, the current loop is eliminated and replaced with a voltage loop related to joint torque. The voltage loop may also be augmented with the feed forward of estimated back emf, to improve the robustness of the motor controller.

Abstract: An alignment adapter for prosthetic sport feet, such as running feet, includes a male pyramid plate having a male pyramid, a female connector plate having a female connector, and a back plate. For use during alignment of a prosthetic running foot, the male pyramid plate is coupled to the back of a user's socket and the female connector plate and back plate are clamped about the foot. The male pyramid and female connector are coupled and adjusted relative to one another to achieve a desired alignment. The socket and foot are locked in an alignment fixture to maintain the alignment and the male pyramid, female connector, and back plates are removed. A laminated plate is coupled to the socket to maintain alignment during normal use.

Abstract: An artificial or modified natural blood flow tubing has a helical-flow inducer to induce helical flow in such a fashion as to eliminate or reduce turbulence. One inducer is a tubular stent of expansible mesh having a helical vane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a stent which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The stent is configured to have a central portion defined by “open” cells and at least two end portions, defined by “closed” cells, spaced apart and directly connected to the distal and proximal ends of the central portion of the stent. The stent may also optionally have a covering or a lattice with openings.

Abstract: A stent able to minimize occurrences of strain and stress concentration in a drug coat layer upon expansive deformation of the stent in a radial direction to avoid the possibility of the drug separating from the stent, includes a stent body and a drug coating layer coated on the outside surface of the stent body so that the thickness of the drug coating layer gradually decreases toward a bent portion of the stent.

Abstract: A crimping method that crimps a stent over multiple catheters. The method includes differentially crimping a stent on certain portions of a balloon catheter so that a second catheter can be threaded through the uncrimped portion of the stent and exit through the links of a conventional stent design or through a specific hole in the stent designed for a branched vessel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating aneurysms using filling structures filled with a curable medium are described herein. Such methods can include positioning a double-walled filling structure across the aneurysm and filling with a filling medium so that an outer wall conforms to the inside of the aneurysm and an inner wall forms a generally tubular lumen to provide for blood flow. The lumen is supported with a balloon or other expandable device during and/or after filling. The pressure within the structure and/or in the space between an external wall of the structure and the aneurysm wall is monitored and a flow of the medium into the structure is controlled responsive to the pressure. The pressure can also be used to determine a filling endpoint.

Abstract: Modular endograft devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an endograft system can include constrained first and second endograft devices that extend across a vascular defect and expanded to press mating septal walls against each other. At least one of the endograft devices can include a fenestration that is aligned with a renal artery to provide bloodflow to the artery. A delivery device configured in accordance with the present technology can include a guidewire that passes through the fenestration to guide the endograft to an implant site and self align the fenestration with the renal artery to facilitate connection of the endograft to the renal artery. An additional stent can be connected to the fenestration to secure the renal artery to the endograft device.

Abstract: Medical device delivery systems, and related methods and components, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a delivery system for a prosthesis, said delivery system comprising a catheter shaft with a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, a space for a prosthesis with a distal end and a proximal end, the space being at the distal end of the catheter shaft, a sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath being disposed at the distal end of the catheter shaft so as to surround the space, a pusher element attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft and arranged at the proximal end of the space for abutting prosthesis, a pull element with a longitudinal axis, the pull element reaming the length of the catheter shaft and having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end for pulling the pull element proximally, thereby retracting the sheath proximally relative to the prosthesis space, and at least one fixation element having a proximal end and a distal end and being disposed within a flexible portion of the length of the shaft that lies be

Abstract: An ankle stabilizing apparatus for minimizing inversion and eversion of the foot includes a body member having at least one cuff member positioned against a cuff portion of the body member, wherein the cuff member defines at least one opening for receiving at least one stabilizing strap such that the cuff member and stabilizing strap dynamically apply a variable force against the body member and ankle. The apparatus promotes variable compression against the ankle upon application and during wear. The apparatus also resists distal migration during wear.

Abstract: A wrist-forearm-elbow anti-rotation support system and process that do not require a hardenable material. The system includes an orthopedic support such as a wrist-hand orthosis, wrist-hand-thumb orthosis, joined to a bottle-shaped forearm wrap with opposed flaps formed into a clamshell. Proximal elbow flaps include a center elbow region that extends from the proximal end of the forearm wrap. Attaching straps and/or cross straps extending from the proximal elbow flaps attach to the forearm flaps and may crisscross. Hook and loop fasteners extending from the distal edge of the forearm wrap attach the forearm flaps.

Abstract: A nail correcting device made of an elastic material includes: a pair of holding pieces arranged side by side in a predetermined direction; and a connecting piece connecting the holding pieces to each other, the pair of holding pieces each including: a body at least partly in an arc within a plane intersecting with the predetermined direction; and a pair of first and second distal edges connected to both ends of the body to hold a nail. The pair of first and second distal edges are spaced from each other along the predetermined direction at an inner side and an outer side.

Abstract: A urinary receptacle includes an elongate, tubular main body having a closed upper end and an open lower end; a tubular port in fluid communication with the main body, the tubular port being configured to receive a user's penis therein in a fluid-tight manner; a urine collection receptacle connectable to the lower end of the main body which receives and stores the urine therein; and a fastener which secures at least one of the main body and the urine collection receptacle to the user or a garment worn by the user. The apparatus is simple to use, and is manually accessible for handling though modified side pockets of a pair of pants or other such conventional garment worn by the user. The main body, tubular port, and storage receptacle are formed of flexible, waterproof material and are configured to collapse flat against a user's body when not in use.

Abstract: Systems for removing heat from a subject's subcutaneous lipid-rich regions, such as tissue, organs, cells, and so forth, are described herein. In various embodiments, the system includes a treatment device and a controller for controlling a treatment process. The controller is configured to detect and compensate for an interruption in the treatment process.

Abstract: A device has a first part with a valve seat and storage chamber, and a second part with a flexible valve cover and actuator. The storage chamber may be formed from a pre-form blow-molded into a flexible pouch defining a variable-volume storage chamber. The flexible valve cover and valve seat form a normally closed valve seam therebetween. The valve cover is movable in response to fluid at an inlet to the seam exceeding a valve opening pressure of the one-way valve between (i) a normally closed position with valve cover and valve seat in contact with each other and defining the normally closed seam, and (ii) a second position with at least a portion of the valve cover spaced away from the valve seat to allow the fluid to pass through the seam. The one-way valve may have anti-spritz features for using the device to dispense a substance, such as to the eye.

Abstract: For processing eye tissue using a pulsed laser beam (L), an ophthalmological device includes a projection optical unit for the focused projection of the laser beam (L) into the eye tissue, and a scanner system upstream of the projection optical unit for the beam-deflecting scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam (L) in a scanning movement (s?) performed over a scanning angle along a scanning line(s). The projection optical unit is tilted about an axis of rotation (q) running perpendicularly to a plane defined by the scanning line(s) and the optical axis (o) of the projection optical unit, the tilting of the projection optical unit tilting the scanning line (s) in said plane. Tilting of the scanning line(s) enables a displacement—dependent on the scanning angle—of the focus of the laser pulses projected into the eye tissue without vertical displacement of the projection optical unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making improved surgical incisions in corrective eye surgery are provided. It was observed that a uniform elongated AK (or LRI) incision provides a non-uniform corrective effect due to non-uniform post-surgical relaxation of ophthalmic tissue. The method and apparatus leverage this observation to provide for creation of a surgical incision that is structured to be non-uniform along its length in such a manner as to at least partially counteract an expected variation in ophthalmic tissue relaxation to provide overall increased uniformity of corrective effect. An automated laser surgery system includes a laser control system configured to control laser delivery to cause selective ablation of ophthalmic tissue to provide an elongated structured incision that varies along its length in at least one of a depth, a profile, a width, and an angle of attack relative to a surface of the ophthalmic tissue.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device (1) for treating eye tissue by means of pulsed laser beams (L) comprises a laser system (12) which is designed, in a first mode of operation, to generate pulsed laser beams (L) with a wavelength in the NIR infrared range and, in a second mode of operation, to generate pulsed laser beams (L) with a wavelength in the UVA ultraviolet range.

Abstract: A push-in earplug including an elongate core and outer layer is disclosed. The outer layer includes a sound attenuating portion having a first average density and a stem portion having a second average density, and the second average density is greater than the first average density.

Abstract: Printed articles having unique data thereon, and flexible substrate printing systems and methods that allow for customization of flexible, absorbent substrates. Customization is accomplished by printing variable data on substrate stock in a single run or production pass such that at least some of the articles in a set of articles contains printed matter different from printed matter on other articles in the same set. The substrate stock can include napkin material, toilet tissue material, paper towel material, or any other similar substrate. One or more print engines are configured to receive substrate stock from the conveyor and print variable matter on the substrate stock. The methods and systems allow for economical and efficient production of small or large customer orders without the need to produce individual printing dies or plates.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region, wherein said absorbent article further comprises at least three discrete elements each comprising at least one visible surface; wherein at least three or more of the visible surfaces comprise an imparted color wherein said colors are color matched. Color matching exists when said colors are contained within a specified CIELab color space volume, have a specified hue difference, or total color difference.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assembling, advancing, reorienting, and/or transferring stretched elastic parts during the assembly of absorbent articles. As described herein, a transfer assembly reorients a stretched elastic part from a first orientation, wherein the direction of stretch is generally parallel to the machine direction, to a second orientation, wherein the direction of stretch is generally perpendicular to the machine direction. The reoriented elastic part is then transferred to a carrier while maintaining the stretched condition of the elastic part. The orientation and/or configuration of vacuum apertures in a carrier surface relative to the direction of stretch of the elastic part and relative to the machine direction helps to prevent the elastic part from contracting, while at the same time helps to allow the elastic part to slide off the carrier surface without snagging and/or sticking to aperture perimeter edges.

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 disposable absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and second waist region; a first waist edge and a second waist edge; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; the disposable absorbent article comprising a waistband and a leg gasketing system, wherein the waistband has a first gather count and the leg gasketing system has a second gather count such that the ratio of the first gather count to the second gather count is from about 0.75 to about 1.25.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multiplicity of disposable incontinence diapers (2) having a diaper main part (4) and, joined thereto, front and rear diaper side parts (22, 20), said method having the following method steps: feeding and conveying of an endless diaper main-part web (50); feeding of an endless diaper side-part web (21) to the separation and application station (24); singulating the disposable incontinence diapers (2) by separating the diaper main-part web (50) transversely relative to the first longitudinal direction (18), the curved edges of the longitudinal portions (46a, 46b), after separation from the diaper side-part web (21), being contoured in such a way that, after the first and second longitudinal portions (46a, 46b) have been secured to the first and second regions (56a, 56b) of the diaper main-part web, each rear diaper side part (20) has a lower edge (65) which has a convex portion, and each front diaper side part (22) has an upper edge (66) which has a concave por

Abstract: The absorbent article of the invention has a liquid impervious backsheet and a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet. The topsheet has an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the skin and hair of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least a portion of the topsheet outer surface comprises an effective amount of a lotion coating which is semi-solid or solid at 20 degrees C., the lotion coating comprising: (i) from about 10 to about 95% of a substantially water free emollient having a plastic or fluid consistency at 20 degrees C.

Abstract: There is a system for secure use of a wheelchair in demand response transportation systems comprising a wheelchair restraint comprising a central housing disposed between a vehicle strap and a wheelchair strap, the vehicle strap to secure the wheelchair restraint to the demand response vehicle, further comprising a vehicle strap sensor configured to provide a vehicle strap sensor electrical signal indicating whether the vehicle strap is securely affixed to a wheelchair anchor of a demand response vehicle, the wheelchair strap to secure the wheelchair restraint to the wheelchair, further comprising a wheelchair strap sensor configured to provide a wheelchair strap sensor signal indicating whether the wheelchair strap is securely connected to a wheelchair via the wheelchair strap.

Abstract: A wheelchair apparatus is provided for raising and lowering a user of the wheelchair, while allowing the user to manually move the wheelchair at any height.

Abstract: An assembly and a method for covering a Hoyer Lift sling. The sling assembly includes a cover positioned over a top side of a Hoyer lift sling. The cover has a hole therethrough which is positioned over the hole of the sling. A retaining sheet is attached to the cover and also has a hole therethrough which is positioned in alignment with the hole of the sling. In addition, a pad having a corresponding hole therethrough is preferably positioned between the sling and the cover. At least a portion of the retaining sheet is received through the hole of the pad and through the hole of the sling so that this portion of the retaining sheet is positioned beneath the bottom side of the sling. The cover on top of the sling and the portion of the retaining sheet beneath the sling each extend beyond the width of the sling and have outer edge portions which are attached together so that the sling and the pad are thereby retained between the cover and the retaining sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for applying a hyperoxic therapy delivery system to a patient; administering hyperoxic gas to the patient according to an oxygen dose-response model; and adjusting the administration of the hyperoxic gas to the patient based upon monitored parameters related to a condition of the patient. Numerous additional features are disclosed.

Abstract: A heat therapy appliance for treatment of neonates has a lying surface on a platform bordered by side walls, a hood movable between a closed incubator position, bearing on the side walls and covering the lying surface, and an open nursing care position, a radiant heater secured on the appliance structure and directed at the lying surface, lifting devices acting on the platform, and a control device actuating the lifting devices to adjustably set an angle of inclination of the platform with respect to the horizontal. The platform is mounted so as to be adjustable in height. The control device also actuates the lifting devices in the same direction, to adjust the vertical position of the platform with respect to the side walls between a first position and a second position higher than the first position.

Abstract: An arm is pivotally coupled to a support structure at one end and a patient care equipment support, such as a service head, is pivotally coupled to the arm at the other end. The arm has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion for extension and retraction relative to the first portion. Brakes are provided to brake the extension and retraction of the portions of the arm, to brake the pivoting movement of the arm relative to the support structure, and to brake the pivoting movement of the patient care equipment support relative to the arm. Each of the brakes is releasable.

Abstract: A walk training apparatus includes a walking assist device, a first tensile portion, and a second tensile portion. The walking assist device is configured to be attached to a leg of a user so as to assist the user in walking. The first tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device and the leg of the user toward a vertically upper side and toward a front side. The second tensile portion pulls at least one of the walking assist device and the leg of the user toward the vertically upper side and toward a rear side.

Abstract: A system includes a sequential compression device (SCD) used by a patient as part of a sequential compression therapy (SCT) protocol. The system also includes a computer device that determines whether the SCD is in use in substantially real time in compliance with the protocol. The computer device initiates a notification to a caregiver if noncompliance with the SCT protocol is detected.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus and method are provided for treating tissue by the application of the time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a cover adapted to cover a wound and adapted to maintain sub-atmospheric pressure the site of the wound. The apparatus further includes a source of suction configured to generate a time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure having a periodic waveform comprising a gradual change in pressure. The suction source cooperates with the cover to supply the time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure under the cover to the wound. The time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure may vary between a first pressure value below the inherent tissue tension of the wound tissue and a second pressure value above the inherent tissue tension of the wound tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for affecting metabolism, such as the treatment of metabolic syndrome are disclosed. A method for treating metabolic syndrome can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic metabolic effect; and activating a convection fan within the chamber to promote heat transfer from the glabrous tissue. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.

Abstract: Handheld sexual appliances are disclosed herein, providing improved stimulators for stimulation of the Grafenberg area or G-spot of the female genitalia. The appliances generally comprise an elongate body having a first span, wherein is a handle region, and a second span that is angled upwards from the first span. In the second span, embodiments for stimulating the Grafenberg area are provided, comprising one or more of a mechanical finger that oscillates in a reciprocal motion within a protuberance that protrudes from the dorsal surface of the second span. In some embodiments, one or more stimulators simulates a range of motion of the back-and-forth movement of one or more human fingers. Thereby, the G-spot stimulating embodiments may directly impinge upon the Grafenberg area when inserted into the vagina, while the precise angle and force of that interaction can also be finely adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prostate massager that includes a first section connected to a second section. The first section can bend relative to the second section at various angles to optimize prostate stimulation. Each of the first section and the second section includes a vibrating unit that can facilitate massaging. The vibrating unit can be controlled via a control switch that is operatively connected to a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board can include a network interface for connecting the massager to an external user device to remotely control the massager.

Abstract: A medical apparatus communication system includes a first medical apparatus and a second medical apparatus. The first medical apparatus includes a first communicating unit which establishes a communication connection with the second medical apparatus to communicate with the second medical apparatus, and a first controlling unit which controls the first medical apparatus. The second medical apparatus includes a second communicating unit which establishes a communication connection with the first medical apparatus to communicate with the first medical apparatus, a second controlling unit which controls the second medical apparatus, and a second sound outputting unit which performs a sound output in accordance with a control of the second controlling unit. The second controlling unit controls the sound output of the second sound outputting unit in a predetermined timing after establishment of the communication connection between the first and second communicating units.

Abstract: A foot spa tub includes a tub basin, a first magnetic drive member rotatably coupled to a drive motor, and a first casing supporting the magnetic drive member. The first casing is disposed against an exterior surface of a sidewall of the basin. A second magnetic drive member is rotatably coupled to a blade. The first and second magnetic drive members are magnetically coupled to each other so that the blade is drivingly coupled to the drive motor. A nozzle houses the second magnetic drive member and the blade. The nozzle is detachably securable to an interior surface of the sidewall by a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic drive members. A method of circulating liquid in a foot tub spa is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely retaining an eye implant lens for transport and access for inspection and use in which a holding apparatus has a chamber for holding a lens. In one embodiment the chamber has aligned transparent portions and a lens can be placed in alignment with the transparent portions to enable inspection. Also, a system including the apparatus and a bottle assembly that will hold the apparatus in the bottle. A method for holding an eye implant lens in which a lens is placed in the apparatus which can then be placed in a bottle assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a baby bottle assembly are provided. The baby bottle assembly may include a nipple and an internally threaded collar configured to receive a bottom portion of the nipple. The assembly may also include a receptacle including an externally threaded neck and a cylindrical surface defining a mouth of the receptacle. The assembly may further include a bottle insert including a flange, the flange having an outer circumference greater than or equal to a circumference of the mouth. A top surface of the bottle insert may include a plurality of apertures and a top portion of a hollow protrusion. A bottom surface of the bottle insert may include a bottom portion of the hollow protrusion, the plurality of apertures and a diaphragm.

Abstract: A support system for a baby bottle has a support body having a generally cylindrical portion. A channel is defined within the support body. A slot is defined between slot edges of the support body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion. First and second handle portions are coupled to the support body. The first and second handle portions are coupled to the support body at an angle less than about 120 degrees apart from each other about a surface of the support body. The support body is sized and configured to support a baby bottle positioned within the channel defined within the support body. In some embodiments, the first and second handle portions have handle grip portions that are coupled to the support body at an angle between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees relative to a surface of the support body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blank for producing a dental molded part such as an inlay, onlay, crown or bridge, and to a method for producing the blank. To be able to machine a dental molded part, in particular one having thin wall thicknesses, from the blank without difficulty, the blank is designed to consist of a glass ceramic having a density of between 30 and 60% of theoretical density, and of glass-ceramic powder particles with a particle size distribution d90?80 ?m, lithium silicate crystals being present in an amount of 10 to 90% by volume.

Abstract: A long lasting breath mint including a carrier and a flavorant, wherein the carrier includes at least one of a high viscosity cellulose ether and a low viscosity cellulose either and an alginate. The carrier forms a gel upon contact with saliva. A tablet is placed in the mouth of user, whereupon the tablet is wetted with saliva. A surface of the tablet is converted to a gel resulting in a tablet having an outer gel layer and a core. The gel serves as an adhesive for adhering the tablet to mouth structure. The gel slows exposure of the core to moisture and also slows diffusion of flavorant into the mouth of the user with the gel resulting in a breath mint having an extremely long life prior to complete dissolution, e.g., greater than 30 minutes or longer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body odor suppressing agent that contains activated carbon and that has excellent body odor suppressing effects, causes no black soiling on an object to be coated, and has excellent practical aptitude. The present invention also provides a body odor suppressing agent having an excellent feeling of use when the agent is applied to the skin. The present invention further provides a body odor suppressing agent capable of preventing nozzles from clogging when the agent is packed into a spray container and used. The body odor suppressing agent of the present invention includes a titanium oxide-coated activated carbon including an activated carbon having an average particle diameter of 15 to 50 ?m and a titanium oxide present over the surface of the activated carbon.

Abstract: Provided are methods of screening antioxidants for skin protective capacity and antioxidant formulations which protect the skin from UV radiation. The method of screening antioxidants for protecting the skin from UV radiation includes using the Briggs-Rauscher Oxidant Method (BROM) method to one or more antioxidants for predicting protection to the epidermal layer. One advantageous antioxidant formulation for use in sun screens, lip balms and other types of topically applied skin care products for protecting the skin from UV radiation includes a mixture of antioxidants in the skin care product including an effective amount of arbutin in combination with BHT, wherein the ratio of arbutin to BHT in the skin care product ranges from 1:4 to 4:1, and wherein the measured BROM value of the antioxidant mixture is greater than the sum of the BROM values of the individual antioxidants in the mixture at the same concentration. The measured BROM value of the resultant product is greater than or equal to 0.2 sec/?g.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods for treating a hair loss disorder in a subject by administering a Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription inhibitor.