Abstract: Deflection devices, systems, and methods for the prevention of stroke. Devices hereof comprise an extension portion and an anchor portion, both of which are configured to prevent the device from advancing into the artery extending from the aortic arch in which the device may be positioned. Additionally, a retrieval system is provided, the system comprising a sleeve catheter and a retrieval device slidably disposed therein. The distal end of the retrieval device comprises one or more attachment portions configured to engage at least a portion of the anchor portion of a device positioned within an artery extending from the aortic arch.

Abstract: Medical devices, medical device systems, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include an inner shaft having a stent receiving region. A bumper shaft may be disposed about the inner shaft. A deployment sheath may be slidably disposed about the inner shaft. The deployment sheath may have a body region and a distal stent covering region. The distal stent covering region may have an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the body region.

Abstract: An intragastric weight-loss device is disclosed. The device includes a proximal occlusion member comprising a spiral structure, a bridging member, and a distal occlusion member. The spiral structure can be configured to spiral into a bulbous shape when the proximal occlusion member is delivered into the stomach. The bridging member can extend from the proximal occlusion member. The distal occlusion member can be coupled to a distal end of the bridging member. The proximal occlusion member can be configured to intermittently obstruct a pyloric valve of a patient such that passage of food through the pyloric valve is slowed.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: An orthotic device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a substantially rigid internal footbed with an external rocker bottom, two struts rigidly coupled to the footbed, a paddle coupled to each strut, each paddle having an inner surface configured to face a limb of a patient, and a strap system configured to interface with the paddles for tightening around the limb, the inner surfaces of the paddles including a plurality of protrusions configured to minimize sliding of the first and second paddles with respect to the limb or with respect to a cast applied to the limb. The orthotic device may include two or more support layers on the footbed, each layer having a support aperture larger than and at least partially overlapping the support aperture below.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to corrective spinal traction systems and methods. It is further directed to use of such spinal traction systems to treat various medical problems associated with abnormal spinal curvature. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a spine corrective traction system. The system comprises an overhead system allowing a patient's spine to be pulled in every and any vector the human spine moves in three dimensional space, and in two to three planes simultaneously. It further includes a seat assembly that allows for a patient to be seated upright, supine and every angle and vector between 90 degrees upright and 0 degrees horizontal.

Abstract: A cervical collar has an anterior component including a lower support that is adjustable in angle relative to a main support. The lower support is hingedly connected to the main support at first and second end portions. An elongate element engages the first and second end portions. A lock mechanism is operative connected to the elongate element, and is arranged for locking rotation of the lower support relative to the main support, by moving the elongate element between locked and unlocked conditions.

Abstract: A brace may include a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion may include a first flexible sheet configured to receive at least portions of a user's wrist and hand and may restrict movement of the wrist. The finger portion may include a second flexible sheet and a rigid stabilizing member. The finger portion may be configured to receive at least one of the user's fingers and may restrict movement of the at least one finger relative to the wrist and hand. Further, the body portion be configured to releasably receive the finger portion.

Abstract: In order to create a simple device for immobilizing the human body or parts of the body in a manner that is gentle on the patient, in particular for arranging medical targeting devices, markers or surgical instruments for image-guided, minimally invasive surgery, said device having at least one immobilization element (1) which can be positioned on the surface of the body, the immobilization element (1) is made of a bonded nonwoven fabric (2) which can be fastened by means of a micro hook-and-loop fastener (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cleaning a stoma in a human or animal body. The object of the invention is to provide a device as described in the introduction which completely abuts the skin's surface, irrespective of the location of the stoma on the body and irrespective of the person's or animal's build. In order to achieve that object, the device is according to the invention characterised in that the circular contact edge of the container is provided with a circular flexible collar comprising at least a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge, which first circumferential edge and second circumferential edge enclose an air chamber when placed on the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external urinary incontinence treatment a device and a method of deploying an external urinary incontinence treatment device that minimizes the inconvenience of fastening and fixating a urine receiving component to the genital region and to the skin surrounding the urethral orifice of a treated patient. The device comprises: a urine receiving component, a tube, a receiving component supporting element, a tube locking system, a genital region connection component, and a genital region anchoring element. The tube connects and communicates freely with the urine receiving component and is inserted through the receiving component supporting element. The tube also communicates with said tube locking system and is able to move vertically the receiving component supporting element when said tube locking system is deactivated. The tube is fixated in its movement at a desired position along the length of said tube when said tube locking system is activated.

Abstract: An intrauterine device and method of delivering and using same are provided. The intrauterine device includes a wire having a portion capable of forming a three dimensional (3D) structure. The 3D structure is elastically deformable to a partially collapsed configuration via a crush force larger than a force applied thereto by a relaxed uterine cavity. The three dimensional structure is also capable of elastically contracting and expanding in response to contraction and expansion of the uterine cavity.

Abstract: A portable body cooling device, worn on the upper torso of a person, that uses a compressed or liquefied gas cartridge to vent cool gas onto the skin of the wearer as well as to act as a heat sink during the gas release. The cartridge is in contact with a conductive material that transfers heat from the skin of the wearer to the cartridge. The cooling device provides immediate and temporary relief from heat flashes.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter site pad is provided for thermal exchange (e.g. cooling) adjacent to a catheter introduction site (e.g. a catheter for the administration of a chemotherapeutic agent). The pad includes an opening defined by an opening edge that may be positioned about the catheter introduction site. The pad may further include a fluid containing layer and an inlet port and an outlet port for circulating fluid (e.g. cooled fluid) through the pad. The pad may be fluidly interconnected to a fluid conditioning unit to circulate fluid through the pad under negative pressure. The pad, system and an associated method may be employed to reduce tissue damage at an IV catheter introduction site.

Abstract: A system for a closed circuit forced hot air warmer of patient beds and blankets with improved sterility has a patient mattress or blanket microprocessor controlled warmer that circulates heated air in a closed system without releasing warmed air into the area surrounding the patient or into the operating room. The system helps to avoid the exposure of patients and hospital workers in the operating room to possible infecting microbes carried in unsterile turbulent air currents related to the release of air from non-closed systems. The machinery and flexible hoses of the system are initially sterilized by a microprocessor controlled antimicrobial mist generator. The system does not discharge jets of warmed air due to the closed circuit arrangement. Turbulent air flow previously produced in the vicinity of the patient by high velocity air jets is eliminated. An ambient, quiescent condition accorded by closed circuit heating prevents infection of patients and operating room personnel by microbe migration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which employs a cooling or heating pad which is preferably rechargeable with hot or cold temperatures at an intended area of the body. The pad includes a highly temperature-conductive or temperature-retentive material which can be cooled or heated using a portable source of heat or cold material delivered to the pad by a removable delivery conduit. Valves can be included to regulate flow of the cooling or heating material from the source to the pad. The system can also include a dual-chambered canister for containing two different media for heating, cooling or for alternating heating and cooling the pad.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed for causing cryolysis of adipose tissue of a human tongue. The heat exchanger includes a body having cooling channels for circulating fluids therein. The body forms a contact surface that contacts a portion of the dorsal surface of the tongue and a portion of the base of the tongue. The heat exchanger includes a pair of side walls extending from the body and forming a pair of side contact surfaces that are dimensioned so that they contact the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tongue in a manner so as to constrict the tongue when the contact surface is in contact with the tongue. A method of treatment for apnea using the heat exchanger and/or administering a chemical adipolysis formulation/vasoconstriction agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for analyzing the ophthalmic anatomy of a patient posterior to the cornea. The method may include scanning a focus of a femtosecond laser beam along a path within the patient's eye. A portion of the path may be disposed posterior to the patient's cornea. The method may also include acquiring a first reflectance image and a second reflectance image associated with the focus disposed respectively at a first location of the path and a second location of the path. The method may further include determining the presence or absence of an ophthalmic anatomical feature of the eye based on a comparison between the first reflectance image and the second reflectance image.

Abstract: Drainage of body fluid from an area of undesirably high pressure can be accomplished by interconnecting an artificial non-blood fluid conduit with the vascular system. For example, an artificial non-blood fluid conduit can be inserted into the eye to fluidly interconnect the anterior chamber with a location of lower pressure. The conduit can have a growth factor for stimulating growth of new blood vessels in the location of lower pressure to connect the new blood vessels with the non-blood fluid conduit.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle, a housing sleeve, a first portion of the housing sleeve having a first stiffness, a second portion of the housing sleeve having a second stiffness, an actuation control of the handle, an optic fiber disposed in an inner bore of the handle and the housing sleeve, and a shape memory wire having a pre-formed curve. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing sleeve and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing sleeve and the optic fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for microdisruption of cataracts in lens tissue by impulsive heat deposition comprising: a source of pulsed laser radiation, a user input device, a control circuit, and an optical waveguide configured to transmit the pulsed laser radiation. The light intensity which exits the optical waveguide has a wavelength selected to match an absorption peak of at least one component of the lens tissue, a pulse duration time shorter than a time required for thermal diffusion out of the laser irradiation volume and shorter than a time required for a thermally driven expansion of the laser irradiated volume, and a pulse energy resulting in a peak intensity of each laser pulse below a threshold for ionization-driven ablation to occur.

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

Abstract: Hearing protection devices that contain an FM-receiver and antenna connected to one another, each being disposed interiorly in a protective muff of the hearing device, where the antenna is molded into a plastic housing in the protective muff are described, as are methods of making protective muffs used in such a device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for delivering reduced pressure to a load-bearing wound site. The device can include a distal port configured to connect to a wound dressing positioned over the wound site; a proximal port located a distance from the distal port and configured to connect to a reduced pressure source, and a conduit body having an inner channel extending between the distal port and the proximal port. When the distal port is applied to the wound dressing positioned over the wound site the proximal port is positioned at a non-load bearing location remote from the wound dressing. The inner channel has a non-circular profile having a width larger than a height of the conduit body.

Abstract: A textile bandage with a bandage body which has an inner face, directed towards a bandage wearer, and an outer face, wherein the surface of the inner face has zones with different marking orientations.

Abstract: An emergency hemostatic head trauma bandage cap with a strap system and method of use, which, when applied to the head, delivers minimal pressure to control bleeding, doesn't compromise cervical spine immobilization, allows for fast and effective application of cooling gel to control intracranial/internal swelling or hot packs to prevent hypothermia in non-trauma situations, doesn't come apart during treatment and transport, and doesn't require a caregiver to re-wrap the dressing.

Abstract: A feminine care product having an applicator comprising a barrel portion and a plunger slidingly engaged, wherein the barrel portion comprises an insertion end, a grip end, an insertion portion, a grip portion, and a first L* value of between 5 and 30.

Abstract: Configurable absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent articles may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent articles may comprise a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region, and an outer cover material joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent articles may comprise a pair of leg cuffs and a fully removable fastening member. The fastening member may comprise a first fastener on a first surface of the fastening member and positioned proximate to a first end and a second fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to a second end. The absorbent articles may also comprise a wetness guard.

Abstract: An absorbent pad configured to be positioned on a surface is provided. The absorbent pad is configured to absorb and contain bodily exudates and improve skin health for babies. The absorbent pad comprises a central longitudinal axis, a central lateral axis, a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed intermediate the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet. The absorbent pad comprises a single pair of cuffs extending at least partially intermediate a first end edge and a second end edge of the absorbent pad. The cuffs are each configured to extend upwardly relative to the topsheet. The absorbent pad comprises a wetness guard positioned on a first side of the central lateral axis and having a portion positioned proximate to the first end edge. The wetness guard is positioned over at least a portion of the topsheet and crosses the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Pant-like absorbent articles having handles on side panels of the article for ease of removal and donning of the absorbent garment and a method for forming is disclosed herein. The article includes a front waist region, a back waist region, and a chassis extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions attached by at least one side panel. Formed within the side panel is at least one handle. The handle includes a slit formed through the side panel, the slit extending in both the longitudinal and lateral direction to provide a flap material. The flap material is folded towards the waist edge of the side panel to provide an aperture in the side panel.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article is disclosed which employs a combination of void spaces, also referred to as channels, in the crotch region of the article in conjunction with shaping elastic members located outside the lateral side edges of the absorbent core, that, when coupled with strategic alignment of certain components and specifically-located folding lines, will create an article with improved convex or outward curvature of the chassis upon unfolding which provides increased spatial separation of the topsheet or body side liner of the article from the genital area of the wearer. In addition, due to the manipulation of the specific location of such elements in the article, gender specific product designs can be created which are specifically tailored to more appropriately deal with the differences in location of the male and female genitalia.

Abstract: A disposable diaper especially constructed for the purpose of toilet training is disclosed. The diaper has conventional disposable diaper construction but also incorporates a wetting point vent that is an opening located so as to provide unimpeded egress of urine. This allow the diaper to be used as a step in a toilet training protocol in which the user, comfortable urinating in a diaper, is provided the comforting sensation of wearing a diaper while being acclimated to urinating in a toilet. Once acclimated to urinating in a toilet, the diaper is removed, and the user fully toilet trained. In a variant, the training diaper has a flap that covers the vent during normal use, but may be folded back reveal the vent during toilet training. In a further variant, there is a removable cover that conceals the vent during normal use but is removed for toilet training.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment is disclosed which includes a main body having an absorbent core, a first side and a second side. The main body has a top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet formed from polypropylene. The main body also has a front portion, a rear portion, and a crotch portion, and each of the front and rear portions has a top edge. The undergarment also has first and second elastic extensions each having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends of the first and second extensions are ultrasonically bonded to the main body. The undergarment further has first and second attachment areas, each having a plurality of engaging elements, secured to the liquid permeable top sheet. The engaging elements engage with the first and second elastic extensions to secure the undergarment at least about 0.5 inches below said wearer's waist.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) can include a fastening system including a primary fastening system (82) and a secondary fastening system (84). The primary fastening system (82) can include at least one primary first fastening component (86) and at least one primary second fastening component (88). The secondary fastening system (84) can include a first secondary first fastening component (96) and at least one secondary second fastening component (98). The absorbent article (10) can also include a pocket (64) disposed in the front waist region (12) such that at least one primary first fastening component (86) is configured to engage the pocket (64) when engaging the at least one primary second fastening component (88) in the fastened condition of the absorbent article (10) and the first secondary first fastening component (96) can engage the at least one secondary second fastening component (98) in the fastened condition.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent articles having handles on side panels of the article for ease of removal and donning of the absorbent garment is disclosed. The article includes a front waist region, a back waist region, and a chassis extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions attached by at least one side panel. Formed within the side panel is at least one handle. The handle includes an aperture formed through the side panel. The handle further includes a reinforcing material operatively joined to the at least one side panel adjacent distal side edges of the aperture.

Abstract: Configurable absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent articles may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent articles may comprise a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region, and an outer cover material joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent articles may comprise a pair of leg cuffs and a fully removable fastening member. The fastening member may comprise a first fastener on a first surface of the fastening member and positioned proximate to a first end and a second fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to a second end. The absorbent articles may also comprise a wetness guard.

Abstract: An absorbent pad configured to be positioned on a surface is provided. The absorbent pad is configured to absorb and contain bodily exudates and improve skin health for babies. The absorbent pad comprises a central longitudinal axis, a central lateral axis, a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed intermediate the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet. The absorbent pad comprises a single pair of cuffs extending at least partially intermediate a first end edge and a second end edge of the absorbent pad. The cuffs are each configured to extend upwardly relative to the topsheet. The absorbent pad comprises a wetness guard positioned on a first side of the central lateral axis and having a portion positioned proximate to the first end edge. The wetness guard is positioned over at least a portion of the topsheet and crosses the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) can include a waist containment member (54) and an absorbent body (34, 134, 234, 334, 434). The waist containment member (54) can include a proximal portion (76) and a distal portion (78) configured to freely move with respect to the chassis (11) when the absorbent article (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) is in a relaxed configuration to provide a containment pocket (82). The absorbent body (34, 134, 234, 334, 434) can be configured to provide improved access for exudates into the containment pocket (82) of the waist containment member (54).

Abstract: An absorbent article (10, 110) can include a waist containment member (54) with a first longitudinal side edge (72), a second longitudinal side edge (74), a proximal portion (76), an intermediate portion (77), and a distal portion (78). The proximal portion (76) can be coupled to the chassis (11) of the absorbent article (10, 110). The intermediate portion (77) can be free to move independent of the proximal portion (76) and the distal portion (78) and free to move independent of the body facing surface (19) of the chassis (11) to provide a containment pocket (82) for containing body exudates. The distal portion (78) can be disposed underneath the intermediate portion (77) when the absorbent article (10, 110) is in the stretched, laid-flat configuration. The waist containment member (54) can also include a first lateral tack-down region (83a) and a second lateral tack-down region (83b).

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a concave groove whose transverse plane shape satisfies (1) a relationship between a depth “h” of a bottom surface portion of the concave groove, and a distance “S” from a bottom end “G” of the concave groove to an upper end “K” from which a concavity of the concave groove starts is 1.5h<S, (2) a relationship between a width “b” of a bottom surface of the concave groove, and a width “B” between the upper ends “K” and “K” at both sides of the concave groove is B?3b, and (3) a relationship between a dimension “a” of a square concave groove expressed by a product of the width “b” of the bottom surface of the concave groove and the depth “h” of the bottom surface portion, and a cross-sectional dimension “A” of the concave groove is A?2a.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a flexible packaging, comprised by a polyethylene film, which is useful for packing disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers and panties for babies and adults, feminine pads, pantiliners and the like, which may be opened and closed as many times as needed, wherein it comprises a closing system that is not altered nor loses functionality during the use and allows to open the bag to remove an article and close it again so as to protect the articles that remain inside the bag and avoid the dust, bugs or particles that may pollute same.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) can include a pocket (64) disposed in the front waist region 12. The pocket (64) can include a first side edge (70), a second side edge (72), an upper lateral edge (74), and a lower lateral edge (76). The pocket (64) can be closed with respect to the absorbent assembly (44) at least at the first side edge (70) and the second side edge (72) and can be open with respect to the absorbent assembly (44) at least at the lower lateral edge (76). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the upper lateral edge (74) can be closer to the front waist edge (22) of the absorbent article (10) than is the first end edge (40) of the absorbent body (34).

Abstract: A stretcher which comprises a bed, and a frame having first and second parallel frame members coupled to first and second lateral frame members is disclosed. A securement track is define by an upper surface of at least one of the first parallel frame member, the second parallel frame member, the first lateral frame member, and the second lateral frame member, the securement track having a plurality of alternating open regions and necked down regions along a length. A bed mount configured to both support the bed and be releasably secured in the securement track in a secure condition, and configured to be repositionable along the length of the securement track in an unsecured condition.

Abstract: An adjustable chair includes upper and lower base members, a seat assembly secured to the upper base member, and a chair adjusting mechanism. In an embodiment the upper base member is connected to the lower base member by first and second linking members each having a first end connected to the lower base member and a second end slideably received in corresponding first and second arcuate tracks disposed in the upper base member, such that movement of the second ends into and out of the tracks results in vertical movement of the seat assembly relative to the base. In a further embodiment the seat bottom and seat base comprise cooperating arcuate rails, tracks, and/or bearing members, where cooperative action of the arcuate rails, tracks, and/or bearing members enables the seat bottom to tilt relative to the seat base.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift assembly includes a wheelchair. The wheelchair has a pair of seats and a frame. Each of the seats is hingedly coupled to the frame. Each of the seats is positionable in a stored position having each of the seats being horizontally oriented on the frame. Each of the seats is positionable in a lifted position having the each of the seats hinging upwardly from the upper front member. A lifting unit is coupled to the wheelchair. The lifting unit selectively urges each of the seats between the stored position and the lifted position. Thus, the lifting unit may lift a user thereby facilitating the user to exit the wheelchair.

Abstract: A method for detecting occupant position change on a support surface includes establishing a rate of change of pressure in a head end test zone and in a foot end test zone, comparing the head end rate to at least one head end rate limit, comparing the foot end rate to at least one foot end rate limit, and inferring, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred. An associated occupant support includes a frame and a mattress. The mattress includes head and foot zones each having at least one pressurizable bladder. The support also includes a controller adapted to compare a head end rate of pressure change to a head end rate limit, to compare a foot end rate of pressure change to a foot end rate limit, and to infer, in response to the comparing steps, whether or not occupant migration has occurred.

Abstract: An incontinence detection system includes an incontinence detection pad for placement beneath a person to be monitored. The incontinence detection pad has a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. A reader is provided and a plurality of antennae is coupled to the reader. The reader includes a bistatic radio frequency (RF) switch matrix which is operable to establish a first antenna of the plurality of antennae as a transmit antenna that is used to wirelessly energize the passive RFID tag and to establish a second antennae of the plurality of antennae as a receive antenna that is used to read backscattered data that may be emitted from the passive RFID tag. The first and second antennae are situated in respective housings that are spaced apart from each other. An arrangement of first and second electrodes on an electrical sheet of an incontinence pad is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the risk of developing decubitus ulcers on bedfast or immobile patients and adjunct to the treatment thereof.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a support frame. The patient support apparatus also comprises a lift assembly that operates to lift and lower the support frame relative to the base. The lift assembly comprises lift members that extend and collapse to lift and lower the support frame. Guides operate to guide movement of the lift members during operation. In some cases guided bodies coupled to the lift members move passively in the guides. In other embodiments, driven members coupled to the lift members move actively in the guides to cause lifting and lowering of the support frame.