Abstract: A birth control assembly for inhibiting sperm from entering a uterus includes a tube that may be inserted into a cervix. A valve is coupled to the tube. The valve inhibits sperm from entering the tube thereby facilitating the tube to control birth. The valve facilitates menstrual fluid to exit the cervix.

Abstract: Dry eye treatment apparatus and methods are described herein which generally comprise a patch or strip affixed to the skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids to deliver heat or other forms of energy, pressure, drugs, moisture, etc. (alone or in combination) to the one or more meibomian glands contained within the underlying skin. The treatment strip or strips include one or more strips configured to adhere to an underlying region of skin in proximity to one or both eyes of a subject such that the one or more strips allow for the subject to blink naturally without restriction from the one or more patches. Moreover, the one or more strips may be configured to emit energy to the underlying region of skin and where the one or more strips are shaped to follow a location of one or more meibomiam glands contained within the underlying region of skin.

Abstract: The following description relates generally to self-heated consumer spa products heated by means of a prolonged exothermic chemical reaction for various therapeutic and/or spa applications for applying heat to portions of a person's body.

Abstract: A spine cooling device is configured to hold the evaporative cooling textile in contact with a wearer's skin, particularly in a location between the wearer's hips and extending toward the wearer's tailbone. The spine cooling device has a pocket to hold the evaporative cooling textile, which textile can be periodically re-wetted while the spine cooling device remains in place on the wearer. The spine cooling device facilitates direct contact between the evaporative cooling textile and the wearer's skin, and is worn beneath the wearer's clothes. However, the device includes a water resistant layer placed to prevent the evaporative cooling textile from wetting the wearer's clothes.

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

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: This invention provides a device for delivering medical implants, the device comprising a guide, a mandrel disposed internal to the guide, and a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is disposed external to the guide and is attached to the mandrel for movement therewith relative to the guide. Included among the various embodiments are devices configured for abutting a proximal surface against the palm of a user and presenting finger tabs for retraction of the guide relative to the mandrel. Optionally, a device of the present invention is a dual-mode device configured for being operated independently in each of an ejection mode and an injection mode. Optionally, a device of the present invention is configured for delivering an implant to the eye of a subject. Optionally, the eye implant is a retinal implant. Optionally, the implant comprises retinal cells.

Abstract: A surgical cassette for use with a phacoemulsification system having a front plate, a back plate, and a gasket therebetween. The front plate having molded fluid channels that mate with the gasket. The gasket having multiple valves and a sensor or diaphragm accessible through the back plate.

Abstract: A surgical cassette for use with a phacoemulsification system having a front plate, a back plate, and a gasket therebetween. The front plate having molded fluid channels that mate with the gasket. The gasket having multiple valves and a sensor or diaphragm accessible through the back plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for cutting human or animal tissue, such as a cornea (3), or a crystalline lens, said device comprising a femtosecond laser (2) that can emit a L.A.S.E.R. beam (4) in the form of impulses, and means for directing and focusing said beam onto or into the tissue for the cutting thereof as such. According to the invention, the device comprises means (9) for shaping the L.A.S.E.R. beam (4), which are positioned in the trajectory of said beam, and can modulate the energy distribution of the L.A.S.E.R. beam (4) in the focal plane thereof, corresponding to the cutting plane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for treating the retina and/or other areas of a patient's eye. The procedures may involve using one or more treatment beams (e.g., lasers) to cause photocoagulation or laser coagulation to finely cauterize ocular blood vessels and/or prevent blood vessel growth to induce one or more therapeutic benefits. In other embodiments, a series of short duration light pulses (e.g., between 5-15 microseconds) may be delivered to the retinal tissue with a thermal relaxation time delay between the pulse to limit the temperature rise of the target retinal tissue and thereby limit a thermal effect to only the retinal pigment epithelial layer. Such procedures may be used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and/or other conditions of the eye. The treatment beam may be delivered within a treatment boundary or pattern defined on the retina of the patient's eye.

Abstract: Described herein is a fingertip cleaning apparatus comprising a fingertip receiving portion including a conical wall defining a cavity having an open end configured to allow a fingertip of a user to be inserted into the cavity, the conical wall extending along and surrounding a cone axis, the conical wall forming a cone angle with the cone axis, a gripping portion comprising a flap that extends from the conical wall of the e fingertip receiving portion along a grip axis that forms a grip angle with the cone axis; and the grip angle being greater than the once angle.

Abstract: An ear cup for a hearing protector includes a cup-shaped outer casing, a sealing ring on a rim of the outer casing, and at least one electrical component such as a microphone. The electrical component is mounted on a flexible circuit board attached on the outer surface of the outer casing, where the outer casing includes a slit through which the flexible circuit board extends to the inside of the outer casing so as to provide electrical connections between the electrical component and an electrical circuitry inside the outer casing. Thus, there is no need for wide openings on the outer casing of the ear cup, instead only a narrow slit suffices. This facilitates achieving good noise reduction properties.

Abstract: A kinesiology tape bandage includes a piece of anisotropically stretchable woven fabric, a stretchable dressing attached to a first side of the fabric, and pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to at least some of an exposed area of the first side of the fabric. The kinesiology tape bandage is applied to a body by stretching the kinesiology tape bandage to at least 125% of its unstretched length, positioning a dressing of the bandage over a wound on the body, and pressing the stretched bandage against the body to activate a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the bandage and adhere the stretched bandage to the body.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet comprising a first nonwoven material having a first visible element, a backsheet comprising a second nonwoven material having a second visible element, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the first visible element and the second visible element are matching visible elements. Matching visible elements may enhance a caregiver's understanding of breathability and air flow between absorbent article components by indicating a pathway for air to flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses herein relate to folding a substrate advancing in a machine direction through and assembly process, wherein the substrate includes a first outer region separated from a second outer region in a cross direction by a central region. The first outer region and the second outer region are continuous in the machine direction and the central region is discontinuous in the machine direction. During the folding process, the first outer region is conveyed in the machine direction while the central region is folded around a folding axis to place the second outer region in a facing relationship with the first outer region. The folding axis may be defined by a rail and/or a longitudinal edge of a conveyor. As such, the folding apparatus may be configured in various ways to help reduce negative effects of frictional forces acting on the central region of the substrate while folding.

Abstract: A method for making sanitary articles, includes: feeding along a longitudinal direction of movement a first web of material defining a main body of the article; feeding a pair of longitudinal strips; dividing each strip into a succession of trapezoidal pieces adjacent each other and each having a long base and a short base so the pieces of each strip can be divided alternately into first pieces having a first orientation and second pieces having a second orientation opposite to the first orientation; spacing the pieces of each strip from each other; rotating the first or second pieces of each strip by 180° in plane to give the pieces of the first strip the first orientation and the pieces of the second strip the second orientation; applying each piece on a first face so the long base protrudes laterally from the edge of the first web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles. The disposable absorbent articles include: (a) a body contacting surface; (b) a garment contacting surface opposite the body contacting surface; and (c) an inkjet printed wetness indicator which is seen through either the body contacting surface or the garment contacting surface. The wetness indicator includes a central graphic and a background graphic, the central graphic having at least one permanent ink composition and the background graphic having at least one water soluble ink composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles. The disposable absorbent articles include: (a) a body contacting surface; (b) a garment contacting surface opposite the body contacting surface; and (c) an inkjet printed wetness indicator which is seen through either the body contacting surface or the garment contacting surface. The wetness indicator includes a central graphic and a background graphic, the central graphic having at least one permanent ink composition and the background graphic having at least one water soluble ink composition.

Abstract: A hollow fiber that extending along at least a portion of the fiber along a longitudinal axis thereof and is defined by an interior wall is provided. Through selective control over the manner in which it is formed, the present inventors have discovered that the hollow fiber can exhibit a unique combination of a high void fraction and small fiber size that makes it particularly suitable for use in certain applications, such as in nonwoven webs for absorbent articles.

Abstract: In some examples, an absorbent article includes a backsheet comprising one or more reinforced edges, which helps increase the tensile strength of the absorbent article.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article. This signal includes a colored portion having a first shade and a second shade.

Abstract: Provided is a hand rim which is not slippery even when the surface is wet. A hand rim 7 includes a base material 70 and an anti-slippage layer 71 formed on the surface of the base material 70. The anti-slippage layer 71 includes an adhesive layer 71a formed on the surface of the base material 70 and particles 71b which are fixed through the adhesive layer 71a. The particles 71b are fixed so as to protrude from the adhesive layer 71a.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a lower assembly including a lower frame having wheels rotatably mounted thereto, an upper assembly including an upper frame supporting a seat, a backrest and at least one movable armrest, and a lift mechanism configured to move the upper assembly relative to the lower assembly between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein a user can move sideways out of the seat in the raised position with the movable armrest lowered.

Abstract: A limb elevating assembly includes a strap that may be wrapped around a limb of a user. A cushion is coupled to the strap. The cushion is wrapped around itself when the strap is wrapped around the user's limb. Thus, the cushion elevates the user's limb on a support surface when the user lies on the support surface. The cushion inhibits bedsores from developing on the user's limb.

Abstract: A device for assisting a caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient, the device comprising a user interface configured to deliver prompts to a caregiver to assist the caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient; at least one sensor configured to detect the caregiver's progress in delivering the therapy, wherein the sensor is other than an electrode in an electrical contact with the body; a memory in which a plurality of different prompts are stored; a processor configured to determine which of the different prompts should be selected for delivery based on the progress detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An operating table column is disclosed. The operating table column includes a column part and a head part configured to connect a patient support surface of an operating table to the column part. The operating table column also includes a power supply unit disposed on the column part for supplying power to the operating table. The head part includes a first head element mounted rotatably about a first rotation axis and a second head element mounted rotatably about a second rotation axis. The column part includes an actuator configured to lift the patient support surface. At least one tube is configured to connect the power supply to the operating table and is protected from exposure to external elements. The actuator includes a cover configured to guide a portion of the at least one tube at least partially through the first head element in an area adjacent to the first rotation axis.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide a shape memory alloy (SMA) cartridge for use in providing controllable compression. The SMA cartridge includes first and second end caps, each of the first and second end caps being coupled to a passive material. One or more SMA coils extend between the first and second end caps. The SMA coils have a trained state and a deformed state, where the SMA coils are in the deformed state when a stimulus is provided thereto and the SMA coils are in the trained state when the stimulus is removed therefrom. The first end cap and the second end cap include a locking mechanism to automatically lock the first and second end caps in a fixed position relative to one another when the SMA coils are contracted.

Abstract: An upper-limb rehabilitation assisting device includes first and second handles coupled to first and second rotating shafts and rotationally operated by hands on a paralytic limb side and a healthy limb side; first and second biosignal detecting parts that detect first and second biosignals corresponding to the paralytic limb side and the healthy limb side; first and second drive parts that drive the first and second rotating shafts; and a control part that performs a cooperative control of the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft. The control part controls the torques of the first and second drive parts at the time of the cooperative control of the first and second rotating shafts the basis of the degree of cooperation between the first and second biosignals.

Abstract: A leg support exoskeleton is strapped on as wearable device to support its user during squatting. The exoskeleton includes a knee joint connected to a first line and a second link, which is configured to allow flexion and extension motion between the first link and the second link. A force generator has a first end that is rotatably connected to the first link. A constraining mechanism is connected to the second link and has at least two operational positions. In a first operational position, the second end of the force generator engages the constraining mechanism, where the first link and the second link flex relative to each other. In a second operational position, the second end of the force generator does not engage the constraining mechanism; the first link and the second link are free to flex and extend relative to each other.

Abstract: An intelligent compression device for controllable compression. The compression device includes a compressible body and a microprocessor. The compressible body encircles a limb of a user and includes an elastomer layer and an activation layer. The elastomer layer includes voxelated liquid crystal elastomers that contract in response to a stimulus. The activation element, which is positioned proximate to the elastomer layer, supplies the stimulus. The microprocessor actuates at least a portion of the activation element layer.

Abstract: A brain injury reduction system provides a protective measure that temporarily or decreases venous drainage out of the intracranial compartment during or immediately before and during a sudden change in acceleration of an individual's head. Specifically, a wearable helmet or other wearable structure of the brain injury reduction system detects an impending collision and determines whether a protective measure is needed. If so, one or more actuation devices provides the protective measure to reduce venous drainage through one or both of the internal jugular veins or paravertebral venous plexus. A first actuation device stimulates a gag reflex or valsalva-like maneuver to reduce venous drainage through the paravertebral venous plexus. A second actuation device can physically compress the internal jugular veins. Thus, the brain injury reduction system minimizes the detrimental impact that may occur due to the sudden change in acceleration of the individual's head.

Abstract: A massage machine includes a massage portion that performs a massage with respect to a user and a first storage section that stores a first massage course that corresponds to a musical piece. The musical piece is subject to a selection by the user. The massage machine includes a control unit that is configured to control an operation of the massage portion based on the first massage course. The massage machine may include a second storage section that stores data of the musical piece. The first massage course stored in the first storage section may be formed based on a variation of an acoustic signal included in the data of the musical piece stored in the second storage section. In this case, the control unit may be configured to execute the second massage course.

Abstract: A liver cancer metastasis therapeutic device, consisting of a base plate, a prone support, an abdominal medicine massager, a chain wheel, a rotating wheel and a handheld massager, and being used in a treatment for restoring functions of a whole body; and the therapeutic device is focused on restoring the functions of the whole human body and complementarily performs chemoradiotherapy and surgery for killing cancer cells to treat causes of death, thus significantly reducing a death rate of patients due to metastasis of liver cancers and digestive organ cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a massage toy, in particular a dildo or vibrator, comprising a substantially cylindrical base member which is made of a supple material. According to the invention, the base member has at least one inner cavity in which a freely movable inertial member is arranged. The invention further relates to the use of a love ball and to a method of producing a massage toy.

Abstract: Myofascial release tools may include a head covering and coupled to a post. The head may be constructed of at least partially of a polymeric material having a therapeutically effective durometer. The head may have a number of designs and configurations that may be used for treating different body parts and/or body tissues. An example head may have a partially concave portion that resembles an indent. Another example head may have an angled tip for more pointed therapy. Yet another example head may have a partially convex portion. These heads may be interchangeably and removably coupled to an oscillating device and used for myofascial release by a health care provider or patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic handheld device for performing a massage on a user. The device comprises a pair of handles that are substantially parallel to one another, each handle comprising a top and a bottom extremity, a shaft unit housing a shaft comprising a free extremity, the free extremity extending beyond the shaft unit, the shaft being substantially perpendicular to the pair of handles, a motor unit housing a motor, which drives the shaft, a trigger disposed on the primary handle, a trigger disposed in operative communication with the motor wherein, actuating the trigger results in the activation of the motor, and a massage head adapted to be mounted to the free extremity of the shaft whereby, the motion of the shaft is imparted to the massage head at which point, the massage head is applied over the skin of a user.

Abstract: A mechanism attached to a mechanical CPR device can be automatically attached to the patient's torso. The mechanical CPR device can extend the mechanism to a first position at which the mechanism comes into contact with the patient's torso. The mechanism can be further extended until a first threshold is reached. The mechanism can be retracted to the first position. The mechanism can be further retracted from the first position until a second threshold is exceeded. The mechanism can then be extended to a second point at which the second threshold is no longer exceeded. The mechanism may comprise a suction cup or sticker plate, and may be attached to an end of a piston of the mechanical CPR device.

Abstract: A respiratory device of negative pressure type comprising a shell fastened to the user's chest and/or abdomen with minimal dead space, one or more vacuum and compressed air chambers attached to the shell; vacuum generating and compressed air generating sources connected to the vacuum and compressed air chambers respectively, one or more openings on the shell to allow exchange of the air enclosed between shell and user's body, with the vacuum and compressed air chambers; a valve shuttling between the vacuum and compressed air chambers. By having low dead space, pre-generated vacuum and compressed air close to the user, and the use of fast acting valves in some embodiments, the power requirement, weight, and size are reduced, making the device low cost and portable. In some embodiments, the vacuum and compressed air generating sources can be mounted on the shell itself, making the device ambulatory.

Abstract: A hospital-grade basin holds water for washing patients, and converts easily/quickly for the patient's limb to rest across a portion of the basin. Hall-moon shaped openings on opposite sides of the basin wall(s) support the limb at a reduced height with respect to adjacent side wall portions, which serve as a partial shield during wound irrigation. The shaped openings are sealed with hinged doors in a closed position, using a friction fit and/or elastomeric leaf-spring members. In another embodiment, opposing portions of the side wall may instead be formed of an over-molded elastomeric material that conforms to the patient's limb, or may have walls formed like a bellows. A one-time transformable basin has a wall with first and second notches to form first and second tear-away panels, which leave residual areas shaped and positioned on the wall according to first and second portions of a patient's limb.

Abstract: An emergency wash system configured to dispense a fluid is disclosed. The system comprises a receptacle and a dispenser assembly disposed at least partially over the receptacle. The dispenser assembly comprises a fluid inlet portion configured to extend in a substantially horizontal direction when in use and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid supply. The dispenser assembly also comprises a first outlet portion defining at least one first discharge opening, a second outlet portion defining at least one second discharge opening, a first fluid riser extending upwardly and outwardly from the inlet portion towards the at least one first discharge opening and a second fluid riser extending upwardly and outwardly from the inlet the first fluid riser towards the at least one second discharge opening on a side of the fluid inlet portion opposite the first fluid riser.

Abstract: The invention describes a blister packaging system, and method of making the system, capable of establishing and maintaining arid and anaerobic conditions for packaging pharmaceutical products that are sensitive to oxygen and/or moisture. The blister packaging system encompasses, for example, a scaffold of several interconnected cavities intended for product and one or more reservoirs comprising an oxygen scavenger and/or a desiccant. Furthermore, the concentration of the components is maintained at a level that prevents establishment of equilibrium conditions.

Abstract: A device for transferring a toxic substance from a dispensing vessel to at least one receiving vessel comprising: (i) a receiving portion arranged to receive a dispensing vessel containing a toxic substance; and (ii) a transfer apparatus having a first infusion line adapted for fluid communication with the dispensing vessel to transfer a carrier fluid into said vessel and a second infusion line having one end adapted for fluid communication to withdraw and transfer the carrier fluid and the toxic substance from the dispensing vessel and the other end of the second infusion line arranged to connect with the at least one receiving vessel.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure disclose a system for delivering medication. In one aspect, the disclosure is directed a kit that includes a medical dispensing device with a label with a series of zones of varying widths, with each of the zones corresponding to a pre-determined volumetric dose of the drug that is correlated to one of the physical characteristics of a patient. In one specific example, the label is further affixed to the medicine dispensing device such that the smallest dose of the drug to be administered corresponds to a first zone that is proximate an opening through which the drug is to be dispensed.

Abstract: A medication dispensing apparatus includes a housing for at storing at least one medication in bulk, a dispenser and a verification sensor. The at least one medication including a plurality of doses of the at least one medication. The dispenser separates a single dose from the at least one medication in bulk. The dispenser moves the single dose of the at least one medication from a position within the housing to a position outside the housing. The verification sensor verifies that the at least one medication is a correct medication.

Abstract: An appliance (1) for enteral nutrition by means of a probe of the type comprising a tubular element of elongated shape and substantially flexible which defines a feeding channel open at the extremities for the introduction of nutritional substances in the stomach of a patient and which comprises at least a first inflatable balloon for detecting the pressure inside the oesophagus of a patient, the tubular element comprising at least a first inlet/outlet mouth for the air in/from the first balloon, the appliance (1) further comprising: at least a pneumatic circuit (3) having pumping means (4) associable at least with the first inlet/outlet mouth for inflating/deflating the first balloon; processing means (8) comprising: detection means which can be connected to the first balloon to detect the patient's oesophageal pressure (pes); reading means of the pressure of the respiratory tract (paw) which can be connected to an external detection device; calculation means operatively connected to the detection means

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a musical teether for infant. It has a body member including one or more regions or projections on which an infant can bite in use for soothing purpose and a musical unit. The body member is configured to receive or otherwise accommodate the musical unit which is removably engageable with the body member. The teether further has means for transmitting vibrational musical signal from the musical unit to the body member for onward transmission to teeth of the infant, then to jaw bones and skull of the infant, and then to ear bones of the infant, such that the infant can, while biting on the teeth, receive vibrational musical signal arisen from direct vibration on the ear bones of the infant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel formulation in which the solid phase is composed of a continuous net work of siloxane bonds and one or more calcium phosphate phases doped with one or more metal dopants.

Abstract: A composition for tissue degradation and removal and disinfection is provided for dental and medical applications. It can function as a single intra-canal irrigant that eradicates microorganisms as it facilitates the debridement of a root canal system. It contains one or more hydoxides, a thioglycolate compound, sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride, sodium chlorate, oxygen, and water, such as lime water and purified water, The thioglycolate compound is capable of degrading a cell by disrupting disulfide bonds in its proteins. The sodium hypochlorite enhances its function. The composition may also incorporate mineral oil, urea, cetearyl alcohol, D&C yellow No. 8, chromium hydroxide, theobroma cocoa seed butter, iron oxides, fragrances, lanolin, and/or ceteareth-20. It is effective against Enterococcus faecalis.

Abstract: A personal care 100% plant derived, biodegradable solid granules that sustain beneficial essential oils, and or plant/herbal extracts and emulsify in water to create an emulsified therapeutic solution is disclosed. This invention improves over existing liquids in that its solid granule form is completely plant derived and biodegradable and can sustain essential oils and antioxidants without the requirement of chemical preservatives, and can be packaged in eco-friendly water soluble film and compostable paper. It improves over existing solid forms in that it is a 100% water soluble granule that emulsifies easily in water to form an easy to use liquid product.