Abstract: A shape-formable apparatus comprising locking sheets. The apparatus can have a first state in which the apparatus is formable, and a second state in which the apparatus has the desired shape and is substantially less formable than in the first state. The apparatus can further include an envelope defining a chamber, a port positioned to fluidly couple the chamber with ambience, and at least two locking sheets positioned in the chamber in an at least partially overlapping configuration. Each locking sheet comprises a major surface, and at least a portion of each locking sheet can be patterned to include solid regions and open regions, the solid regions being movable with respect to one another within the major surface.

Abstract: An undergarment for use with a cast tape to form a hip spica cast, such as a pantaloon-type hip spica cast. The cast includes at least one layer of a 3D spacer synthetic padding material formed into a fabric of monofilament yarns and fabricated into an anatomically correct undergarment structure for being positioned around a torso and residing directly against the skin of a hip spica cast patient.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance having a releasable receptacle for concealing an ostomy bag where the receptacle is asymmetrical and includes an enlarged cavity portion and expandable portion located below the stoma which provides additional area into which the bag may unroll as waste collects therein. In an alternate embodiment there is no bag and waste collects directly into the receptacle.

Abstract: A holder for a stoma dressing including an envelope enclosing a space in which the stoma dressing can be placed, and a heating means for heating the stoma dressing adapted to uniformly and completely heat the stoma dressing prior to application around a stoma wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a menstrual cup may be used to collect urine and decrease or prevent urine leakage in certain women having vesicovaginal fistula and, in some cases, the menstrual cup was observed to at least partially occlude the fistula and permit normal micturition.

Abstract: Provided herein is an intraoral orthosis to remedy snoring and/or sleep apnoea via a mandibular advancing action during sleep. Maxilla and mandibular retainers fit the teeth and are coupled with a pair of side retention straps to advance the lower jaw to prevent narrowing of the pharynx. Abutting pairs of planar occlusal faces on the maxilla and mandibular retainers allow lateral and anterioral sliding against each other. A ball engagement couples the retainers to the retention straps at opposing distal ends.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for inhibiting breathing through a mouth of a user-wearer is disclosed herein. The mouthpiece for inhibiting breathing through a mouth of a user-wearer includes a blocking sheet, a relief port, and a flex recess. The blocking sheet may be made of a flexible material impermeable to air, and is configured to fit within the mouth of the user-wearer between the front teeth and the lips as well as the cheek area. The mouthpiece creates improved airflow for CPAP users by restricting airflow through the mouth.

Abstract: An intrauterine device includes a central support member, first and second internal flexures and first and second external flexures. The first and second internal flexures each include a first section having a first stiffness, a second section having a second stiffness, and third section having a third stiffness, wherein the second stiffness is more flexible than the first and third stiffness and wherein the first section of each internal flexure is coupled to the central support member. The first and second external flexures are coupled to the central support member and coupled to the third sections of the first and second internal flexures, the first and second external flexures in combination with the first and second internal flexures being configured to extend from a collapsed position parallel to the central support member to a deployed position flexing away from the central support member.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a configurable convective device, including two layers forming a pneumatic structure and an air-guide device. The pneumatic structure includes two portions and an inflatable channel connecting the two portions. In some cases, the air-guide device is disposed within or proximate to the inflatable channel and configured to direct flow of inflation medium when at least one of the two portions are bent.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a convective system including an inflatable convective device and a manifold. The inflatable convective device has a pneumatic structure and two openings into the pneumatic structure. The hose manifold includes a hose connector configured to connect to a hose, two outlet connectors configured to connect to the two openings respectively, where the hose connector and the two output connectors are in fluid connection.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a convective device, comprising: a pneumatic structure formed by one or more layers, a partially detachable access duct, and a separation device disposed on a side of the partially detachable access duct. The partially detachable access duct in fluid connection with the pneumatic structure.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a tubular convective system including an inflatable tubular convective device and a fixation element. The inflatable tubular convective device includes a tubular structure. In some cases, the fixation element includes a first ring, where the first ring is configured to secure a first part of the tubular convective device. In some cases, the fixation element includes a flat element and a flexible element attached to the flat element proximate to a first end of the flexible element, where the flexible element is configured to secure a first part of the tubular convective device.

Abstract: This invention provides a heating tool that is capable of significantly suppressing a reduction of an active ingredient contained in an adhesive layer. More specifically, the invention provides a heating tool comprising an exothermic composition containing an oxidation accelerator, an oxidizable metal powder, and water; an active ingredient-containing adhesive layer; and a vapor deposition layer, the exothermic composition being housed in an air-permeable container bag, the vapor deposition layer being disposed between the container bag and the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Various membrane delamination devices for removing proliferative membranes from underling tissues are disclosed herein. In some implementations, the delamination device may include a first shearing part and a second shearing part. One of the first shearing part and the second shearing part may be moveable relative to the other of the first shearing part and the second shearing part. One or more of the shearing parts may include a plurality of teeth formed at a leading edge thereof. A shearing action produced by operation of the shearing parts may be used to sever fibers joining proliferative membranes from an underlying tissue.

Abstract: A remote ophthalmic system may include an examination device having an ophthalmic laser device, and a first processor coupled to the ophthalmic laser device, a communication network, and a remote control device being associated with a user, being remote to the examination device, and being in communication with the examination device over the communication network. The first processor may be configured to receive target values for application of the ophthalmic laser device from the remote control device, the target values for application of the ophthalmic laser device being associated with an ophthalmic procedure on a patient, and perform the ophthalmic procedure on the patient by applying the ophthalmic laser device based upon the target values.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body and a pair of rigid legs extending from the body. The body includes an engagement feature configured to engage a deployment instrument. The legs are parallel with each other. Each leg has a sharp tip. The legs both extend along a plane. The body defines a guide opening. The guide opening is oriented transversely relative to the plane associated with the legs. The guide opening is sized to receive a cannula having a generally flat profile. The guide opening is configured to guide the cannula through a sclerotomy at a substantially tangential orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pad assembly, an injector assembly, an injector driver, and a fluid source. The pad assembly is sized and configured to be placed on a forehead of a patient. The injector assembly includes a body, a flexible cannula, and a needle. The body is configured to be removably secured to the pad assembly. The cannula is sized to be inserted through an incision in an eye of a patient. The needle is slidably disposed in the cannula. The injector driver is operable to drive the needle longitudinally relative to the flexible cannula. The fluid source assembly is in fluid communication with the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an injector, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid line, and a control module. The injector includes a body, a flexible cannula, a flexible needle, and a sensor. The needle is configured to translate relative to the cannula. The sensor is operable to detect a position of the needle relative to the cannula. The first and second fluid lines are coupled with the needle. The control module is in communication with the sensor, with the first fluid conduit, and with the second fluid conduit. The control module is configured to provide delivery of a first fluid through the first conduit to the needle based on a signal from the sensor. The control module is further configured to provide delivery of a second fluid through the second conduit to the needle.

Abstract: A plug for occluding an ocular canaliculus comprises a cylindrical body member having a first outer diameter. The cylindrical body member is provided along an external surface with at least one outwardly extending projection having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter and larger than an inner diameter of an ocular canaliculus. The first outer diameter of the plug is typically less than and approximately equal to the inner diameter of the canaliculus.

Abstract: An ocular implant having an inlet portion and a Schlemm's canal portion distal to the inlet portion, the inlet portion being disposed at a proximal end of the implant and sized and configured to be placed within an anterior chamber of a human eye, the Schlemm's canal portion being arranged and configured to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of the eye when the inlet portion is disposed in the anterior chamber.

Abstract: An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2.

Abstract: An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2.

Abstract: The electro-optical glare protection filter comprises a liquid crystal cell which is a laterally extended liquid crystal cell defining a volume between two laterally extended sides, the volume containing liquid crystals and having, in a vertical direction perpendicular to lateral directions, a thickness being smaller than an extension of the volume in any lateral direction. The FFS cell comprises a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure, which are arranged to change an orientation of the liquid crystals in the volume when a voltage is applied between them, wherein both the first and the second electrode structure are present at the same laterally extended side of the volume. The first electrode structure may comprise a plurality of electrically separate electrodes and the second electrode structure may comprise a plurality of electrode lines.

Abstract: A treatment system including a treatment device for treating a treatment area of a person's body is provided. The treatment device may include one or more treatment elements or treatment balls and a clamp or securement mechanism. The clamp or securement mechanism may include a first opposable portion and a second opposable portion, wherein at least one of the first opposable portion and the second opposable portion includes a receptacle configured to releasably hold a treatment element. The clamp or securement mechanism may be transitioned between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The treatment device may be used to apply pressure and a desired temperature to the treatment area, such as to apply pressure and a cold temperature to a portion of a person's ear to help treat ear injuries, which may help to reduce the likelihood of developing deformities (e.g., “cauliflower ear”).

Abstract: An earpiece body with a convoluted acoustic horn and a hearing protection device that includes the earpiece body. The convoluted acoustic horn that is configured to receive airborne sound waves through a first, sound-receiving opening and to emit airborne sound waves through a second, sound-emitting opening, wherein the first, sound-receiving opening is larger in cross-sectional area than the second, sound-emitting opening.

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: A headband, cap, hat, or the like worn by a child, particularly an infant, includes an embedded sound-attenuation system to protect hearing against loud sounds that might startle, awaken, or injure a wearer. Shells formed of a comparatively soft and flexible elastomeric material are secured against the head of a user, each enclosing an ear in an air tight chamber, to close down the transmission paths available to sound waves. The shells are impervious to air, and flexible to conform to the head when secured by the headgear in which the shells are embedded. Each shell is provided with a rim, sufficiently flexible to deform and deflect into complete, sealed contact with the head.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing device of the type adapted to cover the ears of a user and comprising a sound-absorbing material, wherein the sound-absorbing material comprises of a thixotropic material.

Abstract: An absorbent article and method of making the absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure having one or more layers wherein at least one layer is a heterogeneous mass layer, wherein the topsheet and the heterogeneous mass are integrated such that they reside in the same X-Y plane.

Abstract: A medical compression garment is provided including a midline opening cut in a medial segment of the elastic garment, dividing its front fabric portion into first and second sections. Fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, are attached to the first and second sections which connect together to close the opening. Pulls may be included. To don the garment, a wearer places their legs into the garment and pulls the garment along the legs until its top is aligned with the groin. The wearer then inverts and pulls the first and second sections of the garment together and fastens them to close the opening. Afterwards, the wearer pulls up the garment until it reaches the waist. When the wearer subsequently wants to take off the garment, the wearer unfastens the first and second sections and pull the garment down from the waist. The garment thus facilitates the donning and removal process.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided with microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) particles that are embedded in and/or coated onto a layer of the absorbent article that includes a resilient sheet of an open-cell foam. The foam layer is disposed such that it is in contact with or is in proximity to the user. The microPCM particles absorb heat generated during use of the absorbent article to reduce the contact temperature on the inside of the absorbent article and improve the comfort of the user. To maximize comfort, the phase change temperature of the microPCM particles may be an average normal body temperature.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, is described herein. The topsheet has first and second webs where the second web forms a body-contacting surface of the disposable absorbent article and the first web is disposed between the second web and the absorbent core. The second web is hydrophobic compared to the first web. And, the second web is a nonwoven with a plurality of fibers having a diameter less than about 10 microns.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 ?m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-machine direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring wetness in a diaper or other absorbent article includes a housing that attaches to the absorbent article. The sensor may include inner and outer housing portions that capture an edge of the absorbent article between the housings. The sensor may include contacts that electrically connect with a pair of contact strips embedded in the absorbent article. The distance between the embedded strips may vary depending on the size of the absorbent article. The sensor may include multiple pairs of contacts that are spaced apart to match the distance between the contact strips for the variously sized absorbent articles. In this way, depending on the pair of contacts connected to the contact strips, the sensor may indicate the size of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A top sheet includes a skin contact surface configured to contact the skin of a wearer. The skin contact surface includes at least one projection and at least one recess. The top sheet further includes a back surface opposite the skin contact surface. The top sheet further includes a coating on the at least one projection. The coating essentially includes a blood slipping agent having a kinematic viscosity of 0.01 to 80 mm2/s at 40° C., a water holding percentage of 0.01 to 4.0 mass %, and a weight-average molecular weight of less than 1,000, and the coating is configured to slip from the skin contact surface, through the top sheet, to the back surface along with menstrual blood.

Abstract: Diaper assemblies, along with related articles and methods, are provided. The diaper assembly includes a diaper comprising an inner surface and a blocking member coupled to a portion of the inner surface. The blocking member has a resilient pad coextends along a portion of the inner surface and further includes an attachment layer bonded to the resilient pad and may be repositionably attached at other locations along the inner surface. Advantageously, the blocking member can provide a releasable and repositionable seal that conveniently enhances the functionality of commercially available diapers.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a facing layer joined to a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the facing layer and the backsheet, is described herein. The facing layer is a nonwoven material with a plurality of fibers which have a diameter of less than 10 microns. The facing layer also has a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, the visual sizing indicator including indicia for indicating that the article is too large for a wearer, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: Absorbent laminates and multi-layer, folded absorbent cores comprising the absorbent laminates for use in absorbent articles are presented. Specifically, multi-layer, folded absorbent cores are presented that are formed from an absorbent laminate comprising an absorbent layer between two tissue layers, in which the absorbent core includes a central channel running longitudinally along the core and crenellations profiled along the thickness of the core and providing enhanced liquid distribution across the core surface area or profile and improved liquid absorption into the laminate.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided that comprises a front waist region, a back waist region, a crotch region disposed between the front waist region and the back waist region, a front waist end edge, a back waist end edge, a longitudinal axis extending from a mid-point of the front waist end edge to a mid-point of the back waist end edge, a first longitudinally extending side edge, a second longitudinally extending side edge, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. A portion of the front waist region and a portion of the back waist region are joined in a surface to surface relationship to form a pant comprising a first permanent side edge seam and a laterally opposed second permanent side edge seam. The first and second permanent side edge seams define an initial waist opening circumference and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: An adhesive cover and method of use in which the cover is well-suited to effectively cover a temporary tattoo utilized in radiation therapy treatments. The cover includes a transparent, flexible layer with an optional rigid layer releasably adhered thereto. The first, flexible layer has a lower adhesive surface, an upper low-adhesion surface and a predefined peripheral edge. The second, rigid layer has a lower surface releasably adhered to the upper low-adhesion surface of the first layer, an opposing upper exposed surface, and a peripheral edge cooperative with the predefined peripheral edge of the first layer to preserve the integrity of the first layer during handling and application. The second layer is removed from the first layer only after the first layer is adhered to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A spine board for evacuating a patient from an accident site. At least one cleat is positioned on a longitudinal edge of the spine board and having a proximal end coupled to the spine board, and a distal end disposed away from the spine board and formed in a hook shape, so that securing means, such as straps, can be quickly attached to the cleat to secure to the spine board, the head of a patient placed on the spine board, the head immobilizer placed at the sides of the head, and a cervical collar wrapped around the neck of the patient, without having to lift the spine board off the ground the spine board while the patient laying thereon, and that can be used in any weather or ambient light conditions, and can even be attached by feel. In accordance with a exemplary embodiment, the cleat is coupled to a groove or on an axle extending along a longitudinal edge of the spine board and positioned adjustably along the groove.

Abstract: A wheelchair-towable article, such as a luggage article, having a body portion configured for attaching to a wheelchair by a mounting means to dispose the article to the rear of a seat of the wheelchair so as not to be pivotable about a vertical axis with respect to the wheelchair and having a multi-directional roller arrangement for contact with the ground enables a wheelchair user to transport their own luggage, even heavy loads, without assistance and without unbalancing the wheelchair and whilst maintaining full maneuvrability of the wheelchair including tight turns and reversing in tight turns.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a seat arrangement (1) for an electrically powered wheelchair, wherein the seat arrangement comprises (1): a mounting arrangement for mounting the seat arrangement (1) to a chassis of an electrically powered wheelchair, a seat frame (3), a backrest frame (5), a backrest actuator (7), wherein the backrest frame (5) is pivotally coupled to the seat frame (3), forming a first pivot axis (A1), and wherein the backrest frame (5) is pivotally coupled to the backrest actuator (7), forming a translatable second pivot axis (A2), a retaining mechanism (11) arranged to retain the backrest frame (5) in an upright position while the backrest frame (5) is subjected to a forward-tilting force smaller than a threshold value, wherein the retaining mechanism (11) is arranged to allow movement of the backrest frame (5) to a forward-tilted position when the backrest frame (5) is subjected to a forward-tilting force equal to or greater than the threshold value, and a locking mechanism (13) arrang

Abstract: A walker standing aid accessory package consists of a lower attachment and an upper attachment. The lower foot bar piece allows the caregiver to utilize body weight to pin the walker's front legs to the floor or ground surface securely. The upper part incorporates multiple hand placement stabilization choices for both the patient and the caregiver. This invention increases the patient's self help and reduces most of the caregiver's exertion. Once the patient is standing upright, the caregiver may step aside and monitor said patient's immediate ambulation. The accessory package converts an existing walker into a device that not only helps the patient to stand but also reduces the strain on the caregiver. The walker with the accessories installed offers no interference or compromise to the existing walker's integrity, mobility or storage.

Abstract: A ceiling lift assembly includes first and second motor units which can be operated together in a dual mode configuration and which can be operated in a single mode operation, in which only one of the motor units is operative with the other motor unit being dormant. The system provides routines for switching between the single and dual modes of the assembly and which ensure that in each mode the necessary parts of the apparatus are in an operative condition, whereas those parts of the apparatus which are not used are placed in a storage condition to avoid inconvenience or injury to personnel and patients. The apparatus also includes a motor unit support device of a structure which can accommodate asymmetric loads, on one motor unit only without causing deformation of the support structure.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for standing aid comprising a backrest (4) that has at least one side thereof provided with a crank rocker mechanism that comprises a crank mechanism (1), a triangular linkage mechanism (2), and a rocker mechanism (3), the crank mechanism (1) being rotatably connected to the triangular linkage mechanism (2) such that an included angle between a second driven link (BE) of the triangular linkage mechanism (2) and the crank mechanism (1) is always smaller than 90°, and the crank mechanism (1) driving the triangular linkage mechanism (2), the rocker mechanism (3) and the backrest (4) connected to the triangular linkage mechanism (2) to perform interactive movement repeatedly along a predetermined curve trajectory in response to a driving force coming from a drive effect of a driving unit (100), so that the backrest (4) connected to the second driven link (BE) assists a trainee in standing up repeatedly by obliquely supporting the trainee's waist.

Abstract: A spreader bar assembly includes first and second spreader bars and a coupling member that extends between the two spreader bars and holds them together. The spreader bars are pivotally coupled to the connecting member and are able to pivot with respect to the connecting member in a single direction only. The connecting member may be a telescopic structure with a rod and cylinder and is able to extend and contract in length. Also, there may be rotation within the spreader bar, in the example, rotation of the rod within the cylinder. This enables the spreader bar assembly to accommodate loading differences from one side of a spreader bar to the other. The structure enables two spreader bars to be manipulated together, reducing the risk of injury to a patient or caregiver.

Abstract: An arrangement for the neuropostural and sensorial suspension of the premature newborn in incubators, comprising a support for receiving the newborn and connected to an actuator, such that the support is suspended inside the incubator compartment, surrounding the premature newborn so that the newborn is kept in a position similar to that in which it was in the uterus thus allowing its harmonious intrauterine development.

Abstract: A grossing station comprising a table and an overhead hood connected to the table. The grossing station further comprising a plurality of interchangeable plates arranged in a trough of the table and a lift system connected to the table. The grossing station also comprises a touch screen controller arranged on a surface of the station, wherein the touch screen controller is in communication with at least one manual toggle switch for overriding an electronic control and monitoring system if a system failure occurs within the grossing station.