Abstract: A nerve tissue stimulator configured for contacting to or insertion in the body of a subject to stimulate a tissue therein, said probe comprising: (a) a support configured for contacting to or positioning adjacent a tissue of said subject; (b) at least one thermoelectric device (TED) on said support and positioned for thermally stimulating said nerve tissue.

Abstract: A device for delivering caloric vestibular stimulation to an individual, includes: (a) an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the individual for delivering a first thermal stimulus; (b) an input unit for receiving a user input indicating efficacy of said first thermal stimulus, and (c) a controller operatively associated with said earpiece and said input unit for: (i) controlling said earpiece to provide said first thermal stimulus, and (ii) receiving a signal corresponding to the user input and generating a control signal to control the earpiece and delivering a subsequent thermal stimulus different from said first thermal stimulus. In some embodiments, each thermal stimulus is an actively controlled time varying waveform stimulus.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide a therapeutic fluid to devices implanted in the body, for example to containers of devices implanted in the eye of a patient. The methods and apparatus may comprise an injector to increase an amount of therapeutic agent injected into the device implanted in the eye, or a structure to receive the therapeutic fluid within the device implanted in the eye, or combinations thereof. The device implanted in the eye may comprise a reservoir chamber having a fluid with a density different than the therapeutic fluid, and the apparatus can be adapted to at least partially separate the implanted device fluid from therapeutic fluid within the reservoir chamber to increase and amount of therapeutic fluid placed in the reservoir chamber.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical hand piece comprises a driver coupled to a horn. The horn is coupled to a needle. An aspiration pump is integral with the hand piece and is located close to the needle. A rigid length of aspiration line is located between the aspiration pump and the needle. An optional pressure sensor is located between the aspiration pump and the needle as well.

Abstract: A surgical device and procedure are provided for smoothly and easily accessing tissue to perform microsurgery, including a capsulotomy of a lens capsule of an eye. The device includes a handpiece with a tip for insertion into an incision in the cornea of the eye. A sliding element is disposed within the handpiece and a suction cup is mounted to the sliding element. The sliding element can be translated to move the suction cup into and out of the handpiece. A compression mechanism associated with the suction cup and the handpiece compresses the suction cup for deployment through the tip of the handpiece. The suction cup can expand inside the anterior chamber into a cutting position on the lens capsule. A cutting element mounted to the suction cup is used to cut a portion of the lens capsule and to remove the portion from the eye.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the measurement and control of fluid using one or two capacitors are described. The devices use Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) and radio-frequency inductive coupling to sense the properties of a fluid in a tube. The single and double capacitor devices may be coupled to shunts implantable in a patient and operable to be interrogated non-invasively. The shunts employing the novel capacitor devices are insensitive to stray signals such as the orientation of a patient's head. The devices are operable to employ a wireless external spectrometer to measure passive subcutaneous components.

Abstract: Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to a method for vision correction using corneal collagen crosslinking (“CCXL”), in which the physician is able to precisely control the pattern of ultraviolet (“UV”) energy delivered to the cornea, by means of a programmable masking array placed between the UV source and the cornea. A CCXL LCD masked is used to create various patterns of “on” and “off” pixels. The physician is able to control the degree of polarization of the LCD pixels, thereby allowing the physician to create various patterns of UV irradiation and thus, varying levels of CCXL.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing ophthalmic laser surgery using a pulsed laser beam is provided. The method includes establishing an initial cutting pattern comprising a plurality of original photodisruption points, establishing an enhanced cutting pattern comprising a plurality of enhanced photodisruption points selected to decrease potential adverse effects due to patient movement and having increased density over a fixed area as compared with the plurality of original photodisruption points, and performing an ocular surgical procedure according to the enhanced cutting pattern. Enhanced cutting patterns may include circular cuts around the periphery of a capsule, vertical side cuts for lens fragmentation, raster lamellar cuts, and grid lamellar cuts. Each photodisruption point in the initial cutting pattern and the enhanced cutting pattern comprises a laser target point.

Abstract: A protective mask for sports use that includes a front frame for the retention of at least one lens, a nasal support element, the fit of the nasal support element being adjusted, by adaptation of the frame to the shape of the face in the nasal support region. The support element is structurally independent of the front frame and at least one appendage is mounted to be rotatable on the front frame, at the nasal support region, about an axis of rotation and also acting on the nasal support element, in order to displace the support relative to the front frame, the at least one appendage being reversibly locked in a selected angular position relative to the frame, about the axis, so as to improve the adaptation of the nasal support element to the shape of the nasal region of the face.

Abstract: Provided are mask removable type automatic shading goggles in that a welding helmet is manufactured in a goggle shape, so that the mask removable type automatic shading goggles can replace the existing heavy and large welding surface; the mask removable type automatic shading goggles can also be used for both an arc welding work and a grinding work, a cutting work, and a gas welding work; and if necessary, the mask part can be easily attachably and detachably coupled to the goggle part.

Abstract: Protective headgear and an optical filter cartridge that is removably mountable thereto, and methods of removably inserting such a cartridge and removing such a cartridge.

Abstract: A unique multi-functional emergency bandage stops bleeding by: (1) optimizing mechanical properties and preventing ischemia and/or necrosis while applying enough pressure to help stop bleeding, and (2) incorporating inorganic anti-bleeding nano-structures (embedded within a gauze and/or microbial cellulose) with almost infinite life-time. Additionally, pathogen passage through the bandage is prohibited (via an intermediate filter layer). Together with the overall anti-microbial character of the bandage, the unique multi-functional bandage offers all these vital features within a single design. The unique bandage can be applied by using a single hand and bandaging direction can be changed using a unique binding apparatus.

Abstract: A releasable medical drape, and systems and methods having the same, includes at least a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable layer, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a soft-gel layer having a plurality of apertures. The soft-gel layer is configured to be disposed adjacent to a tissue site. A portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extends through the plurality of apertures in the soft-gel layer to contact the tissue site. The soft-gel layer forms a good seal with the tissue site and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer extending through the plurality of apertures forms a firm—but releasable—coupling with the tissue site.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed, in part, to a selectively apertured nonwoven material forming a portion of a disposable absorbent article. The nonwoven material comprises a layer of bicomponent fibers, and a plurality of apertures formed in the layer of bicomponent fibers. Each aperture has a major axis and a minor axis. Each major axis is larger than each minor axis. Each major axis has a length of greater than about 1.5 mm and less than about 10 mm and each minor axis has a length of greater than about 0.4 mm and less than about 1.25 mm. The nonwoven material has a basis weight of less than 25 gsm, but greater than 10 gsm. The layer of bicomponent fibers has an effective open area greater than about 3% but less than about 30%. The apertures have an aperture area greater than about 0.5 mm2 and less than about 10 mm2.

Abstract: System and method to use a virtual frame of reference to evaluate and control a manufacturing system. Electronic images from a vision system may be analyzed using the virtual frame of reference to control the phasing of devices in the manufacturing system and to generate alerts.

Abstract: A tampon with an absorbent body of which at least a part of its volume is made from an absorbent material and having a middle part, a distal end and a proximal end, and which is connected to an extraction device. The volume of absorbent material in such a tampon is designed to absorb between 0.5 g and 4 g, preferably 3.5 g, of liquid.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface.

Abstract: A gown dispenser system has a plurality of hospital gowns, each having a back region, the gowns folded and stacked back region facing up, such that, pulling on the back region of a gown on top of the stack removes that gown from the stack and exposes the back region of the next gown in the stack, an enclosure containing the stack of gowns, the enclosure having an opening exposing the back region of the gown at the top of the stack, enabling a user to grasp the exposed back region and pull the topmost gown from the enclosure, exposing the next gown in the stack, and an interface mechanism attached to the enclosure, enabling the enclosure to be suspended on a substantially vertical surface, with the opening facing outward from the substantially vertical surface. Gowns are drawn from the enclosure one-at-a-time, at need.

Abstract: A mechanical lift features the low profile of a traditional wood and cloth cot stretcher allowing patients to be easily rolled or moved upon a flat surface. An integrated mechanical lift system then lifts a patient to a raised position without need for manual lifting. The lift allows patients to be moved and transported without back strain to health care workers or first responders. The lift may be raised by the mechanical movement or expansion of a piston.

Abstract: An inflatable stretcher provides support and protection to a patient, including head immobilization, without interfering with the patient's face.

Abstract: The present disclosure may relate to a computer readable medium containing instructions that include obtaining a first signal corresponding to an idler roller guide speed, obtaining a second signal corresponding to a tire speed, and obtaining a third signal corresponding to a motor speed. The instructions may also include comparing the idler roller guide speed to an idler threshold based on a relationship between the idler roller guide speed, the tire speed, and the motor speed and comparing the motor speed to a motor threshold based on the relationship. The instructions may additionally include, based on one or both of the idler roller guide speed exceeding the idler threshold and the motor speed exceeding the motor threshold, determining that a slippage has occurred, and in response to the slippage, initiating a corrective action.

Abstract: A swing arm assembly for a foldable wheelchair consisting of a camber tube and adapters is disclosed. The adapters mount to the frame of the wheelchair and receive the ends of the camber tube. One end of the camber tube is pinned into an adapter such that it pivots. The other end is pinned in an adapter using a quick release pin. The camber tube improves the stability of the foldable wheelchair. When desired to fold the wheelchair, the quick release pin is removed and the camber tube is rotated approximately 90 degrees, thereby allowing the wheelchair to fold. The adapters may be mounted to the wheelchair frame or to stub axles if used. The swing arm assembly adds substantial stiffness and stability to a folding wheelchair.

Abstract: A lift-assist chair is provided. The presently-disclosed lift-assist chairs can comprise a seat frame, a seat base that is pivotally coupled to the front edge of the seat frame and can be moved between a depressed position and an extended position, an arm support having a proximate end that is coupled to a lateral edge of the seat frame and a distal end that extends from the top side of the seat frame, an arm that is pivotally coupled to the arm support about a point located between a front end and a rear end of the arm, and an arm connector coupling the arm to the seat base and disposed towards the rear end of the first arm relative to the first arm support. Movement of the seat base between a depressed position and an extended position can assist an individual when sitting or standing from the chair.

Abstract: A communication system for exchanging data between an actuator system and an external device, e.g. an operation where the communication system under the form of a gateway and a transcoder interprets the information in a bidirectional stream of data and distributes the information to both ends. The communication system is furthermore provided with a logger function, where the signals that are sent out to both sides of the gateway, are stored in a memory, so that the actions and signals that lead to an alteration on the actuator can later be reconstructed.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for use with a patient on a bed includes an inflatable patient support device, and optionally, other components such as one or more wedges and/or an absorbent pad. The device includes top and bottom sheets, where the top sheet is connected to the bottom sheet to define a cavity, such that the top and bottom sheets form top and bottom walls of the cavity in use. The device further has passages extending from the cavity to an exterior of the device, through the bottom sheet, and gussets connected to the top and bottom sheets and extending across the cavity. The passages permit air to pass from the cavity to the exterior of the device and to flow between the bottom surface of the device and the surface supporting the device. Selective glide assemblies may be used to resist sliding of these components in certain directions.

Abstract: An infant care system creates a microenvironment about an infant patient. An environmental control device is operable to change an environmental condition within the microenvironment. An auxiliary sensor is operable to intermittently obtain auxiliary data. A processor operates the environmental control device based upon at least the intermittently obtained auxiliary data.

Abstract: Body containment constructions, materials, and methods of use for bio-cremation processes are disclosed. Preferably, the containment constructions of the present invention provide the functionality of liquid containment and also the functionality of body presentment for viewing purposes, if desired, in addition to bio-degradability. Advantageously, liquid containment is provided in a body containment construction that is sufficiently liquid impervious, allows for body transport by sufficient structural support, and is decomposable within the time period for a bio-cremation process. More preferably, the containment construction will dissolve or decompose within a normal procedural time period without leaving any component remaining from the containment construction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing, managing and/or treating peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease in a patient. The systems and methods include measuring, optimizing transmissibility and coordinating the delivery of pressure (e.g., sound) waves that are delivered using higher frequency RF band energy in a pulsed manner to carry the energy to larger areas of the patient's tissue. The pressure wave may be delivered at generally the same time a heart pulse beat of the patient is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of converting and reconstructing a signal, including: at a data generator, acquiring signal-analyzed data from an original signal, wherein the signal-analyzed data includes at least one feature point acquired from the original signal; transmitting and receiving the signal-analyzed data and at least one reference data corresponding to the signal-analyzed data; and reconstructing the original signal based on the signal-analyzed data and the at least one reference data to acquire a reconstructed signal.

Abstract: A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a harness or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or walk for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input indicative of at least one factor that contributes to the development of pressure ulcers; determining a risk score as a function of the input; comparing the risk score to a previous risk score; and at least one of activating a therapy configured to reduce the magnitude of the factor and notifying a caregiver if the risk score is greater than the previous risk score.

Abstract: A self-massage roller having a bottle, a covering, and, optionally, a removable cap. The bottle provides a vessel for holding liquids. The covering includes a base layer and a plurality of nubs. The base layer overlays the outer surface of the bottle. Each nub in the plurality of nubs protrudes from the base layer in a direction radially away from the outer surface of the bottle. Each nub is a massage element, and the plurality of nubs forms a textured surface for myofascial release of certain muscles of the user. In another version, each nub is attached directly to the outer surface of the bottle without an intervening base layer. In versions with a cap, the cap may include a flip-up spout, or it may have a plunger valve that opens upon pulling the plunger outward and closes upon pushing in the plunger.

Abstract: There is provided an adhesion release mechanism including a first roller having a maximum diameter d1, a second roller adjacent the first roller having a maximum diameter d2 less than d1 and d4, a third roller adjacent the second roller, the third roller having a maximum diameter d3 less than d1 and d4 and a fourth roller adjacent the third roller, the fourth roller having a maximum diameter d4. The adhesion release mechanism further includes a core structure including a longitudinal axis, the core structure configured to engage each of the rollers.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide a mechanism for transducing transverse vibrational energy into an elastic body of a sexual stimulation device by directly driving the transverse modes of vibration of the elastic body. Additionally, by using an actuator that transduces a force that is proportional to the input current or voltage, the vibration may be driven with any arbitrary waveform.

Abstract: A medication bottle includes: a bottle having a body and a neck; a set of indicia disposed on a surface of the body; a timing ring having detent features on an inner ring surface, the detent features configured to fit onto the neck; a time indicator manually positionable proximate a selected indicium by rotating the timing ring about the neck; and a cap removably attached to the neck.

Abstract: The invention includes a device having a chamber within a syringe. A fluid passageway extends through a syringe piston. A valve is associated with the passageway controlling fluid passage through the piston. The invention includes a piercing structure having a head segment and a body portion, with a channel through the body portion and through at least one surface of the head without passing through the tip. In another aspect the invention encompasses a method of preparing an agent for administration to an individual. A first component is provided within a syringe and a second component is provided within a vial. A closed valve is associated with a fluid passageway between the vial and the syringe barrel through a piston. Valve repositioning allows fluid passage and sliding of the piston joins the first and second components. Repeated sliding of the piston mixes the components to produce the medication agent.

Abstract: A tablet splitting apparatus includes a plate defining a vertical groove-shaped tablet passage, a catcher for holding a tablet moving downward through the passage at a splitting position, and a mechanism for splitting the tablet at the splitting position. A movable groove-depth defining member faces and covers an upstream part of the tablet passage. A sensor detects a tablet passing through the upstream part of the passage. A controller is responsive to the sensor to activate a mechanism to adjust the distance between the groove bottom surface of the tablet passage and the facing surface of the groove-depth defining member depending on the thickness of the tablet. The apparatus is configured to detect the driving current required to move the cutting blades to automatically determine a time to vary the moving speed of the blades and to release the tablet temporarily held at the splitting position, depending on the thickness of the tablet.

Abstract: Dental material which contains a urea derivative according to general formula I, in which R1 and R2 are in each case independently of each other an aliphatic C1-C15 radical which can be interrupted by —O—, —S—, —CO—O—; X is a radically polymerizable group; Y is a radically polymerizable group or an acid group; n, m are in each case independently of each other 1, 2, or 3.

Abstract: A method of forming an aqueous treatment liquor comprising a benefit agent, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a consumer product comprising: (i) a porous dissolvable solid structure, and (ii) a hydrophobic coating comprising a benefit agent, the hydrophobic coating applied to the porous dissolvable solid structure, wherein the hydrophobic coating has a first viscosity; (b) providing an aqueous solution; and (c) dissolving the consumer product in the aqueous solution to form an aqueous treatment liquor comprising a hydrophobic portion and an aqueous portion, wherein the aqueous portion has a second viscosity. A ratio of the first viscosity of the hydrophobic coating to the second viscosity of the aqueous portion of the aqueous treatment liquor is less than about 100:1.

Abstract: A consumer product comprises: (a) a porous dissolvable solid structure, and (b) a hydrophobic coating comprising a first benefit agent and a second benefit agent. The hydrophobic coating is applied to the porous dissolvable solid structure. The first benefit agent and the second benefit agent are premixed to form the hydrophobic coating before the hydrophobic coating is applied to the porous dissolvable solid structure. A method of forming an aqueous treatment liquor comprises the steps of: (a) providing a consumer product, (b) providing an aqueous solution, and (c) dissolving the consumer product in the aqueous solution to form an aqueous treatment liquor comprising a hydrophobic portion and an aqueous portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition in the form of a nano- or micro-emulsion, comprising: (a) at least one oil; (b) at least one polyglyceryl fatty acid ester, preferably with a polyglyceryl moiety derived from 3 to 6 glycerins, and more preferably 5 or 6 glycerins; (c) at least one alkyl (poly)glucoside type surfactant; (d) at least one amphoteric surfactant; and (e) water. The cosmetic composition according to the present invention has a dispersed phase which has a smaller diameter due to a combination of the (b) polyglyceryl fatty acid ester and the (c) alkyl (poly)glucoside type surfactant, and the (d) amphoteric surfactant. Therefore, the cosmetic composition can be in the form of a nano- or micro-emulsion with a transparent or slightly translucent aspect.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous composition in which vesicles and oil drops are stably coexistent. The aqueous composition of the present invention is characterized by containing (a) an amphiphilic compound, (b) water, and (c) oil, wherein vesicles formed with component (a) and oil drops containing component (c) are present in component (b).

Abstract: Described herein, are compositions comprising a soluble quaternary ammonium polymer/polyphosphate complex made by combining ingredients comprising a quaternary ammonium polymer and polyphosphates having 2 or more phosphate units. Methods of making and using these compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides oral care compositions comprising a mixture of tetrabasic zinc halide and trimethylglycine, in free or orally acceptable salt form. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Valeric acid esters of resveratrol and topical compositions containing the esters.

Abstract: Described herein are liquid cleansing compositions having a reduced slippery skin feel comprising a) surfactants comprising (i) an alkali metal or ammonium alkyl ether sulfate, (ii) a betaine surfactant and (iii) a fatty acid amide; and b) polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: Provided are an internal olefin sulfonate composition which is capable of sufficiently enhancing foamability, foam lubricity and volume of foam, and a cleansing composition containing the same. The internal olefin sulfonate composition comprises (A) an internal olefin sulfonate having 16 carbon atoms and (B) an internal olefin sulfonate having 14 carbon atoms, in which a content mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B), (A/B), is from 80/20 to 90/10.

Abstract: Provided are an internal olefin sulfonate composition which is capable of sufficiently enhancing foamability, foam spreadability, and foam dissipation property, and a cleansing composition containing the same. The internal olefin sulfonate composition comprises (A) an internal olefin sulfonate having 16 carbon atoms and (B) an internal olefin sulfonate having 14 carbon atoms, wherein a content mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B), (A/B), is from 10/90 to 70/30, and a content of the internal olefin sulfonate having 18 or more carbon atoms is 5% by mass or less.