Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing an expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise providing an angling inserter tool. The angling inserter tool comprises a handle portion, a base portion, and a tip assembly, the base portion being disposed between the handle portion and the tip assembly. The method further may comprise distally advancing a central shaft of the tip assembly with rotation into an opening in the expandable vertebral implant to secure the angling inserter tool to the expandable vertebral implant. The method further may comprise positioning the expandable vertebral implant in a patient's spine. The method further may comprise for causing the tip assembly to angulate with respect to a longitudinal axis of the angling inserter tool, wherein the internal shaft is coaxial with an outer cylinder of the base portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distracting an intervertebral disc space are provided. The systems use a staged, bilaterally expandable trial. The systems and methods of distracting an intervertebral space are provided in a manner that addresses the problem of subsidence. The method includes inserting the trial into the intervertebral space in a collapsed state and, once inserted, the trial is then used for distracting the intervertebral space using an expansion that includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes expanding the trial laterally toward the peripheral zones of the top vertebral plate and the bottom vertebral plate, and the second stage includes expanding the trial vertically to distract the intervertebral space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical finger comprising, a knuckle, a proximal element, a rod, a motor, a motor driven screw and a distal element. The knuckle has a first and second pivot. The proximal element knuckle end is coupled to the first pivot. The proximal element also has a third pivot at a variable longitudinal distance from the first pivot. The rod has a near end pivotally coupled to the second pivot and a far end pivotally coupled to the third pivot. A motor is coupled to and referenced to the proximal element. A screw is driven to change the distance between the third pivot and the first pivot in response to a command from a controller to the motor. A distal element is pivotally coupled to the proximal element. The distal element rotates with respect to the proximal element in response to a change in the variable distance between the third pivot and the first pivot.

Abstract: A conditional braking knee includes an upper member configured to couple to a prosthetic socket. A braking member couples to the upper member. A lower member couples to the braking member and is configured to rotate with respect to the upper member. A flexion coupler couples to the braking member and is configured to couple to a prosthetic foot. The braking member is configured to prevent a rotation of the upper member relative to the lower member in response to a flexion of the prosthetic foot communicated to the braking member through the flexion coupler. In implementations the braking member is a clamping member rotatably coupled to the upper member with a first axle, the lower member is rotatably coupled to the clamping member with a second axle, and the clamping member prevents a rotation of the upper member relative to the lower member by clamping on the first axle.

Abstract: The application relates to an orthopedic device comprising a joint and to a method for controlling an orthopedic device, which has an upper part and a lower part supported pivotally thereon, wherein upper connecting means for fixation onto a limb are disposed on the upper part, and a locking device, which prevents a bending motion of the upper part relative to the lower part, wherein the locking device is configured such that it can be actively actuated by the user of the orthopedic device, wherein a control device is associated with the locking device, the control device being attached to the device with at least one sensor and automatically unlocking or locking the locking device as a function of the sensor signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for endoluminal devices, such as stents, that have components with varying cross-sections at various points about the length of the endoluminal device, with various benefits resulting therefrom.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for a self-expanding medical device. The delivery system has a handle assembly with a housing. The housing has a slot with a deployment knob extending therethrough. The self-expanding medical device is deployed by restraining the housing of the handle assembly and pulling on the deployment knob. This causes an outer sheath to withdraw proximally from an inner catheter to release the self-expanding medical device from a space between the outer sheath and inner catheter.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering an intraluminary member into a body lumen including a delivery catheter including an elongated tubular member, an elongated rod disposed within and slidingly engaged with the tubular member, a handle fixed to a proximal end of the rod, and at least one securing mechanism located on the handle, and a thread-like member removably secured to one end of the intraluminary member, the thread-like member extending between the intraluminary member and the handle, the at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the thread-like member.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthesis in a patient at a treatment site includes advancing an outer catheter of a prosthesis delivery system in the patient distal to the treatment site. An inner sheath and a curved guidewire lumen of the delivery system are advanced from the outer catheter to the treatment site along a guidewire while the outer catheter remains stationary relative to the patient. Advancing the inner sheath causes rotation of the prosthesis to thereby rotationally align the prosthesis at the treatment site. The inner sheath is retracted to deploy a prosthesis from within the inner sheath and at the treatment site. The delivery system is then retracted from the patient.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device for reducing flow through a pyloric sphincter of a patient is disclosed. The device may include a stent including a plurality of strands forming first and second ends, the plurality of strands configured to form a proximal portion having a proximal diameter and a distal portion having a distal diameter. The proximal and distal diameters may be larger than a diameter of the pyloric sphincter and the proximal diameter may be larger than the distal diameter. The device may include a connector assembly including proximal and distal connectors, the plurality of strands being attached to the proximal and distal connectors at the first and second ends. The connector assembly may further include a middle portion extending between the proximal and distal connectors. The middle connector may extend within the plurality of strands, and may be unattached to the plurality of strands.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a covering having a cable tightening mechanism and a cable forming an exposed loop. The exposed loop may be attached to a loop receiving member located on the covering. The exposed loop may also be attached to a footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the covering may include more than one exposed loop for attaching to more than one loop receiving member located on the covering, as well as more than one footwear loop anchor located on an article of footwear. In some embodiments, adjusting the cable tightening mechanism may secure the covering to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A cervical collar provides height adjustment using a locking member disposed on a height adjustment member extending through a height adjustment aperture. As the locking member is moved between locked and unlocked positions, ridges on a main collar body and on a chin support member may be interlocked or allowed to slide over each other from one desired position to another, thereby providing a height adjustment mechanism for the cervical collar.

Abstract: A thin disposable insert for adherence onto the crotch portion of a female undergarment for reducing pressure otherwise transferred from the undergarment to the external genital organs of the female is referred to as a panty guard. An anatomically correctly shaped pelvic organ support included within or adhered to the panty guard provides three dimensional support to the pelvic floor of a female. The pelvic organ support and the thin disposable insert provide a barrier between the female pelvic organs and abrasive fabrics of the undergarment. The pelvic organ support provides a porous space between tight-fitting non-breathable undergarments and the genitalia of the wearer, allowing air to flow across the wearer's skin. The panty guard with a pelvic organ support to prevent infection, lacerations, pelvic floor prolapse, and incontinence.

Abstract: A method and device producing extracorporeal shockwaves for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulator for administering thermal stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) an earpiece configured to be insertable into the ear canal of said subject, the earpiece having an outer surface and an internal cavity formed therein, the internal cavity having an inner surface; and (b) at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece internal cavity inner surface.

Abstract: Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on the injector device, or on a portion of the injection device housing, or on a drug reservoir. Some devices may be removably attached to a drug reservoir, for example, through a luer connector. Other devices may comprise internal luer seal for securely connecting a drug conduit of the device to the luer cavity of a drug reservoir. Yet other devices may comprise a priming-enabling element to facilitate the drug priming of a shielded needle. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: A lens aid, lens aid system and powered light source combined with a mirror that uses a lens cup of soft pliable material providing an improved visual method including a hands-free or one hand method for the insertion of a contact lens and more preferably a scleral lens into the eye.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system for ophthalmic surgery in an eye is provided, comprising: an OCT apparatus including an interferometer; an optical fiber coupled to the OCT apparatus and extending a probe arm of the interferometer; a hand tool comprising: a hand piece, a tube extending away from the hand piece and comprising a distal end portion having a longitudinal axis, wherein a distal portion of the optical fiber is received within the tube; a beam emitter coupled to a tip end of the optical fiber and configured to emit an OCT measuring beam into an emission direction; and an actuator configured to change the emission direction of the OCT measuring beam relative to a tip end of the distal end portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lacrimal duct tube that can be preferably used for the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction, in particular, sheath guided endoscopic probing having been frequently performed in recent years, the lacrimal duct tube being excellent in passage through a lesion in the lacrimal duct, operability in the lacrimal duct, and manipulation of the endoscope inserted into the lumen of the tube, and providing a sufficient viewing field of the endoscope. The present invention relates to a lacrimal duct tube, including: a pair of tubular members that each has an opening at one end and a hole in a side wall communicating with a lumen; and a connection member that connects other ends of the tubular members, wherein the tubular members each include a plurality of resin portions different in Shore hardness, at least one of the resin portions is positioned between the opening and the hole and forms a lumen wall of the tubular member, and the lumen wall has a Shore hardness of 57D or more.

Abstract: A self-adhesive compression bandage, in particular for the treatment and prevention of pathologies of venous origin and lymphedema. This bandage is manufactured by the assembling of two self-adhesive nonwovens based on short conjugate fibers which have been crimped. The fibers are preferably made of polyester. The bandage can in addition comprise a supplementary layer.

Abstract: A compression bandage formed by the assembling of a nonwoven based on short conjugate fibers which have been crimped and of a nonelastic material. The compression bandage can be used in a bilayer compression system, in particular for the prevention or treatment of venous pathologies.

Abstract: A compression bandage that is formed by the assembling of a self-adhesive nonwoven based on short conjugate fibers which have been crimped and of an elastic material, the effectiveness of which increases over time. The bandage can be used, alone or in a bilayer compression system, for the prevention or treatment of venous pathologies or lymphedema.

Abstract: A dressing for an open wound includes a cover layer dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed. The cover layer permits an evacuation of the space around the wound bed such that a sub-atmospheric pressure may be established to stimulate healing and facilitate the removal of fluid from the wound. Multiple performance zones in the cover layer allow the wound dressing to remain in position through repeated cycles of evacuation without placing undue strain on the wound bed. An outer peripheral zone may include a high peal-strength adhesive while an intermediate zone may include a shear resistant adhesive. A central zone may be devoid of any coating to maximize moisture transmission through cover layer.

Abstract: A method of closing a wound with a dressing. The method including: restraining at least a portion of the dressing corresponding to the wound into a first shape; adhering first and second portions of the dressing across the wound; removing the restraint from the dressing while the first and second portions are adhered to the skin by removing a member from the dressing to allow at least the portion to move towards a second shape and apply a force tending to close the wound.

Abstract: A method of preparing an adhesive wound dressing, the dressing comprising a central portion and an edge portion, the method comprising the steps of providing a support layer, drawing the support layer into a mold and dispensing a portion of uncured adhesive over the mold, distributing the adhesive in the mold and removing excess adhesive. The adhesive is cured and the support layer is detached from the mold. The central portion is provided with a plurality of through-going holes and an absorbent pad is placed on the non-adhesive side of the central portion and finally a backing layer is laminated to the absorbent pad and the edge portion of the support layer.

Abstract: A unit for making absorbent pads for nappies including a forming drum by which the absorbent pad is formed and in turn including on its peripheral surface one or more suction recesses; at least one hood for feeding the absorbent material and peripherally facing at least part of the peripheral surface of the drum; and a duct which leads to the hood and which can intermittently feed predetermined charges of a superabsorbent material; the feeding duct is configured in such a way that the flow of superabsorbent material fed into the hood expands until reaching an extent corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the at least one discrete layer of the absorbent pad.

Abstract: An absorbent article may be constructed by printing on an unstretched web that forms a portion of the side panels. Seams may be formed by attaching the side panels to a chassis. The side panels and the chassis may have different elastic properties. The absorbent article may also comprise first and second waistbands.

Abstract: Absorbent surgical towels with reduced lint particle generation are provided. The surgical towels are formed from fibrous substrates containing binder material that limits lint particle generation to 5,000 or less according to INDA standard test 160.1. The binder material can limit lint particle generation to 500 or less.

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

Abstract: An elastic nonwoven laminate that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven facings is provided. The nonwoven facing contains a conventional polyolefin and can also contain a polyolefin-based plastomer. The laminate is activated by grooving to decouple the nonwoven facing from the elastic film. To reduce fiber-pull out that can result due to activation by grooving, the laminate can be post-bonded at room or elevated temperatures and a specific range of pressures to compact the fibers of the facing and minimize fiber pull-out/fuzziness while not sacrificing the softness, elasticity, and feel of the laminate.

Abstract: A diaper changing assembly includes a bag removably coupled to a diaper. The bag is available when the diaper is changed. A first packet is positioned within the bag. The first packet contains a salve. The salve may be applied to a user when the diaper is changed. A second packet is positioned within the bag. The second packet contains a powder. The powder may be applied to the user when the diaper is changed. A plurality of wipes is positioned within the bag. The wipes may be used to clean the user when the diaper is changed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a sanitary product attachment means comprising a connection member (3) having a flexible base carrier (4), whereas on one main surface of the connection member (3) an underwear connection means (5) is present which is configured to fix the connection member (3) to a piece of underwear (12) and on the opposing main surface of the connection member (3) an absorbent member connection means (6) is present which is configured to fix the connection member (3) to the underside of an absorbent member (2, 2a).

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is placed in a deflated state at a location a human corpse departed from life. The inflatable mattress may include two elongated chambers and one rectangular mattress chamber that supports the human corpse. The inflatable mattress may include one or more devices for coupling the human corpse to a top surface of the inflatable mattress. An inflation device coupled to the inflatable mattress is used to inflate the inflatable mattress to a selected height in less than about 2 minutes with the human corpse coupled to the inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress is movable, with the human corpse coupled to the inflatable mattress, from the location the human corpse departed from life to a secondary location.

Abstract: A wheelchair suspension assembly includes a frame, a drive assembly, an anti-tip linkage, a front anti-tip wheel, and a rear anti-tip wheel. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel. The front anti-tip wheel is positioned forward of the drive wheel by the anti-tip linkage. The rear anti-tip wheel is positioned rearward of the drive wheel the anti-tip linkage. The anti-tip linkage couples the front anti-tip wheel to the rear anti-tip wheel such that upward movement of the front anti-tip wheel relative to the frame causes upward movement of the rear anti-tip wheel relative to the frame. The anti-tip linkage includes a front anti-tip pivot arm that is pivotally coupled to the frame, a rear anti-tip pivot arm that is pivotally coupled to the frame, and a connecting link that couples the front anti-tip pivot arm and the rear anti-tip pivot arm.

Abstract: An item of seating furniture having a sitting surface which is mounted on a frame structure and which can be lifted from a lower position to an upper position by means of a lifting device, said lifting device having a scissors mechanism that has at least two limb parts which can pivot relative to each other. At least one spring element which is prestressed in the lower position, acts in the direction of the upper position and can be arranged in at least two different angular positions engages with at least one of the limb parts which is mounted via an articulated joint to the frame structure.

Abstract: One embodiment of a climate management topper includes a flowpath boundary which defines a flowpath adapted to carry a stream of fluid in a principal direction. A flow compliant filler occupies at least part of the flowpath. The filler includes a spacer and a set of shape change actuators (SCA's) each of which is made of a shape change material (SCM). The properties of the SCM include a critical temperature T0. The SCA's are configured to regulate distribution of the fluid stream through the flowpath in a direction transverse to the principal direction as a function of temperature. In one example the flowpath boundary is formed by liner panels and the SCA's are linear elements that elongate at a temperature TH which is higher than T0 thereby distending the spacer and reducing its resistance to fluid flow. One suitable shape change material is a nickel/titanium alloy known as NiTiNOL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting and transporting device. The device of the invention is useful for lifting and moving any object which has a pair of spaced apart wheels but is particularly adapted for the lifting and transporting of hospital beds. The bed lifter includes an improved means of engaging a bed and supporting the load of the bed or bed/patient combination during lifting and transportation by engaging the bed wheels and not the bed frame.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to wheelchair systems for transporting a mobility-challenged passenger onto an aircraft and transfer that passenger into an aircraft seat. The implementations include systems with lift systems, belt systems, and/or transfer ramps.

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 and walk or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable apparatus for obtaining urinary control and emptying of the urinary bladder, The apparatus operates with a powered member (100) operating from the outside of the urinary bladder assisted by a support structure to discharge urine from the urinary bladder. A control device (200) controls the operation of the powered member. The control device further comprises a source of energy for operating the powered member and other energy consuming parts of the apparatus and a control assembly.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

Abstract: A chest compressor includes a piston (14) that moves in downward and upward strokes within a cylinder (12), with the piston undergoing a smooth reversal at the bottom of the downward stroke. A compression spring, such as a wave spring (60), is positioned to engage the piston only near the end of its downward stroke, to smoothly reverse the piston motion, limit downward force on the patient at the end of the stroke, and avoid a downward pulse due to the momentum of the downwardly-moving piston. A stop (90, 92) is latchable in an inward position to allow reduction in the piston stroke by engaging an outward flange (52) on the piston before the piston has moved fully downward.

Abstract: People can damage their medicines by taking them outside in hot or cold weather. On the other hand, some people need to carry their medicines with them wherever they go (even if the weather is extremely hot or cold). Specially constructed storage systems can protect medicines from damage due to hot and cold weather without requiring bulky structures or expensive components that consume electricity to regulate temperature.

Abstract: A prescription drug monitoring/dispensing device ensures prescription medication housed within is taken only as directed, and not abused or sold on the streets. The device serves as an intricately guarded casing that may only dispense the preprogrammed dosage amounts at preset times, as directed by a prescribing physician. The device may include a housing having a biometric finger scanner and a display screen in communication therewith, a loading tube capable of holding a pill therein, a rotating hub in communication with the loading tube, a rotating disc in communication with the loading tube, and an exit port capable of dispensing the pill out from the housing.

Abstract: An infant bottle (10) method and kit, wherein the bottle comprising: a disposable bag (20), for containing a beverage (30, 44, 46); a foldable bag frame (16), for deploying therein the disposable bag (20) at a deployed state of the foldable bag frame (16), wherein a folded state thereof occupies less space than an unfolded state thereof; and a teat (14), for covering the disposable bag (20) in a sealed manner, thereby resulting in a compact infant bottle (10) at a folded state of the foldable bag frame (16), and sealable upon deployment.

Abstract: A bite-safe artificial nipple is constructed of polymeric materials sufficiently soft and elastic to replicate a nursing mother's nipple tissue. Added to the soft, elastic matrix phase is a braided fibrous mesh tube to prevent a small bitten-off portion of the nipple from becoming separated from the rest of the teat, thereby preventing a choking hazard. The braided fibrous mesh tube is arranged in a very specific configuration, so that it experiences neither tension nor compression as the teat is compressed or elongated in use and so does not act to “reinforce” the soft, elastic matrix phase which would otherwise create a classic load-transfer composite destroying the soft, elastic properties of the matrix phase needed for the desired functioning of the artificial teat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to [1] a detergent composition including pigment granules containing (A) from 10 to 95% by mass of a water-insoluble pigment, and (B) at least two compounds selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol derivative, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and a polyvinyl pyrrolidone derivative; and [2] a process for producing the detergent composition according to the above [1], including the steps of mixing and granulating a powder containing the water-insoluble pigment (A) and a solution of the component (B) to obtain a granulated product; drying the resulting granulated product to obtain the pigment granules; and mixing the pigment granules with a detergent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium: a) composite particles with a mean size of greater than 0.1 ?m, containing a matrix comprising i) at least one organic material and/or at least one mineral material and ii) at least titanium dioxide; and b) hydrophobic silica aerogel particles. The invention also relates to a cosmetic process for caring for and/or making up human keratin materials, especially bodily or facial skin or the hair, comprising at least the application, to the surface of the keratin material, of a composition as defined previously. The invention also relates to a non-therapeutic cosmetic process for limiting the darkening of the skin and/or improving the color and/or uniformity of the complexion, comprising the application, to the surface of the keratin material, of a composition as defined previously.

Abstract: A dentifrice composition comprising 45% to 75% water, by weight of the composition; 25% to 50% of a calcium-containing abrasive by weight of the composition; greater than 0.10% to 0.30% benzyl alcohol, by weight of the composition; 0.01% to 0.11% of a paraben by weight of the composition; and an alkaline pH.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are oral care compositions comprising a zinc amino acid halide complex, and linear polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or sodium tripolyphosphate, which compositions have improved rheological stability. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.