Abstract: A tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends that are upturned in the inflow direction to help avoid unnecessary leaflet abrasion. The free ends are separated across a gap that is large enough to reduce the risk of passing sutures through the conductive system of the heart, yet not too large that support of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid annulus is degraded. The ring may have four sequential segments looking from the inflow side and extending in a clockwise direction from a free end located adjacent the antero septal commis sure after implant. The ring may define an inflow bulge in the first segment and/or an inflow bulge in the fourth segment that help the ring conform to the natural bulges created by the adjacent aorta, thereby reducing stress and the potential for ring dehiscence. Desirably, the ring has variable flexibility, either gradual and/or between or within different segments.

Abstract: An anchor deployment tool is provided that includes a flexible tube, which defines an anchor storage area in which tissue anchors are stored before deployment, and a distal anchor manipulation area that has a length of at least 3 cm. The tool also includes a rotating deployment element, which is positioned within the flexible tube, and is configured to, while the distal anchor manipulation area is disposed within a lumen defined by a wall of a sleeve, (i) directly engage the anchors in the anchor storage area a single one at a time, (ii) advance each of the anchors, while thus directly engaged, in a distal direction into the anchor manipulation area, and (iii) anchor the sleeve to tissue of a subject by deploying each of the tissue anchors through a distal end of the flexible tube, through the wall of the sleeve, and into the tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide devices, systems, and methods that reduce the distance between two locations in tissue, often for treatment of congestive heart failure. For example, an anchor of an implant system may, when the implant system is fully deployed, reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the ventricular septum. The anchor may be deployed into the heart through a working lumen of a minimally invasive access tool. The minimally invasive access tool may have a plurality of grippers near a distal end of the working lumen. The grippers may engage epicardial tissue of the heart and may be moved radially inwardly relative so as to provide stabilization of the epicardial tissue and/or hemostasis near an access site where the anchor is inserted through the epicardium. The minimally invasive access tool may minimize blood loss from the access site and improve anchor implant processes.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances between two papillary muscles. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances along the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distance between the distance of right ventricle outflow track and the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by changing the right ventricle sphericity index. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the tricuspid valve tethering height.

Abstract: An implantable penile prosthesis inflation apparatus includes a manual pump, and a pressure amplifier. The pressure amplifier includes a first sub-amplifier having a first chamber and a piston assembly contained in the first chamber. The first chamber includes an input port that is fluidically coupled to the manual pump, and an output port. The piston assembly is configured to move along a central axis.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass methods and devices for designing patient specific prosthetic cutting jigs and, more specifically, to devices and methods for segmenting bone of the knee and the resulting cutting guides themselves. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for manufacturing customized surgical devices, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to automated systems and methods of arthroplasty cutting guides, systems and methods for image segmentation in generating computer models of knee joint.

Abstract: A mold for forming a prosthesis is disclosed. The mold can include a stem portion, a head portion, and a securement assembly. The stem portion and the head portion can be provided in a kit having a variety of different interior dimensions so that a user can select or customize a mold cavity size based on the dimensions of a particular implant site of a patient. While a set of stem portions and head portions can have interior dimensions of varying sizes, each of the stem portions and each of the head portions can have the same or similar exterior dimensions for attachment using a common securement structure. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis for use in a hip replacement surgery. The orthopedic prosthesis includes an elongated stem component that has a proximal body, a neck extending superiorly and medially from the proximal body and a tapered stem extending inferiorly from the proximal body. An anchor is positioned on the neck and is configured to be engaged by a surgical instrument. A system for use in assembling the orthopedic prosthesis and a method of assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The femoral component includes a posterior cam configured to contact a spine of the tibial bearing and a condyle surface curved in the sagittal plane. The radius of curvature of the condyle surface decreases gradually between early-flexion and mid-flexion. Additionally, in some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the condyle surface may be increased during mid-flexion.

Abstract: This disclosure provides vertebral implants, fastening devices for vertebral implants, and implant instrumentation, and various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a peripheral wall extending according to a vertical axis between upper and lower surfaces of the implant, with each such surface configured to be placed in contact with a vertebral structure, respectively, at the top and the bottom of the vertebral segment replaced by the implant. Some embodiments comprise fastening means, deployment of which anchors the implant in the lower and upper vertebral structures. Some fastening means may be deployed by sliding parallel to the vertical axis of the implant, and may comprise a plate with at least one part remaining in contact with the peripheral wall of the implant when deployed and a pointed end projecting from one of the upper and lower surfaces of the implant to enter a vertebral structures on completion of deployment.

Abstract: An artificial disc is disclosed. The artificial disc may include a superior endplate having a bi-convex superior surface and a concave inferior surface, and an inferior endplate having a bi-convex inferior surface. The artificial disc may also include a core assembly disposed between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate, and a support assembly disposed on outer surfaces of both the superior endplate and the inferior endplate. The support assembly may be configured to couple the superior endplate to the inferior endplate.

Abstract: A delivery device for inserting an interbody implant into an intervertebral space in a patient has an elongate tube with a channel and is sized to fit in an intervertebral space. The elongate tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a longitudinal axis, and a window with a longitudinal axis. The window is disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongate tube and the longitudinal axis of the window is offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. The channel is sized to receive the interbody implant, and also the channel is configured such that the interbody implant is advanced therealong from the proximal region toward the distal region. The interbody implant is deployed into the intervertebral space from the window.

Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a body portion, a carriage portion, a deployment assembly, and an expandable portion. The deployment assembly and the expandable portion are attached to the carriage portion, and portions of the carriage portion are moveable out of and into the body portion. When the expandable implant is inserted into a disc space, the expandable portion is expandable to push the upper vertebral body and the lower vertebral body away from one another.

Abstract: A system for fusing together opposing vertebra of a spine that defines a disc space therebetween. The system comprises a disc preparation instrument and an inserter assembly for use in the interbody fusion procedure. Disc preparation instrument comprises an elongate handle supporting a trial device at one end thereof. Inserter assembly comprises an elongate inserter supporting at one end thereof an interbody cage implant for insertion into the disc space. Disc preparation instrument provides a scoring element that scribes vertebral endplates at an appropriate scored location for anchor blades on the cage implant to engage the vertebral bodies. Inserter is used to introduce cage implant with anchor blades into the disc space to an appropriate depth so that the blades will be precisely positioned at the scored location created by the scoring element for penetration into the vertebral endplates.

Abstract: A spinal implant for stabilizing first and second vertebrae. The spinal implant includes an intervertebral spacer and a bone stabilization member configured to be coupled to the intervertebral spacer. The bone stabilization member includes a plurality of bone screw openings and a plurality of bone screws extendable through the bone screw openings to secure the bone stabilization member to the vertebrae. A retention member, which is slidably coupled to the bone stabilization member, is linearly slidable between a first position and a second position while coupled to the bone stabilization member. In the first position, each of the bone screws is permitted to be inserted into the bone screw openings, and in the second position the retention member at least partially covers each of the bone screw openings to prevent a bone screw from backing out of the respective bone screw opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a delivery device for delivering a tissue repair composition in paste form, such as a bone graft extender and substitute in paste form, for use in surgical procedures including minimally invasive spine (fusion) surgery, open spine surgery and other orthopedic procedures.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant useful in a cementless application is disclosed. The implant may include a curved bone facing surface and one or more pegs or keels. Preferably, the implant is implanted on a bone surface that has been prepared so as to allow for a snap fit between the implant and the bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for bone preparation with designed areas having accurate tolerance profiles to enable improved initial fixation and stability for cementless implants and to improve long-term bone ingrowth/ongrowth to an implant. A method of preparing a bone surface to receive a prosthetic implant thereon having an articular surface and a bone contacting surface includes resecting the bone surface at a first location to create a first resected region having a first tolerance profile with a first cross-section, resecting the bone surface at a second location to create a second resected region having a second tolerance profile with a second cross-section less dense than the first cross-section, and contacting the bone contacting surface of the prosthetic implant with the first resected region.

Abstract: Prosthesis holder (1) made of a radiolucent material for a disc prosthesis (2) constituted by at least two parts which are mobile in relation to each another, including, on one side an element (9) for coupling to a sleeve and on the other side, an element for reversible coupling to a disc prosthesis, the reversible coupling element is arranged in order to allow decoupling, by simple traction exerted perpendicularly to a spinal column when the disc prosthesis has been correctly impacted between two vertebrae and the retention force of the reversible coupling element on the disc prosthesis is adjusted so as not to allow decoupling by simple traction when the disc prosthesis has not been correctly impacted, and an assembly including a prosthesis holder and a disc prosthesis.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an implant between vertebrae includes a body having a through bore, a central shaft movable within the through bore, the central shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus includes a pair of distractor arms having proximal portions and distal portions, the proximal portions pivotally coupled to the body and distal portions for engagement between the vertebrae. Tracking slots are formed in and extend through surfaces of and along a longitudinal axes of the distractor arms and an attachment tip is operably connected to the central shaft, the attachment tip is configured to grip the implant. The apparatus includes a single guide member projecting outward from the attachment tip and the attachment tip is removably connectable to the central shaft in multiple configurations.

Abstract: A system for enabling and disabling a medical device. The system includes a cradle having a magnet for generating a magnetic field. The cradle supports and aligns the medical device in a predetermined orientation. Medical device placed in the cradle exposes a magnetic sensitive switch to the magnetic field of the magnet that produces a change in state of the magnetic sensitive switch. Medical device further includes a switch, indicator, logic circuitry, delay circuit, and detect circuit for coupling a power source to electronic circuitry. In a first mode of operation the medical device can be turned on and then turned off. In a second mode of operation the medical device cannot be turned off after being turned on.

Abstract: An orthopedic system according to one embodiment of the disclosure comprises a first trial member capable of forming a broach cavity in a first bone of a patient. A second trial member is removeably coupleable to the first trial member in a fixed alignment with respect to the trial member. An alignment member is removeably coupleable in a fixed alignment with respect to the first trial member. The alignment member comprises indicia configured to provide for alignment of the alignment member with respect to at least one of the first bone and a second bone of the patient. The alignment of the second trial member with respect to the first trial member when coupled to the first trial member corresponds to the alignment of the alignment member with respect to the first trial member when coupled with the first trial member.

Abstract: An osseointegrated neural interface (ONI) is provided for control of a prosthetic. The ONI includes an elongated, hollow rod having a first end receivable in an intramedullary cavity of a bone, a second end operatively connected to the prosthetic and an inner surface defining a cavity. An electrode is receiveable on a terminal end of a peripheral nerve and positionable within the cavity of the rod. The electrode being capable of sensing the neural signals generated by the peripheral nerve and stimulating the peripheral nerve. A recording/stimulation unit, receiveable within the cavity of the rod, records the neural signals from the peripheral nerve sensed by the electrode and transmits the signals to a controller operatively connected thereto. The controller controls operation of the prosthetic in response to the neural signals recorded by the recording unit.

Abstract: A liner interface and method of making the liner interface comprising attaching non-compressible deformable electrically conductive receptors to an inner surface of a fabric layer, placing the fabric layer into a female part of a molding machine, axially deforming the deformable receptors from their initial thickness with a male part of the molding machine, injecting a molten gel elastomer into the molding machine to completely surround and adhere to the receptors and inner surface of the tubular fabric layer, allowing the molten gel to cure, and removing the male part from the molding machine and allowing the axially deformed receptors to axially expand beyond the inner surface of the cured liner interface.

Abstract: A stent/graft assembly includes a tubular graft connected in substantially end-to-end relationship with a generally tubular stent. Free ends of the stent and graft extend in opposite directions from the end-to-end connection during a pre-deployment orientation of the assembly. However, the graft is inverted during deployment so that free ends of the graft and the stent extend in substantially the same direction from the end-to-end connection in a post-deployment orientation. Thus, at least a portion of the stent is disposed within at least a portion of the graft in a post-deployment orientation of the assembly.

Abstract: An indwelling stent is provided. The stent includes a distal member that extends between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and defines a lumen therethrough, and a proximal member that extends between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion and defines a lumen therethrough, wherein the distal member and the proximal member collectively define the stent, and wherein the distal and proximal members are discrete components and are telescopingly arranged with the distal end portion of the proximal member extending over an outer surface of the distal member.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a method of crimping a tubular stent having a stent lumen onto an inflatable balloon of a stent delivery catheter.

Abstract: A pusher guide wire and a delivery system can smoothly pass through the inside of even a curved blood vessel without causing excessive burden to a stent, a catheter, and the like. A pusher guide wire has a tubular member capable of moving in a radial direction relative to a core shaft of the pusher guide wire. When the pusher guide wire is used together with a stent in a delivery system, the tubular member makes contact with the stent in an appropriate manner when passing through the inside of a curved blood vessel. The stent may include a proximal end engagement portion provided at a proximal end of the stent. When the stent is placed so that the proximal end engagement portion engages with the pusher guide wire, the stent can be pulled back inside the catheter by pulling the pusher guide wire in the proximal direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery device and method of using the same is described. The delivery device comprises a rotatable inner cannula extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a prosthesis releasably coupled to the proximal end. A delivery handle assembly is disposed at the distal end of the delivery device. The handle comprises a first handle disposed about the inner cannula, a rotary dial rotatably disposed about a distal end of the first handle and a second handle disposed about at least a portion of the distal end of the first handle. The second handle is longitudinally moveable relative to the first handle between a first position wherein the sheath is coaxially disposed about the prosthesis and rotation of the rotary dial is prevented, and a second position wherein the sheath is retracted distally to expose at least a portion of the prosthesis and rotation of the dial is permitted.

Abstract: A method for expressing a homeostatic function activating gene, comprising a step of applying a thermal stimulus, which is lower than 50 degrees Celsius, to at least a stimulus application origin part, which is a part between first and second toes of left or right foot sole, and which is located at an intersection of an extended line of a medial edge and a vertical line of the medial malleolus, by using an electric type warm temperature heating stimulus apparatus, thereby increasing a blood volume.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing therapeutic heating are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a device body configured to provide heat to a portion of skin. The device body also includes a low-level heating region and a high-level heating area. The low-level heating region provides a continuous amount of heat at a first temperature, and the high-level heating area provides an intermittent amount of heat at a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: A comfortable insert comprises a retention structure sized for placement under the eyelids and along at least a portion of conjunctival sac of the upper and lower lids of the eye. The retention structure resists deflection when placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye and to guide the insert along the sac when the eye moves. The retention structure can be configured in many ways to provide the resistance to deflection and may comprise a hoop strength so as to urge the retention structure outward and inhibit movement of the retention structure toward the cornea. The insert may move rotationally with deflection along the conjunctival sac, and may comprise a retention structure having a cross sectional dimension sized to fit within folds of the conjunctiva. The insert may comprise a release mechanism and therapeutic agent to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time.

Abstract: Contact lenses are provided for ocular iontophoretic therapy. Implementations include a reservoir adapted to contain a charged therapeutic compound, a current source providing iontophoretic current to the charged therapeutic composition to affect delivery of the charged therapeutic composition into an eyeball, and a sensing circuit controlling the current source to maintain a selected pH range of the charged therapeutic composition. Alternate embodiments include active, sacrificial electrodes for generating ions sufficient to provide electromotive repulsive force to the charged compound to effect transport into ocular tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing coupled to a medicament container, which is coupled to a needle. An injection assembly is disposed within the housing and includes an energy storage member and an actuation rod. A distal end portion of the actuation rod is disposed within the medicament container. The energy storage member can produce a force on a proximal end portion of the actuation rod sufficient to move the distal end portion of the actuation rod within the medicament container. This can convey at least a portion of a substance from the medicament container via the needle when a distal tip of the needle is disposed within a first region of a target location. The force is insufficient to move the distal end portion of the actuation rod within the medicament container when the distal tip of the needle is disposed within a second region of the target location.

Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus comprises a containment body (3), at least one supply device (4), (5) which can be fixed to an eyeball (6) and/or moved by an operator, feeding means (7) for the controlled feeding of at least one operating fluid, at least partly mounted in the containment body (3) and in turn comprising at least one main pipe (8) which is or can be connected to the supply device (4), (5), and at least one control unit (21) operatively connected at least to the feeding means (7) for controlling their operation. The vitrectomy apparatus (1) also comprises means for varying the temperature (11) of the operating fluid, being coupled with the feeding means (7) and/or with the supply device (4), (5), for varying the temperature of the operating fluid, the control unit (21) also being connected to the means for varying the temperature (11) in order to control their operation. In particular, the means for varying the temperature (11) can act as heating means (12), and comprise one or more Peltier cells (15).

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical console may include a pneumatic valve to drive a pneumatic tool coupled to the surgical console. The console may further include a controller operable to control and adjust the valve open/close cycle times according to a valve duty cycle. The valve may switch between ports (valve open time for a first port and valve close time for a second port) such that a total valve time may approximately equal the valve open time plus the valve close time. The valve duty cycle may indicate a percentage of the total valve time for the controller to signal the valve to open and may include an adjustment that corresponds to a signal timing of the open and/or closed valve positions that will result in open and closed operating pressures above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods of laser treatment of the intact crystalline lens to increase ionic transport of antioxidants in specific areas where flexural changes and transparency reduction come from lens aging. Microchannels created in patterns and grids placed strategically in the inner lens carry antioxidants from the source—the anterior and the epithelium—into areas scarce or void of transport mechanisms (and thus scarce of antioxidants). A variety of patterns are utilized to facilitate ions traveling along new pathways.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site includes a pressure source to apply reduced pressure, and a manifold in fluid communication with the pressure source to provide reduced pressure to the tissue site. The system includes a drape for adhering to the tissue site to cover the tissue site and the manifold. The drape has a film layer having a thickness less than about 15 microns, and an adhesive coupled to the film layer. The adhesive seals the film layer to the tissue site to create a sealed space having the manifold therein. The adhesive is sufficiently thick to limit leaks between the film layer and the tissue site.

Abstract: A method for detecting and conveying an alarm signal, when an absorbent article is unfastened or, completely removed from the body of the wearer. The method is intended to be used in parallel with a method for detecting wetness in the absorbent article and further relates to an integrated detection-and-alarm method for detecting unfastening and/or wetness in an absorbent article. A system for detecting and conveying an alarm signal when an absorbent article is unfastened or removed from the body of the wearer and/or when the article is wet. The system includes (a) and absorbent article having at least one absorbent layer, the object to be displaced, such as a fastening system, one or more sensoring devices, one or more transmitting devices, and (b) a remote receiver. Furthermore, the system relates to the use of the system in the care of children and adults suffering from incontinence and/or psychological illnesses.

Abstract: A combined apparatus for indicating the elevated temperature of an infant and for sensing moisture in a diaper. The combined apparatus includes an elongated sensing strip made of highly efficient liquid absorption and transfer capillary wick material having a first end disposed in engagement with the diaper. The elongated sensing strip has a first side having a pair of screen-printed, spaced apart conductive ink bands which couple electrically at one end with a portable alarm unit and a second side having an elongated band of thermochromic ink printed thereon a segment of which is visible proximate the second end of the elongated sensing strip.

Abstract: A wetness notification system includes a detecting unit (2), a clip unit (3), a receiver unit (4), and a sampling unit (5). The detecting unit (2) includes a sleeve body (21), amounting seat (29), a moisture detector (22), a casing (23), a processor (24), a wireless transmitter (25), and a battery (26). The sampling unit (5) includes a substrate (51) and at least one sampling element (52). The substrate (51) is made of flexible material and removably attached to the mounting seat (29). The sampling element (52) is disposed on the substrate (51) for contacting and sampling the urine within the clothing article (7) for urinalysis.

Abstract: A stool management and collection system for acutely and chronically ill patients that prevents stool channeling and the consequential breakdown of patient skin. It comprises a bandage unit, a contour pad, a backing member, an easily connectible and releasable fastener, and a stool holding bag with a tapered upper portion. In addition, a diaper is used to collect patient urine and support the stool holding bag in approximately the same area where an incontinence pad is worn, instead of on the patient's backside as in the prior art. Furthermore, the opening in the bandage unit should leave a minimum distance of approximately three-sixteenths of an inch around the patient's rectal opening for the application of barrier cream or other skin-protecting substance. Super absorbent polymer (SAP) resin may be employed as a part of the system's structure, and a liner may be added to the stool collection bag.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an absorbent article and an absorbent body having excellent absorption performance. [Solution] The present invention provides an absorbent body having at least two or more layers, the absorbent body comprising: a water absorption layer having a water absorption region where a water absorbent resin powder is disposed and a thickness-direction-penetrating opening region; and a layer having a diffusion region where a diffusibility improvement material having an under-load liquid passing rate of 15 seconds or less is disposed, as a lower layer of the water absorption layer, wherein the lower layer has the diffusion region disposed at least a part of a portion located below the opening region.

Abstract: An absorbent article, the absorbent article being a personal hygiene article, includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core enclosed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid flow control member arranged between the top sheet and the backsheet. The fluid flow control member is a spacer fabric including a top layer, a bottom layer and an interconnecting layer of pile filaments between the top layer and the bottom layer. The spacer fabric has a ratio of thickness to basis weight at 15 kPa of at least 1.5·10?5 m/gsm, as measured according to the Mecano-method disclosed herein.

Abstract: A diaper changing system for efficiently changing a diaper without having to carry a diaper bag. The diaper changing system generally includes a diaper having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a cavity beneath the interior surface, a plurality of dispensing openings extending through the interior surface to fluidly connect to the cavity, and a receiver opening extending through the interior surface to fluidly connected to the cavity. The receiver opening is adapted to removably receive a nozzle of a cream container to receive a cream for insertion into the cavity and later dispensing from the cavity through the dispensing openings to the skin of the baby. A bag is removably attached to the exterior surface of the diaper for storing the cream container and wipes until used. The bag is removed and used as a garbage container when the diaper is used.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes disposable absorbent article(s) comprising a skin health composition effective for treating bacteria, including the bacteria associated with diaper rash.

Abstract: An automatic device for storing wheelchairs behind vehicles is provided. The wheelchair storage device is configured to mount to the exterior of a vehicle on the vehicle's roof rack. The storage device includes a horizontal and vertical arm, that when activated by a motor, uses a series of motors and gears to move a wheelchair attached to the vertical arm to the rear of the vehicle. A storage platform is further provided that receives and secures the wheelchair behind the vehicle. The motors of the storage device may be powered by the vehicle's engine, and a remote may be provided for user control.

Abstract: A sliding arm mechanism for attaching to an arm of a wheelchair is provided herein. One concept of the present disclosure is directed to a sliding arm mechanism that includes a main portion having a top area, a bottom area, first and second opposing end areas, first and second opposing side areas and an inner cavity. The sliding arm mechanism also includes a slide rail, comprising a top side, a bottom side and an elongated aperture located between the top side and the bottom side, which is adapted to be housed within the inner cavity of the main portion. The bottom side of the slide rail is removably coupled to a top part of the arm of the wheelchair. The slide rail and the main portion are slidably coupled to allow the main portion to move laterally over the slide rail in a direction parallel to the top part of the arm of the wheelchair, thus allowing the main portion to move between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers, that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.