Abstract: A method for crimping a stent with a polymer coating in a humid environment is disclosed.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal device and methods of manufacturing said gastrointestinal device are described and include a flexible tubular structure including a layered wall, the flexible tubular structure including at least one microbe-promoting agent encased in the layered wall, the microbe-promoting agent configured to promote at least one of attraction, colonization, and growth of at least one type of commensal microbe, and a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end and the distal end forming a flow conduit through the flexible tubular structure; and at least one anchor structure including one or more gastric wall-engaging components configured to engage a wall of the gastrointestinal tract of the subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inflatable weight control device that is implanted long-term with an endoscope in obese and bariatric human patients to promote early and prolonged satiety. The device includes a flexible, inflatable member coupled to a valve body assembly and an elongated durable module residing within the flexible member. The flexible member is selectively inflated to form two bulbs with a central passageway extending through the bulbs and the valve body assembly. Once the bulbs are inflated, the device is retained within the patient's pyloric valve to form a gastric outlet obstruction wherein chyme accumulates and then is directed through the central passageway to reach the patient's duodenum. Due to its unique configuration, the implanted device reduces gastric outflow which results in early and prolonged satiety when the patient consumes normal-sized meals or food portions, thereby reducing food consumption and increasing the patient's weight loss.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the knee joint. The invention is configured to be a standalone device used by individuals on any flat surface. No power is required, pressure is applied manually. The invention is made to be easily adjustable, configurable, assembled, and transportable.

Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.

Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.

Abstract: Braces having elastic portions that can be made effectively inelastic, based on a level of comfort or support desired by a user, via an inelastic tightening mechanism are disclosed. Some contemplated braces have lumbar supports that are at made at least in part of an elastic material, and inelastic tightening systems that extend across the elastic material and can decrease the effective elasticity of the elastic material to provide greater support.

Abstract: A system for supporting and manipulating a leg of a patient including a base configured to be releasably secured to the ground, a first guide rail coupled to the base, wherein the first guide rail has a longitudinal axis, a boot coupled to the first guide rail, wherein the boot is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of a foot of the patient, and a drape hanger assembly coupled to the base, wherein the drape hanger assembly includes a pair of drape hangers oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongate guide rail.

Abstract: A pouch (10) comprises a flexible bag (12) having an opening (12a) at one end, and a safety valve arranged inside the bag (12) to substantially prevent the content of the bag (12) leaving through the opening (12a). The valve comprises a first pair of sheets (22) and a second pair of sheets (24) that are bonded together locally at a plurality of spaced-apart primary bonding points (25), and a third pair of sheets (26), the first, second, and third pairs of sheets (22, 24, and 26) being bonded together locally at a plurality of spaced-apart secondary bonding points (27). The distance between the primary bonding points (25) and the distal end of the sheets of the second pair of sheets (24) varies along a transverse axis (Dt) of the bag (12).

Abstract: An undergarment including a main body having a back panel and a pair of front panels extending from opposite sides of the back panel with the front panels interconnectable to one another such that the main body defines a continuous structure. A pair of shoulder straps extend from an upper edge of the main body with each shoulder strap including a rear strap portion and a front strap portion which are interconnectable to one another such that the shoulder straps define an arm hole on each side of the undergarment. Each armhole has a lowermost point along the main body. An underbust band extends along a lower edge of the main body. Each strap front portion has a length from a free end thereof to the lowermost point which is approximately equal to a total height defined by a height of the main body at the lowermost point plus a height of the underbust band.

Abstract: A washable ostomy pouch which enables accumulating discharged waste and also to drain and wash it without detaching the pouch from the user. The washable pouch has an abdominal inlet coupling, a draining outlet and a washing inlet. The washable pouch has a flat structure constructed of two planar sheets of flexible material, which are fused together at their margins all along their borders except for inlet and outlet openings. Both the washing inlet and draining outlet have seals. The washing inlet's funnel shape facilitates pouring water into the pouch, whereby liquefying the discharged waste and enabling easier draining. The abdominal adhesive faceplate is attached to the washable pouch on its distal side. The abdominal adhesive faceplate which has on its proximal side an adhesive layer of skin barrier surrounding a central opening enables to adhere the abdominal adhesive faceplate to the user's abdominal skin surrounding the user's stoma.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an ostomy appliance coupling system is disclosed. The system comprises a wafer part having a rise extending away from a body surface to form a guide means and a shallow landing zone; a pouch part having a guide adapted to engage with the landing zone in a desired location relative to the guide means; and an adhesive layer recessed within the guide and adapted to adhere to the landing zone.

Abstract: Biological fluid collection. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including a sleeve of elastomeric material and a receptacle coupled to the sleeve. The sleeve may include: first and second ends, each end comprising respectively a first and a second orifice; and a passage extending between the first and second orifices. The receptacle may include: a side wall and a bottom that define an interior volume and a height; and an entrance portion that defines an internal diameter, wherein the height of receptacle is at least half the internal diameter. The receptacle may mechanically couple to the sleeve such that the interior volume is fluidly coupled to the passage of the sleeve.

Abstract: A sleep apnea oral appliance in which a pair of appliance trays are worn over respective orthodontic trays. The appliance trays are adjustable in order to allow them to be used with a series of orthodontic trays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame. The frame comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer made of a polycarbonate diol, 1,6-hexamethylenediisocyanate, and a chain extender.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inserter (100), having a proximal (20) and distal (30) end, for inserting and positioning an intra-uterine device (IUD) (120), which is attached to a withdrawal string (130), said inserter (100) comprising: a) a plunger (102), having a central longitudinal axis, configured for slidable mounting of a hollow protective tube (110), the distal (30) end of the plunger (102) being configured for dismountable connection with the IUD (120), which protective tube (110) is configured to slidably cover the IUD (120); b) a handle (104), which is attached to the proximal (20) end of the plunger (102); and c) a longitudinal member (150) that forms part of the handle (104), which extends in the distal (30) direction with respect to the plunger (102), which longitudinal member (150) contains a friction contact surface (152) against which the protective tube (110) can frictionally engage, wherein the frictional engagement of the friction contact surface (152) against the protective tube (11

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of eggs in a uterine tube formed by a uterine tube wall of a patient. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the uterine tube wall) at least one portion of the uterine tube wall to influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the uterine tube wall portion to further influence the flow of eggs in the uterine tube. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow of eggs in the uterine tube, or for actively moving the fluid in the uterine tube, with a low risk of injuring the uterine tube.

Abstract: An eye and eyelid cover includes a pair of spaced viewing windows between which, in use, a reservoir of hot water is contained, and a compartment within which a phase change material is contained, the phase change material being molten at the initial temperature of the hot water and solidifying during cooling of the hot water while a treatment procedure is being carried out.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing heat loss in at least one region of a subject's body is described. The device includes a mask component, a heat releasing reservoir, and a conduit connecting the mask component to the heat releasing reservoir and creating an airflow path therethrough, wherein the heat releasing reservoir includes at least one air permeable region that is impermeable to condensed water. Heat loss is reduced by the subject positioning the mask over the mouth and/or nose, positioning the heat releasing reservoir over the region of the subject's body, and passing warmed air exhaled by the subject into the mask through the conduit and into the heat releasing reservoir, such that the warmed air passes through the heat releasing reservoir while retaining condensed water within the heat releasing reservoir, thereby increasing the temperature of the air surrounding the at least one region of the subject's body.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, a connector member, an first tubular member, a second tubular member, and an inner cannula. The connector member has first and second passageways in which the first and second fluid conduits are positioned, respectively. A portion of the second tubular member is positioned within the lumen of the first tubular member. A proximal portion of the inner cannula is fixedly secured within the lumen of the first tubular member. The inner cannula lumen is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits via the lumen of the first tubular member and the lumen of the second tubular member. The inner cannula may be inserted into the subretinal space of a human eye to deliver a leading bleb of fluid and then deliver a therapeutic agent, without having to withdraw the inner cannula from the subretinal space between the acts of delivering the leading bleb delivering the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A novel retinal and optic nerve autologous bone-marrow derived stem cell surgery method is provided. The method generally includes the separation of stem cells from the bone-marrow of a patient, and the reintroduction of the cells to treat various optic nerve and retinal conditions of the eye. Novel needle embodiments which can be used during the stem cell surgery are also described.

Abstract: A surgical system combines a cannula and an instrument in a manner that allows small gauge instruments to be used effectively, with little or no bending with respect to the manipulating proximal side of the instrument. Such design overcomes the shortcomings of prior art, and applies to various microsurgical procedures, including ophthalmology, allowing the use of smaller endo-photocoagulation probes, illumination probes, combination probes, vitrectors, scissors, manipulators, picks, diathermy, and others. By using smaller gauge, patient recovery is expected to be faster.

Abstract: A laser system including: a laser source operable to emit a first laser beam having a first operating wavelength and a second laser beam having a second operating wavelength; a fiber optic cable to guide and homogenize the first and second laser beams; an expander to increase the diameter of the first and second laser beams; a cylinder to guide the first and second laser beams and limit respective diameters of the first and second laser beams, wherein the cylinder is positioned after the expander on an optical path of the laser beam; a first optical system to collimate the first and second laser beams, wherein the optical system is positioned after the cylinder on the optical path of the first and second laser beams; a spot-size selector comprising a plurality of apertures, wherein the spot-size selector is positioned after the first optical system on the optical path of the first and second laser beams; and a second optical system to focus the first and second laser beams on a tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to an active hearing protection device comprising a communication device operable to provide active hearing protection to a wearer; a set of earmuffs connected to the communication device, wherein each earmuff comprises an indicator mechanism operable to indicate to the communication device when the earmuff is inserted into a user's ear, a processor operable to receive information from the set of earmuffs and the indicator mechanisms of the earmuffs, and operable to automatically power the active hearing protection device on or off based on the information received from the indicator mechanism(s). When it is determined that both earmuffs are inserted into the user's ears, the active hearing protection device is powered on, and when it is determined that at least one of the earmuffs is not inserted into the user's ear(s), the active hearing protection device is powered off.

Abstract: A method of forming a web includes directing a first discrete segment at a first speed to a first pick-up location. The first discrete segment is transferred from the first pick-up location to an application location using a first segment transfer device. A second discrete segment is directed to at a second speed to a second pick-up location. The second discrete segment is transferred from the second pick-up location to the application location using a second segment transfer device. The first and second discrete segments are attached to each other at the application location to form a web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article having a body-facing surface and a transverse centerline, comprising; a hydrophilic topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a lateral topsheet on each longitudinal side of the body-facing surface of the absorbent article so that at least a part thereof covers the topsheet where the topsheet covers the absorbent core, wherein the lateral topsheet comprises an embedded zone along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article comprising a plurality of compressed areas where the lateral topsheet and the topsheet are jointly compressed so that the lateral topsheet is embedded into the topsheet, and wherein the lateral topsheet in the compressed areas is one layer.

Abstract: A method of maintaining sterile surgical instruments sterile. The instruments are placed on a tray located on an upper surface of a sterile gas flow conditioning emitter affixed onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision. The emitter has upper and lower gas vents from its interior, the upper vent facing and opening across the tray for passing sterile gas across the tray to maintain a sterile field on the tray for the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical pad to support a patient on an operating room table, including a gel-infused polyurethane visco-elastic foam configured to support a patient on an operating room table, and an optional perineal cut-out to permit access to the patient's perineum when the patient is lying in a supine position on the surgical pad, and methods of making and using such a surgical pad during surgery.

Abstract: A method of securing a patient onto an operating table when the patient is in a position such as the trendelenburg position and apparatus therefor including a kit. A viscoelastic pad is used to support and hold a patient on a medical procedure table during a medical procedure performed while the table, and thus the patient lying thereon, is in an inclined position, such as the Trendelenburg position. The viscoelastic pad has characteristics which promote a minimization of pressure forces on the patient's body, as well as promote a secure cushioning and holding of the patient in a desired position on the table, in order to minimize injury to the patient.

Abstract: A device for spine correction, in a particular human spines, has a keyboard with numerous adjacent segments comprised of opposed back supports. The keyboard (3) has at least one set of cooperating segments A, B and C supported on curved arch elements which bias a patient back in engagement with the keyboard toward a desired back configuration. The device includes a support frame (1), and a relatively movable mobile frame (2) on which the keyboard is supported. A measurement system includes a controller (49), a server (50) and a screen (51). The controller is connected to sensors (26) which determine rotational positions of the segments. The server provides outputs from the screen (51) responsive to the sensed data.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied in a physical therapy or health maintenance stretching system including a frame configured for engaging a treated leg of a user at or near the popliteal space of the treated leg to allow a knee of the treated leg to bend inwards in response to gravitational force affecting a lower portion of the treated leg. The frame may be further configured to allow a knee of the treated leg to bend inwards in response to a user force directly or indirectly applied to the lower portion of the treated leg.

Abstract: Multipurpose tactile warning panels for use in pedestrian walkways, and in particular tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multifunction/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology by integrating tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

Abstract: A method for guiding the blind includes: determining a target direction; and controlling a mechanical device to shift its center of gravity toward the target direction according to the target direction; wherein the mechanical device comprises a balance weight, a connecting rod, and a rotating axis, the connecting rod is connected to the rotating axis, and the balance weight is located on the connecting rod.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for testing and exercising pelvic floor musculature, the apparatus comprising an elongate housing (101) adapted for a pelvic floor aperture. The housing (101) accommodates an oscillator (120) and an accelerometer (130) connected to a signal processor (140) configured for communicating signals representative of values read from the accelerometer (130). A result is calculated from an applied oscillation and a response measured, and used for characterizing the musculature. In one embodiment the frequency resulting in the greatest response from the musculature is measured, and this frequency is applied during exercise.

Abstract: A light emitting module and massage device provide vaginal rejuvenation. The device exposes collagen in the vaginal area or mucosa to temperatures elevated over normal body temperature to cause the collagen to reversibly or irreversibly denature while simultaneously applying vibration. Once thermally-induced collagen denaturation has occurred, both neoelastogenesis and neocollagenesis may occur and may be initiated with fibroblast proliferation, which may be promoted with vibration. Neofibrogenesis also occurs due to the fibroblastic activity, responsible for secretion of new collagen matrix to effect tissue repair. Thus, the device exploits thermally-induced collagen denaturation and repair along with simultaneous vibration to improve tissue tone, connective tissue tension and bulk tissue regeneration.

Abstract: A communication system and method are provided for remotely reproducing a touch pattern or gesture as a vibrotactile output. At a touch screen, a first user device receives a touch pattern by a first user, characterizes the touch pattern as a touch pattern data based upon time and intensity of touch at a plurality of array points of the touch screen, and communicates the touch pattern data to a network. A tactile array of micro-vibratory devices is attached to a garment and worn by a second user. The touch pattern data is wirelessly received from the first user device via the network. Vibration of selected micro-vibratory devices of the tactile array is modulated in timing and intensity in response to the touch pattern data to reproduce the touch pattern.

Abstract: An automated chest compression device has a housing for supporting a patient and a motor within the housing. A conical drive spool is operatively connected to the motor and a cable, is operatively connected to the conical drive spool. The cable is adapted to extend at least partially around the chest of the patient. A controller is operable to control the motor to compress the chest to variable thresholds.

Abstract: Medical devices, plug-ins, systems, and methods for CPR quality feedback are disclosed. The medical devices can calculate peripheral circulation relevant parameters based on measured signals containing at least partial hemodynamic characteristics. Amplitude and area characteristics included in the peripheral circulation relevant parameters can further be determined for providing feedback and control relating to CPR quality during the compression process. Also, compression interruption during CPR can be evaluated based on a pulse waveform generated from the measured signals.

Abstract: An exemplary method of treating obesity or dyslipidemia of a patient includes 1) generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, and 2) applying, by the electroacupuncture device in accordance with the duty cycle, the stimulation sessions to at least one of a saphenous nerve and a peroneal nerve of the patient by way of an electrode array located within the patient at an acupoint corresponding to at least one of the saphenous nerve and the peroneal nerve.

Abstract: An auto-injection device holder includes a main body having at least a front wall, a back wall and a bottom wall, and an open top. The walls define a cavity for receiving at least partially therein at least one auto-injection device. An electrical circuit is mounted to the main body to provide information to a user of the auto-injection device holder. A switch is mounted on a wall of the main body and may be pressed by a user of the holder. The electrical circuit includes a read only memory having pertinent information stored digitally therein. When the switch is activated, the information stored digitally in the read only memory is converted to an analog signal which is provided to the speaker so that the user may hear the pertinent information, such as instructions on how to use the auto-injection device held by the holder.

Abstract: A device can include an alert mechanism and a detection mechanism. The alert mechanism can activate an alert for a user to take a medication from a target medication receptacle. The detection mechanism can detect a tag associated with a medication receptacle. Actions may be performed based on a correlation between the detected tag and the target medication receptacle, such as deactivating the alert based at least in part on detecting the tag associated with the target medication receptacle.

Abstract: Provided is a filler for dental glass ionomer cements, the filler to a surface of which a compound(s) having a carboxyl group(s) is/are bound via a silicon atom, for the purpose of providing: a filler suitable for dental glass ionomer cements that can provide a hardened cement having a high strength by being mixed with a dental glass ionomer cement composition, the filler that can be easily manufactured from a general inorganic powder as a raw material; and a manufacturing method of the filler for dental glass ionomer cements. The manufacturing method includes binding a carboxylic acid having an unsaturated double bond(s) exclusive of a (meth)acrylate compound to an inorganic powder whose surface is treated with a silane coupling agent having an unsaturated double bond(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic process which applies onto the skin a self-standing cosmetic sheet for the skin, comprising: ?at least one biocompatible and/or biodegradable hydrophobic polymer layer ?wherein ?the self-standing cosmetic sheet has a thickness of from 10 to 1000 nm, preferably from 30 to 500 nm, and more preferably from 50 to 300 nm. The cosmetic sheet according to the present invention may comprise at least one cosmetic active ingredient. The cosmetic sheet used in the present invention is very thin and not easily perceived on the skin; can be prepared with a variety of materials such as a biocompatible and/or biodegradable material, preferably non-cross-linked poly(lactic acid) or a combination of chitosan and alginic acid; and can adhere well onto the skin without any adhesive layer so that it is less irritable or no irritable to the skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for coating having high ultraviolet ray protection ability for a coating material, and properties required for a coating material such as texture, appearance, designability and weather resistance. The composition is a silicon oxide-coated iron oxide composition for coating comprising iron oxide particles, a primary particle diameter of which is 1 nm or more and 50 nm or less, wherein at least a part of the surface of said iron oxide particles is coated with silicon oxide, and wherein said composition comprises an iron oxide particle dispersion having the average molar absorption coefficient of 1500 L/(mol·cm) or more for the light of the wavelengths from 190 nm to 380 nm in a state that said coated iron oxide particles are dispersed in a dispersion medium. It is preferable that the transmittance of said iron oxide particle containing dispersion for the light of the wavelengths from 200 nm to 420 nm is 2.

Abstract: Described herein is a cosmetic composition comprising a mixture of metal oxide pigments having different shapes and sizes which provides high coverage and a natural look upon application.

Abstract: A method for preparing a liquid crystal emulsion includes: a) mixing, warming and dissolving intercellular lipid ingredients, non-polyoxyethylene (POE) based non-ionic surfactant, higher fatty alcohol, oil and wax to provide an oil phase part; b) mixing, warming and dissolving water, polyol and the other aqueous phase ingredients to provide an aqueous phase part; c) adding the oil phase part to the aqueous phase part, followed by agitation; d) introducing a viscosity modifier to the mixture solution under agitation; e) subjecting the mixture solution to rapid cooling under vacuum while carrying out debubbling under vacuum; and f) filtering the mixture solution through a filtering paper or filtering cloth. Provided is a stable liquid crystal emulsion having a multilayer lamellar structure including a large amount of intercellular lipid ingredients through a process using rapid cooling. The liquid crystal emulsion has an oil phase part and an aqueous phase part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamable hair care composition comprising an anionic surfactant, a co-surfactant, a viscosity reducing agent, and a cationic polymer having a weight average molecular weight of less than about 1,000,000 g/mol. The hair care composition may further comprise a silicone, wherein the silicone particle size is less than about 10 microns. The hair care composition has a viscosity of from about 1 to about 3,000 cps.

Abstract: An emulsion suitable for incorporation into wet wipes used to clean urine and fecal matter from the skin. The emulsion includes silicone oil and water-soluble zinc salt such as zinc chloride and zinc sulfate. Phase separation is prevented with an emulsification system that includes a gum blend and salt-tolerant emulsifier. The gum blend includes at least one gum and propylene glycol alginate.

Abstract: A composition for imparting anti-aging benefits onto skin containing: (a) an aqueous phase containing: (i) from about 0.5% to 10% by weight, of at least one water-soluble active ingredient; and (ii) water; and (b) an oil phase containing: (iii) at least one emulsifying crosslinked siloxane elastomer; (iv) from about 0.1% to 1% by weight, of at least one oil-soluble active ingredient; (v) wax; and (vi) oil; all weights based on the total weight of the composition.