Abstract: A safe sleeve gastrectomy reduces gastric volume of a patient's stomach as a weight loss treatment. The safe sleeve gastrectomy utilizes a safety pocket created by a surgeon to increase safety and guide division of the stomach. An instrument tunnel is created to facilitate division of the stomach into a pouch and a sectioned portion. In this manner, over or complete mobilization of the stomach is avoided. The sectioned portion may be lifted for increased visibility to facilitate its mobilization and removal from the patient.

Abstract: A knee brace assembly with a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to the thigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf. The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distal compression system. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximal compression system and the distal compression system. The strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a neuromuscular training device and methods of use. The device and methods are useful for enhancing the alignment of the upper torso of a user. The device preferably includes a scapular stabilization brace combined with a waist member anchored to the lower torso. The device is preferably configured specifically to provide scapular retraction and stabilization, while providing static and dynamic neuromuscular training.

Abstract: A method of detecting detachment of an ostomy device from a patient includes providing, in the ostomy device, a first electrode separated from the patient by an adhesive that attaches the ostomy device to the patient, where a first capacitor is formed between the first electrode and the patient. The method includes applying a signal to an electrical circuit that includes the first capacitor, and detecting changes in a capacitance value of the first capacitor based on frequency responses of the electrical circuit to the signal. The method additionally includes activating an alarm based upon detecting the changes in the capacitance value of the first capacitor.

Abstract: An external incontinence collection device that includes a novel one-way valve system for preventing backflow from a collection receptacle. The incontinence collection device also includes novel drainage valve structures that improve the drainage functionality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handpiece for the phacoemulsification of an eye lens, having a needle with an aspiration line arranged therein for transporting an aspiration fluid and at least one drive element for generating a longitudinal wave, wherein the drive element is arranged in such a way that the longitudinal wave can be coupled directly into the aspiration fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.

Abstract: System and method for providing diagnostic, imaging procedures and surgical laser treatments generating patterns of laser light on target tissue of a patient. The system includes aiming and treatment light beams originating from the same visible laser emitting diode, a scanner for generating patterns of points of light of the generated light, a controller, and a user interface that allows the user to select one of several possible point of light patterns, adjusts the point of light intensity and/or duration.

Abstract: A tympanostomy tube applicator has a hand-held housing and a stem extending from the housing and having a shape arranged for engagement in the ear canal. A tympanostomy tube inserter has a user actuator, a rod having a tip to pierce a patient's tympanic membrane and to support a tympanostomy tube through the membrane where it is pierced. The inserter inserts a collapsed tympanostomy tube through the membrane and expands the tube in situ to provide a distal flange in the tympanostomy tube. A myrongotomy tip expands the tube to a final state having a distal flange as it is retracted.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rigid body, a flexible sealing element, a nozzle assembly, and an electrode. The rigid body defines a channel, a reservoir, and a vent path. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the channel. The vent path is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to provide spacing between the channel and the vent path. The sealing element is positioned distal to the rigid body. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head and a post. The post extends distally through the channel of the rigid body. The nozzle head projects distally from a distal end of the post. The electrode is disposed within the channel of the rigid body. The reservoir extends laterally from a longitudinal axis defined by the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is an earmuff including first and second muff portions with a clip disposed between them. The clip is manipulatable into closed and open positions. When the clip is open, the upper sections of the first and second muff portions are separated. When the clip is closed, the upper sections are together. The earmuffs are designed to cover a human ear and are to be clipped to the headband of a cap by putting the earmuff into the open position, positioning the earmuff around the headband, and positioning the earmuff into the closed position.

Abstract: Hearing protection devices that contain an FM-receiver and antenna connected to one another, each being disposed interiorly in a protective muff of the hearing device, where the antenna is molded into a plastic housing in the protective muff are described, as are methods of making protective muffs used in such a device.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure, wound closure system is presented that generates a closing force on a surface wound and optionally provides reduced pressure to a body cavity or tissue site. The sealed contracting member, when placed under reduced pressure, generates the closing force. One illustrative system includes a first attachment member and a second attachment member, a sealed contracting member coupled to the first attachment member and the second attachment member, and wherein the closing force is generated between the first attachment member and the second attachment member when reduced pressure is supplied to the sealed contracting member. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: The absorbent menstrual cup solves the problem of spillage while removing a menstrual cup by combining a flexible menstrual cup with a non-removable absorbent layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

Abstract: A wound dressing assembly includes a wound cover and a carrier. The wound cover has a length and width substantially greater than a height (or thickness), a first major surface, and a second major surface, opposite the first. The first major surface has disposed thereon a wound cover pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a colloidal absorbent, and it is arranged and configured to adhere to mammalian skin during use. The carrier has a length and width substantially greater than a height (or thickness), a first major surface, and a second major surface, opposite the first. The first major surface of the carrier is disposed in facing relation and is removably attached to the second major surface of the wound cover, and it has disposed thereon at least one pressure sensitive adhesive. After application of the wound cover to skin for use, the carrier is removable from the wound cover to leave the wound cover adhered to the skin.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The absorbent article is a pad that includes a top cover and a lower baffle. The absorbent article also includes a shaping element. The shaping element is folded within the top cover and the absorbent article. The fold is directed toward the baffle. The top cover therefore forms a terminal seam on the lower surface of the baffle. A process is also disclosed. The process includes folding the shaping element into the edges of the top cover and the baffle as the top cover and the baffle form a single fold.

Abstract: A method of treating a web includes directing the web toward an apparatus having a first roller and a second roller together defining a nip. The first roller is rotated in a first direction and includes two ends, a length extending between the two ends, a raised area adapted to treat the web, and a bearer ring. The bearer ring extends around the circumference of the first roller and is disposed at a location between and spaced from the ends of the first roller. The second roller of the apparatus is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The web is fed to the nip of the apparatus such that the web is contacted by the raised area on the first roller to treat the web.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for folding an article into three parts comprising first folding a leading end portion of the article to form a first folded article, and second folding a trailing end portion of the first folded article, wherein the first folded article is transported with a moving direction change no higher than about 45 degree.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading material may utilize an unwind apparatus and a loading apparatus. The unwind apparatus may include a frame and a mandrel. The mandrel may be adapted to receive a spool including a core and a strand of material. The mandrel may be associated with a mandrel support member, which provides support. The loading apparatus includes a base member and a loading shaft having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion may be connected with the base member and the distal end portion may be configured to engage the mandrel. The loading shaft may support a replacement spool including a core and a strand of material wound around the core. When the loading shaft is engaged with the mandrel, the core of the replacement spool is movable from the loading shaft to the mandrel.

Abstract: Described herein are a wearable apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of a targeted substance in a liquid. For example, the wearable apparatus can be a fingernail that detects illicit drugs in a beverage. The wearable apparatus comprises a detection layer comprising an indicator that is configured to display a signal upon the detection of an interaction with the targeted substance. In some examples, the wearable apparatus can include a lateral flow assay.

Abstract: A disposable diaper (10) in this invention is comprising designs (300a, 300b) that are visually recognizable from a non-skin contact surface side S of the disposable diaper (10) is provided in a region spanning a crotch region (25) and extending to a front waistline region (20) and a rear waistline region (30). A method of arranging the design (300b) provided in a region closer to a side of the front waistline region (20) than the crotch stretching unit (200a) is configured to be different from a method of arranging the design (300a) provided in a region closer to a side of the rear waistline region (30) than the crotch stretching unit (200a).

Abstract: A pull-on disposable wearing article having leg-openings of sufficient size to assure that respective peripheries of the leg-openings to reliably cover the wearer's buttocks without apprehension that the peripheries of the leg-openings might collapse inward. A crotch panel at least includes an absorbent structure located on a skin-facing surface of a crotch region and a pair of elastic side flaps extending outward in a transverse direction from both side edges of the absorbent structure. The elastic side flaps have inelastic regions defined on the outer sides in the transverse direction of both side edges of the absorbent structure and elastic regions defined on the outer sides in the transverse direction of the respective inelastic regions. The crotch panel has a dimension in the transverse direction corresponding to about 55 to about 70% of a dimension in the transverse direction of the front and rear waist regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article for personal hygiene is disclosed with an absorbent core sealed between a liquid impermeable garment-side liner and a liquid permeable body-side cover together with an attached bacterial isolation pad, consisting of an absorbent layer sealed between an extension of the liquid impermeable garment-side liner and a liquid permeable topsheet which can be positioned to overlay the anal region of the body-side cover. A detachable bacterial isolation pad from the absorbent article and from the body-side cover is provided. Hygienic gripping tabs at the front-facing end of the absorbent article and at the rear-facing end of the bacterial isolation pad allow sanitary handling during removal of a soiled article.

Abstract: A wipe comprises a nonwoven substrate comprising a layer of fibers. A plurality of the fibers comprise fibrils extending outwardly therefrom only after a time period. The time period is greater than about 24 hours post-nonwoven substrate formation under ambient conditions.

Abstract: A wearable article with an extensible fastening member having a fastener proximate its end is disclosed. The fastening member may be highly extensible, and may have construction features and shape characteristics that affect distribution of force components when the fastener is in use, and reduce the chances of buckling or flipping of the fastening member along its edges, and the chances that the edges of the fastener will be lifted away from a surface to which it is attached. The fastener and material forming an accompanying landing zone on the article may be selected to form a fastening combination having performance attributes that provide further resistance to unintended pop-off under wearing conditions.

Abstract: A disposable diaper for pets, having: a rear-side waist area; a stomach-side waist area; a crotch area; a rear-side flap section; a stomach-side flap section; and a tail insertion opening. At least either the rear-side flap section or the stomach-side flap section have an identification area. A determination can be made that there is a problem with the state of the rear-side flap section, on the basis of visual inspection information about the identification area, said visual inspection being performed externally on the disposable diaper for pets.

Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat, a support plate configured to pivot with respect to the seat, a slide plate slidably mounted to the support plate, and a pivot arm positioned between the support plate and the slide plate and connected to the slide plate and the seat. When the support plate is pivotally adjusted with respect to the seat, the pivot arm causes the slide plate to slide along the support plate.

Abstract: A collar with a relieved area (3) strategically placed in-between the upper and lower wheelchair leg-rest attachments (2) so a leg-rest can still be removed and installed and where the leg-rest locking arm (6) can lock into place unimpeded. A second collar (4) attached directly below the lower wheelchair leg-rest attachment (2). Both collars (3 and 4) are locked into place using flat-head screws (5). Collars (3 and 4) are of sufficient size to extend horizontally beyond the typically exposed mainframe leg-rest attachments (2). When installed at both leg-rest attachment areas (2) the invention protects a wheelchair user from a laceration injury.

Abstract: An improved walker is disclosed. The walker may include a left frame spaced apart from a right frame and connected by at least one horizontal connecting member. The lower portion of each of the left and right frames includes a foot platform that is rotatably mounted and moveable between a retracted position and an engaged position, in which the foot platform is in contact with and resting on a floor surface. In use, a person may use the walker to assist the person rising from a sitting position to a standing position so that the person can then proceed to use the walker to assist the person in walking.

Abstract: Catheter monitor integration with patient support systems, such as patient beds, and with other healthcare communication systems including hand hygiene systems is provided. A patient bed that transmits bed data and catheter monitor data is disclosed. When catheter tubing is connected to a catheter monitor integrated into a patient bed, the bed automatically implements a falls prevention protocol. A countdown timer pertaining to removal of catheter tubing from a patient is displayed on one or more display devices. Monitoring for caregiver handwashing compliance in connection with use of a catheter monitor or a catheter kit is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for a body part including a compression device in combination with a lower leg protection system. The compression device can be integral with the outer support at a position received over the lower leg. One or more valves can extend from a compression bladder for attachment to a pneumatic device. Inflation of the compression bladder positioner adjacent the lower leg also displaces air in the outer support toward the foot which causes simultaneous massaging of the foot. The pneumatic device can be adjusted to provide either sequential or intermittent therapies. The outer support can include a rigid outer shell for providing support.

Abstract: A coffin is constructed to hold an inner coffin for holding the mortal remains therein or thereon. The inner coffin has a bottom, opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sides extending in a longitudinal direction of the inner coffin between the first and second ends. The coffin comprises a base for supporting the inner coffin; and a cover to provide at least partial covering of the inner coffin when arranged on the base. The coffin allows displacement of the inner coffin over the base by allowing passage of the inner coffin from the base at one end or side. The coffin further allows access to at least one other one of the ends and sides of the inner coffin from lateral directions along a support plane comprising the bottom of the inner coffin for getting hold on the inner coffin to move it along the support plane over the base in the direction of the one of the ends and sides of the inner coffin.

Abstract: A vibrator comprises an upper, lightweight, honeycomb rocker plate suspended above a rigid, lower base by a pair of triangular truss rocker arms. A pair of rigid, parallel, spaced-apart stringers within the vibrator rise upwardly from the lower base. A rocker shaft extending between the stringers pivots the rocker arms near their midpoint. A motor secured to the base within the vibrator drives a spaced-apart flywheel assembly that is mounted with a crankshaft journaled between the stringers. The motor is coupled to the flywheel assembly with a drive belt extending between suitable pulleys. The flywheel assembly crankshaft terminates in spaced apart, offset portions that reciprocate connecting rods linked to one end of the triangular truss rocker arms that vigorously vibrate the rocker plate.

Abstract: Provided is a step assist device including a first phase angle modifying section that, according to repetition of the step movement, modifies in a staged manner the phase angle input thereto, based on a predetermined phase change pattern, such that a phase pattern of the phase angle approaches a straight line relative to the passage of time, and outputs the modified phase angle as a first modified phase angle. The control section acquires a target value based on a continuous change pattern of the auxiliary force set in advance for at least one of the first modified phase angle and a prescribed phase angle, and controls the providing section according to the target value.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an articulation (1) with controllable stiffness and a force-measuring system, comprising a first device (20) that comprises a frame (4) having a curved face and connected to a first motor element (2), the first device (20) regulating the position of the articulation (1), and a second device (22) that regulates the stiffness of the articulation (1) and comprises a thrust element (15), the movement (D) of which determines the pre-compression of a resistive element (11) and thus the stiffness of the articulation (1); the first motor element (2) causes the frame (4) to rotate such that a wheel (8) of the second device (22) rolls on the curved face of the frame (4), causing the resistive element (11) to be compressed (C) via a transmission rod (7) associated with the wheel (8) and with the resistive element (11).

Abstract: The control method for lower-limb assistive exoskeletons assists human movement by producing a desired dynamic response on the human leg. Wearing the exoskeleton replaces the leg's natural admittance with the equivalent admittance of the coupled system formed by the leg and the exoskeleton. The control goal is to make the leg obey an admittance model defined by target values of natural frequency, resonant peak magnitude and zero-frequency response. The control achieves these objectives objective via positive feedback of the leg's angular position and angular acceleration. The method achieves simultaneous performance and robust stability through a constrained optimization that maximizes the system's gain margins while ensuring the desired location of its dominant poles.

Abstract: A system for coupling a user to a support apparatus includes a harness for the user, a hoist, and frame. The harness and the hoist have co-operable attachment means for releasably coupling the harness to the hoist. The frame is configured to receive the user, where the harness and the frame have co-operable attachment means for releasably coupling the harness to the frame.

Abstract: A lighting device obtains data related to objects and boundaries in an area in the vicinity of the lighting device, and a user wearable device provides a display (e.g. an augmented reality display based on the data related to the objects and the area boundaries) for a user/wearer. The lighting device includes a mapping sensor that collects data related to the objects and boundaries in the area. The user wearable device includes a camera or other optical sensor and wireless communication capability. The user wearable device is provided with mapping data that is presented on a display of the user wearable device. The communications and display capabilities allow the user wearable device to obtain room mapping information related to area in the vicinity of the lighting device in order to provide navigational assistance to a visually impaired person in the area.

Abstract: A device and method coupled to a therapy garment to apply pressure and repetitive compression forces to a body of a person has a positive air pulse generator and a user programmable time, frequency and pressure controller operable to regulate the duration of operation, frequency of the air pulses and a selected air pressure applied to the body of a person. The air pulse generator has rigid displacers that are angularly moved with power transmission assemblies to draw air into the air pulse generator and discharge air pressure pulses to the therapy garment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cardiopulmonary resuscitation feedback are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes determining a force. The method also includes, in response to determining the force, acquiring spatial orientation data, remove the effects of gravity, and wirelessly or wired method of communicating the spatial orientation data.

Abstract: A trigger point massage therapy device for well-controlled trigger point therapy, suitable for long-term use by a health practitioner with minimal risk of pain or injury, can include a main body with a handle, rubberized grips, a connection pin, that can connect to a pressure point base with a pressure point tip, whereon can further be installed additional pressure point tips in different sizes; a pressure sensor, a step-vibration component, an electro-motor; and additionally heating, ultra sound, electrical stimulation, infrared, and cold laser light components. The device can further include a control unit, which can be used for programming and controlling the functions of the device. Also described is a method for trigger point massage therapy, including measuring a pressure, adjusting the pressure, holding the pressure, rotating/unwinding, vibrating, and increasing the pressure.

Abstract: An article is described including an article surface and a coating set comprising a tie coating or layer of SiOxCy or Si(NH)xCy applied to the article surface, a barrier coating or layer of SiOx, and a pH protective layer of SiOxCy or Si(NH)xCy. The respective coatings or layers can be applied by chemical vapor deposition of a polysiloxane or polysilazane precursor in the presence of oxygen. Examples of such an article are a prefilled thermoplastic syringe or thermoplastic pharmaceutical vial with a coated interior portion containing a pharmaceutical preparation or other fluid with a pH of 4 to 8, alternatively 5 to 9. The barrier coating or layer prevents oxygen from penetrating into the thermoplastic syringe or vial, and the tie coating or layer and pH protective coating or layer together protect the barrier layer from the contents of the syringe or vial.

Abstract: An access device for containers of fluidizable substances includes a body provided with a hollow spike designed to be inserted into a container of a substance to fluidize and having an axial fluid passage and an axial passage for venting of the container, an expandable chamber connected to the venting passage of the spike through a lateral passage of the body, a first check valve enabling one-way communication from the lateral passage to the expandable chamber, a second check valve enabling one-way communication from a vent opening to the venting passage of the spike. A double impermeable filtering membrane is interposed between the first check valve and the second check valve.

Abstract: A method for continuous production of tablets, including providing a contained module comprising at least two inlets, at least one mixing unit, at least one analytical sensor, a tablet press, and at least one outlet for tablets, feeding an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) to one of the at least two inlets, feeding an excipient to the other of the at least two inlets, mixing the material stream comprising the API and the excipient in the at least one mixing unit, measuring parameters of the contents of the material stream with the at least one analytical sensor upstream of the tablet press, controlling the two inlets and/or the mixing unit in response to the parameters measured, continuously supplying the tablet press with the material stream, controlling the speed of the tablet press in response to the parameters measured upstream of the tablet press, and discharging tablets at the at least one outlet.

Abstract: Systems and devices for controlling delivery of a breast milk supplement are described which include a nipple component including aperture; a guard component attached to the nipple component; a supplement reservoir including a port with a controllable valve, the supplement reservoir adapted to contain one or more breast milk supplements, a flow conduit disposed within at least a portion of the nipple component and having a first end in fluid communication with the aperture and a second end in fluid communication with the port; a data storage component including a breast milk supplement regimen; and a control unit operably coupled to the controllable valve and the data storage component and including a microprocessor and circuitry, the circuitry including actuation circuitry configured to actuate the controllable valve to module release of the one or more breast milk supplements based on the breast milk supplement regimen.

Abstract: A nipple-shaped pacifier kit provides hypoallergenic molding powder, liquid silicone, a mixing bowl, a mixing tool, pacifier rings, and paper discs, each providing a slit for the insertion of the pacifier ring. The kit enables the adult user to create one or more pacifiers shaped like the human nipple.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a packaged solid stick antiperspirant composition is provided. The method includes combining an antiperspirant active, one or more structurants and a surfactant to form a mixture, dispensing the mixture from a nozzle to fill a dispensing package, forming a solid stick antiperspirant composition within the dispensing package. The surfactant has a melt temperature that is greater than the crystallization onset temperature of the solid stick antiperspirant composition. The antiperspirant active and the surfactant are in contact for about 5 minutes or less from the moment that the antiperspirant active and the surfactant and the structurant are mixed until the moment that the mixture is dispensed from the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers in which a mixture is applied, this mixture being obtained from: ?a dye composition comprising at least one oxidation dye precursor, and ?an oxidizing composition comprising at least one chemical oxidizing agent, ?at least one of the compositions being dispensed from a pressurized container, ?the mixture of the two compositions comprising at least one saturated or unsaturated C8-C40 fatty alcohol comprising from 1 to 10 mol of glycerol, preferably from 1 to 5 mol of glycerol and/or at least one oxyalkylenated carboxylic acid ether in acid or salified form, and also to a device suitable for performing this process.

Abstract: Kit for whitening a body surface of a user, comprising: an oxidizing composition application device (12); wherein the kit comprises an activator sheet (14) which is movable independently of the oxidizing composition application device (12), the activator sheet (14) comprising an outer deformable substrate (50) intended to be applied on an oxidizing composition (34) placed on the skin of the user, the activator sheet (14) comprising an activator composition (52) carried by the outer substrate (50).