Abstract: A powered ankle-foot prosthesis, capable of providing human-like power at terminal stance that increase amputees metabolic walking economy compared to a conventional passive-elastic prosthesis. The powered prosthesis comprises a unidirectional spring, configured in parallel with a force-controllable actuator with series elasticity. The prosthesis is controlled to deliver the high mechanical power and net positive work observed in normal human walking.

Abstract: Methods for forming an expandable tubular body having a plurality of braided filaments including a first filament including platinum or platinum alloy and a second filament including cobalt-chromium alloy. The methods include applying a first phosphorylcholine material directly on the platinum or platinum alloy of the first filament and applying a silane material on the second filament followed by a second phosphorylcholine material on the silane material on the second filament. The first and second phosphorylcholine materials each define a thickness of less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: An endoluminal device can be configured for precise positioning during deployment within a vessel. The endoluminal device can be a tack, stent, vascular implant or other type of implant. The endoluminal device can have circumferential member with an undulating configuration having multiple inward and outward apexes and struts extending therebetween. Two of the struts can be used to establish a foot for the precise positioning of the device during deployment. A method of placing the endoluminal device can include withdrawing an outer sheath such that a portion of the endoluminal device is expanded prior to the rest of the endoluminal device.

Abstract: A stent (32) configured to be placed in a body lumen and having a tubular shape formed by a structure that is expandable and contractible skeleton (18, 19) in a radial direction, the skeleton (18, 19) having a heteromorphic structure due to changes of a cross section shape thereof in a thickness direction. A stent (10) that is expandable and contractible in the radial direction while being configured to be placed in a body lumen, the stent (10) having a heteromorphic tubular shape, a cross section shape of which changes in a lengthwise direction, and having a metal skeleton (18, 19) formed by at least one of electroforming and etching.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for opening a vessel lumen comprising a radially expandable stent configured to open a vessel lumen, the radially expandable stent comprises a curved wall having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen connecting the proximal portion and the distal portion. The assembly further comprises a knitted jacket comprising a plurality of interconnected loops, the knitted jacket further comprising a tubular wall that substantially surrounds an exterior surface of the radially expandable stent, and at least one retainer belt that slidingly passes through at least one knitted loop of the plurality of interconnected loops in the knitted jacket.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque core member disposed within a portion of the outer member, and an annular lumen between the radiopaque core member and the outer member. A substance is disposed in the annular lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member. A plurality of radiopaque core members are disposed within portions of the outer member and are separated by lumens defined by the inner surface of the outer member. The lumens and annular lumens are in fluid communication with each other. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, an intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the intermediate member and portions of the radiopaque core member, without damaging the outer member.

Abstract: A crimper device can facilitate sheathing of a stent frame for vascular delivery. The device can include first and second components that rotate relative to each other to drive radial movement of one or more compression members of the device. The one or more compression members can direct and balance a compressive force within an aperture of the device. In use, the stent frame can be positioned within the aperture and be compacted by actuation of the compression members.

Abstract: A router device is a intraluminal prosthesis which is used in the repair of aneurysms and other diseases of the aorta. The device also has applications in other vascular beds. The device incorporates an inflatable cuff or sequence of cuffs at one end for fixation and sealing. This cuff may be placed proximal to branch vessels of the aorta. Attached to the cuff is a tubular graft consisting of a generally cylindrical graft material. The graft material may contain one or more fenestrations, intended to align with branch vessels as they emerge from the parent vessel, the aorta in the preferred embodiment. The device features a deliberate taper of its diameter as the device crosses the area of branch vessels. This taper brings the diameter of the graft material to a lesser diameter than that of the parent vessel, leaving a deliberate and distinct space between the device and the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: The medical instrument includes: a first rod; a second rod which extends along the first rod; a longitudinal center line defined by the rods; and a manipulator. The manipulator includes a plurality of fingers, each with a first finger end and a second finger end. The second finger ends are free ends. The first finger ends are supported on the second rod in such a way that the fingers are operable, by moving the second rod in relation to the first rod, in order to be displaced from a first position to a second position. The distance from the free ends of the fingers to the longitudinal center line in the first position is different compared with the second position. A stent, a ring prosthesis and a prosthesis device are also described.

Abstract: Medical device delivery systems and methods of using the same are disclosed. Some of the delivery systems may include a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sheath. A bifurcated gripping member may be disposed on the proximal end of the catheter and the bifurcated gripping member may include a first gripping prong and a second gripping prong. A deployable prosthesis may be disposed on the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A control system for deploying a stent graft (20) including a resilient ring stent (22) at one end, provides a delivery shaft (30) carrying the stent graft with the ring stent adjacent a proximal end (33) of the shaft for insertion into a lumen; a retractable sleeve (36) for containing the stent graft on the delivery shaft; a control handle (38) adjacent the distal end (34), of the delivery shaft; and stent peak (50, 52) and valley (70, 72) control wires extending from the proximal end of the delivery shaft to peak and valley controllers (58; 74, 76) at the control handle. Use of the control wires effects movement and/or rotation of the graft allowing fine control of deployment in the lumen.

Abstract: An instrument for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The instrument comprises a base member having a base handle and a deployment extension, a first tubular member having a first tubular body and a first handle, and a second tubular member having a second tubular body and a second handle. The first tubular member fits over the deployment extension and is longitudinally slidable over the deployment extension, and the second tubular member fits over the first tubular member and is longitudinally slidable over the first tubular member. The distal ends of the deployment extension, the first tubular body, and the second tubular body are adapted to hold and deploy the implantable medical device.

Abstract: This invention is an expandable intragastric device for reducing food consumption and/or absorption. In an example, this device can be embodied in a plurality of longitudinal expandable members which are arranged in a colonnade configuration to form a restrictive food lumen within a stomach. Pumping a flowable substance between the interiors of these expandable members changes the rate of food flow through the stomach, the capacity of the stomach to hold food, and/or the amount of food absorbed by the body. This offers some of the beneficial effects of gastric sleeve surgery, while also being adjustable and reversible.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are disclosed herein for controlling movement of an artificial orthopedic joint prosthesis in a mammalian subject. The apparatus, system, or method includes an orthopedic brace configured to control movement of an orthopedic joint prosthesis. The apparatus, system, or method includes one or more sensors and one or more controllers in communication with the one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to contact the orthopedic joint prosthesis, wherein the one or more sensors in communication with the one or more controllers are configured to detect and control one or more alignment orientations of the artificial orthopedic joint prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for electrical stimulation of muscles involved in the physiological gait of a human includes an element for electrical muscle stimulation. A sensor detects information relevant to the muscle stimulation. The sensor includes a gyroscope constructed to detect information including an angular speed ? and a swing direction in an extension direction and flexion direction of an anatomical lower leg of the human. An evaluation unit, including a microprocessor, evaluates the information detected by the gyroscope, determines a defined switching time for the muscle stimulation on the basis of the angular speed ? and the swing direction, and transmits the determined switching time to a control and regulation unit that triggers muscle stimulation by the element in response to receipt of the determined switching time.

Abstract: A water resistant light compression and/or retention bandage for retaining an orthopedic splint, padding or medical device against a body part, includes a knitted fabric formed of synthetic yarns having a moisture vapor transmission rate from an inner face of the bandage to an outer face of the bandage of at least 500 g/m2 per 24 hours.

Abstract: A nasal applique and corresponding applicator for placing the applique on the nose of a user. The applique includes a flexible body including a first surface and an opposing second surface with at least one perforation extending from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface includes an adhesive disposed thereon to enable the first surface to be selectively attachable to the nose of the wearer. A metallic element is coupled to the flexible body and is configured to interact with the magnet when the magnet is positioned adjacent the nose of the wearer and the flexible body is attached to the nose of the wearer. The interaction between the metallic element and the magnet imparts a dilating force on the nose of the wearer, which causes the nose of the wearer to dilate.

Abstract: A device for securing an eyewear lens to a nasal applique which results in nasal dilation. The device includes a base engageable with the eyewear lens. First and second pivot units are is coupled to the base pivotal about respective pivot axes. The pivot units collectively define a nose adjustment angle therebetween, with the nose adjustment angle being generally conformable to the user's nose. The first pivot unit and the second pivot unit are configured to interact with at least one nasal applique to magnetically couple the first pivot unit and the second pivot unit to the at least one nasal applique. The magnetic coupling between the first pivot unit and the second pivot unit and the at least one nasal applique imparts a dilating force on the user's nose to dilate the nasal passageway when the at least one nasal applique is attached to the user's nose.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device. The anti-snoring device includes a housing having at least one sidewall. A speaker and a microphone are disposed on the sidewall. A memory is disposed within the housing, wherein the memory can store a plurality of audio files thereon. A microprocessor is disposed within the housing, the microprocessor having a logic that can receive an audio signal detected by the microphone, determine if the audio signal matches the sound of a human snoring within a pre-defined certainty, select one of the plurality of audio files stored on the memory, and play the selected audio file through the speaker between 40-50 dB. A power source is disposed within the housing, the power source in electrical communication with the microprocessor, the memory, the speaker, and the microphone.

Abstract: The present technology provides a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) which may be self titratable. The MRD may be repositioned relative to the maxilla, e.g., the mandible may be brought, via the device, to a position forward of a neutral resting and/or bite position. The MRD allows for adjusting the maintained forward position by simply biting-down to preserve the desired degree of mandibular advancement. The present technology also allows for movement of the mandible in a lateral direction. The lateral movement is allowed for any forward longitudinal positioning of the mandible. The MRD may use a plurality of components that are coupled together and allow for lateral and longitudinal motion between each other. The present technology may be used in MRDs which may be self-fitted, typically by immersing the device in hot water and then biting into the device, making an impression of the teeth in the softened thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved intravaginal drug delivery devices, i.e., intravaginal rings, useful for the prophylactic administration of dapivirine in combination with either an antimicrobial compound or a contraceptive to a human. The present invention also provides methods of blocking DNA polymerization by an HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, methods of preventing HIV infection in a female human, methods of treating HIV infection in a female human, methods of preventing unintended pregnancy in a female human, and methods of preparing intravaginal rings.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating, at a target ice/liquid ratio with a corresponding target temperature, a slush comprising frozen and non-frozen liquid comprises a flow path for recirculation of liquid therethrough, the flow path comprising a heat exchanger having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the heat exchanger being configured for flow therethrough of coolant at a temperature below the target temperature, the apparatus being configured to vary the rate of coolant flow through the heat exchanger between a first rate and a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

Abstract: A phacoemsulsification needle for use with an ultrasonic handpiece in performing cataract surgery has a plurality of external grooves along its shaft. The external grooves are configured to convert longitudinal drive motion delivered by the handpiece at the base of the needle into torsional motion at the needle tip. The torsional motion at the needle tip has a magnitude greater than the magnitude of the longitudinal drive motion at the base, i.e. the longitudinal to torsional gain is greater than one. The grooves may be helical grooves, wherein the groove configuration is defined by a set of groove parameters including a helical pitch of the grooves, a width of the grooves, a depth of the grooves, an axial length of the grooves, and a total number of grooves.

Abstract: A vitrectomy surgical system is disclosed herein. The surgical system includes a vitrectomy probe having a cutting portion comprising an inner cutting tube, an outer cutting tube, and an outer port. The inner cutting tube is movable relative to the outer cutting tube to cut vitreous humor during a vitrectomy procedure. The surgical system further includes a motor configured to move the inner cutting tube relative to the outer cutting tube and one or more pressure sensors coupled to the vitrectomy probe to measure a pressure proximate to a distal portion of the vitrectomy probe and provide pressure feedback. Related systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of ophthalmology and relates to methods of performing a generally round posterior capsulotomy, preferably in a continuous manner, without disturbing an intraocular lens, and without inducing any pressure changes inside the eye. The posterior capsulotomy comprises performing a generally round circular posterior capsulotomy using a suitable ophthalmic laser device.

Abstract: An underwater mask includes a buckle with a strap that can be moved and adjusted in the up-down and lateral directions on a wearer's head. The buckle includes a base including a spring with a locking hook, a strap adjuster body turnably attached to the base and including a plurality of engaging teeth configured to sequentially engage with the locking hook according to the turn, a handling member held inside the body and operated from outside the body, and a stopper held by the body. The handling member includes a spring, sliding portion, and a pair of finger pads exposed outside the body by the spring. The stopper includes a sliding contact tapered protrusion that slides sliding against the pair of sliding portions to cause the stopper to swing toward a direction opposite to the strap adjuster body and release the pawl from the engaging teeth of the strap.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressing are presented for treating a tunnel wound on a patient. In one instance, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam that is surrounded by a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifolding material. When subjected to reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member expands and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. These actions create intimate contact between the tunnel wound and the dressing, oppose collapse of the tunnel, and when reduced pressure is removed provide clearance to remove the dressing. Other embodiments are presented.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage comprising a base portion having a gauze portion to contact a wound and an adhesive portion, and the base portion defining a pocket adapted for storing the gauze portion, and allowing inspection and replacement thereof without having to remove the entire bandage.

Abstract: Substantially planar absorbent core comprising at least 80% and up to 100% by weight of superabsorbent polymer as absorbent material on an absorbent material deposition area and a core wrap. The absorbent material deposition area comprises at least one absorbent material-free channel-forming areas through which the top and bottom substrates of the core wrap are bonded together. An auxiliary glue is applied directly at least to the inner surface of the first substrate on an auxiliary glue application area. The auxiliary glue application area is smaller than the absorbent material deposition area and the core comprises at least one C-wrap seal along at least one edge, in particular along the two longitudinally extending edges of the core.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The absorbent layer comprises a longitudinally-extending central portion, and a first and second side portions disposed transversally outward of the central portion. The absorbent core further comprises first and second folding guides between the central portion and the side portions. The central portion and the side portions form a three-dimensional basin when the absorbent core is folded along the folding guides. The article further comprises at least one liquid management layer substantially free of superabsorbent polymer between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The liquid management layer comprises a central portion, first and second side portions, and first and second folding guides which are at least partially superposed with the folding guides of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A handy type electric carriage comprises a vehicle body comprising a main vehicle frame, two driving wheels pivoted to the main vehicle frame at two sides, and two front wheel sets provided at two sides in front of the two driving wheels and pivoted to the main vehicle frame; and a footrest unit connected to the vehicle body, the footrest unit comprising a foot board connected to the main vehicle frame, and two first auxiliary wheels at left and right sides of the foot board. The main vehicle frame is situated in an unfolded or folded state due to a positioning mechanism. The front wheel sets and the main vehicle frame are pivoted in a manner of quick-release structure. Thereby, reduction in volume and easier to carry are provided for the handy type electric carriage, and providing easy and labor-saving shifting of the carriage is achieved.

Abstract: The travelling apparatus according to exemplary embodiments includes front wheels, which are driving wheels, an upper frame, first linear motion mechanisms configured to be extendable and retractable and couple the front wheels to the upper frame, middle wheels configured to be disposed at a back of the front wheels, second linear motion mechanisms configured to be extendable and retractable and couple a riding part to the middle wheels, rear wheels configured to be disposed at a back of the middle wheels, lower links configured to couple the middle wheels to the rear wheels, respectively, rear links configured to couple the lower links to the upper frame, and a third linear motion mechanism configured to change an angle between the upper frame and the rear links.

Abstract: A tilt-tip moldable bed system for the care of immobile patients is provided. The bed system may include a moldable mattress having a casing with a bladder defining an inner volume and a top compliant surface over a top surface of the bladder, the compliant surface configured to conform to a shape of a displacing structure. The bladder may be configured to hold a plurality of beads suspended in a fluid medium. The moldable mattress may be molded while inflated and maintain a resilient shape when evacuated. The system may further include a supporting frame for the moldable support structure having a laterally rigid outer rim with at least one attachment point for the moldable mattress, at least one attachment point for a netted sling, and one or more mounting tracks configured to support at least one peripheral attachment.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a patient support system includes a patient support surface having an air fluidizable section and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to detect a temperature within the air fluidizable section. The sensor assembly includes a housing with an interior, a processor within the interior of the housing, a thermal conductor, and a thermal insulator.

Abstract: A patient repositioning system for pulling a patient toward a head end of a bed includes a sheet, a mattress, and a housing which contains at least a part of a drive mechanism for operatively coupling to and pulling the sheet. The housing resides below a head end piece of the mattress, and is secured to the bed deck. The sheet pulling structure extends out of the housing via a slot and releasably attaches to the sheet, in a manner which has a low profile so as to pass through the slot. The sheet is longer than and wider than the mattress, and has beaded longitudinal side edges which are retained within rows of spaced retainers located on opposite sides of the mattress. During pulling of the sheet, the contoured shape of the housing facilitates movement of the sheet into the housing via the slot, even though the sheet width extends beyond the lateral edges of the mattress.

Abstract: A disposable bedpan with lid, having a bedpan with a base and a sidewall having at least one lateral support. The bedpan further has a top ridge and a front ridge. The bedpan further has a front top cavity defined between the top ridge and the front ridge. A cover has a cover base and a u-shaped cover base ridge. The u-shaped cover base ridge is inserted into the front top cavity when the cover mounts upon the bedpan. The cover is connected to the bedpan by a hinge. A lid has a lid panel and is connected to the bedpan by a lid hinge. The bedpan having the cover and lid are for a single use and are disposable. A plurality of the bedpan having the cover and the lid are stackable upon one another. The bedpan having the cover and the lid collects waste.

Abstract: An automated pilotless air ambulance system. The system includes an air vehicle (AV) having a fuselage coupled to a stretcher for carrying a patient. The system is configured to fly the patient from a point of injury to a medical treatment facility. The system also has a plurality of air lift motors for vertically lifting the air vehicle. The system further includes a plurality of air-lift motors coupled to the fuselage forming a low profile. The air lift motors are centralized motors or de-centralized motors for vertically lifting the AV. The system also has an automated life support and monitoring patient suite having a plurality of life support and monitoring devices, including medical supplies. The system additionally has a bidirectional datalink coupled to the air vehicle for executing various functions such as communicating with a patient's or a first responder's mobile device.

Abstract: Stretching apparatus consisting of a base plate having a vertically adjustable mast and an upper end of which a lying element is mounted. The lying element is pivotable about a horizontal shaft. Adjustable restraining elements with pads for the arms and the feet are attached to movable slides. A standing surface extending perpendicularly to the lying element is formed thereon. Handle bars for controlling pivoting of the lying element are articulated at the upper mast part. The movable slides are connected with the restraining means on the lying element via cable pulls having a steel cable about a plurality of deflecting rollers. By pivoting the lying element about the horizontal position, the slides with the pads can be moved apart and back toward each other again. By rocking about the horizontal position of the lying element, the back can be alternately stretched and relaxed.

Abstract: A driving module and a motion assistance apparatus including the same may be provided. For example, the driving module including a driving source disposed on one side of a user, and configured to provide power, a first decelerator including a first input terminal coupled to the driving source, and a first output terminal and a second output terminal configured to receive power from the first input terminal, a second decelerator including a second input terminal coupled to the first output terminal, and a third output terminal and a fourth output terminal configured to receive power from the second input terminal, and a third decelerator including a third input terminal coupled to the second output terminal, and a fifth output terminal and a sixth output terminal configured to receive power from the third input terminal may be provided.

Abstract: A system method and device, the system including a gait device for facilitating a gait of a person over a surface and one or a plurality of crutches to provide support over the surface the gait device, each of said one or a plurality of crutches including a locomotion facilitator to enhance locomotion of that crutch over the surface and a mechanism to modify the locomotion of that crutch over the surface.

Abstract: A single-tube crutch (100) includes an upper leg (101) and a lower leg (301). The lower leg (301) can be fully insertable into a first end of the upper leg such that only a slip-resistant tip (102) is exposed. The single-tube crutch can include an underarm support (104) coupled to a second end of the upper leg opposite the first end. A grip assembly (105) translates along the upper leg between a usage position and a stowed position.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body has an inner face for being placed adjacent to the part of the wearer's body in use and an outer face opposite the inner face. The device includes a pressure applicator to apply compression to the wearer's body part. First and second fastener elements are mounted on the device. Hook indicia on the outer face of the device generally overlie patches of hook material on the inner face of the device. The hook indicia includes first colored areas and hook-engagement areas include second colored areas. Upon wrapping the device around the wearer's body part and fastening the patches of hook material at the respective hook-engagement areas, each first colored area and corresponding second colored area form a predetermined shape indicating that the device is properly placed on the body part.

Abstract: A massage apparatus in which both a massage mechanism and a warm-cool air supply section are housed inside a backrest. The massage apparatus includes a backrest for supporting a user's back; and a massage mechanism disposed inside the backrest for producing massage action on user's back. The backrest has a front side with a two-layer structure. A warm-cool air supply section is provided that is capable of feeding warm or cool air into an interlayer region of the two-layer structure. The massage mechanism can be moved up and down along the lengthwise direction of the backrest. The warm-cool air supply section is located outside of a movement area which is the range of up-and-down movement of the massage mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns massage device including body which contains drive mechanism, at least one type of massage head which includes massage elements, a transmission mechanism which allows the activation of the massage elements under the action of the drive mechanism, installation mechanism which are configured to be installed on and uninstall from the body at least one type of massage head. In accordance with the invention, the device includes recognition means of the type of massage head installed on the body and control mechanisms for said massage device based on the recognition of the type of massage head.

Abstract: A sturdy portable massage roller that collapses flat. The roller includes an outer contact skin formed of a plurality of longitudinal stiffeners connected by longitudinally-extending hinge points, the contact skin defining an inner cavity. A collapsible support structure within the contact skin inner cavity is sized to contact and radially support the longitudinal stiffeners in the expanded shape of the contact skin, and is adapted to collapse so that the massage roller converts between a generally cylindrical expanded shape and a collapsed, flattened shape. The support structure may include a series of rigid discs that either pivot or are folded in half to convert the massage roller between its expanded and flat configurations.

Abstract: A device for sexual stimulation of the human body, the device including a phallus-shaped stimulation body. The thickness and/or the length of the stimulation body is variable in regions. The stimulation body has a preferably exchangeable stimulation element to permit the regional variation of the thickness, and the stimulation element is movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the stimulation body and/or in the circumferential direction of the stimulation body. The stimulation element expediently has at least one magnetic holding device, preferably a permanent magnet, and at least one magnetic carrier for the stimulation element is arranged movably inside the stimulation body.

Abstract: A tablet cassette is provided that can easily adjust the width of a guide groove of a rotor depending on the size of a tablet to be dispensed. The tablet cassette includes a groove width adjustment mechanism that relatively moves both sides of each of the tablet guide grooves in a circumferential direction of the rotor.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: A vent prevents a vacuum from forming within an inverted container of liquid when the liquid is dispensed. The vent is a singular vent, formed of a vent tube, the vent tube removably secures with a nipple, and more particularly its radially extending flange, with the nipple flange having a passage therethrough to allow for venting by way of the vent tube from the interior of the container to the location between the container neck and its collar, to provide for the entrance of atmospheric air into the interior of the container during usage to prevent the generation of any vacuum therein. The container may be a nursing bottle, with its collar and nipple applied to the top, and the vent tube being secured to the bottom of the nipple flange for projecting downwardly within the bottle to perform its venting function.

Abstract: An improved infant pacifier includes a nipple configured to trigger an infant's sucking reflex so as to provide a tool for nourishment and also a calming effect for an infant. An extension depends from a distal end of the nipple to a retainer portion that extends proximally from the extension and is spaced from the nipple. The retainer portion terminates in a proximal contact pad. When the nipple is in the child's mouth, the contact pad engages the child's skin under the chin. Preferably a biasing force gently urges the contact pad toward the nipple, maintaining engagement with the child's skin, and helping retain the nipple in the child's mouth even without any effort on the child's part to retain the nipple. Various specific structures of pacifiers employing these principles are provided.