Abstract: A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device and an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device. The system also includes a pull member for pulling proximally on to retract the outer sheath, wherein a portion of the outer sheath is heat shrunk radially onto a relatively heat shrink resistant support member in order to capture a distal portion of the pull member radially between the outer sheath and the heat shrink resistant support member.

Abstract: A handle for an implant deployment device converts rotational movement into longitudinal movement in order to provide controlled release of one or more trigger wires. The handle also allows the trigger wire to be withdrawn into the device so that it does not need to be separately removed. A preferred handle includes a rotatable portion (120) and a slideable portion (122). Releasable locks (88, 188) ensure that the handle is used to carry out implant deployment steps in a specific order.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing air from a medical device, such as a stent-graft and/or its delivery device. In an exemplary embodiment, the stent-graft or its delivery system or both are exposed to perfluorocarbon, by immersing the stent-graft or flushing the delivery device to remove air from the stent-graft. Optionally, the stent-graft and/or delivery system may be flushed multiple times, e.g., with perfluorocarbon before or after flushing with carbon dioxide, saline, a bio-inert gas, and the like. Thereafter, the stent-graft may be introduced into a patient's body and deployed at a target location, such as the site of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: An expandable element having a distal anchor member at a distal end, a proximal anchor member at a proximal end, and a braided intermediate portion can be delivered to a treatment site through a catheter by a delivery wire having a first, distal bump that can be translated distally to push the distal anchor distally and release the distal anchor upon exiting a distal end of the catheter, a shaped segment that can be moved to apply a radial force from within the braided intermediate portion to expand the braided intermediate portion, and a second, proximal bump that can be translated distally to push the proximal anchor distally and expel the expandable element from the catheter. The delivery wire can also have a third, recapture bump positioned between the proximal and distal bumps that can be translated proximally to retract a partially implanted expandable element into the catheter.

Abstract: A tissue manipulation system comprises a reconfigurable hood structure with a distal end. The hood structure has a membrane extending across the hood structure distal end. The membrane includes an aperture with an aperture diameter smaller than an outer lip diameter of the hood structure in the expanded deployed configuration. The system also includes a fluid lumen in communication with the open area and an inflatable balloon member translatable through the aperture in the membrane and distal to the open area. The system also comprises an expandable stent positioned upon the balloon member. The stent has an unexpanded configuration sized to pass through the aperture in the membrane.

Abstract: A method of inserting a stent includes inserting a unitary, monolithic catheter assembly into a cardiac artery. The catheter assembly includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal balloon mounted on the distal end, and a proximal balloon mounted on the body, proximally of the distal balloon. A balloon expandable stent is mounted on the distal balloon. The method further includes the steps of advancing the catheter assembly to a blockage in the artery until the distal balloon and the stent both extend across the blockage; inflating the distal balloon and expanding the stent; deflating the distal balloon; advancing the catheter body distally until the proximal balloon extends within the stent; expanding the proximal balloon to post-dilate the stent; deflating the proximal balloon; and withdrawing the catheter body from the artery.

Abstract: A delivery catheter comprises an inner shaft and an outer sheath. A stent-graft is held on a region of the inner shaft. An enlarged diameter distal region of the outer sheath constrains the stent-graft. Its retraction allows the stent-graft to deploy. A finger wheel on a handle is used to retract the outer sheath and is coupled to a sliding block with cable(s). The sliding block is coupled to the outer sheath and is held within a sliding track. The wheel can be actuated to tension the cable(s) and deform latch(es) coupled to sliding block, freeing them from slot(s) in the sliding track and allowing retraction of the sliding block and the outer sheath. A reinforcement sleeve is coupled to a smaller diameter proximal region of the outer sheath. A gap between the outer sheath distal region and the reinforcement sleeve allows the distal outer shaft region to be retracted.

Abstract: A steerable catheter includes a tubular sheath having a longitudinally-extending lumen formed within a wall thereof and a steering mechanism disposed within the longitudinally-extending lumen. The steering mechanism includes a pull tube and a pull wire. At least a segment of the pull wire is coaxially disposed within the pull tube. The pull tube has a distal end attached at a first anchor point to the tubular sheath, and the pull wire has a distal end attached at a second anchor point to the tubular sheath. The second anchor point is distal of the first anchor point. The pull tube and the pull wire are separately tensioned to bend respective regions of the tubular sheath.

Abstract: A movement limiting system for supporting, aligning, preventing, or correcting deformities includes a calf shell that is adapted to form around a calf of a human user. A heel shell is adapted to form around a heel of the human user. A calf shell flap is connected to a calf shell ring. A heel shell flap is connected to a heel shell ring. A cord has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the calf shell ring and the second end is connected to the heel shell ring. Additionally, the cord can be connected to a user's leg at one end and a walker at the other end.

Abstract: A device for applying pressure to a bone of a human arm. The device includes a flexible member having first and second ends, a linear member fixed to the first end and slidingly coupled to the second end, a cam coupled to one end of the linear member and contacting a surface of the second end, and a lever arm coupled to the cam. The lever arm being movable between: a first position in which the cam to apply a first pressure to the surface of the second end of the flexible member; and a second position in which cam applies a second, larger pressure to the surface of the second end of the flexible member causing the second end of the flexible member to move relative to one end of the linear member and reduce a distance between the first end and second ends of the flexible member.

Abstract: A Finger Splint for treating boutonniere deformities is provided. The Finger Splint has a dual axis support mechanism that allows full flexure and extension of the finger while pressure is applied to correct the deformity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permitting a user to perform traction of the back is provided. The design includes a seat bottom and seat back. The seat back is configured to pivot about the seat bottom enabling the seat back to recline while rotating away from the seat bottom. An adjustable strap is positioned in association with the seat back for the purpose of securing the user's upper body. An adjustable strap is positioned in association with the seat bottom for the purpose of securing the user's lower body, buttocks and hips. A leg rest may be provided to support the user's legs. A locking mechanism may be provided to permit the user to easily sit down, engage the lower body and upper body straps, release the locking mechanism and recline backwards from a seated to a supine position thereby providing traction and providing decompression of the of the spinal column.

Abstract: A one-piece or two-piece ostomy appliance comprising a base plate (1), the base plate comprising an adhesive wafer (11) that comprises a top film (8) and at least one skin-friendly adhesive (9) on a proximal surface thereof, for attaching the base plate to the skin of a user, and a first through-going-hole (5). Further, a convex element (10) is arranged distal to a user-interface of the adhesive wafer and has a second through-going hole (15) of the same diameter as the first through-going hole and being co-axially arranged therewith. The convex element comprises a material which reacts to moisture.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises an elongate element and a filament. The device may further comprise one or more of a shaft, an actuator, an actuator handle, a shaft handle, a vent, and a filament stop. The device may be used to mechanically push objects, as in retinal detachment repair, gasp objects, as in the removal of a dislocated intraocular lens or an intraocular foreign body, aspirate fluid, and cut materials, such as intraocular fragments.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for image-guided delivery of therapeutics to an eye. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager is configured to produce at least one OCT image of the eye. A therapeutic delivery system is configured to deliver a therapeutic to the eye through a distal end of a delivery mechanism. A system control is configured to determine a position of the distal end of the delivery mechanism and control the therapeutic delivery system according to at least the determined position.

Abstract: A surgical ophthalmic procedure performs a medial canthoplasty of an eyelid system having the following steps: performing a medial subciliary skin incision in the medial inferior-eyelid skin, excising an ellipse of the medial inferior-eyelid skin extending medially upwardly; exposing the medial canthal tendon, creating an orbicularis flap from the inferior-lid orbicularis muscle, suturing the orbicularis flap to the medial canthal tendon, probing the lacrimal system to confirm the integrity of the canalicular system, excising the excess portion of the medial superior-eyelid skin, closing the medial canthal skin with deep fixation in the medial canthus, closing the medial suhciliary skin incision or extending the subciliary incision, making a supraciliary skin incision in the upper lid medially and performing an orbicularisorrhaphy by suturing the orbicularis of the upper lid to the orbicularis of the lid to further close the lid.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system that includes a hand-graspable body and a phacoemulsification needle extending from a distal portion of the body is disclosed herein. The phacoemulsification system may also include an impeller pump carried by the hand-graspable body and configured to convey an aspiration fluid from a surgical site. The impeller pump may include an aspiration motor and a flexible impeller coupled to and rotatably driven by the aspiration motor. The flexible impeller may be arranged to aspirate fluid and emulsified lens tissue from the surgical site.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system comprises subsystems which communicate with one another through low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). The laser eye surgery system may comprise a first subsystem interface, including an LVDS driver or transmitter coupled to and in communication with an LVDS receiver of a first subsystem of the laser eye surgery system. The first laser eye surgery subsystem itself may comprise an LVDS transmitter coupled to and in communication with an LVDS receiver to return data to the first subsystem. Further laser eye surgery subsystems may also include the same arrangement of drivers and receivers with respective subsystem interfaces. LVDS lowers power consumption and the risk of error in communication between laser eye surgery systems, leading to safer and more reliable surgical procedures performed.

Abstract: A process for preventing or treating myopia includes applying a pulsed energy, such as a pulsed laser beam, to tissue of an eye having myopia or a risk of having myopia. The source of pulsed energy has energy parameters including wavelength or frequency, duty cycle and pulse train duration, which are selected so as to raise an eye tissue temperature up to eleven degrees Celsius to achieve therapeutic or prophylactic effect, such as stimulating heat shock protein activation in the eye tissue. The average temperature rise of the eye tissue over several minutes is maintained at or below a predetermined level so as not to permanently damage the eye tissue.

Abstract: A system for correcting chromatic aberrations in an eye includes a diagnostic system configured to provide aberration data regarding a degree of chromatic aberration within an eye; a laser system; and a processing circuit configured to determine a diffractive lens profile to be applied to corneal tissue of the eye based on the aberration data and a desired correction of the chromatic aberration within the eye; and control operation of the laser system to apply the diffractive lens profile to the corneal tissue.

Abstract: Providing neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma includes generating a micropulsed laser light beam having parameters and characteristics, including pulse length, power, and duty cycle, selected to create a therapeutic effect with no visible laser lesions or tissue damage to the retina. The laser light beam is applied to retinal and/or foveal tissue of an eye having glaucoma or a risk of glaucoma to create a therapeutic effect to the retinal and/or foveal tissue exposed to the laser light beam without destroying or permanently damaging the retinal and/or foveal tissue and improve function or condition of an optic nerve and/or retinal ganglion cells of the eye.

Abstract: A support frame for releasably attaching a facemask to a goggle including at least one vent and its method of use are described. In one non-limiting embodiment, the support frame includes a nose bridge and two legs extending from the nose bridge. The nose bridge and the two legs are adapted and arranged to releasably attach the facemask to a bottom surface of the goggles. The nose bridge and two legs are arranged such that the at least one vent is unobstructed when the facemask is attached to the goggles by the support frame.

Abstract: Helmet assemblies with flip-type welding visors are provided. A representative helmet assembly includes: a grinding shell having a grinding view port; a welding visor mounted to the grinding shell and having a welding view port; and a connector extending between the grinding shell and the welding visor. The welding visor is rotatable between lower and upper positions. In the lower position, the welding view port is aligned with the grinding view port. In the upper position, the welding visor is rotated toward the back of the grinding shell such that the line of sight of the wearer is unobstructed by the welding view port. Interaction of the grinding shell, the connector and the welding visor, responsive to rotation of the welding visor between the lower and upper positions, provides a biasing force to urge the welding visor towards a selected one of the positions.

Abstract: An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator and an earpiece having a first axial earpiece conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing wounds in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. microfiltration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site includes a reduced-pressure source to apply reduced pressure, a manifold in fluid communication with the pressure source to provide reduced pressure to the tissue site, and a drape for adhering to the tissue site to cover the tissue site and the manifold. The drape includes an adhesive layer for sealing the drape to the tissue site to create a sealed space having the manifold therein, and a non-adhesive layer formed from a portion of the adhesive layer. A method for manufacturing a medical drape includes providing a sheet of adhesive material and treating a side of the sheet of adhesive material to form a non-adhesive layer and an adhesive layer. The method laminates a release liner adjacent the adhesive layer.

Abstract: An adhesive elastomeric tape comprising 90 grade cheesecloth that is knitted with a medium gauge elastic yarn through a stitch bonding machine. The cloth is then coated with a petroleum base adhesive using a unique strike through method that allows a adhesive to pass through while coating both sides. A style of athletic tape that is flexible, durable, and adhesive simultaneously.

Abstract: A holding region includes a first area bearing on at least part of one and at least part of the other of opposite skirt portions in a revolution direction of a holding pad, the first area extending along a first curve, when the holding pad is at a first revolution position. The holding region formed in the holding pad includes a second area bearing on at least part of one side portion and at least part of the other side portion in the revolution direction of the holding pad when the holding pad is at a second revolution position that extends along a second curve. The holding region includes a portion other than the first area and the second area that lies closer to a second rotational axis than the first curve and the second curve.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article with which, both when dry, prior to absorbing blood, and when wet, after absorbing blood, is provided with a fit in a wearer's excretory orifice, especially the labia minora, and which is not prone to leaking. Provided is an absorbent article, including a liquid-permeable top sheet, a non liquid-permeable back sheet, and an absorbent body between the liquid-permeable top sheet and the non liquid-permeable back sheet. The absorbent article further comprises a center high part which protrudes in the thickness direction of the absorbent article in an excretory orifice contact region. The center high part further includes a portion of the top sheet, and a cushion part which is positioned between the top sheet and the absorbent body. The center high part further includes a central part, and an outer circumference part which surrounds the central part.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a front waistline region, a rear waistline region and a fastening tape, as the waistline retaining unit extending along the product widthwise direction and holding the disposable diaper onto a body of a wearer. Furthermore, the disposable diaper includes a crotch stretch unit that is formed in the crotch region and can expand and contract in the product longitudinal direction, and leg gathers. The leg gathers are longer than the crotch stretch unit in the product longitudinal direction L, and are provided at an outer side from the crotch stretch unit in the product widthwise direction. A low stretch region having a lower ratio of expansion and contraction than the crotch stretch unit is formed between the leg gathers and the crotch stretch unit.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body between the top and back sheets. The top sheet has first and second areas, each of which includes a blood lubricity-imparting agent that has a kinematic viscosity of 0.01-80 mm2/s at 40° C., a water hold percentage of 0.01-4.0 mass %, and a weight average molecular weight of less than 1,000. The first area overlaps at least partially with an excretory orifice contact area of the top sheet that is configured to contact with the excretory orifice of the wearer. The second area is arranged more to a rear side in a lengthwise direction of the absorbent article than is the first area. A basis weight of the blood lubricity-imparting agent in the first area is higher than that of the blood lubricity-imparting agent in the second area.

Abstract: A male surface fastener has a sheet having a main surface, and a group of engagement elements in which the engagement elements are regularly arranged, the engagement element having a pillar that stands on the main surface of the sheet and an engagement head that is expanded along the main surface from the top end of the pillar, wherein 0.05?S2/S1?0.15 is satisfied where S1 represents an area of the main surface which corresponds to a region in which the group of engagement elements is arranged, and S2 represents a sum of areas of the top surfaces of the engagement heads of the engagement elements of the group of engagement elements.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical imaging supply transport cart having enhanced safety features and a process implementing the same. The medical imaging supply transport cart includes a support surface configured to support medical imaging supplies, the support surface further configured to support a support mechanism, and the support mechanism further configured to support the medical imaging supplies. The support mechanism further configured to rigidly hold the medical imaging supplies with a first holding mechanism, the medical imaging supplies configured to store at least one dose of a nuclear medicine, a plurality of wheels arranged below the support surface, at least one door configured to enclose the medical imaging supplies, and a handle configured to be grasped by a user to guide the medical imaging supply transport cart.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an extremity during tissue irrigation and debridement and containing and capturing fluid and tissue debris resulting therefrom includes an extremity-supporting base and barrier shroud. The apparatus can be used to control drainage of fluid and tissue debris during irrigation and debridement. The apparatus supports and encloses a patient extremity, such as an arm or a leg. The base has a length, proximal end (i.e., nearest the patient's body), and distal end (i.e., farthest from the patient's body). The base may comprise an open-cell foam that is non-collapsible to provide a support surface with a fixed length. The shroud has a top portion, bottom portion, and shroud drainage opening. The shroud can be selectively moveable between a first position in which the support surface is unobstructed to facilitate placement of an extremity thereon and a second position in the shroud at least partially encloses the extremity.

Abstract: An arm support system is configured to hold a patient's arm straight during administration of IV fluids in a radiological procedure. The arm support system further includes a base attached to a plurality of straps for securing the base to a table or a bed with the plurality of straps. The base is further attached to an upright unit that, in turn, is attached to an IV upright member and to a right triangular support. Furthermore, a telescoping arm member and a telescoping IV member is attached to the upright member and the IV upright member, respectively. Then, the telescoping IV member is attached to a plurality of IV loops while the telescoping arm member is attached to a handle with a handle grip on both sides. A patient holds onto the handle grips that keeps the patient's arms straight while administrating IV during the radiological procedure.

Abstract: A head tremor reduction device includes a frame mountable on the head of a person. The frame has two frame arms, each mountable on top of the ear of the person. A mechanical flap pivotably mounted on each of the frame arms to apply a pressuring force on a head area about the rear side of the ear. A section of the frame arm has an arm channel to accommodate a control plate for movement. The control plate has a tapered end portion operatively connected to the mechanical flap to adjust the flap angle in order to change the pressuring force. A control rod slidably engaged in a slot in the frame channel is used for moving the control plate along the arm channel to adjust the flap angle. The frame arm may have a rack movably engaged with a pinion for moving the control plate along the arm channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to devices for manipulating a hand of a user to provide pronation or supination assistance. Embodiments include an anchor; a hand engagement member operatively attached to the anchor and configured to receive and engage the hand of the user; a force applicator containing a member portion and an anchor portion opposite the member portion, the force applicator attached to the hand engagement member proximate its member portion and attached to the anchor proximate its anchor portion; and a force application mechanism attached to the anchor and configured to cause a force to be applied to the force applicator causing the hand engagement member to manipulate the hand of the user to provide pronation or supination assistance. In some embodiments, the force application mechanism includes a non-incremental rotary mechanism. In some embodiments, a flexible tethering member attaches the anchor to the hand engagement member.

Abstract: An assist wear item is worn on a portion of a living body and has an inner surface brought into contact with the portion. The assist wear item includes assisting actuators, contact sensors, and a controller. Each assisting actuator is driven to expand and contract. The assisting actuators are linearly arranged along an expansion/contraction direction of a muscle at the portion. Each contact sensor detects a contact with an outer surface of the assist wear item. The contact sensors include a first contact sensor and a second contact sensor. The controller increases or decreases a driving power of expansion/contraction driving of an assisting actuator corresponding to a region ranging from the first contact sensor to the second contact sensor if the controller continuously receives a detection result indicating a contact from at least one contact sensor between the first and second contact sensors during a certain time period.

Abstract: In at least some aspects, the present concepts include a method of enabling rehabilitation of bodily control of a user comprising the acts of: integrating the user within a multi-module robotic system, the multi-module robotic system comprising modules of a flexible exosuit, a support module, a mobile base, or a combination thereof, applying one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof on the user, based on one or more subtask-specific functions of the modules, to cause a developing of one or more subtasks of the bodily control, and managing control of one or more remaining subtasks of the bodily control by the modules in place of at least in part, the user while applying the one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An ambulatory assistance apparatus operable to assist a user traverse a flat surface and further being configured to have adaptive movement techniques to facilitate assisting a user ascend a staircase. The ambulatory assistance apparatus includes a frame having a left support assembly and a right support assembly with cross members intermediate thereto. A front leg assembly is provided and is secured to the lower front portion of the frame. The front leg assembly is movable in a first adaptive movement technique and a second adaptive movement technique. In the first adaptive movement technique the front leg assembly moves in an upward/downward direction. In the second adaptive movement technique the front leg assembly is pivotally movable. A coupling member is present to control in conjunction with a cable the second adaptive movement technique. A biasing member is present to provide the first adaptive movement technique.

Abstract: System and method for providing both powered and free swing operation in a powered orthotic exoskeleton joint. The joint includes a processor controllable ratchet wheel and pawl type clutch, configured to engage or disengage upon receiving force from a servo actuator. When the processor determines that the clutch should be engages, it directs the powered actuator to couple the pawls to the ratchet wheel, allowing torque to be transferred from the joint's powered motor, through the clutch, to the gearing that subsequently controls the motion of the joint. Conversely, the processor can direct the powered actuator to decouple the pawls from the ratchet wheel. This in turn decouples the ratchet wheel from the motor, thus allowing the remainder of the joint and any associated joint gearing to engage in relatively free swing motion, without any interference from the motor.

Abstract: A crutch grip (100) includes a grip (101) disposed between a first grip end (102) and a second grip end (103). The first grip end and the second grip end can define a partially annular receiver for a crutch post (106,107). One or more retaining clips (108,109) can include a base member (408,409), a first, curved, cantilevered leg (410,411), and a second, curved, cantilevered leg (412,413). The retaining clips can removably engage an outer surface (202,203) of the first grip end or the second grip end such that an annular clasp (602,603) is defined between the first grip end or the second grip end and the retaining clips.

Abstract: In one example, we describe a device for Crutches and Sitting Device as an improvement of the basic crutch to provide needed support to ameliorate potential injuries and improve ambulation for persons suffering from injured lower limbs, lumbar region or other injuries, and who frequently require using crutches for mobility. Normally, the conventional crutches require more energy from the user than merely walking, and frequently, a crutch user may require rest. Prior crutch systems have not provided a convenient way to provide the user with such rest. We have solved all these problems here. Many other different variations are shown here, as well, such as walkers and specially curved handles for better grip and less/no injury. Also, we show crutch support in sitting position that works as a simple and handy decompression system for herniated or bulged discs and injured/weak back muscles.

Abstract: A treatment device for treating the skin, includes a body including a housing forming a gripping area, an electrical supply device arranged in the body, a treatment head including a massage device, a device for maneuvering the massage device, actuated by an electric motor connected to the electrical supply device, a light source, and a light guide having a projection surface for receiving light from the light source and for projecting a light beam towards an area on the skin. The light guide includes a face opposite the projection surface, including a distribution system for distributing the light along the projection surface, and the massage device has an area for contact with the skin to be massaged. The area transmits the light and consists of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material having a light transmission of between 0.8 and 0.9 for light with a wavelength of 590 nm or 630 nm.

Abstract: A modular self-massaging apparatus includes a framework and a ball assembly mounted to the framework. The ball assembly is modular and can be disassembled and reassembled in a variety of configurations. The apparatus is modular because the ball assembly and other ball assemblies can be applied to and carried in the apparatus at a variety of locations across the apparatus.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: An automatic skin type detecting electronic device and a method for skin care are provided. The method includes controlling a skin parameter detector to detect skin parameters of skin of a user, and obtaining the skin parameters detected by the skin parameter detector. According to the obtained skin parameters, a skin type is determined. According to the determined skin type and a pre-stored relation list which defines a relationship between multiple skin types and multiple vibration modes for a vibration motor, a vibration mode is determined. The vibration motor is controlled to work in the determined vibration mode to vibrate on the skin of the user.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) heating panel system comprising a thermally and electrically insulating substrate, a power buss, an at least one substrate supported IR heating element electrically coupled to the power buss, and a return element electrically coupled to the power buss and IR heating element. A printed shield substantially covers the IR heating element(s). The heating panel emits radiation when an electrical current is passed therethrough. The printed shielding layer is electrically coupled to a low impedance grounding matrix and configured to harness and shunt electrical field charges emitted by the IR heating element. Some embodiments include two or more IR heating panels coupled in an electrical parallel configuration supplied by one twisted and shielded power feed wire. Twisted two-wire shielded plus ground conductors are soldered to the corresponding IR heater solder points while simultaneously maintaining the twisted wire configuration for EMR cancellation and EF grounding shield conductivity.

Abstract: The invention disrupts the paradigm of the side entrance within the field of saunas, steam rooms and therapeutic chambers. The invention reorients the entrance from a door in the side of a therapeutic chamber, as is the situation in the prior art, and places the point of ingress and egress to the bottom or floor of the chamber. Without a side entry door, much less heat is lost when individuals enter and exit the chamber. Furthermore, this invention creates the opportunity for 360 degree seating in steam rooms and saunas, which is exemplified in the embodiment of the prototype named Steam Egg, which is a ten and a half foot tall freestanding egg shaped, mirror covered, steam room that is entered through a hole in the bottom, hovering 33.5 inches off the ground stabilized on three steel legs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a jet assembly comprising a jet assembly housing, a magnetic impeller, and at least one friction-reducing member. The present invention is also directed to a fluid pump that comprises a motor assembly and a jet assembly comprising a jet assembly housing, a magnetic impeller, and at least one friction-reducing member. The present invention is further directed to a method for dispensing a fluid using the jet assembly comprising a jet assembly housing, a magnetic impeller, and at least one friction-reducing member. The at least one friction-reducing member allows a motor assembly to cause a magnetic impeller to rotate within a jet assembly housing and preferably not make contact with an inner surface of a back cover of the jet assembly housing during operation of the jet assembly such that a shaft member(s) and/or a bearing(s) is/are not required for rotation of the magnetic impeller.