Abstract: A method of performing bariatric surgery includes inserting a gastrectomy device into a stomach of a patient, positioning the gastrectomy device in a selected location in the stomach, transecting a portion of the stomach thereby reducing a size of the stomach, and applying a reinforcement scaffold to an outer surface of the stomach. The reinforcement scaffold is configured to maintain the reduced size of the stomach.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical assembly for single point torque adjustment, an apparatus and method of use of an improved belt for body support and for assisting body during musculoskeletal activities like heavy lifting, kneeling, bending and walking. The belt employs the single point torque adjusting mechanical assembly with an adjustable hinge along with resilient means which stores potential energy when the user alters from a neutral position and may help the body to return to the neutral position. The belt employs structure to share and direct load from head, neck and back to waist and ground. The apparatus may prevent the user from acquiring spondylitis, kyphosis or osteoporosis. The apparatus may be used for users who are subjected to frequent muscular work like bending up and down while carrying heavy loads, sitting too long, walking and the like.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for providing an orthopedic walking brace having a housing and a sole with a curved distal surface. The housing is configured to encompass and immobilize a patient's ankle against flexion. The distal surface of the sole has a posterior region, a mid region, and an anterior region. The posterior region is configured to lie under a heel portion of the patient's foot, and the mid region is configured to lie under a center portion of the patient's foot. The anterior region is configured to lie under an anterior metatarsal and toe portion of the patient's foot, and has an Anterior-Posterior curvature that increases from a posterior side of the anterior region toward a middle portion of the anterior region and decreases from the middle portion toward an anterior side of the anterior region.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged for scapulothoracic stabilization, inclusive of features for biomechanical stabilization of the shoulder, scapula and spine, treated alone or in combination with assembly features for supporting an arm or shoulder. The orthopedic device may be arranged in a garment or shoulder harness such that either may include first and second strap systems for extending over first and second shoulders of a user, respectively, and each of the first and second strap systems forms a “Figure 9” shape about the respective shoulder, with a strap section arranged to extend toward a waist stabilizer that may form part of the orthopedic device.

Abstract: The Bishop Traction Splint Device (BTSD) is a traction device for applying traction to a fractured leg. The device includes a frame for securing both legs in order to allow the uninjured leg to help splint the injured leg. A ratchet assembly located on a distal end of the frame is attached to an ankle brace on the injured leg to apply the traction force. Shoulder straps, an abdominal strap, and leg straps are used to secure the patient. A tripod assembly can also be sued to elevate both legs of the patient, placing the patient in a shock position to aid with any drop in blood pressure.

Abstract: A urine collection device has a chamber assembly, which includes a layer of wicking material and porous material. The porous material is configured to form a chamber in which urine can be collected for transport; and the wicking material is disposed about the porous material. The chamber has a port for receiving a tube so that urine collected within the chamber can be transported from the chamber by being drawn from the chamber when a partial vacuum is applied within the chamber via the received tube. The chamber assembly is so dimensioned and configured that opposing portions of the assembly are sufficiently adjacent as to define an opening through which the head of a penis can be inserted. A layer of impermeable material is so attached to the chamber assembly as to cover one side of the opening and thereby provide a receptacle for receiving the head of an inserted penis.

Abstract: A device for collecting urine flowing from a penis in such a manner that the urine can be transported from the device as the urine is being collected. The device includes a flexible layer of porous material; flexible wicking material disposed on one side of the layer of porous material; and a flexible layer of impermeable material secured to the periphery of the other side of the layer of porous material and so covering the other side of the layer of porous material as to define a chamber between the layer of porous material and the layer of impermeable material. Urine can be collected within the chamber for transport through a tube extending into the chamber through a port in the layer of impermeable material. The device includes a receptacle for receiving the head of a penis.

Abstract: An oral appliance includes an upper arch, a lower arch, and an electronic device. The upper arch is configured to be positioned within a user's mouth proximate the user's maxillary dentition when the upper arch is positioned in the user's mouth. The lower arch is configured to be positioned proximate the user's mandibular dentition when the lower arch is positioned in the user's mouth. The electronic device is coupled to one or more of the upper arch and the lower arch, the electronic device configured to monitor a feature of the environment proximate one or more of the upper arch and the lower arch.

Abstract: Left and right base components each have upper and lower surfaces in a generally horizontal orientation, an exterior edge, a forward point, a rearward point, and an interior edge. Each base component has a generally oval central extent, a forward extent, and a semicircular rearward extent. A support component in an arcuate configuration is positionable in a generally vertical orientation. The support component has inner and outer faces and upper and lower edges. The upper edge is perpendicular to and integrally formed with the base components at the exterior edge. The support component has terminal ends located adjacent to the base components. The support component has an arcuate forward section between the base components. The lower surface of the base components is spaced from the upper surface of the forward section by an elevational space.

Abstract: An automated mandibular advancement device (MAD) is described for the treatment of sleep disorders involving the occlusion of upper airway gas flow during sleep; one example being obstructive sleep apnea. In embodiments, a MAD projects the lower jaw forward only after the patient has fallen asleep. Embodiments of the may track patient sleep parameters for later review by the patient and/or the treating physician to assess the quality of sleep and efficacy of the treatment regime. An actuator placed laterally within a band allows the integral microprocessor to actuate the lower jaw tray forward upon sensing of snoring activity (or upon exceeding a pre-set timer threshold).

Abstract: In an adjuster for an airway securing device, a base member fixed to one of an upper jaw side attachment body and a lower jaw side attachment body is provided with a base member side half tube part and a slide member fixed to the other of the upper jaw side attachment body and the lower jaw side attachment body is provided with a slide member side half tube part. The base member side half tube part and the slide member side half tube part form a tube part in which an adjusting bolt is disposed on its inner peripheral side. A base member side flange part is formed at a base end of the base member side half tube part and a slide member side flange part shape is formed at a base end of the slide member side half tube part.

Abstract: A cushioning surface for cooling tissue that reaches a predefined level of immersion into the cushioning surface, comprising: a segmented fluid cushion comprising a plurality of cells interconnected to allow fluid to flow from each cell to at least one of the other plurality of cells; and wherein one or more of the plurality of cells contains a heat exchange material. The cushioning surface may further comprise a cooling element associated with and for removing heat from the one or more cells containing a heat exchange material.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is formed from an elastic sleeve deployed around a core, with first and second edge portions inwardly inverted. When a fluid is introduced between the core and the sleeve, the sleeve inflates to form a reservoir with a pressure of the fluid pressing the inwardly-inverted extremities portions against the core. The device is preferably anchored by providing a stem of conformable material which is depressed by pressure applied by adjacent edges of a layer of tissue to achieve tissue-wedged anchoring of the device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods include a surgical apparatus with a handle for grasping by a user and a multi-function surgical portion extending therefrom. The multi-function surgical portion may include an illuminator portion arranged to provide illumination to a surgical region of a patient during a surgical procedure, and tissue-treating portion coaxially aligned with the illuminator portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing ophthalmic laser surgery using a pulsed laser beam is provided. The method includes establishing an initial cutting pattern comprising a plurality of original photodisruption points, establishing an enhanced cutting pattern comprising a plurality of enhanced photodisruption points selected to decrease potential adverse effects due to patient movement and having increased density over a fixed area as compared with the plurality of original photodisruption points, and performing an ocular surgical procedure according to the enhanced cutting pattern. Enhanced cutting patterns may include circular cuts around the periphery of a capsule, vertical side cuts for lens fragmentation, raster lamellar cuts, and grid lamellar cuts. Each photodisruption point in the initial cutting pattern and the enhanced cutting pattern comprises a laser target point.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube.

Abstract: An emergency head trauma bandage cap with a detachable strap system and method of use, which, when applied to the head, delivers minimal pressure to control bleeding, doesn't compromise cervical spine immobilization, allows for fast and effective application of cooling gel to control intracranial/internal swelling or hot packs to prevent hypothermia in non-trauma situations, doesn't come apart during treatment and transport, and doesn't require a caregiver to re-wrap the dressing.

Abstract: A bandage includes a body and an adhesive layer. An attachment portion is defined by exposing the adhesive layer. The bandage includes a first removable dressing component having a predetermined length and width carried by the adhesive layer disposed over the central axis of the body. A second removable dressing component having a predetermined length and width is also carried by the adhesive layer. The respective widths of the first and second removable dressing components being less than the width of the body enabling a side edge attachment portion to be defined proximate the side edges of the body and wherein the removal of the first removable dressing component exposes the adhesive layer defining an end attachment portion of the bandage.

Abstract: Method of absorbing moisture around breasts of a person by inserting a bra liner made at least partly of absorbent material under a breast support between the skin of the chest and skin of each of right and left breasts, and partly between the right and left breasts. The bra liner includes a left portion, a right portion and a central portion between the left and right portions, the central portion including a flap partly separated from the left and right portions. The flap is folded about a center line of the body to thereby interpose the folded flap between the right and left breasts and maintain the right and left breasts out of contact with one another.

Abstract: A personal hygiene article includes a chassis with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent component between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one portion of the personal hygiene article includes a microporous film having an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity within the opaque, microporous region. The microporous film can include a beta-nucleating agent or can have thermally induced phase separation caused by a diluent. A container includes a microporous film enclosing at least one personal hygiene article. The microporous film has an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity forming a window within the opaque, microporous region. Methods of making the personal hygiene article and container are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for deforming a web comprising the steps of supplying a precursor web; weakening the precursor web at a plurality of locations to create a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations in precursor web; and forming a plurality of first features and a plurality of second features throughout the first and second layers of the web in the z-direction, wherein the plurality of first and second features are formed simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for detecting wetness of article used by a care-receiver is provided, comprising: a radio frequency identity (RFID) tag to be attached onto an outer surface of an article used by the care-receiver, and a RFID reader. The RFID reader includes at least one first antenna module, a processor unit and a first wireless communication module. And the system further comprises a protective unit is configured for accommodating the RFID reader and buffering external pressure on the RFID reader to protect the RFID reader. The RFID reader is configured for being disposed on a back of a cushion. The first wireless communication module is configured to send a detection signal (excitation signal) through the first antenna module to the RFID tag and the processor unit determines the water content (%) of the article at the usage time (t) by using the RSSI(0) and RSSI(t).

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one characteristic of biological material of an individual includes a wearable product. The wearable product includes an outer surface and a skin contact surface defining an internal area. An analysis portal is disposed in the internal area, and includes a sensing portion and an investigation portion. The sensing portion has at least one sensor, and the investigation portion that includes a computing device having a health screener. The sensing portion of the analysis portal comes into contact with a biological material of the individual, and the health screener is configured to determine at least one characteristic of the biological material. The computing device is communicatively coupled to the sensors and the display.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a base-structure and an elevatable structure known as a flat-back protection feature, that is capable of rising above the base-structure during article use. The flat-back protection feature utilizes either differences in material length compared with the length of the adjacent base-structure, or elastic materials, to maintain the feature elevation above the base-structure, while the article is in an extended condition. The flat-back protection feature extends into the intergluteal cleft of a wearer during use. Embossment features on the absorbent article are used to facilitate folding of the absorbent article, enhance the functionality of the protection feature, and/or improve the ease of manufacture.

Abstract: On a wearer's body contact surface of a sanitary napkin, an emboss is provided in such a pattern that a plurality of straight portions and arc-shaped portions which protrude outwardly in the direction of the width of the napkin, with the ends of the straight portions being base points, are alternately arranged. A plurality of arc-shaped portions are arranged, and thus the resistance to a leg pressure from the outside in the width direction is increased, with the result that the absorber is unlikely to be wrinkled and leakage caused by the wrinkle is unlikely to occur. The flow of a body fluid diffused from the center in the width direction toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the napkin along the straight portion is produced, and thus the diffusion in the width direction is reduced, with the result that side leakage is unlikely to occur.

Abstract: A low-bulk disposable absorbent pant for a child is disclosed. The pant may have a belt structure formed of a stretch laminate of a pre-strained elastic film between two nonwoven layers. The belt may have a relaxed lateral size and a stretched lateral size that is at least 150% of the relaxed lateral size, the relaxed lateral size being no more than 400 mm. The pant may include one or more of waistband, leg band and supplemental elastic members.

Abstract: A diaper insert has a liquid impermeable external surface, an inner surface, and an absorbency area adjacent the inner surface. The absorbency area has at least one absorbent layer. The diaper insert has a distal end, an attachment end, and a midsection between the distal end and attachment end. The midsection has opposing sides that are in general mirror images to one another about a vertical line. A width of the midsection is less than or equal to a width of the attachment end, and a width of the midsection is less than or equal to a width of the distal end.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent pant having a belt structure that encircles the wearer's waist, with front and rear belt portions, and a longitudinally channeled absorbent core structure, is disclosed. The channels are extended so as to underlie at least one of the front and rear belt portions, thereby providing added structural support to restrain the absorbent core and reduce the likelihood of undesirable bulging in the front and/or rear of the pant while it is worn, after the core has absorbed liquid and stiffened longitudinally as a result of the channeled structure.

Abstract: The present application discloses and claims a three-dimensional sheet material and an absorbent article which utilizes the sheet material within the article. The three-dimensional sheet material is designed to minimize the contact area on one side of the material thereby making it useful for various applications including a body contacting top sheet or liner material.

Abstract: An inflatable stretcher for carrying and conveniently transferring a patient to another patient carrying device includes an air mattress having an upper sheet member and a longitudinally perforated lower sheet member, which are fixedly connected to each other along their peripheral edges to form an inflatable air bag. The air mattress has at least one air inlet, via which an air hose is communicably connected to the air bag. The air mattress includes at least one limiting member located in the vicinity of the air inlet. The limiting member defines a binding space, which is changeable in size to correspond to a size of the air hose, such that the limiting member can always be fitly set or wrapped around the air hose to hold the air hose to the air mattress even if the air hose has a specification not matching the air inlet on the air mattress.

Abstract: A conveyance to carry humans, such as a wheelchair, is described having levers on each side of the wheelchair that are manually moved forward and backward to propel the conveyance. The user is able to shift into forward, reverse or neutral, brake, and change mechanical advantage (gear ratio), all this without removing the user's hands from the drive levers.

Abstract: A wheelchair frame having a seat for supporting a forward facing occupant therein, rear wheels supporting the frame thereon proximate a rear end of the frame and front wheels supporting the frame thereon proximate a front end of the frame, further includes a front seat height adjustment mechanism which permits a height of a front end of the seat relative to the front wheels to be adjusted separately from or together with a rear end height adjustment of the rear end of the seat relative to the rear wheels. The front seat height adjustment mechanism can also be operable to lower the front seat height relative to the front wheels simultaneously with a rear seat height adjustment mechanism which is biased to raise the rear seat height relative to the rear wheels to assist users in moving from a sitting position towards a more standing position.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a plank assembly, a support assembly, a frame and a power unit. The plank assembly includes a first waist plank and a second waist plank. The power unit is pivotally connected to the frame. The support assembly includes a waist-lifting unit that includes a first lifting element pivotally connected to a portion of the frame, a second lifting element pivotally connected to another portion of the frame, and a transmission unit operatively connected to the first and second lifting elements.

Abstract: In the embodiments described herein, the scale assembly automatically determines if an accessory, such as a sling, is properly connected to a sling bar of the person lifting device and, if the accessory is not properly connected, the scale assembly provides a user with a visual and/or audible warning and, in some embodiments, may lock-out the actuation controls of the person lifting device to prevent the person lifting device from being used.

Abstract: The biodegradable urn planting system, also called a LIVING URN, is an apparatus capable of rapid degradation in soil that the user can fill with cremated remains, a pH neutralizing and sodium diluting material, soil, planting mix, wood chips, and a living plant (seedling or bare root stock). When one loses a loved one, it is often difficult to discern what to do with the remains (be they human or animal). Many towns and cities do not allow for burial, and storage of cremated remains can be problematic. The present invention seeks to provide a meaningful and tangible way for one to remember the loved one when the cremated remains are buried with a seedling that may be drop shipped and is appropriate for the environment of use. Thus, the seedling grows into a tree, providing comfort and a reminder of the deceased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor mechanism with illuminated chamber for concealment of coffin consisting of a base or travel platform on which a plurality of rollers are arranged, through which it is possible to manually move a coffin from an open or full vision area to a transition zone that conceals said coffin, where the transition zone is defined from a concealment chamber that covers the rear half of the base or travel platform and in which a tunnel is configured through which the coffin is circulated to reach its final destination, a journey that is carried out accompanied by the light provided by at least two reflector lamps arranged at the bottom of the concealment chamber.

Abstract: A gait assist apparatus having assemblies for a chassis, shock absorption, swivel wheel (casters), pivot, crutch and spring tension. The crutch is fitted onto an upper shaft of a pivot housing to pivot relative to the chassis. A pair of topside tension springs extend from a shock absorption plate to the middle of the crutch. A pair of underside tension springs extends from the bottom end of the crutch to the underside of the chassis. Suspension springs space the shock absorption plate above the chassis. One of the underside tension springs possesses a tension/compression force greater than that of the other tension springs. One of the topside tension springs possesses a tension/compression force greater than that of the other topside tension springs.

Abstract: An adjustable height foldable arm comprises a lower vertical tube, an inner guide slideably inserted into the lower vertical tube fitting into the lower vertical slot, an inner guide slot, an inner guide hole, a lower vertical tube hole through the lower vertical tube, a first rod inserted through the lower vertical tube hole and the inner guide hole to secure the inner guide in the lower vertical slot, an upper vertical tube with an upper vertical slot in which the inner guide is slideably inserted, an outer tube providing vertical height adjustment and rotational movement, an outer vertical slot on both sides of the outer tube allowing vertical movement with respect to the rod, and two outer horizontal slots on the outer tube allowing for positioned rotational movement of the outer tube when the upper vertical tube is at its lowest vertical displacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computerized operator-controlled optical system and method for tracking eye exercises of a patient, the system including an optical tracking device adapted to allow an operator to track eye exercises of a patient, a patient-activated apparatus for performing eye exercises of binocular vision and a processor adapted to receive data from the optical tracking device and from the patient-activated apparatus thereby providing the operator with at least one indication of the eye exercises of said patient over time.

Abstract: A system for performing simultaneous ventilation and resuscitation of a patient includes an oxygen source, at least one inspiration control valve, a breathing apparatus, at least one expiration control valve, at least one indicator, and at least one timer. The breathing apparatus is configured to form an air seal with at least a portion of the patient's respiratory tract such that a gas including oxygen can flow from the oxygen source to the lungs. The at least one expiration control valve being configured to selectively actuate an exhalation valve. The at least one indicator for indicating when a rescuer should perform a chest compression. The at least one timer for synchronizing actuation of the at least one inspiration control valve, the at least one expiration control valve, and the indicator, thereby enabling continuous compressions to be provided to the patient while the patient undergoes inspiration and expiration.

Abstract: An example system includes a first wearable computing device, and at least one additional wearable computing device. The first wearable computing device is configured to retrieve information regarding a series of tasks to be performed in treating a patient in cardiopulmonary arrest. The information includes, for each task, an indication of a user to perform the task, an indication of a time point to perform the task. The first wearable computing device is further configured identify one or more subsets of the information, and transmit each subset to a different corresponding one of the additional wearable computing devices. Each additional wearable computing device is configured to receive, from the first wearable computing device, at least one of the one or more subsets of the information, and output, for each task within a received subset, a corresponding prompt to perform the task at the respective time point associated with the task.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling infrared radiation (IR) sources of a sauna including tuning IR wavelength-ranges and radiated power-levels of IR sources, and directing IR to locations on a user's body. In one illustrative embodiment, a sauna may be provided having adjustable heat sources to emit IR at any wavelength resulting in a desirable radiation treatment for the sauna user. In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided for tuning IR sources in a sauna.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for washing systems, both industrial and residential. Some embodiments pertain to face washing systems that provide a gentle upward flow of water for washing a person's face, but which can be easily reconfigured to provide a downward flow of aerated water for washing of the user's hands. Other embodiments pertain to visual indicators to help a user in a dark environment in the use of an emergency eyewash system. Yet other embodiments pertain to eyewashing systems incorporating filters that are automatically flushed of debris. Still further embodiments pertain to emergency eyewashing systems in which a mixing chamber is located downstream of a thermostatically controlled valve to reduce the possibility of a hot temperature spike being provided to the eyewashing outlet apertures, which could be harmful to users.

Abstract: A method includes micro-machining a cavity within a substrate, filling the cavity with a medication, forming a sealing layer over the cavity, micro-machining a cantilevered beam from a layer of material, the cantilevered beam comprising a tip for puncturing the sealing layer, and attaching the cantilevered beam to the substrate such that moving the cantilevered beam toward the substrate enables the tip to puncture the sealing layer. A computer program product corresponding to the method is also disclosed. An apparatus includes a substrate having a cavity micro-machined therein, a sealing layer formed over the cavity, a medication disposed within the cavity, a cantilevered beam micro-machined from a layer of material, the cantilevered beam comprising a tip for puncturing the sealing layer, and the cantilevered beam attached to the substrate and disposed to enable the tip to puncture the sealing layer when the cantilevered beam is moved towards the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are modular container systems having child-resistant containers, tray inserts and tray frames. Also disclosed are methods using the modular container systems and methods of storing substances in containers. The containers have a container base and a container cap and provide for child-resistant containers. A user can releasably remove the container cap from container base with a squeeze and lift sequence. For example, the user squeezes opposite sides of the container base, which releases a locking mechanism and allows for removal of the cap by lifting or pulling the container cap off from the container base. The components of the modular container system are modular and stackable. The modular system allow for organized, efficient, accessible and storage of the child-resistant containers. The modular container system also allows for easy counting, sorting and processing of the containers.

Abstract: A portable pill dispenser device mountable with one or more pill cartridges that dispense pills by winding a pill strip that encloses pills between flexible films. The pills are enclosed in the pill strip and are released as the films of the pill strip are separated. The pill dispense device include actuators (e.g., motors) that cause winding cylinders in each of the pill cartridges to rotate, causing the pill strip to move towards an opening of each pill cartridge, separate the films of the pill strip, and release the pills through the opening. Indicia may be marked on at least one of the films to enable detection of the moving distance of the pill strip. The pill dispense device includes a sensor for detecting the indicia so that the movement of the films and release of the pills can be tightly controlled.

Abstract: An enteral feeding system including: an enteral feeding tube, a pump configured to draw a liquid from a reservoir to the enteral feeding tube; a switching mechanism associated with at least four vacuum lumens provided with the enteral feeding tube; and a controller configured to automatically control the pump and the switching mechanism wherein controlling the pump and the switching mechanism includes coordinating the operation of the switch with the operation of the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a cosmetic composition to hair. The method comprises the steps of removing a cosmetic composition from a sealed container, the composition comprising: a post-foaming emulsion comprising a weak acid, a weak base, a fatty acid, and a volatile buffering agent; a film forming agent; and an aqueous carrier; applying said composition to one or more eyelashes; and during or after said application to said one or more eyelashes, said cosmetic composition forms a foam, said foam resulting from the release of a gas, said gas being a reaction product of said post-foaming emulsion, and said reaction commencing after the evaporation of said volatile buffering agent, upon exposure of said cosmetic composition to atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: Provided are flexible containers for holding a concentrate, the containers comprising: a flexible body holding the concentrate, a spout, a filter element disposed in the spout, the filter element comprising a filter and an attachment element configured to attach to a water source. Also provided are methods of reconstituting concentrated products using the flexible containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anhydrous cosmetic composition made from bicarbonate salt, and the cosmetic use of same as a deodorant. The invention also relates to a deodorant product containing said composition.