Abstract: A customizable ankle-foot orthotic. The orthotic including an ankle brace for installation around a wearer's ankle, the ankle brace including a first wing, a second wing, and a third wing anchored at a point between the first wing and the second wing, the second and third wings independently configurable to couple to a portion of the first wing to enable the wearer to customize the fit; a tension adjustment assembly including one or more strap loops; and an elastic strap operably linking the ankle brace to a wearer's shoe for applying an upward resistive force to the wearer's shoe to prevent inadvertent downward movement of a wearer's foot, the elastic strap threadable through the one or more strap loops such that the elastic strap wraps around the exterior face of the ankle brace and extends at a downward angle to engage the wearer's shoe.

Abstract: An AFO for use in the Ponseti method which is bar-less and provides for readily interchangeable structures for providing differing articulation resistance. In one embodiment, the readily interchangeable structure is a flexible member achieving connection between and the majority of the separation between the shoe and the calf engaging structure. In another embodiment, an articulated arm with two rigid segments joined at a spring loaded hinge, with interchangeable spring canisters is used.

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

Abstract: A safety device for restraining a person includes a fabric bottom panel, at least two fabric top panels, at least two side separable fasteners, and a top separable fastener. The fabric bottom panel is dimensioned to extend lengthwise along an underside of a mattress. The fabric top panels extend approximately lengthwise along the fabric bottom panel. Each side fastener attaches one of the at least two fabric top panels with the fabric bottom panel. The top separable fastener attaches the at least two fabric top panels to one another.

Abstract: A multilayer film including an odor barrier layer having sound dampening properties is provided. The odor barrier layer is formed from a polyamide modified with a functionalized vinyl-bond rich triblock copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ostomy wafer comprising a central peristomal area surrounding a stoma receiving hole, from which a plurality of petals are extending radially, the petals being interconnected via bridges with a apex pointing away from the central area. The wafer is suitable for application to especially demanding skin surface conditions, such as in ostomists suffering from hernia.

Abstract: A portable male urination container. Having a top funnel opening with accompanied lid enclosure. Liquid is contained within a collection chamber. The container includes two handles which provide a means for stable operations as well as preventing any spillage. The urinal is ideal for potty-training when bathroom facilities are impracticable for teaching purposes.

Abstract: A backflow and leakage preventing menstrual cup for collecting menstrual discharge is disclosed. The menstrual cup has a safety feature that prevents backflow of menstrual blood back into vagina and uterus, which minimizes contact with the collected menstrual blood and prevents the risk of infection and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) to the user. This safety feature also stops accidental leakage during use and prevents spillage of menstrual blood when the cup is removed by user. The cup is designed to be easily and quickly emptied.

Abstract: An oral appliance for the treatment of sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, in a user is presented. The oral appliance may include a mouthpiece configured to receive a user's dentition. The mouthpiece may include an oxygen sensor, a pressure sensor, an airflow sensor, an actigraphy sensor, a noise detector, and at least one stimulator for providing stimulation to a user's tongue in the event of decreased oxygen saturation levels, increased pressure applied to occlusal surfaces of the user's dentition, decreased actual airflow levels and/or increased noise levels. The mouthpiece may further include a microprocessor that receives data from the oxygen sensor, pressure sensor, airflow sensor, actigraphy sensor and noise detector, and activates the at least one stimulator.

Abstract: A blood flow restricting apparatus is provided. The blood flow restricting apparatus can include a frame element configured to be securable to a user's head. At least one cooling pad can be operatively arranged with the adjustable frame element and configured to be arranged over a defined anatomic location including at least one of a pair of supratrochlear arteries, a pair of supraorbital arteries, a pair of temporal arteries, and a pair of occipital arteries of the user's head when the frame element is secured to the user's head. A pressurizing mechanism can be operatively arranged with the at least one cooling pad and capable of pressing the at least one cooling pad against the defined anatomic location to restrict blood flow to each of the targeted arteries while simultaneously cooling the defined anatomic location to induce hypothermic induced vasoconstriction.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of hot flashes in perimenopausal and menopausal women. The device includes a cooling agent distributed over at least a portion of an area of the device, at least one liner positioned against and attached to at least one side of the cooling agent over at least the portion of the area of the device, and an adhesive. The adhesive is arranged on at least one side of the device so as to permit the device to be secured with respect to the anatomy of a user.

Abstract: A delivery device that allows for the sustained release of an agent, particularly useful for the sustained release of a therapeutic agent to limited access regions, such as the posterior chamber of the eye and inner ear. The delivery device is minimally invasive, refillable and may be easily fixed to the treatment area. The delivery device includes a hollow body with an inlet port at its proximal end for insertion of the agent, a reservoir for holding the agent and a delivery mechanism for the sustained delivery of the agent from the reservoir to the patient.

Abstract: A method may include accessing a terminal branch of an ophthalmic artery through a face of a subject. Additionally, the method may include positioning a device within the ophthalmic artery of the subject and treating at least one of a blockage, a stenosis, a lesion, plaque or other physiology in at least one of the ophthalmic artery or a junction between an internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery.

Abstract: A cyclic aperture flow regulator system has an adjustable fluid aperture in a fluid path connecting the aspiration port of a surgical probe with a vacuum source. The cross-sectional area of the fluid aperture can be modified by an actuator. The actuator is controlled to modify the cross-sectional area of the adjustable fluid aperture in cycles. During each cycle, the fluid aperture cross-sectional area is substantially reduced or closed. The cycles occur at a rate fast enough to produce a substantially steady flow, with minimum flow ripple and pressure ripple.

Abstract: Placing an intraocular shunt ab externo into an eye can include inserting the shunt into the eye and either before and/or after insertion, ballooning a target outflow region of the eye to permit an outflow end of the shunt to be enveloped within the ballooned target outflow region. An injector docking device can optionally be used to guide insertion of the needle and shunt into the eye.

Abstract: An inserter for treating glaucoma can comprise a housing, a needle, a plunger, a slider component, and a drive component. The drive component is disposed within a cavity of the housing and rotatable within the cavity to result in movement along a longitudinal axis of the inserter to the needle and the plunger upon rotation of the drive component. The slider component is coupled to the housing and slidable along an elongate groove of the drive component such that movement of the slider component along the axis rotates the drive component within the housing.

Abstract: A planning unit produces control data for a treatment device for eye surgery which produces at least two cutting planes in a cornea of the eye using a laser unit. The planning unit includes a calculation module for establishing cornea cutting planes and is configured to establish the cornea cutting planes based on data of a refraction correction. The cornea cutting planes are determined so as to include a cap cut, a lenticule cut, a first access cut for accessing the cap cut, and a second access cut for accessing the lenticule cut. The planning unit is also configured to produce a control data set for actuating the laser unit for the cornea cutting planes.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a scanning laser-treatment device to an eye, including: using a laser-treatment device for emitting treatment laser radiation, a handpiece into which the radiation is coupled and having multiple markings and an outlet end for emitting the radiation into the eye, and a laser scanner arranged between a radiation source and the outlet end; using an OCT module with a scanner to image eye structures, the handpiece and the module being movable relative to each other in a first state, and the handpiece coupling to the module to image the eye through the outlet end; imaging the markings and ascertaining a first relative position between the markings and the OCT scanner; imaging an eye structure using the module through the handpiece and outlet end, and ascertaining a second relative position; and generating signals to actuate the laser scanner based on the first and the second relative positions.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus comprises: an observation optical system; first and second irradiation optical systems to irradiate first and second laser lights for treatment toward a patient's eye; and first and second guide optical systems to irradiate first and second guide lights toward the eye. The second irradiation optical system displaces a condensing position of the second laser light to either one of a position far from of a reference plane on which the observation optical system is focused and a position short of the reference plane, so that a spot size of the second laser light on the reference plane is increased to a larger size than a spot size of the first laser light on the reference plane. The first and second guide optical systems respectively condense the first and second guide lights on the reference plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods here may be used to support a laser eye surgery device, including a base assembly mounted to an optical scanning assembly via, a horizontal x axis bearing, a horizontal y axis bearing, and a vertical z axis bearing, mounted on the base assembly, configured to limit movement of the optical scanning assembly in an x axis, y axis and z axis respectively, relative to the base assembly, a vertical z axis spring, configured to counteract the forces of gravity on the optical scanning assembly in the z axis, and, mirrors mounted on the base assembly and positioned to reflect an energy beam into the optical scanning assembly no matter where the optical scanning assembly is located on the x axis bearing, the y axis bearing and the z axis bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat wound care article having an essentially polygonal or ellipsoid base surface and at least one recess arranged on one side.

Abstract: A wound closure device and a method of its use are disclosed. The wound closure device comprises a wound closure strip, the wound closure strip comprising a wound-facing side and a top side, the wound-facing side comprises an adhesive applied over at least a portion of the wound facing side of the wound closure strip and a non-symmetric, two-part release liner assembly detachably adhered to the adhesive, the release liner assembly comprising a first section and a second section with the second section comprising a wound closure strip-free portion forming a tab.

Abstract: A system or device for skin closure comprises an elastic flat flexible tape elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a lower side and an opposing upper side, said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower side, said tape having a plurality of openings arranged side-by-side with spaces between said openings oriented across the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Provided are buffered adhesive compositions comprising a high molecular weight non-neutralized polymeric acid and a high molecular weight partially neutralized polymeric acid and products such as wound dressings and ostomy skin barriers incorporating the compositions.

Abstract: A process for forming an absorbent sanitary article includes feeding a first web including first and second stretches each having front and rear end portions; feeding a second web for forming a first side panel of the article; feeding a third web for forming a second side panel of the article; cutting the second web into a succession of first and second pieces defining the first side panel of the article; cutting the third web in a succession of third and fourth pieces, defining the second side panel of the article; applying the first through fourth pieces to the first web; the first and second stretches being provided in the first web so each first stretch has the rear end portion upstream of the front end portion in a feed direction and each second stretch has the front end portion upstream of the rear end portion.

Abstract: A prefastened, refastenable pant and methods and apparatus for preparing the same are provided. The pant comprises a chassis having a leading and trailing edge, and first and second lateral edges, wherein the chassis is folded-over along a transverse fold line orthogonal to the first and second lateral edges of the chassis. A pair of first side panels may be attached to the chassis proximal one of the leading and trailing edge of the chassis, each comprising a first fastening component. A pair of second side panels may be attached to the chassis proximal another of the leading and trailing edge of the chassis, each comprising a second fastening component. Each of the pair of first side panels is detachably secured to the chassis and the first fastening components and second fastening components are refastenably engaged between the first and second lateral edges of the chassis.

Abstract: A device for forming and applying accessory elements to a continuous band of absorbent material, includes a unit for feeding a continuous strip to a conveyor roller, a unit for cutting the strip in a continuous and alternating succession of first and second pieces, a first and a second roller rotating about respective axes parallel to the first direction, each including a movement device acting along a circumferential direction around the respective axis and configured for imparting to each unit a respective motion between positions for picking up and releasing the pieces. A unit for applying a pair of pieces to the band is equipped with a separating unit equipped with a spacer device for moving first and/or second carriages along a separating direction between close and far axial positions, wherein the spacer device includes a plurality of linear actuators each associated with a respective first carriage.

Abstract: A method for making sanitary articles, includes: feeding along a longitudinal direction of movement a first web of material defining a main body of the article; feeding a pair of longitudinal strips; dividing each strip into a succession of trapezoidal pieces adjacent each other and each having a long base and a short base so the pieces of each strip can be divided alternately into first pieces having a first orientation and second pieces having a second orientation opposite to the first orientation; spacing the pieces of each strip from each other; rotating the first or second pieces of each strip by 180° in plane to give the pieces of the first strip the first orientation and the pieces of the second strip the second orientation; applying each piece on a first face so the long base protrudes laterally from the edge of the first web.

Abstract: An absorber article includes: a body-contact part having a canal member which has a stretchable and shrinkable, left and right pair of head sections extending in the front-rear direction, and which also has a canal sheet having left and right edges joined to the left and right pair of head sections and also having a center section hanging downward, the body contact part also having affixing members which affix the canal member to the wearer's body in such a manner that the head sections of the canal member are in contact with the wearer's skin; and body-non-contacting part having a sheet-like leakage prevention body and also having an absorber disposed on the upper side of the leakage prevention body. The absorber article is also provided with a passage for transporting bodily fluids from the upper side of the canal sheet to the absorber.

Abstract: An absorbent article can include a chassis including an absorbent body. The chassis can include a body facing surface. The absorbent article can also include a waist containment member. The waist containment member can include a proximal portion coupled to the body facing surface of the chassis and a distal portion that includes a distal edge. The proximal portion includes proximal portion elastic members and the distal portion can include distal portion elastic members. The distal portion can be free to move with respect to the chassis when the absorbent article is in a relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to improve the fit of edge portions of an outer body around the legs.

Abstract: A method for producing an absorbent article includes: while conveying non-woven fabric to be a top sheet by drawing from the downstream side, forming extruded projections by embossing; placing a material for a second sheet on the back surface of the non-woven fabric with the extruded projections; and joining the non-woven fabric and material for the second sheet in a joint pattern in which top-second joint portions are formed between the MD direction adjacent extruded projections at CD direction central positions corresponding to CD direction central portions of the adjacent extruded projections and at lateral positions on the CD direction both sides of the central positions. A MD direction joint range of the top-second joint portions is wider continuously or stepwise with increasing proximity from the central position to the lateral sides. This allows joining a top sheet having extruded projections and a second sheet while preventing occurrence of MD direction wrinkles in the top sheet.

Abstract: A top sheet of a disposable diaper includes projections and depressions. The projection and the depression extend in the front-back direction, and are arranged alternately in the width direction. The top sheet includes a first region disposed at least in the rear waistline region and a second region disposed at least in a crotch region. A height of the first projection is higher than a height of the second projection. A first depression is provided with a widthwise projection configured to divide a space in a first depression extending in a front-back direction. A pitch of the first projection in the width direction is larger than a pitch of the second projection in the width direction.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved handling of body exudates. The absorbent article can minimize the amount of body exudates in contact with a wearer's skin and can minimize the incidence of leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.

Abstract: A softgoods seat covering convertible into vehicle extraction device for immobilizing a patient while still seated in the seat of a vehicle, and for safe extraction and transport thereafter. The device uses a plurality of inflatable panels enclosed within a woven cover and connected together by inflation tubing to an inflator for simultaneous or sequential inflation. In normal, pre-blast operations, the durable, uninflated device simply acts as the outer fabric of the seat back and seat cushion, with deployable structures folded/tucked behind the seat back and under the seat pan. Upon arrival of the medic, sections of the device are sequentially deployed through inflation and secured around the patient by wraparound straps to immobilize the patient in the sitting position, and to facilitate extraction and removal in a supine position. The device is intended to mitigate injuries/casualties caused by exposure to landmine or IED blasts.

Abstract: A retractable ramp system for facilitating mobility-challenged individual's entrance to and exit from a structure, particularly, from a motorized vehicle. The ramp system includes a frame having a front member, a first side member, a second side member, a rear member, and a floor. The rear member is pivotally coupled to the frame between an open position and a closed position. The ramp system includes a first track coupled to the first side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein, and a second track coupled to the second side member and defining a longitudinal channel therein. A ramp is pivotably coupled to the first and second tracks about a pivot axis, and includes a ramp floor, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The system includes a latch to maintain the ramp in a stowed position.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift for a vehicle having a cab with a rear seat. The wheelchair lift includes a lift tray dimensioned to support a wheelchair. An articulating assembly is provided that is configured to move the lift tray transversely between an extended position outside a cab of a vehicle and a retracted position fully within the cab of the vehicle. The wheelchair lift includes a vertical lift assembly configured to raise and lower the lift tray. In some cases, the articulating assembly is mounted to a vertical wall of a vehicle cab between a rear seat and a vehicle door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chassis for vehicle, comprising: a rigid frame, a pair of side wheels in a parallel configuration, a steerable front wheel, a steerable rear wheel, at least one electric motor, wherein at least one of said front wheel or rear wheel is connected to and driven by the at least one electric motor, and wherein said front and rear wheels are mutually connected through a turning mechanism arranged to turn said front and rear wheels simultaneously and synchronously between a middle position in which the axles of the front and rear wheels are substantially parallel with the axles of side wheels, and left or right positions, in which the axles of the front and rear wheels are substantially perpendicular to the axles of the side wheels.

Abstract: A wheelchair anti-rollback device utilizes one-way roller clutches which incorporate a selectable free-rotation functionality such that the wheelchair user can select between anti-rollback and free-wheeling modes. The anti-rollback mode is of utility when the wheelchair user is propelling up ramps. The modal selection is by means of a knob positioned on the centerline rotation axis of the mechanism. The mechanism also included functionality that allows mode change from anti-rollback to free-wheeling to be made at any time, including while the chair is on an inclined ramp. The invention can incorporated into the hub of the rear wheels of a wheelchair or into the toggle mechanism of typically used to actuate parking brakes. When incorporated into a wheelchair, the invention gives the wheelchair user greater control and ease in ascending ramps.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising a support frame and a patient support deck operatively attached to the support frame. The patient support deck has at least one deck section arranged for movement relative to the support frame. An actuator is arranged to move the deck section between an initial configuration and one or more raised configurations relative to the support frame. A link supports the deck section for movement with respect to the support frame. The link has a first end pivotally attached to the support frame, a second end pivotally attached to the deck section, and a protruding stop formed between the first end and the second end arranged to abut the deck section so as to prevent the actuator from moving the deck section beyond a maximum raised configuration.

Abstract: A number of patient beds are disclosed. Some patient beds have siderails that are movable by a patient so that the patient can egress from the bed without interference from the siderails. Various caregiver control panels and patient control panels for controlling features and functions of a patient bed are also disclosed. For example, a cart with caregiver control inputs, including hand inputs on a graphical user interface (GUI) and foot inputs, is disclosed. Patient positioning and transfer devices are also disclosed. Various types of in-bed physical therapy devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an inflatable mattress for supporting a patient and an air supply for supplying air to the inflatable mattress. A control system controls the air supply and inflatable mattress to provide therapeutic functions. The control system is configurable to make a subset of the therapeutic functions available to a user. A control panel containing controls for therapeutic functions is provided. An interchangeable bezel covers the control panel to provide access to controls for the subset of available therapeutic functions.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for a patient positioning device for beam radiation therapy and radiological imaging. The system includes a base and a patient support surface coupled to the base, and the patient support surface includes a lower patient support hingedly coupled to the base and an upper support hingedly coupled to the lower patient support. The system also includes a substantially flat hinge that forms a continuous upper surface with an upper support surface of the lower patient support and the lower patient support.

Abstract: A patient lift connector for attaching and detaching a patient lifting bar to a load supporting member in a patient lifting system is described. The connector includes a connector body including a connecting block configured to be fixedly attached to the patient lifting bar. The connector also includes a pin holder coupled to the load supporting member and configured to be inserted through the connector body and into the connecting block, and an attachment latch secured to the connector body and configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the connector body. When the attachment latch moves from the closed position to the open position, the pin holder is allowed to be inserted into the connecting block and thereby allow the lifting bar to be attached to the load supporting member.

Abstract: A positioning system for a surgical mask utilizing an adjustable leg that is positioned on a mirror by way of a series of orifices. The adjustable leg includes a handle rotatably confined by the mirror orifice to raise and lower the surgical mask.

Abstract: A method of memorializing a deceased comprises the steps of receiving, subsequent to the death of the deceased and prior to a funeral or other memorial service for the deceased, a selection of a personal item of personal significance to the deceased, attaching the personal item to an ornament base, and attaching the ornament base, with the personal item attached thereto, to a casket for the deceased.

Abstract: There is provided a multifunctional apparatus for the passive physical rehabilitation comprising a main frame (1), and a second frame (2) which incorporates a seat (3) and a backrest (20) for supporting a user (10), the apparatus is characterized in that is movable onto a surface while performing the physical rehabilitation exercise, and in that it further comprises first supporting means (41) for supporting the lower limbs ends of the user (10) associated to a transmission shaft (40), said first supporting means being mounted in oscillating manner onto said main frame (1); and second supporting means (43,44) for supporting the upper limbs ends of the user (10) associated to said transmission shaft (40), said supporting means (44) being mounted in oscillating manner relative to said main frame (1); the arrangement being such that as a result of the motion of the apparatus the same causes a reciprocating elliptical motion of said first supporting means (41) and said second supporting means (44) for supporting

Abstract: A spinal disk relief apparatus may include a frame configured to carry a body weight of a patient. The frame has a right side, a left side, and a back side. The right side is at approximately a right angle to the back side while the spinal disk relief apparatus is in an unfolded state. The left side is at approximately a right angle to the back side while the spinal disk relief apparatus is in the unfolded state. The spinal disk relief apparatus may also include a belt configured to provide under arm support to arms of the patient. The belt is mounted to the frame by at least four straps. The back side comprises an adjustable lower bar configured to support shins of the patient. The spinal disk apparatus causes the patient supported by the apparatus to experience a rehydrated spinal disk.

Abstract: A combination walker and cane includes a pair of inverted, U-shaped frame members, each having a horizontal handlebar with a front leg and a rear leg depending therefrom. One of the rear legs is detachable from the remainder of the corresponding frame member to form a walking cane, if desired. Accordingly, a user can operate the walker in a conventional fashion, or detach the rear leg to form a walking cane.