Abstract: An adjustable spinal implant includes a fixed segment that slidably supports a locking segment and pivotally supports an upper segment and a lower segment relative to one another. The locking segment translates within a channel defined by the fixed segment between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the upper and lower segments are fixed relative to one another and to the fixed segment. In the unlocked position, the upper and lower segments are pivotal relative to one another and to the fixed segment. The adjustable spinal implant includes a locking mechanism including a locking screw to translate the locking segment between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device having an accordion-like structure, wherein the device in inserted into the disc space in its collapsed configuration and then expanded into its expanded configuration by compressing the accordion-like portion of the device. In some embodiments, a pre-formed tube with an accordion-like structure over a portion of its length is inserted in a relaxed (collapsed) configuration, giving the tube a minimum possible diameter. This tube has a cable running through it that is fixed to a distal end portion of the tube and extends past the proximal end portion of the tube to the outside of the patient. Once the tube is positioned on the rim of the endplate, the proximal end of the cable is pulled, thereby tensioning the cable and causing the accordion portion of the tube to become shorter in length but larger in diameter.

Abstract: A modular anterior lumbar interbody fusion device comprises a monolithic interbody fusion cage and a modular plate resiliently attached thereto. The cage includes an open architecture with top and bottom cross members and a pair of opposing arms projecting from respective side structures of the cage to define a pocket at the cage anterior end. The modular plate is received in the pocket and attached to the cage by resilient latches. The plate lies fully within the profile of the cage with the resilient latches lying fully within the thickness of the plate. The plate provides a structure to close the anterior portion of the modular cage after introduction of bone graft material while allowing for use with integrated fixation. Attachment features between the monolithic cage and modular plate are universal allowing for selection of various modular device configurations with minimal components.

Abstract: An expandable, adjustable inter-body fusion device is presented. The inter-body fusion device can have a first plate, a second plate, and an insert positioned substantially there between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the insert define an interior cavity. Moving the insert longitudinally with respect to the first and second plates increases or decreases the distance of the first plate with respect to the second plate, effectively expanding the inter-body fusion device and increasing the volume of the interior cavity. The angle between the first plate and the second plate is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A surgical instrument extraction system includes a first extraction tool having a first body that extends between a first end and a second end. The first extraction tool has a first plurality of threads formed on the first end and a second plurality of threads formed on the second end. A second extraction tool has a second body that extends between a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The second extraction tool has a first plurality of threads formed on the first end and a second plurality of threads formed on the second end The first body of the first extraction tool is sized to extend through a bore of the second extraction tool. The second body of the second extraction tool is sized to extend through a bore of the first extraction tool.

Abstract: A device is for removing an acetabular cup. The device may include a central body having a first end integrally connected to the central body, bearing a handle, and a transverse handle, and a second end integrally connected to the central body. The device may include a first toothed element, and a second toothed element coupled so that the second toothed element is configured to rotate by the first toothed element when the first toothed element rotates in a previously defined direction.

Abstract: A method is used for aligning an acetabular cup insertion instrument by taking a single lateral view pre-operative digital x-ray of a standing patient's pelvis. The natural pelvic tilt angle is determined by locating an anterior pelvic plane (APP) which is defined by first, second and third points on the anterior of the pelvis and determining the angle between the APP and a coronal plane perpendicular to the surface on which the patient is standing. The patient is then placed on a surface of an operating room table in a supine position. A position tracking device is placed on the patient's pelvis to track movement. Thereafter an operating room navigation or orientation system is used to relocate the APP defined by the first, second and third points. A cup insertion instrument having a position tracking device thereon is oriented using the navigation or orientation system.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (2) for use during an orthopaedic surgical procedure to measure first and second distances from a reference point on a bone to first and second measurement points respectively. The measuring instrument has a first scale (24) for displaying the first distance and a second scale (28) for displaying the second distance. It includes a mask (26) which can be positioned against the second scale after the first distance has been measured in a position that is selected relative to the second scale dependent on the measured first distance, to restrict the length of the second scale that is visible to the user.

Abstract: A driving module may include a driving source configured to generate power, a gear train that includes a decelerating gear set configured to receive driving power from the driving source and a ring gear attached to one side of the gear train, and a rotary joint that includes at least one planetary gear configured to rotate in response to power received from an output end of the decelerating gear set and to revolve along the ring gear. The driving module may include one or more noise reducing members configured to mitigate noise produced based on interaction between one or more elements of the driving module. The driving module may be included in a motion assistance apparatus, where the driving module drives a module that supports a portion of a user body.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a phalanges portion, a metatarsals portion that is movably coupled to the phalanges portion, an ankle portion that is movably coupled to the metatarsals portion, and a calcaneus portion that is movably coupled to the ankle portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of medical instrument, in particular to a sensor device applied in an articulation and an artificial limb system to improve control precision of the sensor. The sensor device of the present disclosure includes a plurality of magnets spaced apart from each other, the adjacent magnets having opposite polarities in a moving direction of the articulation; and at least one magnetic inductor for monitoring a displacement of the magnets caused by movement of the articulation.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support, at least two axially elongate longitudinal members, at least one of which can be fronds, extending from an end of the support, and a circumferential member connected to at least one axially elongate longitudinal member and unconnected to at least one other axially elongate longitudinal member.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent (=50) including a bladder portion (=52) positioned in a bladder of a patient, a kidney portion (=54) positioned in a kidney and ureteral passageway of the patient, and one or more tethers (=56) coupling the bladder portion to the kidney portion. The ureteral stent allows urine to pass around a blockage, and allows a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state to prevent or minimize urinary reflux, flank pain, blood in the urine, etc., while allowing the bladder portion to move freely in the bladder to prevent the bladder portion from irritating the trigone muscle.

Abstract: Lumen support devices and methods of their use are provided. A lumen support includes one or more plastically deformable cells having two stable configurations with no stable configurations between the two stable configurations. The lumen support device may be plastically deformed to other stable configurations.

Abstract: A radially expansible annular stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a plurality of stenting turns around a lumen centered on a longitudinal axis. Adjacent turns of the stent are joined by connector struts. The stent annulus has a wall thickness related to the material from which it is formed. The radial thickness of the connector struts is smaller than that of the stent annulus. A method of making such a stent is also disclosed. The method includes cutting the connector struts from a tubular workpiece with a laser beam. The laser beam is aimed so as to be offset from a longitudinal axis of the workpiece to provide the reduced radial thickness of the connector struts.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable scaffolds having high crush recoverability, high fracture resistance, and reduced or no recoil due to self expanding properties at physiological conditions are disclosed. The scaffolds are made from a random copolymer of PLLA and a rubbery polymer such as polycaprolactone.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis has a radially expansible support and a bifurcation traversing portion. The radially expansible support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of the branch body lumen. The bifurcation traversing portion has a biostable portion having a first end and a second end. The first end is located adjacent to the radially expansible support. The bifurcation traversing portion also has a biodegradable portion having a first end coupled with the second end of the biostable portion. The biodegradable portion has a second end disposed at an end of the prosthesis opposite the radially expansible support. When deployed, the bifurcation traversing portion extends from the radially expansible support across a bifurcation and into a main body lumen such that the carina is supported thereby.

Abstract: Implantable stents that include strips that are each comprised of main struts connected by first connectors, and adjacent strips are connected by second connectors. The strut connectors have a structure, including areas of expanded or reduced width or thickness, to account for venous applications. When used for venous applications, the stents convey benefit from configurations that improve flexibility (due to the greater elasticity of venous applications) while maintaining enough stiffness to resist pressure on the venous structure in selected areas (such as for the May-Thurner syndrome). The stents include particular structural characteristics that are particularly advantageous for (although not limited to) venous applications.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis assembly includes a delivery system having an introduction end, an operator end, and a stent graft retention region. An endoluminal prosthesis is disposed at the stent graft retention region. The prosthesis comprises a tubular body, an inner lumen extending between proximal and distal ends of the tubular body, at least one fenestration disposed in a sidewall of the body, and an internal branch at least partially formed with the sidewall of the body and disposed in parallel alignment with the prosthesis. A guide wire having a first end and a second end is pre-loaded with the prosthesis in the delivery system. At least a portion of the guide wire is disposed within the internal branch and the inner lumen of tubular body of the prosthesis prior to delivery of the prosthesis and during delivery and deployment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an elongate shaft including a proximal portion, a distal portion, at least one lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a stent receiving portion on the distal portion of the elongate shaft. A stent is positioned on the stent receiving portion of the elongate shaft. A proximal constraining arrangement is engaged with a proximal end of the stent. A distal constraining arrangement is engaged with a distal end of the stent. A release wire is disposed through the elongate shaft and releasably engaged with portion of the proximal constraining arrangement and the distal constraining arrangement member. A handle assembly comprising a shuttle and a spring arrangement is positioned therein. A first brake assembly is disposed within the handle assembly and a second brake assembly is disposed within the handle assembly proximal to the first brake assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect, an improved ankle joint device provides two stages of dorsiflexion resistance biasing a first splint member (or other attachment member that follows the angular displacement of a wearer's lower leg or foot) against dorsiflexion movement within an active angular range of dorsiflexion, corresponding to second and third rocker phases of a wearer's gait; in addition to a phase of plantarflexion resistance biasing the first splint/attachment member against plantarflexion movement within an active angular range of plantarflexion, corresponding to a first rocker phase. In another aspect, an equilibrium or neutral angle between a wearer's foot and tibia at which the device applies no biasing forces is adjustable by adjusting the angle at which a second splint/attachment member is fixed relative to a joint body. Typically, the second splint member is secured to a wearer's lower leg, and the first splint member is secured to a wearer's foot.

Abstract: A quick deployment cast comprises a flexible outer sleeve fitted for a human appendage. The cast has a bladder network within the sleeve, a fluid capable of expanding and hardening when in the presence of a curing agent, stored within the bladder network and a mechanism for exposing the fluid to the curing agent.

Abstract: A method to enhance migraine prevention and treatment of temporomandibular disorders with use of an intraoral discluder device includes providing the intraoral discluder device. The intraoral discluder device has a trough with a front wall and a rear wall designed to accommodate at least one maxillary incisor or mandibular incisor of the user, and a protrusion coupled to the trough. The method further includes maneuvering the intraoral discluder device in the user to accommodate the at least one maxillary incisor to permit the protrusion to contact at least one mandibular incisor of the lower jaw during a bite of the user, determining the spacing between the maxillary molars and mandibular molars, and ensuring the spacing between the maxillary molars and mandibular molars is no greater than approximately 2 millimeters during the bite.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, performed in an accessory device, for communicating a leakage state of an ostomy appliance, wherein the accessory device comprises an interface configured to communicate with one or more devices of an ostomy system, the one or more devices comprising a monitor device, and/or the ostomy appliance configured to be placed on a skin surface of a user. The method comprises obtaining monitor data from the one or more devices, the monitor data being indicative of presence of fluid at a proximal side of a first adhesive layer of the ostomy appliance towards the skin surface; determining a leakage state at the proximal side of the first adhesive layer of the ostomy appliance based on the monitor data, and communicating the leakage state of the ostomy appliance via the interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bed set for inhibition of obstructive sleep apnea, which includes: a sound receiving module, is used to receive a respiratory sound signal obtained from a user during a time period; a sound analyzing processor, which is connected with the sound receiving module, is used to obtain a snoring sound characteristic from the spectrum of respiratory sound signal; a database, which has a plurality of snoring image characteristics corresponding to a plurality of basic snoring sound characteristics for different respiratory actions; a control processor, which is connected with the sound analyzing processor and the database, is used to compare the snoring sound characteristic with the basic snoring sound characteristics to select one of the snoring image characteristics in the same waveform, and provides the first angle control order and the second angle control order corresponding to the selecting snoring image characteristic; a first pillow, which is connected to the control processor,

Abstract: An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. A force sensor is disposed to measure a force exerted on the hyoid bone, a skin contact pressure, tissue compression between the ferric element and the force delivery element.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a package substrate, a plurality of cooling units, and device electronics. The plurality of cooling units are configured to cool a user's body. Each cooling unit includes a plurality of semiconductor cooling elements sandwiched between a first cooling unit substrate and a second cooling unit substrate. Each of the cooling units is connected to the package substrate. The device electronics are coupled to the cooling units. The device electronics are configured to store a first cooling device profile that includes data indicating an amount of power to deliver to each of the cooling units over a period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the cooling units according to the first cooling device profile, wirelessly receive a second cooling device profile from an external computing device, and deliver power to the cooling units according to the second cooling device profile.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for exchanging heat with working fluid from an intravascular heat exchange catheter or an external heat exchange pad includes a working fluid that circulates between the catheter or pad and a fluid cassette, and a refrigerant system that flows against the outer sides of cold plates between which the cassette is disposed.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclose feature a flow control device to be used between two inflatable sections. The flow control device is a one-way flow control device allowing inflating medium to flow in one direction. In such embodiments, the flow control device is in an open state when a first inflatable section is inflated such that a second inflatable section is also inflated. The flow control device is in close state when the second inflatable section is inflated such that the first inflatable section is not inflated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing an ophthalmic surgical treatment procedure include one or more wicking members to secure a volume of treatment fluid to a distal end of a surgical instrument. Such a surgical instrument may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, the elongate tubular member being configured to penetrate a body cavity of a patient. The instrument may further include a wicking member extending beyond the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The wicking member may be configured to secure a volume of treatment fluid delivered through the lumen to the wicking member for application from the wicking member to target tissue in the body cavity.

Abstract: Described are implantable devices having expandable reservoirs for the sustained release of therapeutic agents. The device is configured to be at least partially implanted in an eye and includes a retention structure and a penetrable element coupled to and extending within at least a portion of the retention structure. A porous drug release mechanism is positioned in fluid communication with an outlet of the device; and a reservoir having a volume configured to contain one or more therapeutic agents is in fluid communication with the outlet through the porous drug release mechanism. The device is at least partially inserted along an axis of insertion. The reservoir enlarges from an insertion configuration having a first three-dimensional shape to an expanded configuration having a second three-dimensional shape, the second three-dimensional shape being eccentrically positioned relative to the axis of insertion.

Abstract: Improved devices, systems, and methods for diagnosing, planning treatments of, and/or treating the refractive structures of an eye of a patient incorporate results of prior refractive corrections into a planned refractive treatment of a particular patient by driving an effective treatment vector function based on data from the prior eye treatments. The exemplary effective treatment vector employs an influence matrix which may allow improved refractive corrections to be generated so as to increase the overall accuracy of laser eye surgery (including LASIK, PRK, and the like), customized intraocular lenses (IOLs), refractive femtosecond treatments, and the like.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device for treating eye tissue comprises a light source for generating laser pulses, a light projector for focused projection of the laser pulses into the eye tissue and an interferometric measurement system for measuring eye structures. The ophthalmic device comprises an optical element which is movable in relation to the light source and provided for preventing a change in the path length difference between measurement and reference arms of the interferometric measurement system resulting from a change in the length of the light-transmission path caused by a movement of the light projector relative to the light source. The interferometric measurement system enables a flexible measurement of the eye structures before, during and after the treatment, wherein measurement errors in the interferometric measurement system resulting from length changes in the light-transmission path are avoided, which are caused by movements of the light projector relative to the light source.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for treating a glaucomatous eye are provided. Embodiments may provide a treatment probe for treating an eye of a patient. The treatment probe may have an elongate body with a contact surface at a distal end of the elongate body. A treatment fiber or light source may be housed in the treatment probe and may be configured to direct treatment energy from the contact surface. The contact surface may be configured to couple to a surface of the eye to deliver the energy into the target area. In many embodiments the contact surface may have a convex configuration with a rounded outer shape and edge that facilitates the sweeping of the probe surface across the eye during treatment delivery. In some embodiments the probe may be swept in arc motions while delivering treatment energy to the eye.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for treating the retina and/or other areas of a patient's eye. The procedures may involve using one or more treatment beams (e.g., lasers) to cause photocoagulation or laser coagulation to finely cauterize ocular blood vessels and/or prevent blood vessel growth to induce one or more therapeutic benefits. In other embodiments, a series of short duration light pulses (e.g., between 5-15 microseconds) may be delivered to the retinal tissue with a thermal relaxation time delay between the pulse to limit the temperature rise of the target retinal tissue and thereby limit a thermal effect to only the retinal pigment epithelial layer. Such procedures may be used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and/or other conditions of the eye. The treatment beam may be delivered within a treatment boundary or pattern defined on the retina of the patient's eye.

Abstract: Provided herein are examples of headworn supports, such as eyewear, configured to provide passive venting by providing pathways between a lens and a frame and/or by providing a smooth anterior profile to allow a laminar flow of air on an anterior surface of the lens. The pathways through the frame and lens of the eyewear can be configured such that they do not provide a direct path to the eye of a wearer. The headworn supports provided herein can provide venting while reducing or preventing unwanted light, particles, or other debris from contacting the eye of the user. The headworn supports can also be configured to exhibit excellent ballistic performance.

Abstract: A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database as part of a computer-based game. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access content information associated with the identified object and interact with the game based on the content information.

Abstract: An ear covering system for keeping ears warm while wearing earphones includes a pair of earphones. Each of the earphones is selectively worn in an associated one of a pair of ears. A pair of earmuffs is provided and each of the earmuffs is selectively worn on an associated one the ears. Each of the earmuffs has a hole therein and each of the earphones is selectively extended through the hole in an associated one of the earmuffs. In this way the earmuffs are worn in conjunction with the earphones. Each of the earmuffs is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to keep the ears warm in a cold environment.

Abstract: A long-term effective patch structure includes a binding layer, an absorbing layer and a water-proof layer sequentially stacked together. The binding layer has a function of attaching and fixing, and is configured to be attached and fixed on a skin. Sweat or liquid from the skin can pass through the binding layer to reach the absorbing layer, which is aligned with binding layer at the edge. The water-proof layer is water-proof and has vapor permeability, and its area is larger than the area of the absorbing layer. The outer part of the water-proof layer is attachable to the skin. Since the absorbing layer can absorb the liquid from the skin and the water-proof layer can ventilate the vapor to the outside, the skin is kept dry and comfortable and suitable to be attached to human skin for a long period of time without inducing skin allergy or discomfort.

Abstract: A wound dressing is provided that includes at least a support including a thin pliable film with a top face and a bottom face, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied to at least a portion of the bottom face of the thin pliable film, a protective layer applied detachably to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer opposite the support and an additional layer either in the form of a uniform layer such as a film, or in the form of a frame, covering the top face of the thin pliable film. At least a part of at least the thin pliable film is trimmed in such a way that a space is created between the additional layer and the thin pliable film, the space providing a beginning for the easy removing of the additional layer.

Abstract: A waterproof cast liner is formed by inverting a waterproof cast sleeve over a padding material and sealing the inner and outer layers together to produce a waterproof cast. The padding material is retained within the waterproof enclosure formed by the inverted and seal liner and a rigid material is configure around the outer layer of the inverted sleeve and the limb to form a waterproof cast. A waterproof cast sleeve may have an appendage conduit that branches from the sleeve conduit to enable an appendage such as a thumb or finger to extend out from the waterproof cast. The inner and outer layer of the inverted sleeve or waterproof liner are sealed together to produce a waterproof enclosure for the padding material. The seal may include a thermal seal or adhesive and the rigid material of the cast may form an adhesive for the seal.

Abstract: The Improved Sock is made of yarns knitted to include a foot portion and a calf portion, with graduated compression on an individual's foot from the foot to the calf. The yarns can include wool and alpaca fibers. A substantial proportion of wool and/or alpaca are on the inside of the sock so as to be in direct contact with the skin and wound. The Improved Sock provides absorption and wicking of inflammatory mediators, bacteria and biofilm and necrotic exudate from the foot and leg. The Improved Sock has AgNP shapes electrostatically bonded to the yarn. At least 30% of the mass of the AgNP shapes attached to the fibers have a shape selected from the group including truncated triangular plates (a triangle with the corners rounded off), triangular prisms, and/or discs. The Improved Sock functions as a unique wound dressing with the sock in direct contact with the wound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing and to a device for use in negative-pressure wound therapy, in particular for wounds in the abdominal region, and also to methods for producing the device. The wound dressing includes at least one flexible film for application onto the wound bed, more particularly onto exposed internal organs or onto the greater omentum, and furthermore at least one pocket, which is present on the side of the wound dressing that faces away from the wound during use and which simplifies the uniform application and placement of the wound dressing on the wound bed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sanitary articles such as disposable diapers, adult incontinent pads, feminine hygiene products, and sanitary napkins comprised of biodegradable polymers with higher biobased content. The sanitary articles include a topsheet, an absorbent core, and a backsheet. The topsheet is comprised of biodegradable polyester polyol polymer foam which may be configured to wick liquid away from a wearer's body and may be impregnated with superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent core may be comprised of superabsorbent polymer including a cross-linked and/or partially neutralized polyacrylic acid polymer, cross-linked polyacrylic acids or cross-linked starch-acrylic acid graft polymers. The backsheet may be comprised of poly-lactone polymers having generally hydrophobic characteristics. In preferred embodiments, the polymeric materials comprising the topsheet, absorbent core, and backsheet are formed from raw materials with high biobased content.

Abstract: An incontinence detection system monitors an area for moisture events and wirelessly transmits moisture-related information to one or more notification devices. The system has a pad that includes a substrate and one or more sensors supported by the substrate. The sensor(s) emit wireless signals indicative of the moisture-related information. A sensor event communication system forwards the sensor signals to another device, such as a notification device. Portions of the system are included in a patient support apparatus, such as a bed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles and methods for assembling absorbent articles having a design including: a first graphic extending along a first component, a second graphic extending along a second component, and a discontinuous region separating the first graphic from the second graphic. The discontinuous region is configured to provide the appearance that the first and second graphics form a contiguous design while at the same time mitigating the need to precisely align the graphics on separated components to form a contiguous design during the assembly process.

Abstract: An absorbent article of the present invention may comprise a topsheet, an outer cover, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The outer cover may comprise an extrusion bonded laminate. The EBL may comprise a multi-layer coextruded elastomeric film and a nonwoven. The film may comprise a core layer, a first outer layer, and a second outer layer, wherein the core layer is between the first and second outer layers. The nonwoven may comprise fibers and/or filaments. The first outer layer may be non-adhesively joined to the nonwoven via extrusion coating. Further, the outer cover may be elastic to at least about 50% engineering strain. The nonwoven may have high chemical affinity for the first outer layer. The first outer layer may have a low chemical affinity for the core layer; and the multi-layer coextruded elastomeric film may have a basis weight no greater than about 40 gsm.

Abstract: A fluid distribution material for use in an absorbent article includes a formed film layer, with a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 25 gsm, a user-facing side, and a garment-facing side. The formed film layer includes a plurality of apertured protuberances, numbering 10 to 40 per linear inch. The garment-facing side has a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of apertured protuberances, with land areas therebetween. A nonwoven layer, with a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 15 gsm, is laminated to the garment-facing side of the formed film layer. The nonwoven layer includes a plurality of fibers adjacent the land areas. Fibers adjacent the land areas are gathered a higher density than fibers located adjacent the plurality of apertures. The fluid distribution material has a compressibility of less than 10% between pressures of 0.21 psi and 0.60 psi.

Abstract: An absorbent article with a body-facing surface, a first end region a second end region, a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is described. The absorbent article can be asymmetric about the transverse centerline, and can have a first functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface and a second functional enhancement indicator visible from the body-facing surface. The first functional enhancement indicator can provide visually-perceptible indication of the first end region, and the second functional enhancement indicator can provide visually-perceptible indication of a region of fluid entry in the absorbent article.

Abstract: A wheelchair loading system facilitates loading of a wheelchair into a vehicle by the user of the wheelchair without additional assistance from another person. The system includes a rail assembly configured for coupling to a vehicle. A shuttle and a motor are each coupled to the rail assembly to move the shuttle on the rail assembly. A chair mount has a first end couplable to the shuttle and a second end configured for coupling to a wheelchair. The shuttle is positionable at a rearward end of the rail assembly positioning the wheelchair away from the rear door to allow the rear door to be opened while the wheelchair is coupled to the shuttle. A lift is configured for coupling to the vehicle and includes a strap having a free end configured for coupling to the wheelchair for lifting the wheelchair into the vehicle through the rear door.