Abstract: An angioplasty apparatus for facilitating accurate placement of a lumen stent for dilating a stenosis, the apparatus includes arcuate low pressure balloon segment(s) connected at a distal end of a guiding catheter with gap(s) to facilitate blood flow during a stenting procedure. Optimal positioning of a stent at a lumen bifurcation is facilitated to obviate any tendency of a stent to miss a proximal end of a stenosis branch lumen while concomitantly preventing the stent from protruding into an original lumen, such as a patient's aorta.

Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthesis centrally within a curved lumen includes loading a prosthesis into a delivery sheath, advancing the sheath in a patient towards the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end of the prosthesis within the curved lumen, and centering the proximal end of the prosthesis and/or the distal end of the sheath within the curved lumen. In a first advancing step, the outer catheter containing the inner sheath is advanced together towards the curved lumen to a location proximal of the curved lumen and, in a second advancing step, the inner sheath containing the prosthesis is advanced into the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end within the curved lumen while the outer catheter substantially remains at the location. After centering, the proximal end of the prosthesis is deployed centered within the curved lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoulder brace for the rehabilitation of patients that suffer from shoulder instability. The shoulder brace uses a novel elevation and compression cabling system to stabilize and approximate the humerus to glenoid fossa. More specifically, the present invention allows an individual that suffers from shoulder instability to easily put on and, while wearing the device, adjust all forces that approximate their shoulder without the assistance of another individual. The design will also allow the individual the ability to have functional movement. This will give someone who has become dependent on others to regain a greater degree of independence.

Abstract: A disposable tape kit and method for use by athletes or others requiring immobilisation of the wrist. The tape kit includes a first strip with a palm anchor, an anterior wrist portion, and an anterior forearm anchor, along with a second strip that includes a back anchor, a wrist anchor starting end, a wrist anchor central portion, and a wrist anchor finishing end. When applied to a wearer's hand, wrist, and forearm, tension along the first strip on the anterior side of the wrist resists extension of the wrist, while tension along the second strip on the posterior side of the wrist resists flexion of the wrist. The combination of the first tension and second tension tends to immobilize the wrist against both flexion and extension.

Abstract: A compliance assembly includes a compliance strap arranged to engage and extend around the exterior of an orthopedic device, and a compliance clasp attached to the compliance strap. The compliance clasp includes a base member, a door member, and a locking system. The door member is pivotally connected to the base member and is movable between an open position and a closed position in which the door member is rotated toward the base member and locks the compliance strap between the base and door members. The locking system is arranged to irreversibly lock the door member in the closed position.

Abstract: Intended to prevent self-extubation of nasal or oral tubes of an awake patient who may reflexively attempt removal of such and allow the early mobilization and exercise necessary for preservation of as much muscle strength as possible, promotion of diaphragmatic motion necessary for liberation from a ventilator, reduction of patient stress allowing for sedation minimization and improved cognition for reduction of delirium and post-intensive care syndrome, and relief of medical staff and healthcare dollars to focus more on healthcare rather than on protection from self-harm.

Abstract: A filter assembly for an enclosure, particularly for an ostomy bag, is described having an enclosure side, a first layer which is gas permeable, and an adsorbent layer comprising adsorbent particles dispersed in a fine fiber web. The enclosure side of the filter assembly includes an adhesive zone in which adhesive is present having an outer adhesive perimeter and a weld area surrounding at least a portion of the adhesive zone, where the filter assembly is heat-sealable to the enclosure at the weld area. A method of assembly is also described.

Abstract: A device for a hypodermic needle comprises a connector for connecting to a hypodermic needle, a sheath (22) which in use surrounds the hypodermic needle and a biasing device (24) between the connector and the sheath. The sheath is moveable between a first position into which it is biased by the biasing device and a second retracted position against the force of the biasing device, so that in use, the tip of the hypodermic needle is covered in the first position but a defined length of the hypodermic needle is exposed in the second position. The device also sets the position of the angle of the hypodermic needle and locks the sheath over the needle after use.

Abstract: An eye treatment positions a mask device over first and second eyes. A posterior side of the mask device is proximate to the face and the anterior side is distal from the face. The mask device includes an outer wall extending between the anterior and posterior sides and defining a chamber extending across the first and second eyes. The anterior side includes a first transmission region that allows a photoactivating light for the first eye to be delivered into a first section of the chamber positioned over the first eye. The anterior side includes a second transmission region that allows a photoactivating light for the second eye to be delivered into the second section positioned over the second eye. The system includes at least one gas source storing a gas that is different than ambient air. The system includes a gas delivery system that delivers the gas into the chamber.

Abstract: An ejector device and method of delivering safe, suitable, and repeatable dosages to a subject for topical, oral, nasal, or pulmonary use is disclosed. The ejector device includes a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for receiving a volume of fluid, and an ejector mechanism in fluid communication with the reservoir and configured to eject a stream of droplets, the ejector mechanism comprising an ejector plate coupled to a generator plate and a piezoelectric actuator; the piezoelectric actuator being operable to oscillate the ejector plate, and thereby the generator plate, at a frequency and generate a directed stream of droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an injector, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid line, and a control module. The injector includes a body, a flexible cannula, a flexible needle, and a sensor. The needle is configured to translate relative to the cannula. The sensor is operable to detect a position of the needle relative to the cannula. The first and second fluid lines are coupled with the needle. The control module is in communication with the sensor, with the first fluid conduit, and with the second fluid conduit. The control module is configured to provide delivery of a first fluid through the first conduit to the needle based on a signal from the sensor. The control module is further configured to provide delivery of a second fluid through the second conduit to the needle.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for pressure-driven micro-surgical tool actuation. The systems and methods may encompass the use of a remote handle held by a first hand of a user as well as a surgical tool located in the eye of a patient. A primary actuator may be included in remote handle and operable to be actuated by a mechanical force exerted on the handle. Actuating the primary actuator pressurizes a fluid within a length of tubing. The pressurized fluid may be transmitted to a dynamic tool held by a second hand of the user, where the pressurized fluid may be used to actuate a subordinate actuator. Actuation of the subordinate actuator may actuate a dynamic component of the dynamic tool.

Abstract: A planning device generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery is provided, said apparatus using a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea of an eye, said planning device comprising an interface for receiving corneal data including information on pre-operative cuts which were generated in a previous ophthalmic operation, and computing means for defining a corneal cut surface which confines the corneal volume to be removed, said computing means defining the corneal cut surface on the basis of the corneal data and generating a control dataset for the corneal cut surface for control of the laser device.

Abstract: An eyeshade (10) includes a head band (12) and two eye covers (20). The head band (12) includes a middle section (14), an end section (15) horizontally extending from the middle section (14), and at least three first hook-and-loop straps (142). Two of the three first hook-and-loop straps (142) are arranged on an inner surface (141) of the middle section (14). Each eye cover (20) includes an inner pad (22) and a covering portion (24). Each inner pad (22) includes an inner pad outer surface (221) and a depression (222). The covering portion (24) includes a cavity (241) corresponding to the depression (222) and includes a second hook-and-loop strap (242). Each of the second hook-and-loop straps (242) is removably attached to the corresponding first hook-and-loop strap (142). The eyeshade (10) has modular replaceable eye covers (20) which can be quickly attached to head band (12) to provide various functions as required.

Abstract: A process for making a composite web is disclosed. The composite web can be incorporated into an absorbent article. A volume of ink is applied to the composite web such that when the composite web is incorporated into the absorbent article, a visual signal is produced.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of interrogating a sensor to detect the presence of moisture on an occupant support comprises the steps of A) providing a moisture responsive sensor in a surveillance zone of the occupant support, the sensor being tuned to a center frequency; B) exciting the sensor with an electromagnetic signal having a frequency approximately equal to the center frequency; C) monitoring for a center frequency response from the sensor; D) comparing the center frequency response to an expected center frequency response; and E) if the center frequency response compares favorably to an expected center frequency response, issuing a first output consistent with the favorable comparison.

Abstract: A feminine night pad is described having multiple layers of absorbent material selectively stacked in a manner to define a body portion and a central portion. Each portion is laid upon an upper surface of a trim member including an impermeable sheet. The body portion has a plurality of absorbing layers set in from the edge of the trim member. The central portion is built upon the body portion and includes one or more layers of additional absorbent material. The trim member is covered in absorbent material and extends around the entire periphery of the body portion. The trim member and corresponding portions are formed into a triangular shape to better conform to a woman's body.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs/nonwoven laminates for use in absorbent articles are disclosed. The nonwoven laminate includes a first nonwoven web with continuous spunbond crimped fibers and a second web joined to the first nonwoven web. A plurality of apertures extend through at least one of the first nonwoven web or the second web. The nonwoven web includes a plurality of continuous spunbond crimped fibers wherein a plurality of apertures extend through the nonwoven web.

Abstract: A web of material having a plurality of ink droplets disposed thereon is disclosed. The ink droplets may be configured in a variety of different fashions on the web of material.

Abstract: An absorbent product includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an absorbent fibrous layer, a liquid inlet layer, and a carrier layer, in which a transversally central region is arranged in the liquid inlet layer. The central region extends along the entire longitudinal length of the absorbent core, and includes a plurality of slits arranged in a pattern. The slits are in the form of dilated slit openings in a part of said central region, which is comprised in an intermediate portion of the absorbent core, and the slits are in the form of non-dilated slits in parts of said central region, which are comprised in one or both of front and rear portions of the absorbent core.

Abstract: As absorbent article for absorbing urine includes a topsheet which is a nonwoven fabric that has a skin-side surface having projections formed thereon. The content by percentage of fibers oriented in the thickness direction in each projection of the nonwoven fabric is greater than the content by percentage of fibers oriented in the thickness direction in sections of the nonwoven fabric other than the projections. The thickness of the nonwoven fabric when wet is greater than or equal to 85% the thickness of the nonwoven fabric when dry. The nonwoven fabric includes a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer. The first fiber layer is constituted by durable hydrophilic fibers, and the second fiber layer is constituted by durable hydrophilic fibers and non-durable hydrophilic fibers.

Abstract: A medical device including a plasma-treated porous substrate that is functionalized to provide a hydrophilic surface, and a process for preparing such a medical device, are disclosed. The method includes plasma treating at least a portion of a surface of a porous substrate with a gas species selected from oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and combination thereof. The gas species is configured to functionalize the surface of the medical device and form a hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently recovering pulp fiber from used hygiene products that include pulp fiber and a polymer absorbent. This method is characterized by including a step for introducing the used hygiene product into a treatment tank in which an aqueous solution with ozone dissolved therein has been introduced, and a step for treating the used hygiene product while infusing water into the treatment tank at a first flow rate, extracting the aqueous solution from the treatment tank at a second flow rate and introducing a gas containing ozone into the aqueous solution in the treatment tank, thereby decomposing the polymer absorbent, lowering the molecular weight thereof, and making the same dissolvable.

Abstract: An electrically powered wheelchair has a main frame, a seat frame, a seat back frame, a footrest frame, a wheel section, and an obstacle detection sensor. The seat frame is disposed above the main frame, and supports a sitting seat which supports buttocks and thighs of a user. The seat back frame is disposed behind the main frame, and supports a backrest which supports a back of the user. The footrest frame is disposed in front of the main frame, and supports a footrest which supports feet of the user. The wheel section movably supports the main frame. The obstacle detection sensor is installed in front of the seat frame, and detects an obstacle.

Abstract: A serving apparatus is provided to minimise risk of injurious events in a hospital or care setting. The serving apparatus comprises, a serving member having a serving platform; a rotation mechanism in rotatable communication with the serving member; a stand in communication with the rotation mechanism, the stand having a connecting portion; said connecting portion being arranged to reversibly couple the stand to an item of furniture; wherein the rotation mechanism is arranged to provide reciprocal rotation of the serving member between a stowed position and a serving position. The serving apparatus of the present invention aims to minimise the risk of falls or injurious spillages and may also maintain the healthy orthopaedic properties of furniture during mealtimes, without necessitating an awkward seating position wherein said orthopaedic properties become substantially defunct.

Abstract: Person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections are disclosed. In one embodiment, the person support apparatus includes a base frame, a primary support frame supported on the base frame, and a foot section coupled to the primary support frame. The person support apparatus also includes a carriage that is freely translatable between a head end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame, the carriage comprising a torso portion and a seat portion having a thigh segment and a gluteal segment. The person support apparatus further includes a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couples the foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment of the seat portion.

Abstract: An articulating bed frame incorporates an extruded metal frame shape which is formed into any desired bed size by slicing of kerfs in the extrusion for side lengths with bending at the kerfs around sized base plate elements to create the completed frame. The frame employs an extruded beam having an inner flange and a support channel formed therein. The extruded beam is cut to form frame side elements and end elements and a plurality of support blocks are received in and support by the support channel. The support blocks engage a cradle supporting a seat section of an articulating structure.

Abstract: An air mattress for a bed, placed on a plurality of bottoms including a back bottom and used for the bed that performs a back raising operation for raising the back bottom, including air cells extending to a first direction and being arranged in parallel in a second direction; a first unit capable of inflating and deflating each of the air cells; and, a controller configured to control to alternately inflate and deflate the air cells by successively increasing and decreasing a pressure of air to be supplied to each of the air cells. The first unit inflate and deflate the air cells by n lines independent from each other, where n is equal to or greater than 3, and the controller controls inflation and deflation of air cells of one line during at least a part of a period in which a back bottom is being raised.

Abstract: A patient lift system includes a lift housing, a base lift strap having a first end coupled to a lift housing and a second end coupled to a sling bar. The base lift strap is infection controlled. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve covers the base lift strap, wherein the protective sleeve has a first end and a second end. In another embodiment, the base lift strap is chemically treated to provide infection control.

Abstract: A clamp for engaging one or more sheets of fabric for moving or repositioning an immobile occupant of a bed or trolley, the clamp having a body with chamfered channel, a block configured to be received within the channel, and a returning member to selectively permit the block to be removed from the channel.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, system and method may include at least an adjustable platform for a surgical footpedal, such as may be associated with a phacoemulsification surgical console. The adjustable platform for a surgical footpedal may include a bearing arm having a mount; a pedal, having associated therewith one or more sensors indicative of at least one surgical setting; and a platform at a first end of the bearing arm distal from the mount, comprising a mating surface for receiving the pedal.

Abstract: A multiple terrain mobility device capable of use as a walker or crutches. The mobility device has a central cross support and a pair of crutch assemblies. Each respective crutch assembly has a rear support leg that can be extended downward or retracted upward and a front leg assembly that is capable of extending forward or retracting rearward. These adjustable extension features allow the mobility device, to traverse terrain of varying height such as stairs or hills with greater stability. The central cross support can be separated into a left and right cross support member so that the walker can be converted into a pair of crutches when conditions warrant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved mobility and transfer assistance device designed act as a stability device for the user, as well as, an improved transfer apparatus for assisting in the transfer of the user or patient from one location or position to another location or position. The present mobility and transfer assistance device can be used as both a mobility device, such as a walker or wheelchair, but is also designed to provide more stability and guidance to the user, thereby encouraging the user to perform many daily tasks independently with minimal assistance.

Abstract: A medical, or fertility aid, or sensual device including: an outer cylindrical phallic shaped outer cover; a cylindrical phallic shaped liquid filled enclosed casing pocket; rechargeable vibrating/infrared/ultrasound core inserted into the outer cover, wherein the liquid filled pocket contains a ferrous metal disk which can be bent; and a sheath encasing the outer cover. One embodiment relates to a vibrating, and or infrared, and/or ultrasound, and heat emitting and self-hardening dildo fertility devise which offers a solution for women with endometrial or uterine caused infertility. It can also be used as an aid in re-habilitation for women recovering from trauma to the vagina due to radiation therapy in the treatment of cervical and uterine cancers.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing at least one of enhancing female sexual arousal, enhancing female sexual pleasure, or enhancing an ability to achieve or experience a more pleasurable orgasm for a female. In some cases, an acoustic wave stimulus is combined with one or more of providing a suction stimulus and a vibration stimulus as this may be further beneficial to the female.

Abstract: An electrotherapy device capable of gradually increasing the intensity of stimulation is provided with a voltage regulation circuit, which is electrically connected to a DC power supply unit, a control unit, and a pulse output circuit respectively, and can regulate the voltage output to the pulse output circuit according to a control signal received from the control unit, in order for the waveforms of the electrical pulses output from the pulse output circuit to vary in modulated intensity, modulated waveforms, modulated frequencies and modulated rest period durations, and for the output current output from the pulse output circuit to each electrode pad to gradually increase from a low value to a predetermined value. The electrotherapy device can thus stimulate corresponding acupoints on a human body with gradually increasing intensity and thereby simulate the forces and tactile sensations of a typical manual massage on those acupoints by hand.

Abstract: A moxibustion apparatus includes: a case; a heat storage unit arranged inside the case and including a heat storage material, a heat insulating member covering an outer surface of the heat storage material, an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the heat insulating member, a heating coil embedded in the heat storage material and electrically heated, and a charging terminal that has one side exposed to the outside of the case and is connected to an external power source to provide power to the heating coil; and a moxibustion unit configured to receive heat accumulated in the heat storage material through the exposed portion to locally heat acupuncture points of a user's abdomen, and including a protrusion portion that protrudes to have an end portion thereof formed into a spherical shape or a gently curved shape and is exposed to the outside of the case.

Abstract: A syringe device includes an administration holder, and a cylinder portion which allows insertion of the administration holder. The cylinder portion includes a coupling holder, a slit holder coupled to the coupling holder, and a double-ended needle assembly disposed slidably in an interior of the coupling holder. A cartridge for a freeze-dry product is mounted, in the administration holder, and a cartridge for solvent is mounted in the coupling holder. When the administration holder is pushed, the double-ended needle assembly slides. When one of the needle points pricks the cartridge for freeze-dry product, the other needle point of the double-ended needle assembly pricks the cartridge for the solvent, and then the needle points unseal the cartridges by a further sliding movement of the double-ended needle assembly.

Abstract: A device for loading medical containers on dosing machines includes an adaptor for medical containers and a support for the adaptor, in which the support includes an attachment means to the dosing machine and in which the adaptor and the support include means for pivoting relative to one another and means for clipping to each other. The means being arranged in such a way that the pivoting of the adaptor and of the support by means of the pivoting means produces the clipping together of the adaptor and the support.

Abstract: Dual vial adapter assemblages including two identical twin vial adapters each having an upright vial adapter connector of a first connector type and a dual ended liquid transfer coupler interdisposed between the two identical twin vial adapters and having a pair of opposite coupler ends in the form of twin connectors of a second connector type for sealed engagement with the vial adapter connectors of the first connector type.

Abstract: Embodiments of work stations for use in medical dose preparation management system. A work station may include a camera stand. The camera stand may include a housing enclosing a camera and one or more light sources therein. As such, the camera and light sources may be directed at a medical dose preparation staging region to capture medical dose preparation images of the medical dose preparation staging region. The camera stand may include an adjustable support positionable in a plurality of positions to dispose the camera and light source relative to the medical dose preparation staging region. A base with a removable tray may be provided that include medical receptacle engagement features. The work stations may facilitate improved image quality, efficiency of work flows carried out at the work station, and administrative tasks such as cleaning.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube (10) including a main lumen (12) having one or more proximal connectors (14) for connecting to a source of substances or pressure, and one or more vacuum lumens (16) peripherally surrounding the main lumen (12), each vacuum lumen (16) including a vacuum sealing portion (24), which includes one or more suction ports (26) for sealingly drawing an inner wall of an esophagus thereagainst.

Abstract: A feeding tube position confirmation device 102, operable to confirm the position of a predetermined portion of a medical feeding tube in a predetermined portion of a human or animal body, the position confirmation device comprising an optical waveguide 106 dimensioned to be insertable into the lumen of the feeding tube, the optical waveguide having a sensing distal end 108 comprising a distal end material and a sensing material mixed with the distal end material, the sensing material operable to provide a change in optical properties at the distal end 110 of the optical waveguide dependent on the environment to which the sensing distal end 108 of the waveguide is exposed. The sensing material may comprise a reflective material. Methods of manufacture and use of such devices are also described.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a dental glass powder contains zinc, silicon, and fluorine and does not substantially contain aluminum.

Abstract: Described is a stable, two-component low viscosity composite that is capable to achieve excellent adaptation to walls/substrates due to its intrinsic flow ability and is also capable of rapid viscosity increasing and being manipulated prior to cure by light upon mixing of such a two-paste composite due to one distinguished reaction promoting partial network formation thus to allow a practitioner further manipulate a firm composite. Upon a completed manipulation by the practitioner, such a mixed material should be readily cured into final solid form by using conventional curing light.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a dental cement contains a glass powder, wherein the glass powder contains zinc, silicon, and fluorine and does not substantially contain aluminum.

Abstract: A foam made of a specific material having superior properties and cosmetics comprising the foam are disclosed.

Abstract: A solvent-free composite powder comprising at least one thermoplastic material and at least one submicron nanoparticle material.

Abstract: A web material containing one or more active agents and methods for making same are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a personal cleansing composition having an aqueous continuous phase including cleansing surfactant and a solubilised hydrocarbon oil having a kinematic viscosity of 1 to 35 cSt at 40° C. and a specific gravity of 0.76 to 0.87 at 25° C.; in which the hydrocarbon oil is solubilised in wormlike micelles in the aqueous continuous phase by means of a linker molecule and an inorganic electrolyte; in which the linker molecule is selected from one or more compounds of formula: R(X)n, in which R is a C6 to C14 mono-, di- or trivalent saturated aliphatic or an aromatic hydrocarbyl group, n is 1 to 3 and each X is independently selected from —OH and —COOH; and in which the level of hydrocarbon oil in the composition ranges from 0.8 to 1.5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.