Abstract: Dislodgment of a constricting cord from an annulus can be prevented by delivering the distal loop portion of the constricting cord to the annulus using a percutaneous delivery tool, and launching anchors into the annulus so as to affix the distal loop portion of the constricting cord to the annulus. The percutaneous delivery tool is withdrawn in a proximal direction after the anchors have been launched. A pushing member is pressed in a distal direction so that the pushing member holds a portion of the constricting cord against the annulus with enough pressure to prevent dislodgment of any of the anchors during the withdrawal of the percutaneous delivery tool.

Abstract: According to an aspect, an inflatable penile prosthesis includes a fluid reservoir, an inflatable member, and a pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a pump bulb, a valve body, a push valve movably coupled to the valve body, a first fluid port, and a second fluid port. The push valve includes a movable valve element configured to move between an inflation position and a deflation position within a bore of the valve body. The movable valve element in the inflation position defines a fluid passageway through the bore to transfer fluid from the pump bulb to the second fluid port. The movable valve element, when moved to the deflation position, is configured to change the fluid passageway through the bore to transfer fluid from the second fluid port to the first fluid port such that the pump bulb is bypassed.

Abstract: A medical implant for cartilage repair at an articulating surface of a joint. The implant includes an implant body and at least one extending post. The implant body has an articulate surface configured to face the articulating part of the joint and a bone contact surface configured to face the bone structure of a joint. A cartilage contact surface connects the articulate and the bone contact surfaces and is configured to contact the cartilage surrounding the implant body in a joint. The cartilage contact surface has a coating that includes bioactive material.

Abstract: There is provided a scaffold for bone regeneration which is adapted to be implanted at a bone defect site of a bone. The scaffold comprises a main support member configured to be fixed to the bone, and a load supporting unit configured to be installed in the bone defect site of the bone to selectively bear a load applied to the bone. The load supporting unit includes one or two supporting pieces to be installed in the bone defect site of the bone to selectively bear a load applied to the bone. The supporting piece has at one end portion a contact portion to be brought into contact with and fixed to a compact bone in the bone defect site of the bone. The other end portion of the supporting piece is selectively coupled to the main support member.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing.

Abstract: A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.

Abstract: Provided is a four-directional extended intervertebral fusion cage device including a front support, a rear support, and four plates having front ends engaged with the front support and rear ends engaged with the rear support, and configured to slide up in four different directions on inclined surfaces of the front support and the rear support and increase a height and a width of the cage device simultaneously, when the front support and the rear support move toward each other, facing each other.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for assisting in the placement of a trapeziometacarpal prosthesis including a cup to be fixed in the trapezium of a patient and a stem to be fixed in the patient's first metacarpal. The device includes a first guide to be interposed between the trapezium and the first metacarpal, the first guide including a first body having a first surface to be positioned on the articular surface of the trapezium, the first surface congruent with the articular surface of the trapezium and a second surface to face the articular surface of the first metacarpal before resection, the second surface preferably being congruent with the articular surface of the first metacarpal so as to be positionable on the articular surface of the first metacarpal. The first guide also includes locating members carried by the first body and arranged to define resection lines for the first metacarpal.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical procedure for replacing a hip joint is provided. A main incision is initiated at a point being a projection of a tip of a greater trochanter and extends proximally about a distance in the range of from 1 cm to 8 cm in line with the femoral axis. An inline capsulotomy is performed, while keeping muscles and posterior capsule intact, to expose the hip joint capsule for accessing the hip joint. The femoral canal is prepared for receipt of a femoral implant. The femoral head is resected and removed out of the acetabulum. A step of acetabular preparation is performed using a retractor comprising two tip rails, each tip rail having a plurality of tines. Related tools, devices, systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system for cleaning bone that includes a base unit with a motor, a cleaning head with a cleaning element and a mill head with a mill element. Both the cleaning head and the mill head are designed to be coupled to the base unit. Both the cleaning element and mill element have features that facilitate their coupling to the motor. When the cleaning head is attached to the base unit, a motor in the base unit rotates the cleaning element to remove soft tissue from the bone so as to clean the bone. The mill element is placed on the base unit and the cleaned bone placed in the mill head. The actuation of the base unit motor results in the actuations of the mill element. The actuation of the mill element converts the cleaned bone into bone chips.

Abstract: Hinged connecting device (2) for a prosthesis (1) for a femoral amputee, connecting the femoral part (101) and the tibial part (102) of same in a hinged manner, and moreover comprising a damping mechanism (20) intended to counter a predetermined resistance at least during bending of the prosthesis (1), by replacing the muscle groups usually used for this purpose.

Abstract: A joint device of an orthosis or prosthesis or for an orthosis or prosthesis with an upper part, a lower part, a joint that comprises a joint axis, about which the upper part is mounted such that it can be swivelled relative to the lower part, and an actuator, which is designed to influence a swivelling of the upper part relative to the lower part. The actuator is mounted at an upper part fixing point on the upper part and at a lower part fixing point on the lower part. At least two joints are arranged between the upper part fixing point and the lower part fixing point, wherein the joints enable a swivelling of the actuator relative to the upper part fixing point and the lower part fixing point, and the joint each form at least one joint axis, at least one of which is not oriented parallel to the joint axis.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of a signal for a powered assistive device has a sensor node with a wireless transmitter adapted for digitally transmitting a transmitted signal, the sensor node adapted for receiving and monitoring a sensor signal from a sensor attached to a user, and a master node with a controller and a wireless receiver for receiving the transmitted signal from the wireless transmitter. The master node processes the transmitted signal and communicates a control signal to the powered assistive device. The wireless transmitter transmits the transmitted signal at a first rate when the wireless transmitter adapted to transmit the transmitted signal at a first rate when the sensor signal is indicative of the rest state and to transmit the transmitted signal at a second rate when the sensor signal is indicative of the active state, the second rate being greater than the first rate.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device using at least one of measurements of residual limb length or circumference to define a prosthetic socket assembly configuration, comprising modular socket components fitted to the individual user's residual limb having a mounting point for an attachment, at least one compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit, and at least one second compliant member attached to at least one stabilizing unit wherein the first compliant member and the second compliant member work in cooperation with the stabilizing unit(s) to control bone position and support the limb within the interface.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a medical device comprising a compressed, cylindrical or oblong, thin-walled, expandable metal structure (a “blockstent”) and a flexible, elongated device (a “delivery catheter”) to position the compressed blockstent into the lumen of a blood vessel segment to be treated, and methods of use for occlusion of treated blood vessel segments. A blockstent can be made with ductile metals such as gold, platinum, or silver such that the blockstent will conform to the shape of the lumen of the treated blood vessel segment during expansion and allow for the shape of the blockstent to be permanently changed by the application of an external force. The surface of the blockstent can be configured to promote local thrombus on the external surface of the blockstent and to promote the growth of tissue into the wall of the blockstent in order to occlude the treated blood vessel and fix the blockstent in place.

Abstract: The invention features a gastrointestinal anchoring system for securing a gastrointestinal device within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. Further provided are methods of using the anchoring system to secure a gastrointestinal device within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient and methods of treatment using the anchoring system of the invention to secure a gastrointestinal device of the invention to a luminal wall within a patient's gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (100) for placement of a movement restriction device (10) for use in a surgical procedure for treating reflux disease in a patient. The instrument comprises a sleeve (113) and a holding device (111) configured to engage the movement restriction device, wherein the holding device is configured to be placed within the sleeve and be displaceable in relation to the sleeve. The instrument further comprises a first handling portion (101) connected to the sleeve, and a second handling portion (102) connected to the holding device. The handling of at least one of the first and second handling portion creates relative displacement of the holding device in relation to the sleeve, which disengages the holding device from the movement restriction device for performing the placement of the movement restriction device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the orthotic device can include a powered hand portion, a switching element, and a controller. The wearer can interact with the switching element to generate input signals for adjusting an operation of the powered hand portion. The controller can receive the input signals and generate control signals to accordingly adjust the operation of the powered hand portion. In some embodiments, a powered hand portion can be comprised of a plurality of linkages and at least one powered actuator to assist with an opening and closing of the hand portion. The plurality of linkages can be operated by at least one electric motor with quick-connect elements to link onto fingers of a user. In some embodiments, an electrically-actuated clutch mechanism can be affixed to an upper arm section and a lower arm section of an orthotic device. The clutch mechanism can be configured into different positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of sports, performance, and orthopedic braces, and more specifically, sports, performance, and orthopedic braces made for the hamstring. This Hamstring-Assist Device aids in restoring function to the affected muscle during recovery from an injury by mimicking the structural characteristics of the associated muscles.

Abstract: Provided with a sleeve supporter which can cover a surface of an region including an instep, a sole, a heel and an ankle of a foot and a belt-type supporter which is attached to the sleeve supporter and attachable to the foot on the sleeve supporter: the belt-type supporter is provided with an ankle belt, a plantar heel hold belt, an affected-part pressing belt and a posterior heel hold belt: the sleeve supporter is made of cloth having an extension larger than that of the belt-type supporter, yarns used therefor have a thickness 30 denier to 70 denier (both inclusive) and a clothing pressure thereof is 10 mmHg to 20 mmHg (both inclusive).

Abstract: An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person which incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint.

Abstract: A wrist tower attachment for an arm stabilizer device is configured for modular attachment on a support arm secured in a rail clamp mounted on a rail of an operating table. The wrist tower attachment includes a wrist tower base and a wrist tower post protruding upwardly from the wrist tower base. The support arm includes a stabilizer bar having a distal bar end, and the wrist tower attachment is secured onto the distal bar end. In some embodiments, the wrist tower attachment includes a female axial socket shaped to receive the male distal bar end. A traction bar is positioned on the wrist tower post and protrudes radially from the wrist tower post. A tension gauge is disposed on the traction bar in some embodiments.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising a wafer having an adhesive proximal side configured to be attached to a skin surface around an ostomy of a user and a distal side, a backing layer located on the distal side of the adhesive layer, a hole for accommodating a stoma. The adhesive side of the wafer is provided with a release liner, the release liner comprises frangible connections dividing the liner into segments that can be separately detached or the liner can be detached as a single unit.

Abstract: A biodegradable odor barrier film for ostomy, continence and bowel management applications includes a barrier layer comprising at least about 90% wt. polyglycolic acid. The biodegradable odor barrier film provides excellent mechanical and odor barrier properties desired in ostomy, continence and bowel management applications.

Abstract: An obstructive sleep apnea detection device including an optical engagement surface adapted to engage a user's skin; a light source adapted to emit light from the optical engagement surface; a photodetector adapted to detect light at the optical engagement surface and to generate a detected light signal; a position sensor adapted to determine patient sleeping position; a controller adapted to determine and record in memory blood oxygen saturation values computed from the detected light signal and user position information from the position sensor; and a housing supporting the optical engagement surface, the photodetector, the light source, the position sensor, and the controller.

Abstract: A device manufactured using CAD/CAM, including an upper splint (1) with followers (19) and various lower splints (2) including contact surfaces (3a) on which the followers (19) contact, so that on exchanging lower splints for others, according to a manufacturing sequence, they cause different controlled mandibular advancements. The contact surfaces (3a) reproduce a movement from the contact of the followers (19) on said contact surfaces (3a). The device is customised for each patient according to a set of anatomical parameters, and a series of input data measured by doctors, which personalise the device to achieve opening movement with single protrusive advancement in each of the lower splints (2).

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the likelihood of colorectal cancer in a human being includes the modification of an individual's gut microbes by employing a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated system (CRISPR-Cas) or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats from Prevotella and Francisella 1 (CRISPR/Cpf1) system to modify only bacterial genes of bacteria that reside in the human gut that are non-homologous to those encompassed in the human genome, and in particular, to administer a therapeutically effective amount of a bacterial formulation comprising F. prausnitzii that has been modified to produce one of alliin or butyrate.

Abstract: Methods of producing anesthesia or analgesia at an ocular tissue site are provided. Aspects of the methods include contacting the ocular tissue site with a cooling element having a temperature ranging from 0 to ?30° C., such as 5 to ?20° C. for an application time of 30 seconds or less so as to produce anesthesia or analgesia at the target tissue site. Also provided are devices that find use in practicing the methods.

Abstract: In some examples, a laser-based ophthalmological surgical system (hereinafter “system”) includes a therapeutic radiation source configured to emit therapeutic radiation with a first wavelength. The system may also include a probe radiation source configured to emit probe radiation with a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. The system may also include one or more optical elements configured to direct the therapeutic radiation and the probe radiation into an eye of a patient and to collect reflected probe radiation from the eye of the patient. The reflected probe radiation may be indicative of an amount of therapeutic radiation exposure of the eye of the patient. The system may also include a photodetector configured to receive the reflected probe radiation from the one or more optical elements and to generate a photocurrent indicative of the amount of therapeutic radiation exposure of the eye of the patient.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable tissue support is inserted into a tissue of a subject during, or after, puncture of the tissue. The bioabsorbable tissue support includes a material that is gradually absorbed into the punctured tissue in time, and disappears. The bioabsorbable tissue support may be inserted standing alone, or in association with a permanent or temporary non-bioabsorbable tissue support, may define the shape of the punctured hole, and/or may release useful or ornamental chemicals into the punctured tissue. The chemical may include an antibacterial material, an antifungal material, an antimicrobial material, topical anesthetic, a temporary or permanent dye material, and/or an antiproliferative agent. The non-bioabsorbable tissue support may include a self-expanding material that enlarges the size of the puncture in time. The bioabsorbable tissue support may have the form of a tube and/or a mesh of variable peripheral shapes, be elongated, and/or have attachable and detachable end plates and pointed tips.

Abstract: A tympanic membrane prosthesis includes a tubular body having a lumen extending therethrough and open at each of a proximal and distal end. The tubular body forms a structurally self-supporting, body compatible, and body absorbable device. The device is formed of a composite structure that includes an inner portion having an inside surface and an outer portion having an outside surface. The inside surface forms at least a portion of the lumen extending through the tubular body. The inside surface is adapted to provide less resistance to fluid flow than the outside surface. The outside surface is adapted to produce an inflammatory reaction in adjacent tissue at a tympanic membrane. The device is adapted for insertion into an opening through the tympanic membrane for placement with the proximal end and the distal end disposed on opposite sides of the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an electronic bandage. The electronic bandage includes a fabric layer, an insulating layer and a conductive layer disposed in order from top to bottom; wherein the insulating layer is provided with a power source and a negative high voltage generator connected with each other, and the negative high voltage generator is further connected to the conductive layer; the conductive layer is provided with two or more support strips at intervals in length direction, the support strips protrude downward from the conductive layer, two or more microelectrodes are distributed on a lower surface of the conductive layer, and a height of a downward protruding portion of a support strip is greater than a height of a microelectrode.

Abstract: Devices and methods for encapsulating a portion of a wound dressing with biocompatible coating are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes coating a first side of a flexible wound contact layer of the wound dressing with a hydrophobic coating. The first side of the wound contact layer can support a plurality of electronic components. The method can further include coating a second side of the wound contact layer opposite the first side with the hydrophobic coating. The wound contact layer can be formed at least partially from hydrophilic material.

Abstract: Described herein are dressings comprising a composite island comprising a polyurethane or foam layer coupled to an absorbent layer comprising non-woven gelling fibers. Also described herein are dressings comprising an absorbent layer comprising carboxymethyl cellulose fibers and a backing layer coupled to the absorbent layer. In the respective dressings, the absorbent layer is not elastically deformable under tissue treatment conditions, whereas the polyurethane or foam layer and the backing layer are substantially elastically deformable under tissue treatment conditions. The coupling of the absorbent layer to the polyurethane/foam layer or backing layer renders the coupled structure or the entire dressing substantially elastically deformable under tissue treatment conditions. Methods of eliminating, minimizing, or reducing edema are also described herein.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a topsheet; a backsheet; an acquisition layer disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; first and second absorbent layers is described. The topsheet and acquisition layer form a three dimensional substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a plurality of recesses and a plurality of land areas, wherein each recess is separated from one another by at least one land area, and wherein each of the plurality of recesses has an opening at a base of the recess, and side walls extending from the second surface to a distal portion. The first absorbent layer is disposed between the acquisition layer and backsheet and has a mixture of pulp and synthetic fibers. The second absorbent layer is disposed between the first absorbent layer and backsheet and has super absorbent polymer attached to a core wrap.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorption product includes a pre-processing step of decreasing a contact angle of a side of a first sheet, which has a plate shape and does not pass excretion, to a water by performing corona treatment on the first sheet, and a sensing pattern forming step of forming a sensing pattern that can transmit and receive a sensing signal indicating the excretion by printing or coating a conductive ink containing water on a side of the first sheet increased in hydrophilicity through the corona treatment.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget that includes one or more enhanced features that result in the pledget exhibiting increased bypass leakage prevention. These enhanced features may include, but are not limited to, geometry, absorption, and any combinations thereof. There is also provided one or more methods for constructing a tampon pledget having increased bypass leakage protection.

Abstract: A tampon and therapeutic delivery device is disclosed and includes a generally cylindrical applicator tube defining a cartridge within which a tampon is slidably received for ejection through one end of the cartridge. A generally hollow cylindrical plunger member is slidably received within an opposite end of the cartridge for ejecting the tampon therefrom. A cannabinoid-infused disintegrable carrier material is partially embedded in and movably held by the tampon for intravaginal delivery when ejected from the cartridge, whereupon the cannabinoid agent is released into the vagina and absorbed through the vaginal mucosa to provide relief of dysmenorrhea. The cartridge has a plurality of slots to permit pre-lubrication of the tampon, if desired, prior to insertion into the vaginal cavity. The system delivers a higher concentration to the muscle of the uterus, the primary site for the dyskinetic muscle contraction, which is the pathophysiologic cause of dysmenorrhea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Wetness monitoring apparatus for incontinence surveillance, comprising —One or more sensing elements, said sensing elements comprising one or more conductive paths, said conductive paths being printed of one or more conductive co-polymers, —an absorbent article having an absorbent component, wherein said sensing elements being printed onto one or more components of said absorbent article, —a readout device being adapted to detect changes in the electrical properties of said sensing elements due to moisture, fluids or the like at least in the vicinity of said sensing elements, and —a docking component for removably coupling said readout device to said absorbent article, said readout device being electrically connected to said sensing elements when coupled via said docking component.

Abstract: A disposable hygiene article having an absorbent core with a first region which has its narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) in a front portion or at a location of a transition between the front portion and a crotch portion of the article. The absorbent core comprises a high-density first region and a low density second region. The absorbent core in the crotch region has first and second rear compression lines. The compression lines mutually diverge in a direction towards the core front edge. Each line has a diverging angle (?2; ?3) of from 15-60° with respect to a centre line (A). The second region has an average density which is at least 20% lower than the average density of the first region.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with front and rear opening features are disclosed. An article may comprise an absorbent insert comprising an outer cover, a liner, and a core between the outer cover and liner, a first waist panel coupled to the insert and having a first waist panel bottom edge, a first waist panel top edge, a first waist panel outer surface, and a first waist panel inner surface, and a second waist panel coupled to the insert. The first waist panel may be coupled to the second waist panel along side edges of the article, and the first waist panel may further comprise a weakened region comprising weakened portions extending at least partially between the first waist panel bottom edge and the first waist panel top edge. The weakened region may have a weakened region percentage of between about 45% and about 90%.

Abstract: Three or more elongated cover portion elastic members along a width direction are disposed in a gluteal cover portion of a back outer member. The gluteal cover portion is contracted in the width direction by the cover portion elastic members. The cover portion elastic member located closest to a waist opening is disposed at an end portion of the gluteal cover portion on the waist opening side. The cover portion elastic member located closest to a leg opening is disposed at an end portion of the gluteal cover portion on the leg opening side. When a central interval between the cover portion elastic member located closest to the waist opening and the cover portion elastic member located second from the waist opening is represented by dA, and the front-back direction length of the gluteal cover portion is represented by dE, dA>0.5dE is satisfied.

Abstract: An absorbent garment that includes a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The absorbent garment is a pant that includes a front region, a back region and a crotch region, with the crotch region being disposed between the front region and the back region. The crotch region is formed by an absorbent assembly. In addition to the absorbent assembly, the garment includes a front panel and a back panel; the front panel is attached to a front region of the absorbent assembly and the back panel is attached to a back region of the absorbent assembly. The front panel and the back panel are bonded to each other to form the lateral side seams of the garment. The garment also includes a pocket at the back waist of the pant that is formed, in part, by a folded over portion of the back panel. The pocket includes a fluid barrier.

Abstract: A package containing a stack of folded disposable absorbent articles, the package being formed of flexible polymeric film, and having a path of perforations or scoring defining a hood opening structure, is disclosed. The hood opening structure may be configured to open proximate the fold noses of the articles for easy tactile identification, grasping and withdrawal of individual ones thereof, and may be configured so as to serve as an effective package reclosure device whereby the package may be used to store the unused supply of articles following opening. The package, and printed commercial artwork and product information on the package surfaces, may be configured such that the fold noses are disposed at the apparent bottom of the package, for improved standing stability when the package is shelved.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a a method for automating driving of a vehicle into a stopping position. The method includes receiving and processing vehicle environment signals, and generating control signals configured to at least partly automate the driving of the vehicle into the stopping position. The processing includes detecting an entry/exit area to be used for boarding/disembarking of a wheelchair user, checking whether the entry/exit area has spatial dimensions required for for the boarding/disembarking, checking whether the entry/exit area is independently traversable by the wheelchair user, and determining a stopping position adjacent to the entry/exit area for stopping the vehicle in response to recognizing that (i) the entry/exit area has the spatial dimensions required for the at least one of the boarding and the disembarking of the wheelchair user and (ii) the entry/exit area is independently traversable by the wheelchair user.

Abstract: A motorized wheelchair chassis includes a frame assembly having a first frame element that supports first and second caster wheels at an end of the first frame element. The first frame element is designed to support a seat assembly, a battery support assembly secured to an underside of the frame assembly, at least one battery, first and second power drive assemblies disposed on lateral sides of the battery support assembly, and first and second drive wheels driven by the first and second power drive assemblies, respectively. The frame assembly further comprises a second frame element that is secured to the battery support assembly. The first frame element is supported onto the second frame element via a coupling structure comprising a ball-joint bearing permitting relative movement of the first frame element with respect to the second frame element in more than two degrees of freedom within a limited range of movement.

Abstract: A wheelchair device for actively moving a seat unit, in particular a seat part and/or a backrest part of the seat unit, of a wheelchair, has at least one movement conversion unit which is arrangeable at least in part on at least one drive wheel of the wheelchair and which is provided for the purpose of converting a movement of the at least one drive wheel into a movement of the seat unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating pressure, temperature, and/or humidity at a support surface for a user of a wheelchair. Exemplary systems include an adaptable cushion system including at least one cushion having a plurality of pressurized zones, at least one sensor configured to determine pressure at a first pressurized zone, and a controller configured to control an air pump at the first pressurized zone. The air pump is configured to regulate pressure at the first pressurized zone.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient includes a mattress with an inflatable mattress portion with a plurality of states. The apparatus further includes a control system to control inflation or deflation of the mattress portion to change its state between two or more of the states. The apparatus further includes a user interface in communication with the control system, which is configured to allow a user to select an inflate or deflate function of the mattress portion to change the state of the mattress portion. Further, the control system is operable to inflate or deflate the mattress portion in response to the signal being generated when a user selects an inflate or deflate function at the user interface. The control system is configured to generate a notification indicative of the selected state of the mattress portion to remind to a caregiver to change the selected state.