Abstract: A combined structure of a wearable apparatus includes: a torso fastening part fixedly fastened to a wearer's torso; a fixed link extending from the torso fastening part to a position above a wearer's shoulder; a first link and a second link being respectively coupled to the fixed link to be laterally rotatable, and crossing each other while being vertically spaced apart from each other; a rotatable part disposed at a position above the wearer's shoulder, and coupled to the first link and the second link to be laterally rotatable; a connecting part coupled to the rotatable part; and an upper arm module coupled to be rotatable upward or downward about the connecting part while an end thereof is coupled to the connecting part at a position corresponding to an upper end portion of a wearer's upper arm.

Abstract: A foot lift orthosis comprising at least one tensile element which is configured, when the foot lift orthosis has been attached, to extend from a forefoot region of a foot along an arch of the foot and to exert a first tensile force onto the forefoot region in the direction of a first bearing position above an upper ankle joint, and at least one second tensile element which is configured, when the foot lift orthosis has been attached, to exert a second tensile force onto the forefoot region in the direction of a second bearing position in a heel region of the foot.

Abstract: A range of motion (ROM) removeable cast walker (RCW) has an ankle hinge that may be locked and unlocked by the user. A first sensor is responsive to the locked/unlocked condition of the RCW. A second sensor is responsive to the presence of a limb within the RCW. A third sensor is responsive to weight borne by the RCW. If the ankle hinge is unlocked, the ROM RCW is being worn and weight is being borne, a warning is provided to the patient to remind the patient to lock the ankle hinge to conform to the therapeutic regimen. A radio transmitter may report the state of the ROM RCW to a smart phone and to a remote storage facility for use by a physician.

Abstract: An orthosis for a lower limb is provided. In one aspect, the orthosis is comprised of a shell that is portioned and dimensioned so as to be in close proximity to an anatomical limb. The shell has a leg portion, a foot portion, and a heel portion, the leg portion being fitted over the anterior surface of the leg, the foot portion being fitted over the dorsal surface of the foot, and the heel portion being fitted over the surface of the heel and adapted to lift the heel when a force is applied to the leg portion. The orthosis impedes dorsiflexion and permits plantarflexion.

Abstract: An external nasal dilator comprising resilient and engagement elements is provided. A greater portion of the plan view surface area of the nasal dilator supports moisture vapor transmission (MVT) compared to prior art nasal dilators having a nearly identical plan view surface area and the same or similar functional resiliency. The engagement element surface area relative to the surface area of the resilient element of nasal dilators of the present invention is significantly greater compared to prior art nasal dilators having a nearly identical plan view surface area and the same or similar functional resiliency. In use the nasal dilator stabilizes and/or expands nasal passage outer wall tissues, and prevents said tissues from drawing inward during breathing.

Abstract: Nasal dilators with improved comfort are formed as a laminate of layers: a resilient layer including a plurality of resilient members; and an engagement layer including one or both of a base layer and a cover layer. A portion of the dilator occupied by all of the resilient members plus the gap(s) between the resilient members has a total area, and the proportion of that area that is occupied or covered by the resilient members does not exceed 57%. Preferably, the proportion is lower than about 50%, and it may be as low as 30% in some embodiments.

Abstract: A system for automatically removing by suction urine voided by a female. The system includes an external catheter, a canister and a suction regulator. The external catheter is applied at the urethra opening to receive urine voided by the female. The canister collects the urine and is coupled to a source of suction having a first value. The suction regulator is interposed between the external catheter and the canister to regulate the amount of suction to a regulated value which is applied the external catheter, whereupon urine from the external catheter is carried through the suction regulator and into the canister. The system may also include an adapter or an adapter/splitter for to connection between the source of suction and the canister.

Abstract: A method for automatically removing by suction urine voided by a female by use of a system that includes an external catheter, a suction canister and a suction regulator. The external catheter is applied at the urethra opening to receive urine voided by the female. The suction canister collects the urine and is coupled to a source of suction providing suction having a first value. The suction regulator is interposed between the external catheter and the canister to regulate the amount of suction to a regulated value which is applied the external catheter, whereupon urine from the external catheter is carried through the suction regulator and into the canister.

Abstract: In an example, a fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier that at least partially defines a chamber. The fluid impermeable barrier also defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is configured to be positioned adjacent to a female urethra. The fluid collection device also includes a conduit at least partially disposed in the chamber. The conduit defines at least one aperture that provides fluid communication between an interior of the conduit and the chamber. The conduit also includes an outlet that provides fluid communication between the interior of the conduit and a vacuum source or a fluid storage container. The size and shape of the fluid collection device helps minimize the area of a user's skin both that contacts the device and to which a vacuum pressure is applied.

Abstract: A method for treating a breathing disorder, the method includes providing a tissue retractor that has a shaft having a first end and a second end, an anchor member attached to one of the first end or the second end, and a retractor member attached to the other of the first end or the second end, and inserting the shaft through a soft tissue of a patient's soft palate, wherein the tissue retractor distributes a force on the soft palate thereby changing a size, a stiffness, and/or a shape of the patient's soft palate and preventing obstruction of the patient's airway.

Abstract: Apparatuses for use in straw phonation are provided herein. These apparatuses are typically reusable. Kits comprising these apparatuses are also provided which allow the apparatuses to be stored safely for repeated use throughout the day as required. Additionally, the present disclosure is related to methods of practicing straw phonation with the apparatuses described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and applying biomimicry tear film layers to a cornea surface. An example method includes forming a multiple layered tear film that are optically transparent, ultra-thin, and smoothly conforming to cornea surface. The multiple layered tear film can include a biomimicry adhesive layer, a biomimicry aqueous layer, and a biomimicry lipid layer. An atomizer/nebulizer/micronizer can be used to generate and applying the biomimicry tear film layers.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a device for fluid delivery to the ocular surface having a self-alignment system. The fluid delivery device includes a fluid package having a reservoir and one or more apertures, an actuator component configured to eject fluid from the reservoir through the one or more apertures and an image-based self-alignment system configured to align fluid ejected through the one or more apertures with a target location on the eye of a user. Also provided are methods of using the devices in fluid delivery applications, as well as a kit that includes components of the devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering a sheet of tissue into the eye in such a way that damage to the tissue is minimized, damage to the eye during insertion and manipulation of the tissue is minimized, and the tissue is released and delivered in a precise and controlled fashion.

Abstract: An ophthalmic phototherapy device and associated treatment methods to expose an eye to selected multi-wavelengths of light to promote the healing of damaged or diseased eye tissue. The device includes a housing having an interior; an eyepiece disposed on the housing and configured and arranged for placement of an eye of the patient adjacent the eyepiece; a first light source producing a first light beam having a first therapeutic wavelength and disposed within the housing; a second light source producing a second light beam having a second therapeutic wavelength and disposed within the housing, where the second therapeutic wavelength differs from the first therapeutic wavelength by at least 25 nm.

Abstract: A ring that can maintain a pupil in an extended position d˜ring an ophthalmic procedure. The ring has a plurality of loops that capture iris tissue. The ring is configured to extend the pupil when iris tissue is inserted into each loop. An ophthalmic procedure such as phacoemulsification can then be performed on the patient. The ring has a center opening that provides a wide view of the ocular chamber during the procedure.

Abstract: Devices can be implanted in an eye to treat glaucoma. The devices described herein include a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces. The body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. By the strategic selection of particular materials of construction, and/or by controlling the configuration and size of the lumen, in some embodiments, the device is a filterless construct. In some embodiments, a filter is included. The glaucoma treatment devices as provided herein are designed to prevent bacterial ingress and to provide the required level of outflow resistance to achieve a desired intraocular pressure. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ophthalmological treatment apparatus for modifying a shape of a corneal surface of a human eye. The apparatus includes a surgical laser device for implementing tissue cuts. The apparatus further includes a computerized control device in operative coupling with the surgical laser device, the control device being designed to control the laser device to implement tissue cuts according to a cut geometry with a primary tissue cut and a secondary tissue cut, wherein the primary tissue cut is a relief cut and extends into the depth of the corneal eye tissue, and wherein the secondary tissue cut lies within the corneal eye tissue, such that the secondary tissue cut adds to the relieving effect of the primary tissue cut.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vision of a subject implanted with an intraocular lens (IOL). In some embodiments, a method includes determining at least one modification to be made to an IOL implanted in a subject to improve the vision of the subject, wherein the IOL has a first index of refraction; and based on the determination, applying laser radiation to at least one selected area of the IOL to form, within the IOL, at least one additional layer having a different index of refraction than the first index of refraction and a particular shape within the IOL configured to improve the vision of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vision of a subject implanted with an intraocular lens (IOL). In some embodiments, a method includes determining a deviation in position of at least one optical element from a reference line corresponding to alignment of the apex of the cornea, center of the pupil, center of the IOL, and fovea, and/or determining a tilt of at least one of the optical elements relative to the reference line. The method can further include applying a plurality of focused laser pulses to a selected area of the implanted IOL to produce, through refractive index writing, a phase change pattern on the IOL that is configured to compensate for the deviation(s) and/or tilt to improve the foveal vision of the subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vision of a subject implanted with an intraocular lens (IOL). In some embodiments, a method for vergence matching includes calculating vergence of a wave after refraction on a surface of an IOL and, based on an estimated curvature, converting an initial phase map into a vergence-matched phase map, such that the initial phase map follows the curved vergence of the wavefront.

Abstract: Disclosed are example embodiments of methods and systems for inducing drug to thoroughly mix in a patient's vitreous humor. One of the systems includes: a heat transfer pad that transfer heat to or from the eyeball; and a control module electronically coupled to the heat transfer pad for controlling one or more heat transfer elements disposed thereon.

Abstract: A system effectively narrows a patulous Eustachian tube (ET) of a patient with a guide catheter, instrument, and insert. The guide catheter includes a shaft, a lumen and a distal end configured to provide access the ET when the guide catheter is inserted into a head of the patient. The instrument comprises a shaft. The insert comprises a body configured to radially expand and retract between a non-expanded state and an expanded state. The insert is sized and shaped to be received within the first lumen when in the non-expanded state and is operable to expand to the expanded state to substantially reduce an effective diameter of the ET.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention provides an active dressing for transfer of superficial epidermal biopsies to a wound site, where the dressing can enhance keratinocyte out growth from the biopsies at the wound site and improve the rate of re-epithelization. In some embodiments, the dressing can include a perforated dehydrated amniotic membrane sheet that is coupled to a backing sheet having suitable adhesive properties. The perforations can have appropriate dimensions and distributions for capturing and transferring the skin biopsies. Without being limited to any particular theory, the amniotic membrane sheet can enhance the re-epithelization of the wound site to which the biopsies are transferred, e.g., by supplying signaling proteins and extra-cellular matrix (ECM) components.

Abstract: Dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed for treating tissue with reduced pressure. A dressing for distributing reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a plurality of liquid-impermeable layers that are stacked and a plurality of spacers disposed at least partially between adjacent liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers are fenestrated at least in part. The plurality of spacers and plurality of liquid-impermeable layers form a plurality of flow paths for allowing fluid flow under reduced pressure. Adjacent layers of the plurality of liquid-impermeable layers are stacked without foam between at least a majority of coextensive surfaces. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held and operated device for splitting rehabilitative elastic tape into segments and rounding corners of the rehabilitative elastic tape segments and method of use is disclosed. The device comprises a feed roll of rehabilitative elastic tape, and a housing. The housing is comprised of a vertical cutting mechanism and a cutting die punch mechanism operably coupled in tandem. There are a plurality of actuator buttons operably coupled to and aligned with the blades for setting the blades to either a cutting position or a non-cutting position. The cutting die punch mechanism is comprised of a pair of mating tools, a die punch and a cutting die. The die punch is adapted to be moved into the cutting die by hand and attain the closest possible mating of said members for cutting or forming the rounded corners of a tape segment when the tape is fed into the punching mechanism.

Abstract: A bandage structure includes a substrate, an elastic sheet, a plurality of adhesive elements, and a plurality of protective layers. The substrate includes a hollow portion and a plurality of adhesive portions. The hollow portion includes a plurality of first elongated holes that are arranged in one row parallel to a length direction of the substrate. The adhesive portions are located on two sides of the hollow portion and the elastic sheet is located on the substrate. The elastic sheet includes an extension portion and a plurality of attaching portions. The extension portion corresponds in position to the hollow portion and has a plurality of second elongated holes. The second elongated holes are arranged in one row parallel to a length direction of the elastic sheet. The first elongated holes and the second elongated holes are staggered with each other along a length direction of the bandage structure.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an pasting structure that comprises a back-material layer which is formed by attaching the film layer and the porous supporting layer to each other; and a gel layer, one side of the gel layer is bonded to the porous supporting layer and part of the gel layer penetrate pores; wherein the back-material layer and the gel layer closely adhered to each other to form a transparent pasting structure. The pasting structure of the present invention is used as wound dressing which easily observes the wound change and healing status at any time. In the meantime, that provides higher moisture permeability and comfort.

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

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet at least peripherally joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet. The absorbent article further includes an integrated nonwoven fluid management layer having a basis weight between about 40 gsm and about 65 gsm; and an Urine Standard Rewet Value of 10 mg or less.

Abstract: An absorbent article processing device includes a cutter roll and an anvil roll. The cutter roll includes a roll main body; a blade protruding in a radial direction in a first angular range of a part of a circumferential direction of the roll main body; a first bearer protruding in the radial direction in a second angular range of a part of the circumferential direction including at least the first angular range and being in contact with the anvil roll, and being cut out in an angular range excluding the second angular range at a first end portion in an axial direction of the roll main body; and a second bearer provided around the entire circumference or a part of the circumferential direction and being in contact with the anvil roll at the second end portion in an axial direction of the roll main body.

Abstract: A fluid management layer having an integrated, carded, nonwoven is described. The fluid management layer has a basis weight of between about 115 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 200 gsm; a plurality of absorbent fibers; a plurality of stiffening fibers; and a plurality of resilient fibers. The absorbent fibers make up from about 20 percent to about 60 percent by weight of the fluid management layer. The stiffening fibers have a dtex of between 4 and 10, and the resilient fibers have a dtex of between 3 and 12.

Abstract: An undergarment facilitating the process to transition from disposable protective undergarments and diapers to underwear or “toilet/potty-training” in individuals where a subject is able to access and use facilities independently and at the proper time. The training undergarment can be made of textile of differing colors and prints with a particular thickness integrated with fasteners, which lock together creating a garment with a front and back. The snaps enable the training undergarment to be removed by unsnapping the closures and removing said undergarment without the individual becoming completely undressed or disrobed. The training undergarment protects the clothing of the individual from excrement in said transition until the individual is fully “trained” and able to use proper facilities at the proper time.

Abstract: An absorbent article and enclosing pants and a method for wearing the combination thereof are provided. The absorbent article has a front lifting section and a rear lifting section that are provided with apertures to allow male and female parts of hook-and-loop fasteners of the enclosing pants to touch inside the apertures and to engage outside the apertures for preventing skidding. An isolating absorbent article may have an easy tear line opening for selectively tearing and tightly surrounding around a rear root portion of the scrotum to isolate the external sex organ and for installation or extension of a urine tube or a urine sack. The enclosing pants has the front pad and a rear pad having two lifting and looping sections and a central opening section, the central opening for fixing and correspond the easy tear line opening.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes: front waistline region; rear waistline region; crotch region disposed between front waistline region and rear waistline region; absorbent body that straddles crotch region, front waistline region, and rear waistline region; front exterior body disposed in front waistline region on non-skin surface side of absorbent body. Absorbent body includes absorbent core and front end part extending toward front side from absorbent core, a liquid-impermeable sheet and a liquid-permeable body sheet overlapping liquid-impermeable sheet in thickness direction are disposed at the front end part of absorbent body. Absorbent article includes: sheet non-bonding region where liquid-impermeable sheet and body sheet are not bonded; and body non-bonding region where absorbent body and front exterior body are not bonded. Front end part includes duplicating region where sheet non-bonding region and body non-bonding region overlap to each other.

Abstract: Provided is a disposable diaper (1) which includes an absorbent member (4) and a topsheet (2). The topsheet (2) includes a first sheet (20) and a second sheet (21). Both sheets (20) and (21) are partially joined to form a plurality of joined regions (22), and the first sheet (20) has a plurality of projections (23) which protrude from the second sheet (21) toward the wearer's skin side at a portion other than the joined regions (22). The projections (23) include first projections (23A) and second projections (23B) and, when the topsheet (2) is viewed in a plan view, a second projection region (23R) is formed which includes the second projections (23B) surrounded by the plurality of first projections (23A). When the topsheet (2) is viewed in a plan view, the joined regions (22) include an inner joined region (22A1) in the second projection region (23R).

Abstract: A cover nonwoven fabric covers a back surface of an inner member from between a front side outer member and the inner member to between a back side outer member and the inner member. The cover nonwoven fabric extends from a back surface side of a base portion of one side gather to a back surface side of a base portion of the other side gather. The cover nonwoven fabric has holes penetrating the front and back surfaces at intervals from between the front side outer and inner members to between the back side outer and inner members. The side edges of the cover nonwoven fabric are located at the positions same as the side edges of the narrowest part of the absorber in the width direction or on the center side in the width direction with respect to the side edges of the narrowest part.

Abstract: An absorber, a liquid impervious sheet covering a back surface side of the absorber and having air permeability, and a cover nonwoven fabric covering a back surface side of the liquid impervious sheet are provided. The cover nonwoven fabric has a large number of holes penetrating the front surface and back surface at intervals in a region overlapping with the liquid impervious sheet. Edge portions of the holes bend-up toward a front surface side. In a region having the holes in the cover nonwoven fabric, rows of the holes, which are aligned in the front-back direction at intervals in the front-back direction narrower than the dimension in the front-back direction of each of the holes, are repeatedly formed at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and the interval of the adjacent two holes in the width direction is wider than the dimension in the front back-direction of the hole.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable or wearable absorbent article (1) that includes one or more elastomeric strand(s) (14) and/or strip(s) (16) on/in the backsheet (12) layer, localized in the absorbent core (10) region. The absorbent article (1) is preferably a baby diaper, an incontinence diaper, a pant or a pull up garment. The article may have a topsheet (6), a backsheet (12) and absorbent core (10) disposed between the topsheet (6) and backsheet (12), and a pair of longitudinal side edges. Elastomeric strand(s) (14) and/or strip(s) (16) is attached in longitudinal axis of the backsheet (12) of the absorbent article (1) in stretched form, whereby backsheet takes a crinkled form when it is in relaxed state. The absorbent article (1) fits better on users buttocks without sagging when the article is being worn.

Abstract: An absorbent member (1) according to the present invention includes: an absorbent sheet (2) that includes a substrate layer (20) and an absorbent layer (21) that includes water-absorbent polymers (P1) that are fixed to one side of the substrate layer (20); and an entangled fiber layer (3). The water-absorbent polymers (P1) of the absorbent layer (21) and the entangled fiber layer (3) are adjacent to each other. The water-absorbent polymers (P1) of the absorbent layer (21) are preferably fixed to one side of the substrate layer (20) using a hot melt adhesive. The absorbent member (1) configured as described above has excellent absorbency and shape stability while being thin.

Abstract: A fluid management layer having an integrated, carded, nonwoven is described. The fluid management layer has a basis weight of between about 40 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 75 gsm; a plurality of absorbent fibers, a plurality of stiffening fibers and a plurality of resilient fibers; wherein the fluid management layer exhibits a total compression of greater than 0.40 mm and has a total recovery of at least 0.35 mm, and wherein the fluid management layer has a density of less than or equal to 0.08 g/cc.

Abstract: A fluid management layer having an integrated, carded nonwoven is described. The fluid management layer has a basis weight of between about 40 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 75 gsm, and a plurality of absorbent fibers, a plurality of stiffening fibers and a plurality of resilient fibers. The fluid management layer has a compression distance of at least 0.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a fluid management layer disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article provides improved fluid acquisition, improved stain size control, and improved performance when wet.

Abstract: A fluid management layer having an integrated, carded nonwoven is described. The fluid management layer has a basis weight of between about 40 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 75 gsm; a plurality of absorbent fibers; a plurality of stiffening fibers; and a plurality of resilient fibers. The fluid management layer has a caliper factor of at least about 0.13.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a fluid management layer disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core is disclosed. The fluid management layer is an integrated, carded, nonwoven disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The absorbent article exhibits an average stain size of less than about 2400 mm{circumflex over (?)}2, when measured in accordance with the Stain Size test method.

Abstract: An assistive mobility device comprising a seat and knee pad, the knee pad arranged to lift a person in a kneeling position into said seat and stabilize said person in said seat, maintaining supportive contact with the person's legs. The seat and knee pad each have an independent rotational tilt adjustment and can be raised and lowered together.

Abstract: The electric vehicle according to the present invention includes a moving base capable of traveling by electromotive drive, a seat including a seating part having a seating surface and disposed on the moving base, and a back plate used as a seat back corresponding to the seating surface and disposed on the moving base, the seat can move between a seating position with the seating surface facing upward, and a retracting position with the seating part retracted forward from the seating position, the back plate can be moved between a standing-up position located rearward and upward with respect to the seating part of the seat when at the seating position, and a lying-down position located forward of the standing-up position, and the back plate includes a baggage carrier formed on a back surface facing upward when at the lying-down position and allowing baggage to be placed thereon.

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

Abstract: An electrical power assistance device designed to be removably coupled to existing transport wheelchairs to provide electric power to aid in transportation of a person sitting in the wheelchair, while being detachable to allow the transport chair to fold up for easy storage in a car or other vehicle. The electrical power assistance device includes a motor powered by a rechargeable battery, where the motor drives an internal shaft which rotates a pair of friction wheels. A clutch, provided on a separate axle coupled to the friction wheels by eccentric disks, allows the friction wheels to engage or disengage with the rear wheels of the transport wheelchair.

Abstract: A travelling apparatus having a high travelling performance with a simple structure is provided. A travelling apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a frame; front wheels disposed in a front of the frame; first links configured to be extendable and retractable and coupled between the front wheels and an oscillation axis located in a rear of the front wheels; and first linear motion mechanisms that are coupled between the frame and the first links and are extended and retracted so as to rotate the first links about the oscillation axis.