Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Glaucoma patients suffer from increased intraocular pressure due to blocked fluid flow from the anterior chamber of the eye. Methods of the invention include inserting a probe into an eye of a subject having glaucoma, adjusting placement of the probe to a position transverse to Schlemm's canal in the eye, and applying a plurality of shots from an excimer laser source while the probe is in the transverse position, thereby treating glaucoma by creating a plurality of perforations in Schlemm's canal and/or the trabecular meshwork. By providing a laser probe at a position transverse to Schlemm's canal, energy from the laser is delivered to a greater amount of surface area than if the laser was arranged in a parallel or perpendicular position to Schlemm's canal, resulting in optimal formation of perforations. The perforations allow for drainage of fluid and increased outflow of aqueous humor in the eye.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject having one or more eye conditions comprises applying phacoemulsification ultrasound to a subject having one or more eye conditions; and applying an excimer laser to the subject to preventatively treat glaucoma. A system for treatment of one or more eye conditions in a subject comprises a phacoemulsification ultrasound system and an excimer laser system. The phaco system comprises an ultrasound probe for treating cataracts in the subject. The excimer laser system comprises an excimer laser and a fiber probe that applies pulsed shots of energy from the excimer laser to the eye to prophylactically treat glaucoma.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device for treating an eye includes a laser source, a scanner system and an application head with a focusing optic and a patient interface for docking the application head onto the eye. Moreover, the ophthalmic device includes a measurement system for optically capturing eye structures when the application head is docked to the eye and a circuit which is configured to determine reference structures of the eye, which are arranged in ring-shaped fashion about the center axis of the anterior chamber of the eye, from the captured eye structures and to arrange a defined three-dimensional treatment model with respect to these reference structures in order to process a three-dimensional treatment pattern in accordance with the arranged three-dimensional treatment model in the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of devices for correcting or mitigating refractive errors in the eye, more particularly, to a solution in which desired improvements in eyesight are achieved as far as possible without limiting everyday activities and where performing the treatment itself involves minimum risk by use of a device for creating an aperture in an eye, the device having a control unit for a laser unit, and the control unit is designed to control the laser unit to create the aperture in a lens of the eye, wherein the aperture is used to increase the depth of field of the eye and is formed by laser-induced lesions which reduce light transmission through a lens aperture region surrounding an aperture opening.

Abstract: A system for short pulse laser eye surgery and a short pulse laser system, in which a beam guidance device passes through a corresponding articulated arm, and through an applicator head and a microscope head of the system, which is movable in a three-dimensional volume both independently of one another as well as connected to each other. The system also includes an easy to use patient interface with a one-piece contact element, a computer program product for methods of the incision guidance and sequentially operating referencing methods with patient interfaces containing markings.

Abstract: The invention provides an excimer laser system including a means for calibrating laser output to compensate for increased variation in laser optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides personalized laser probes for use in laser systems, wherein each laser probe includes one or more characteristics tailored to a given user to thereby improve performance of and outcome of a laser treatment procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides a laser system for performing an intraocular procedure. The laser system includes a single use, disposable laser probe configured to be coupled to a laser source and transmit laser energy from the laser source to a target tissue for treatment thereof. The laser probe comprises a laser transmitting member including a fiber optic core comprising a delivery tip for transmitting laser energy from the laser source to the target tissue during a procedure. The laser probe further includes a light emitting member providing illumination in a field of view proximate to the delivery tip of the fiber core, thereby providing a clear field of view for a surgeon during laser treatment of the target tissue.

Abstract: An earpiece, earphone, earbud or earplug includes an inflatable element operatively attached to a distal end by an inflation channel, and an anti-distal end of the inflation channel that provides a pressuring force via fluid transfer of a fluid to maintain an expansion of the inflatable element. The inflatable element can be pressurized to a gauge pressure range between 0.05 bar and 3.0 bar. In some embodiments, the inflatable element is pressurized to a gauge pressure range from 0.3 bar to 0.25 bar and maintains such gauge pressure range for at least 12 hours. In some embodiments, the inflatable element uses a material of a predetermined permeability for a given density of fluid and a given thickness of the inflatable element such that an inflation pressure drops from 1.2 atmospheres to 1 atmospheres in 8 hours after the inflatable element is pressurized to 1.2 atmospheres. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for treating a tissue site of a patient includes a dressing filler adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. The dressing filler is comprised of a porous substrate having at least one compressed region and at least one expanded region. The compressed region of the porous substrate is held in a compressed state by a first coating capable of dissolving in the presence of a fluid, and the expanded region of the porous substrate is held in an expanded state by a second coating.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for closing an opening through a surface of a tissue site are described. The system includes a sealing member adapted to cover the opening to form a sealed space and a negative-pressure source adapted to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space to provide negative pressure to the sealed space. The system also includes a contracting layer adapted to be positioned adjacent the opening and formed from a material having a firmness factor and a plurality of holes extending through the contracting layer to form a void space. The holes have a perforation shape factor and a strut angle causing the plurality of holes to collapse in a direction substantially perpendicular to the opening. The contracting layer generates a closing force substantially parallel to the surface of the tissue site to close the opening in response to application of the negative pressure.

Abstract: A dressing for managing an incision and surrounding tissue where edema and swelling may be present post-operation. The dressing may maximize coverage of area in articulating joints, such as a knee or elbow, while allowing for substantial range of motion. In some embodiments, the dressing may comprise an adhesive border configured to be adhered to skin around an articulating joint, a skin-interfacing fabric for minimizing skin irritation, a foam body for manifolding negative pressure and absorbing exudate and other body fluids, and a thin polymer film cap for sealing the assembly so negative pressure can be maintained throughout the dressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an absorbent pad for an absorbent sanitary article including a first layer, a second layer and an absorbent material interposed between the first and the second layer, includes: a forming drum; a first feed system for feeding to the forming drum a first web, intended to form the first layer; and a second feed system for feeding to the forming drum a second web, intended to form the second layer; at least one spreader for spreading the absorbent material on the forming drum; the first web, the second web and the absorbent material together form a composite web and the forming apparatus includes a system for joining the first and second webs and a system for calibrating the thickness of the absorbent material in the composite web and being located upstream of the joining system in a feed direction V of the composite web.

Abstract: Aspects of methods and apparatuses herein relate to making elastic laminates, and more particularly, methods and apparatuses for applying fluids onto elastic material positioned on an advancing substrate. The elastic material may be in various forms, such as for example, elastic strands, ribbons, and/or panels. Particular embodiments of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein provide for the application of viscous fluids, such as adhesives, in pre-determined patterns to elastic material positioned on an advancing substrate.

Abstract: A device for placement and removal of a menstrual cup according to various aspects of the present disclosure includes an outer component and an inner component. The outer component extends along a longitudinal axis between first proximal and distal ends. The outer component includes a peripheral wall, a first interior region, and a protrusion. The peripheral wall includes an interior surface. The first interior region is at least partially defined by the peripheral wall. The protrusion extends from the interior surface toward the longitudinal axis. In certain aspects, the outer component includes an upper portion and a lower portion removably coupled to the upper portion. The inner component extends between a second proximal and distal ends. The inner component is disposed at least partially within the first interior region. The inner component is slidable along the longitudinal axis with respect to the outer component.

Abstract: An array of packages comprising two or more different sizes of absorbent articles, the array comprising first, second, and third packages comprising first, second, and third absorbent articles having at least first and second sizes. The first, second, and third articles may have an insert length to rise ratio greater than 60%. And, the first, second, and third packages may comprise the same brand name and sub-brand name. And, the first, second, and third absorbent articles may have identical or substantially identical chassis.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid management system (LMS) and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate a topsheet and a backsheet. The LMS defines one or more channels therein. The one or more channels of the LMS may at least partially overlap or not overlap with channels defined in the absorbent core.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a baby diaper comprising a three-dimensional laminate 30 having a first layer 1 intermittently bonded to a second layer 2 by a heterophase polymer. The topsheet comprises three-dimensional protrusions 9 in the first layer 1 which are not bonded to the second layer 2. The heterophase polymer has an enthalpy of fusion of at least 10 J/g. The laminate may be used on the wearer-facing side of the article as topsheet 24 and/or on the garment-facing side as part of the backsheet 26. The first layer may comprise natural fibers.

Abstract: An apertured extrusion coated nonwoven web for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article includes a nonwoven material having a user-facing side and a garment-facing side opposite the user-facing side. The nonwoven material includes a plurality of fibers. The apertured extrusion coated nonwoven web also includes a polymer coating on the garment-facing side of the nonwoven material, the polymer coating having a basis weight of about 2 gsm to about 6 gsm, and a plurality of three-dimensional apertures that extend through the nonwoven material and the polymer coating. Each of the plurality of three-dimensional apertures includes a continuous sidewall extending from a garment-facing side of the polymer coating. The apertured extrusion coated nonwoven web has an open area of greater than 5% when subjected to a pressure of 0.6 psi.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprising substantially continuous zones of one or more high fluid distribution structures and discontinuous zones of fluid absorption structures surrounding the one or more high fluid distribution structures, wherein the one or more high fluid distribution structures are arranged to distribute fluid across the absorbent core at a speed that is faster than the speed of fluid distribution across the absorbent core by said discontinuous fluid absorption structures, and wherein said continuous zones extend along a path that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the perimeter of the core, said portion of the perimeter of the core comprising at least a portion of the sides of the core and one of the ends of the core.

Abstract: The present invention protects, a disposable diaper with two opposite transverse sides, two opposite longitudinal sides, a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion, basically formed by a chassis, a pair of front ears placed in the front area of the diaper, a pair of rear ears placed in the back area of the diaper, a traditional fastening system consisting of a pair of fastening elements joined or associated to the rear ears and a front band or tape and an additional fastening system, such that the additional fastening system is formed by at least one additional fastening element placed on the outer side of each one of the front ears of the diaper that are attached to the inner part of the diaper when placing it on the user.

Abstract: A mobility device lift system including an electric pallet jack having a handle, a pallet, a ramp, a vertical lifting mechanism, and a wheel assembly. The pallet is sized and functionally configured to support a mobility device thereon. The pallet is affixed to the vertical lifting mechanism, such that the pallet is able to move up and down vertically via hydraulics of the vertical lifting mechanism. The electric pallet jack is configured for transporting the mobility device from a loading bridge to a belt loader. The ramp of the device provides a connector between the loading bridge and the belt loader.

Abstract: Provided is a moving vehicle which enables a user to easily recognize that the moving vehicle is stopped due to the user's own clothing or the like being determined as an object, thereby enabling the user to cancel the stopped state and return to a moving state. A moving vehicle on which a person rides and which stops moving if the distance to an object is equal to or less than a first predetermined value, said moving vehicle comprising: a sensor (124) for detecting the distance; a determiner (125) for determining, if the distance is equal to or less than a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, a state in which the field of view of the sensor (124) is blocked due to the clothing covering the sensor (124); and a notifier (128) that, if said state is determined by the determiner (125), issues a notification.

Abstract: A mobile patient support chair to assist in bathing of a patient by a carer with little or no upper body strength comprises a chair pivotally mounted in a support frame comprised of four legs each ending in a wheel. The chair frame comprises groups of support panels which can be locked in support positions and rotated through 90 degrees to provide access to the patient's legs, buttocks and back. Additionally the chair is balanced to allow easy rotation into a fully backwards lying position, and a fully forward lying position. In the fully forward lying position flexible retaining strips are placed across the patient to retain them in place. Additionally the wheels may be step-climbing wheels to assist in climbing small steps found in bathroom entrances and shower cubicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to means for releasably connecting a wheelchair backrest to a wheelchair frame. This is desirable to facilitate collapse of the wheelchair for transport or storage. In the preferred embodiment there is a wheelchair having a support frame, a backrest (16) and connector comprising a saddle (1) and a clamp (17). The saddle has a slot (3) with top and front openings and a locking lever (7). Two pins (12) are received in the slot so they extend through the front opening, and the lever (7) is able to move to divide the slot into top and bottom zones so that a lower one of the pins is prevented from being withdrawn from the slot via the top opening by the lever. The lever can then be moved to unblock the lower pin and allow the slot (3) and the pins (12) to be dissociated.

Abstract: A strain gauge assembly includes a member and a strain gauge supported by the member spaced. The strain gauge further includes a bearing surface and a contact surface spaced from the bearing surface. When the member is subject to a predetermined bending force, the bearing surface contacts the contact surface wherein at least a portion of the bending force bypasses the strain gauge and instead is transferred from the bearing surface to the contact surface.

Abstract: There is provided a patient support that may be adjustable in height, width, length or a combination thereof. The patient support may be useable with normal sized patients or with bariatric patients. The patient support has a variety of features to enhance operability and/or functionality, including a width adjustable caster frame, width adjustable deck portions, a width adjustable headboard and an extendible foot board to provide extra length. An enhanced lift mechanism can accommodate bariatric patients and alternative functionality in achieving deck positions improves patient comfort. Various parts of the patient support including deck panels and the footboard may be removed and replaced with ease without complicated connectors.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a frame. A control module may be positioned on the frame. A graphical user interface may be in communication with the control module. An exercise apparatus may be coupled to the frame and may be in communication with the control module.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a mattress having a head end. A frame is configured to support the mattress. The frame includes a head portion that extends beyond the head end of the mattress. The head portion defines a recess. At least one handle assembly is pivotally coupled to the head portion. The at least one handle assembly includes an elongate member coupled to the head portion proximate the recess. The elongate member is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The elongate member is disposed over the head portion when in the stowed position. A handle extends from a distal end of the elongate member. The handle extends at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a patient support surface for patients. The patient support apparatus comprises a user input device, a controller, and an ultrasonic generator system. The controller is configured to control the ultrasonic generator system to provide haptic sensations to the user. The haptic sensations, in some cases, provides tactile stimuli to a user associated with a virtual button.

Abstract: A medical supporting fixing device having a yaw angle fine adjustment plate (6) and/or a tilt angle fine adjustment plate (8) interposed between a stage (2) and a supporting fixing means (4) for supporting and fixing a predetermined part of a human body. The yaw angle fine adjustment plate (6) and/or the tilt angle fine adjustment plate (8) are mounted so as to be rotatable over a predetermined angular range about required rotation center axes (22, 48). A yaw angle fine adjustment plate drive mechanism (16) and/or a tilt angle fine adjustment plate drive mechanism (54) including input members (28, 72) and transmission means (36, 38, 42, 74, 80, 82, 84, 86) are disposed with respect to the yaw angle fine adjustment plate (6) and/or the tilt angle fine adjustment plate (8).

Abstract: A subject support apparatus includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a vest having a first end and a second end, a closure mechanism configured to couple the first end of the vest to the second end of the vest from a bottom end of the vest to a top end of the vest to form a closed loop, and a pair of shoulder straps extending from the vest. The lower portion includes a seat piece having a first end and a second end, and a pair of loop straps extending from the first end and the second end of the seat piece. Subject support systems including the subject support apparatus and methods of lifting a subject using the subject support apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a support frame. The patient support apparatus also comprises a lift assembly that operates to lift and lower the support frame relative to the base. The lift assembly comprises lift members that extend and collapse to lift and lower the support frame. A timing link is pivotally connected to one of the lift members and pivotally connected to the base. Guides operate to guide movement of the lift members during operation. In some cases guided bodies coupled to the lift members move passively in the guides. In other embodiments, driven members coupled to the lift members move actively in the guides to cause lifting and lowering of the support frame.

Abstract: A portable hyperbaric chamber device with forward-facing door includes a frame, an inflatable chamber, a dump valve, at least one primary pressure relief valve, at least one secondary pressure relief valve, a plurality of fill valves. Access to the inflatable chamber is gain through a door panel of the inflatable chamber. The inflatable chamber is positioned within and secured to the frame. The plurality of fill valves is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber so that the inflatable chamber can be pressured for usage. The dump valve is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber to deflate the inflatable chamber. The primary pressure relief valve and the secondary pressure relief valve are in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber to maintain a safe internal pressure within the inflatable chamber to protect wellbeing of the users and the structural integrity of the complete apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fabric overlay for a massage table or headrest. The overlay includes: a first fabric portion having an aperture therethrough, the aperture defined by an inner edge of the first fabric portion, wherein the first portion is configured to extend in a first plane, and a second fabric portion formed into a tube and having first and second ends, wherein the first end of the second portion is joined to the first fabric portion so that the tube extends around the aperture and extends away from the first plane. The fabric of the overlay includes a first layer of fabric bonded to a second, different, layer of fabric, wherein the first layer is a fabric top layer and the second layer is a breathable polymer membrane. In use, the overlay provides a comfortable, washable barrier between the patient's skin and the surface of the massage headrest.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during a surgical procedure is provided, including an open fixed frame suspended above a floor and a pair of spaced opposed radially sliding joints cooperating with the frame, each joint including a virtual pivot point and an arc of motion spaced from the virtual pivot point, the joints being movable along the arc providing a pivot ship mechanism for a pair of pelvic pads attached to the joints. A base for supporting and suspending a patient support structure above the floor, for supporting a patient during a surgical procedure, the base including a pair of spaced opposed vertical translation subassemblies reversibly attachable to a patient support structure, a cross-bar, and a rotation subassembly having two degrees of rotational freedom; wherein a location of each vertical translation subassembly is substantially constant during operation of the patient support structure.

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: A dental chair assembly comprises a base, a support, a first pivot mount and a second pivot mount. The support is configured to support a chair seat defined to extend in a forward direction and a chair back positioned rearward of the chair seat. The support has a forward side, an opposite rearward side and a longitudinal axis extending through the forward and rearward sides. The first pivot mount is positioned along the longitudinal axis forward of the rear side of the support and configured to support at least one movable arm. The first pivot mount defines a first upright pivot axis. The second pivot mount is positioned along the longitudinal axis and spaced forwardly from the first pivot mount. The second pivot mount is configured to support at least one movable arm and defines a second upright pivot axis parallel to the first upright pivot axis.

Abstract: A shelf for a dental delivery system comprises a shelf member and device mounting locations on the shelf member. The shelf member is shaped to fit within a dental delivery system housing. The shelf member is movable between at least a closed position and an open position. The device mounting locations define locations devices can be coupled. According to another implementation, a dental delivery system comprising a housing defining an interior, at least one connection extending from the housing to a dental handpiece holding area, a removable cover and a shelf member movable between at least open and closed positions is described.

Abstract: A universal foot exercise brace and ball device with new and useful characteristics for massaging the plantar fascia is presented. An adjustable ankle brace surrounding the ankle connects to an elastic strip-sleeve that rests over the top portion of the foot and secures itself to a toe(s) by means of a lower elastic loop. An upper ring freely holds an elastic cord that in turn holds a spherical ball for massaging the tissue found at the bottom of the foot. Together, all the components of this foot exercise brace and ball device, work as an integrated unit enabling for a fast, safe, and easy fitting of the brace. Furthermore, this invention securely holds the ball in place while it operates rolling under all sections of the plantar fascia.

Abstract: A collapsible rolling walker that readily collapses for storage and/or transportation and that readily deploys for use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a handheld device for applying therapy includes a housing, a handle coupled to the housing, a motor supported in the housing, a movable head coupled to the motor, and a contact pad of high-friction, grippy, non-slip material supported on the movable head. The motor is operable to impart to the movable head and the contact pad one or more of translational, rotational, or revolutionary motions that are generally in a plane parallel to the skin of a patient during operation.

Abstract: An adjustable massage apparatus with: a body, a back panel, and at least two shoulder straps, the back panel has at least one massage apparatus and a substantially rigid material that is at least 1 mm thick, the massager apparatus has at least two massage heads which are retained on the back panel inside at least one tunnel, each of the massage heads are fixed on a band to provide the massage head on the band and moving in the tunnel which is substantially the same width as each of the massage heads.

Abstract: A backpack, bag, baby carrier with removable massage panel, comprising a body and a back panel with at least one shoulder strap, wherein the back panel has an upper portion with a top part and a portion of the top edge of the top part is connected to the shoulder strap, a bottom area of the top part is connected to the back panel of the body by at least one adjustable band, wherein the top part has at least one massager apparatus, wherein the top part is a substantially rigid material that is at least 1 mm thick, wherein the massager apparatus has at least one massage head that is covered by a foam material.

Abstract: A massage device generally includes a massage stick, an accessory kit, and a rack. The massage stick includes a rod, two handle tubes, two massage tubes, eight bearings, two first sleeves, two second sleeves, three separation rings, and two nuts. The accessory kit includes two massage cylinders and a plurality of bushings including at least one double-taper bushing and at least two single-taper bushings, so that the massage stick can be detachably mounted with the massage cylinders through the bushings. The rack includes two lateral supports each defining a plurality of recesses positioned at different heights, so that the massage stick can be installed horizontally on the rack. With the massage stick, the rack, and the accessory kit, the massage device can be operated in various ways.

Abstract: An apparatus for sexual stimulation, having a massage body configured to contact the body of a user, the massage body being surrounded at least in part by a silicone casing. The apparatus includes a vibratory drive in the massage body for causing the massage body to vibrate, a control unit for controlling the vibratory drive, and an energy source for providing electrical energy to the vibratory drive and the control unit. The control unit is adapted for receiving signals or determining data representing a distance from a transmitter partner toy. The control unit is further adapted for controlling the vibratory drive as a function of the distance.

Abstract: Described herein are interactive devices that mimic a portion of a human male and a female genitalia. The male device includes a unique bead drive assembly for providing an extending and retracting motion. Also included on the male device is a massager sub-assembly able to inflate and deflate while being able to slide along a shaft of the male device. The female device includes a clamshell constrictor having an inflation mechanism that is able to provide a squeezing motion as well as being able to slide back and forth within the body of the female device. Also disclosed herein are method of communication and interaction between a pair of interactive devices or multiple interactive devices. Finally, methods of managing interactive sessions between multiple interactive devices are also described.

Abstract: A percussive massage device that includes a housing, an electrical source, a motor positioned in the housing, a switch for activating the motor, and a push rod assembly operatively connected to the motor and configured to reciprocate in response to activation of the motor. The housing includes first, second and third handle portions that cooperate to define a handle opening, wherein the first handle portion defines a first axis, the second handle portion defines a second axis and the third handle portion defines a third axis, and wherein the first, second and third axes cooperate to form a triangle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a massage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The massage device comprises: a body structure for forming an area to accommodate at least one portion of the body of a user and defining the outer shape of the massage device; a massage module for supplying a massage function to the at least one portion of the body of the user accommodated in the area in the body structure; an input unit for receiving an input of an arbitrary form from the user of the massage device; a display for displaying massage mode screen information which can be selected by the user of the massage device; and a control unit for controlling one more operations of the massage device on the basis of at least a part of the input of an arbitrary form received by the input unit.