Abstract: An ostomy appliance includes a first adhesive having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The first surface is provided to contact a partly electrically conductive object. The appliance also includes a first layer situated on the second surface of the first adhesive, and a first electrode situated on the first layer and electrically isolated from the first adhesive.

Abstract: An asymmetrical menstrual device with functional pressure points that aid in the insertion, opening, and removal of the device and requires minimal contact with the device itself, as well as with the body while placing inside the vaginal canal. Major design elements support ease of placement and effective opening of the device to create a seal, while minimizing pressure in sensitive areas. Another design feature is the length, functionality, and malleability of the removal stem that can be adapted to any length up until the base of the device. These elements enable greater cleanliness, comfort, and overall ease of use.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating snoring or sleep apnea of a patient that include an implantable device and a retainer. The device includes an elongate filament sized for introduction into or through a patient's tongue and including a distal end and a proximal end, a connection member on the proximal end, and one or more securing elements on or adjacent the distal end. The retainer includes a body configured to be removably engaged with one or more teeth within a patient's mouth, and a connector port for removably engaging the connection member to support the patient's tongue relative to the retainer.

Abstract: A system of combined tongue and jaw stabilization is provided. The system comprises a sheath for placement in the human mouth, the sheath of shape and size to accommodate placement of the tongue, and a frontal flange containing holes to facilitate breathing. The system also comprises of at least one extending protuberance attached to the sheath and extending downward from a bottom surface and/or upward from the upper surface of the sheath, to facilitate the retention of the upper and/or lower jaw and hold the device in place. The extending protuberance(s) is a Jaw-stabilizing Nub directed to holding the jaw in a forward position while the sheath holds the tongue in a forward position to maximize and maintain an open upper airway. Retaining ribs are disposed on an inside surface of the sheath, the ribs directed to holding the tongue inside the sheath.

Abstract: Injection device comprising an elongated body (1) with a hollow needle (8) at a distal end; a reservoir for an injection material to be delivered through the needle; a plunger (3) with a first force element (5) configured to provide an injection force to said injection material, and a distal element (10) attached to the distal end of the device thereby sealing a needle lumen, wherein the distal element comprises a tissue interface and a distal seal (11), and wherein the distal seal is penetrable by a distal tip of the needle by the application of pressure on a tissue surface with the distal end of the device, wherein the penetrated distal element becomes slidable on the needle to allow advancement of the needle into tissue, wherein the penetrated distal seal opens a path for flow or delivery of the injection material from the distal end of the needle.

Abstract: An ophthalmic marking device is provided herein for marking a patient's eye. The device may include a handle and a tip with a tip element, a first portion of the tip element protruding from the tip to be exposed. The tip element is electrically conductive to resistively generate heat with electrical flow therethrough. A source of electrical power is associated with the device and electrically coupled to the tip element. The source of the electrical power and the tip element are configured to cause the first portion of the tip element to have a temperature in a range of 250° F.-450° F. Advantageously, the subject invention provides for a relatively low-cost device for marking a patient's eye and allows for creating a less traumatic marking on a patient's eye as compared to higher temperature electrocautery devices.

Abstract: An intraocular drainage device may include a monolithic silicone body having a flap, a rigid bottom plate having a portion configured to contact a corresponding portion of the flap, and a tube having a proximal end disposed between the flap and the rigid bottom plate. The corresponding portion of the flap may be configured to separate from the portion of the rigid bottom plate responsive to a fluid pressure in aqueous humor received from the tube. A plurality of parallel microgrooves may be formed on one or more portions of one or more outer surfaces of the intraocular drainage device.

Abstract: For the purposes of working on eye tissue, an ophthalmological apparatus comprises a laser source that is configured to produce a pulsed laser beam, a focusing optical unit that is configured to focus the pulsed laser beam into the eye tissue, a scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam onto work target points in the eye tissue, and a measurement system for optically capturing structures in the eye tissue. A circuit controls the measurement system in such a way that the latter captures a cut first outer face of a lenticule to be cut. The circuit controls the scanner system in such a way that the latter guides the pulsed laser beam onto work target points on a second outer face, positioned in relation to the captured first outer face, of the lenticule to be cut, in order to cut the second outer face of the lenticule.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus comprises a laser source for producing a pulsed laser beam, a scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam at a treatment speed in the eye tissue along a scanning treatment line, a first scanning apparatus connected upstream of the scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam and for producing a first scanning movement component superposed on the scanning treatment line in a first scanning direction at a first scanning speed that is higher as compared to the treatment speed, and a second scanning apparatus connected upstream of the scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam and for producing a second scanning movement component, which is superposed on the first scanning movement component in a second scanning direction, which is at an angle to the first scanning direction, at a second scanning speed that is higher as compared to the first scanning speed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides protective eyewear comprising at least one removable filter assembly allowing ambient air to circulate to the eye while filtering out pathogens and other particles. In another aspect, the protective eyewear is adapted to removably receive and secure multiple PPE accessories, including for example face shields and face masks. Together with the protective eyewear, the PPE accessories are fastened to the user through a single head strap. The eyewear can accommodate normal or prescription lenses and is configured with a rigid frame and flexible seal to provide a snug, airtight fit.

Abstract: An external ear canal pressure regulation device including a fluid flow generator and an earpiece having a first axial earpiece conduit fluidicly coupled to the fluid flow generator, whereby the earpiece has a compliant earpiece external surface configured to sealably engage an external ear canal as a barrier between an external ear canal pressure and an ambient pressure.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating and releasing iodine are described. Some embodiments may include a dressing member including a plurality of iodine-forming reagents and a water-swellable material. In some embodiments, the dressing member may include water-swellable fibers. The water-swellable fibers may each include a water-swellable material in which iodine-forming reagents are dispersed. As liquid comes into contact with and is absorbed by the water-swellable material, the iodine-forming reagents may come into contact with each other, causing an iodine-forming reaction to occur, producing iodine.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a dressing assembly may include a dressing bolster, an interface seal, and a base layer. The dressing bolster may include a first side, a second side, and a periphery. The interface seal may be coupled at the periphery of the dressing bolster. The base layer may include a base layer flange configured to be coupled to the dressing and to extend beyond the periphery of the dressing bolster. The dressing assembly may be suitable for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure and for creating an apposition force between a first portion of the tissue site and a second portion of the tissue site. Other systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wound dressing, negative pressure source, user interface, sensor, and control circuitry. The user interface can receive an activation input. The sensor can detect whether the wound dressing is positioned over a wound. The control circuitry can cause supply of negative pressure in response to receipt of the activation input and a determination that the sensor detects that the wound dressing is positioned over the wound. In addition, the control circuitry can prevent supply of negative pressure in response to a determination that the sensor does not detect that the wound dressing is positioned over the wound.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a stabilizing structure with dissolvable portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for printing and drying inks on substrates. Printing systems may include a metering device positioned between a printing station and a light source. During operation, the printing station deposits ink onto a substrate to define a printed region. And the light source directs infrared light onto the substrate to define an illumination zone. The printed region is advanced from the printing station to the metering device and from the metering device through the illumination zone, wherein the ink is dried with infrared light traveling from the light source, which also heats the substrate and changes the modulus of elasticity of the substrate. In turn, the metering device isolates the printing station from the change in the modulus of elasticity to help reduce phase shifts caused by changes in the modulus of elasticity resulting from heat in the substrate.

Abstract: Process for making discrete fibrous layers, comprising the steps of continuously depositing fibers in an endless series of molds, with two neighboring molds connected by a connecting section, transferring the resulting continuous fibrous layer to another endless moving surface and cutting the continuous fibrous layer at the connecting sections to form discrete fibrous layers. The molds comprise at least one raised element that prevents fiber deposition in the raised element area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for sealing absorbent cores of disposable diaper pants during the assembly process. The diaper pants may include a chassis connected with a ring-like elastic belt. Aspects of the assembly methods involve bonding a continuous length of absorbent cores between a continuous topsheet substrate and a continuous backsheet substrate advancing in a machine direction. The combined continuous topsheet substrate, continuous backsheet substrate, and continuous length of absorbent cores are then cut along a cross direction to create discrete chassis, wherein the topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core of each chassis have equal longitudinal lengths. The discrete chassis are then deposited onto a first continuous elastic laminate and a second continuous elastic laminate. Opposing end regions of the absorbent cores may then be sealed by positioning a sealing layer across the topsheets of the chassis.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10, 110, 210) can include a waist containment member (54) with a first longitudinal side edge (72), a second longitudinal side edge (74), a proximal portion (76), and a distal portion (78). A fold (79a) can separate the proximal portion (76) from the distal portion (78). The proximal portion (76) can be coupled to the chassis (11) and the distal portion (78) can be configured to freely move with respect to the chassis (11) when the absorbent article (10, 110, 210) is in a relaxed configuration to provide a containment pocket (82). The absorbent article (10, 110, 210) can include a pair of containment flaps (50, 52). The containment flaps (50, 52) can each include a base portion (64) and a projection portion (66).

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article may comprise an absorbent article and an auxiliary article.

Abstract: Methods and tooling for forming performance zones in substrates are provided. The methods and tooling for forming performance zones in substrates may be for use on an absorbent article manufacturing line.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article with a water-permeable covering sheet, a water-impermeable center sheet, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween is disclosed herein. The absorbent article includes a pair of side flaps comprising a first side flap and an opposing second side flap; each of the first and second side flaps being made from a distinct layer of material that is not an extension of the water-permeable covering sheet or the water-impermeable center sheet. The distinct layer of material is doubled over to form a first layer comprising a first layer proximal edge, and a second layer comprising a second layer proximal edge, wherein the first layer and the second layer enclose an elastic strand, and wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer.

Abstract: An absorbent member is intended for insertion in diapers to boost the absorptive capacity. The construction increases the flow of fluid to the diaper, yet in preferred embodiments, blocks the reflow of fluid pressed of the diaper from reaching the wearer to reduce the propensity to cause or aggravate diaper rash.

Abstract: A woodpulp-free urine pad includes from top to bottom a top sheet, a perforated film layer, a core layer and a bottom layer, wherein the perforated film layer is made by perforating the surface of the waterproof material, the core layer comprises an upper adhesive layer, a lower adhesive layer and a water accepting layer which is mad of SAP polymeric particle between the upper and lower adhesive layers. The utility model has a strong ability to prevent liquid infiltration, and it removes away the wood pulp in the core layer to save a large amount of wood and to protect the environment.

Abstract: Extended fingerlifts and their use in closure assemblies typically provided in absorbent articles such as diapers are described.

Abstract: A wheelchair lift includes a base, and an arm slideably supported by the base. A chair support is rotatably supported by the arm. A linkage is supported by the arm and is extendable relative to the chair support from a coiled position to a straightened position. A motor is supported by the arm and is connected to the linkage. The linkage is coiled about the motor in the coiled position.

Abstract: A powered wheelchair is operated by sensor-based control pads that include force transducers to produce a variable output signal that is proportional to a varying force applied. The control pad provides an analog-type output that provides a variable speed signal to a controller to operate the wheelchair at a variable speed in both forward/reverse directions and in right or left turning directions.

Abstract: Wheeled vehicles, such as wheelchairs, that are adapted to traverse obstacles are provided. The wheeled vehicles include a frame, drive wheels, front anti-tip wheels positioned in front of the drive wheels and rear anti-tip wheels positioned behind the drive wheels. One exemplary vehicle includes front anti-tip wheels supported by rigid arms that are fixed to the frame and drive assemblies that are independently suspended from the frame. Another exemplary vehicle includes a linkage that links the front and rear anti-tip wheels, such that movement of one of the front or rear anti-tip wheel relative to the frame causes movement of the other wheel relative to the frame.

Abstract: An auxiliary frame system for a wheelchair, the wheelchair having a frame comprising two openings to releasably attach axle portions of rear wheels and defining between them a main rear wheel axis; wherein the auxiliary frame system comprises: a pair of wheel displacing elements; fastening elements to releasably attach each wheel displacing element to the frame of the wheelchair through the openings; wheel holders for bearing respective rear wheels of the wheelchair, wherein each of the wheel holders is associated with a respective wheel displacing element, and the wheel holders define between them a shifted rear wheel axis; at least one anchoring link to releasably secure at least one of the wheel displacing elements to the frame of the wheelchair at an additional attachment point. Also provided are wheelchairs comprising such auxiliary frame system and methods to displace the position of rear wheels of a wheelchair.

Abstract: An exoskeleton wheelchair system includes a base, one or more wheels coupled to the base, a body support connected to the base. The body support includes a back support, and one or more leg supports pivotally coupled to the back support. The exoskeleton wheelchair system also includes an actuator linked with the one or more leg supports and configured to rotate the one or more leg supports, a processor, a memory module, and machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to rotate the one or more leg supports with the actuator. The one or more leg supports pivot about a first axis when the back support is in a standing position mode, and the first axis is maintained at a fixed position when the one or more leg supports pivot about the first axis while the back support is in the standing position mode.

Abstract: An assistance device that more appropriately identifies a user using speech. The assistance device is provided with a speech detector, a name acquiring section that acquires a name of a person based on speech detected by the speech detector, and a user identifying section that identifies a care receiver who is a user of the assistance device based on the name acquired by the name acquiring device.

Abstract: A sleep system comprises at least one mattress including a first sleep area for a first occupant, the first sleep area including a first section for a portion of a body of the first occupant, and a second sleep area adjacent to the first sleep area for a second occupant, the second sleep area including a second section for a portion of a body of the second occupant, an articulation system for articulating the first section and the second section, a first user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the first section, and a second user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the second section, wherein the first user controller is further configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to move the second section into a predetermined position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck, a touchscreen, and a controller. The patient support deck comprises a patient support surface. The touchscreen comprises a screen, an input surface arranged adjacent to the screen, and a touch sensor configured to generate an electric field within an envelope defined adjacent to the input surface to sense conductive objects interacting with the electric field. The touch sensor is operable at a first sensitivity level to detect conductive objects approaching the input surface, and a second sensitivity level to detect conductive objects engaging the input surface. The controller is in communication with the touchscreen to operate the touch sensor at the first sensitivity level during an absence of conductive objects interacting with the electric field, and to operate the touch sensor at the second sensitivity level in response to conductive objects interacting with the electric field within the envelope.

Abstract: An automated system and methods are provided for coordinating a transfer of a patient between patient support apparatuses. The system includes first and second patient support apparatuses having a patient support surface supported by an adjustable frame. A controller is provided and is configured to communicate with at least one of the first and second patient support apparatuses. The controller includes programmable instructions to coordinate automated movements of at least one of the patient support apparatuses in order to couple the support apparatuses at a preferential transfer position, engage or monitor at least one safety feature, and provide an indication that it is safe to transfer the patient between the first and second patient support apparatuses.

Abstract: A multi-link device includes a load tension pin including a sensor configured to measure tension applied to the load tension pin, network interface hardware, one or more processors, and one or more memory modules storing computer readable and executable instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the multi-link device to: determine whether the tension measured by the load tension pin exceeds a threshold value; and transmit, by the network interface hardware, load event data to a receiver in response to determination that the tension exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a surgical patient support provides support to a patient. The surgical patient support may include configuration to accommodate various patient body positions to provide a variety of access to the patient's body.

Abstract: A system and method by which movements desired by a user of a lower extremity orthotic is determined and a control system automatically regulates the sequential operation of powered lower extremity orthotic components to enable the user, having mobility disorders, to walk, as well as perform other common mobility tasks which involve leg movements, perhaps with the use of a gait aid.

Abstract: Provided is a rehabilitation training apparatus for an ankle joint. The rehabilitation training apparatus comprises a working platform, a Z-axis rotating mechanism, a Y-axis rotating mechanism, an X-axis rotating mechanism, and a pedal. The Y-axis rotating mechanism includes an annular bracket vertically fastened to a driving arm of the Z-axis rotating mechanism, an annular sliding cover slidably disposed on one side wall of the annular bracket, a Y-axis driving mechanism for driving the annular sliding cover to rotate around the axis of the annular bracket, and a sliding block for locating the annular sliding cover. The Y-axis driving mechanism synchronously rotates with the annular sliding cover and the X-axis rotating mechanism is fastened to one side of the annular sliding cover.

Abstract: A physical therapy system that includes an apparatus coupled with a plurality of techniques of use thereof. The physical therapy system includes an apparatus having a body that is manufactured from a plurality of segments. The segments comprising the body are slidably coupled and configured to telescopically move so as to provide a collapsed position and an extended position with further providing of intermediate positions. The body of the physical therapy apparatus has a bottom end and a top end wherein the body has a narrowing diameter from the bottom end to the top end. The physical therapy system further includes preferred techniques of use that include but are not limited to picking up the apparatus, walking around the apparatus, disassembly and reassembly of the system, walking to a plurality of apparatus and reaching for the apparatus. Further techniques include placing a foot on top of the apparatus.

Abstract: An assistance apparatus includes a first wire and a second wire that couple an upper-body belt and a left knee belt to each other on or above a front part and back part of the body of a user, respectively, a third wire and a fourth wire that couple the upper-body belt and a right knee belt to each other on or above the front part and back part of the body of the user, respectively, a motor, a left sensor on the left hand of the user, and a right sensor on the right hand of the user. When a left sensor value of the left sensor is larger than a right sensor value of the right sensor, the tension of the first wire and the second wire is made greater than the tension of the third wire and the fourth wire. When the right sensor value is larger than the left sensor value, the tension of the third wire and the fourth wire is made greater than the tension of the first wire and the second wire.

Abstract: A skin treatment head for use in a body care device for treating a skin, the body care device comprising a housing and a skin treatment head associated with the housing, wherein the housing further comprises an actuator configured to at least partly rotate the skin treatment head about an axis (A), wherein the skin treatment head comprises a plurality of bristles defining a virtual edge face circumferentially surrounding the plurality of bristles and a virtual top face defining a first height (h1) of the bristles relative to a skin treatment head surface of the skin treatment head, wherein the skin treatment head further comprises a plurality of rotatable elements, wherein each rotatable element is configured to rotate when a force in a tangential direction is applied to a rotatable element surface of the rotatable element, wherein the rotatable element surfaces are configured lower than the top face and wherein in certain embodiments the rotatable element surfaces at least partly extend beyond the edge face.

Abstract: A massage unit includes a base member, a treatment element driven unit, and a slide mechanism. A lower portion of the treatment element drive unit is fitted to the base member to be rotatable about a first rotation axis. One end of the slide mechanism is fitted to a lower portion of the base member. The other end of the slide mechanism is fitted to the treatment element drive unit. At least one of the following structures is adopted: a structure where the one end of the slide mechanism is fitted to a lower portion of the base member to be rotatable about a second rotation axis; and a structure where the other end of the slide mechanism is fitted to the treatment element drive unit to be rotatable about a third rotation axis.

Abstract: A spherical manual and electromechanically-operated spherical massage implement which facilitates the even application of pressure to the body tissue of a client during massage therapy, including tendons, ligaments, and muscles (e.g. the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and the like). Variations of the invention include vibrating and heating functions, relieve sore and achy muscles, help blood circulation, relieve muscle cramps, loosen tight and knotted muscles, and relieve pressure from the massage therapist's hands.

Abstract: Increasing blood circulation, lowering intracranial pressure, and increasing cerebral perfusion pressure during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by gravity-assist due to elevation of one or both of the torso and head of an individual.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Abstract: An object is to provide a port that is capable of securely preventing pulling-out of a sealing plug from a port body. Provided is a port including: a sealing plug through which a hollow needle can be pierced; a port body having a hollow structure with the sealing plug disposed therein; and a pulling-out preventing member to be attached to the port body. The port body includes: a part to be sealed that has a tubular shape with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and is configured so that the sealing plug is sealingly inserted into the part to be sealed; a connection part that has a tubular shape, is continuous with the first end of the part to be sealed, and has an outer periphery connected to the bag body to be filled with a medical liquid; and a part to be fitted that is formed in any one of an inner peripheral surface of the part to be sealed, an outer peripheral surface of the part to be sealed, and the second end of the part to be sealed.

Abstract: An adapter for a dispensing container in a planetary mixer and an adapter and dispensing container combination are provided. The container has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis and includes a composition dispensing nozzle with a removable cap closing the dispensing nozzle, the removable cap having a first width dimension measured along the transverse axis, and a container part spaced apart from the dispensing nozzle along the longitudinal axis, the container part having a second width dimension measured along the transverse axis. The adapter includes a cavity for receiving the cap, the cavity having a transverse dimension that exceeds the first width dimension, and a passageway extending from the cavity for receiving the container therein, the passageway having a transverse dimension that is less than the first width dimension and less than the second width dimension.

Abstract: A particulate plug for removing a preservative from a solution, suspension, or emulsion comprising a drug is presented. The plug comprises microparticles of oxidized polyolefin (OxPO). The microparticles are irregular-shaped rigid aggregates and are sized and packed to yield a hydraulic permeability greater than 0.01 Da. The OxPO have absorbed portions of a preservative to be removed and/or a drug for delivery in solution, as can the copolymer.

Abstract: A container of plastic material is produced using the blow, fill and seal method, with the filler material, enclosed by a container wall (15, 20) that can be autoclaved. At least one shape (19, 21, 23, 25, 29, 33) is provided in the container wall (15, 20) that ensures, despite a low relative air volume in the container, that when administering the filler material by infusion, the container wall (15, 20) collapses at least partially reducing the volume, without aeration of the container.

Abstract: A system is provided for storage and reconstitution of IV solutions. The system may include one or more storage and reconstitution devices each configured to store and manipulate IV solution containers containing IV solutions in crystalline form that include hydration chemicals and therapeutic drugs. Crystalline hydration chemicals may include crystalline salts and sugars. The containers may be dimensionally precise enough for mechanical manipulation and configured such that sharp objects such as needles are not needed for fluid delivery to or from the container. Each storage and reconstitution device may store stacked containers and may include components for retrieval of a container from the storage and for reconstitution of the contents therein using a sterile water source within the device. IV doses may be manufactured, under appropriate standards, that can be mechanically reconstituted to produce high-quality doses in real time on the patient care unit or in the pharmacy.