Abstract: A dynamic disc assembly has a superior end plate, an inferior end plate, and a core. The core has surfaces of an annular Fresnel shape and a linear Fresnel-like shape combined to control the dynamic range of motion (ROM) movement arranged to match anatomical ROM. The core is interposed between and held against interior surfaces of the superior end plate and the inferior end plate. The assembly further has a pair of coupling cords, one coupling cord at each lateral end of the superior and inferior end plates wherein each lateral end of each end plate has one or more cord connections attached and affixed to the coupling cord to form and retain the dynamic disc assembly.

Abstract: Interbody fusion devices including deployable fixation members. The implant may include a spacer, optionally, an end member coupled to the spacer, and one or more fixation members configured to extend into adjacent vertebrae. The fixation members may include screws, nails, shims, tangs, spikes, staples, pins, blades, fins, or the like, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal fusion intervertebral implant is provided that can comprise upper and lower body portions that can each have proximal and distal wedge surf aces disposed at proximal and distal ends thereof. An actuator shaft disposed intermediate the upper and lower body portions can be actuated to cause proximal and distal protrusions to converge towards each other and contact the respective ones of the proximal and distal wedge surfaces. Such contact can thereby transfer the longitudinal movement of the proximal and distal protrusions against the proximal and distal wedge surfaces to cause the separation of the upper and lower body portions, thereby expanding the intervertebral implant. The upper and lower body portions can have side portions that help facilitate linear translational movement of the upper body portion relative to the lower body portion.

Abstract: An expandable interspinous process fixation system capable of restoring spinal stability and facilitating fusion. In one embodiment, the expandable interspinous process fixation system includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. Each endplate supporting fixed and/or adjustable spinous process engaging plates.

Abstract: A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for sensor systems. In one embodiment, a system may include an implantable component and an external component. The implantable component may comprise a housing and an electrode array configured to receive a plurality of biopotential signals. The housing may comprise a wireless power receiver and a wireless data transmitter to transmit representations of the biopotential signals. The external component may comprise a wireless data receiver configured to receive the plurality of digital representations of the biopotential signals and a wireless power transmitter configured to provide power to the internal component. A shielding component may separate the wireless power transmitter from the wireless data receiver. An interface may be configured to communicate with a prosthesis and configured to cause the prosthesis to implement a voluntary motion based on the plurality of digital presentations of the biopotential signals.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket system having an interchangeable distal end, includes a prosthetic socket defining a substantially rigid base, and a funnel formed from a polymeric material and removably attached to the base of a prosthetic socket. The funnel is arranged to be positioned in the base, and is configured and dimensioned to accommodate a distal end of a residual limb.

Abstract: A bariatric device and method of causing at least partial satiety in a recipient includes positioning a body in a recipient, the body having a wall defining a lumen, the wall configured to generally conform to the shape and size of the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach. Force is exerted with the wall on the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach in the absence of food thereby activating receptors located in the proximal cardiac portion of the stomach, thereby influencing a neurohormonal feedback mechanism of the recipient to cause at least partial satiety by augmenting fullness caused by food and simulating fullness in the absence of food.

Abstract: A gastric vest system for treating excessive weight or obesity in mammals. The gastric vest system may include a trapezoidal-shaped vest having a left edge, a right edge, an upper indentation, and a lower indentation, and the trapezoidal-shaped vest is configured to be wrapped around a stomach or a modified stomach of a mammal to cover a lesser curvature and a greater curvature of the stomach or the modified stomach.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nasal breathing training tape adapted to impart training to a user to breathe from the nasal, and not from the mouth, during sleep time or wake-up time. The nasal breathing training tape includes a stretchable strip, an adhesive layer, and a cutout portion. The stretchable strip includes a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The stretchable strip is stretchable to create tension therein. The adhesive layer may be applied to the second layer of the stretchable strip. The cutout portion is configured on the stretchable strip along a substantially central location of the stretchable strip. The stretchable strip is stretched up to a size to be accommodated and stick around a lip portion, surrounding the mouth but not touching the lip portion, of the user, such that the lip portion held together by the tension created in the stretchable strip.

Abstract: A user friendly multi-chambered flat urine collection device comprising an inlet port having a non-return valve, an upper chamber further divided into a plurality of vertical chambers, a lower chamber further divided into a plurality of vertical chambers, a plurality of breathing open areas intervening said upper, lower and vertical chambers, and a drainage tube. The inlet port is positioned at top of the upper chamber, said inlet port in turn is removably connected to a catheter. The breathing open areas between the vertical chambers of said upper and lower chambers allow the urine collection device to conform to shape of patient body. Moreover, the chambers distribute the weight of collected urine equally to avoid a bulging effect. Alternately, the urine collection device has absorbent layer insert to absorb the bodily discharge.

Abstract: A mandibular protrusion device which comprises a maxillary dental tray, a mandibular dental tray and at least two lateral links. Each one of the lateral links has a first end removably engageable with the maxillary dental tray and a second end removably engageable with the mandibular dental tray. The maxillary dental tray, mandibular dental tray and the lateral links have complementary male and female members configured to be engageable and disengageable from one another in at least one engagement/disengagement configuration that is not reached when the device is worn or in normal use.

Abstract: Apparatus that enables non-penetrating sex between two users. Embodiments may be integrated into or attached to clothing worn by the first user. A tubular element (including, but not limited to, a male or female condom) may be installed either permanently or detachably; attachments at both the open and closed ends of the tubular element ensure that it will not penetrate the first user. Users may therefore enjoy many of the benefits of sex, including intimacy and mutual stimulation, without the risks inherent in penetration. Attachment for the open end may use for example an element that attaches to a base ring or flange at the open end. Illustrative attachments for the closed end include a loop into which the closed end is cinched, a notch or hole into which a button in the closed end is inserted, and a mechanism into which the closed end is inserted, folded, and secured.

Abstract: An emergency management system having an ice water immersion bag capable of rapidly cooling an overheated individual body through its combination of elements, apertures, and capacity. An overheated individual is placed within the ice immersion bag, yet there body may still be accessed in the event of a medical emergency through the use of one of the many openings containing throughout the bag. The openings otherwise remain sealed and waterproof to prevent the ice water from escaping the bag, further effectuating ice water immersion to rapidly cool the overheated individual.

Abstract: Embodiments include a cryogenic device for alleviating pain by cryogenically treating a nerve, the cryogenic device including a handpiece; a needle coupled to a distal end of the handpiece, the needle including a needle lumen, the needle being configured for insertion into a skin of a patient along an insertion axis at a site laterally displaced from a treatment zone proximate to the nerve. The needle is configured to resiliently bend after insertion away from the insertion axis, such that at least a portion of the needle is adapted to traverse a skin layer laterally toward the treatment zone. The device includes a cooling fluid supply tube extending distally into the needle lumen; and a cooling fluid source, wherein the cooling fluid source is coupled to the cooling fluid supply tube to direct cooling fluid into the needle lumen.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in laser-assisted surgery, particularly cataract surgery. Specifically, the use of an optical fiber with a proximal and distal end, wherein the distal end has a non-orthogonal angle with the diameter of the optical fiber, to create an off-axis steam bubble for cutting and removing tissue in an operative region. Where the optical fiber is bent, rotating the fiber creates a circular cutting path for the steam bubble, allowing access to tissues that may normally be blocked by obstructions and obstacles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the application of pulse width modulation (PWM) in a voltage signal for delivering a current in a valve used to alternatively deliver pressurized gas to and vent from chambers in a vitrectomy probe used to drive a cutter.

Abstract: A system for treating an eye includes a laser light source providing photoactivating light. The system includes a scanning system to receive the photoactivating light as a laser beam and to move the laser beam over a cornea treated with a cross-linking agent. The system includes a controller that provides control signal(s) to programmatically control the laser light source and the scanning system. The control signal(s) cause the laser beam to visit region(s) of the cornea more than once according to a scan pattern and expose the region(s) to the photoactivating light. The photoactivating light causes the cross-linking agent in the exposed region(s) to react with oxygen to generate cross-linking activity in the exposed region(s). The scan pattern causes a predetermined period of time to pass between visits by the laser beam to the exposed region(s), the predetermined period of time allowing oxygen in the exposed region(s) to replenish.

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, and a scanner system for deflecting the pulsed laser beam onto work target points in the eye tissue. The scanner system is configured to guide the pulsed laser beam onto work target points along a scan line that extends across a work line at an alignment angle and to tilt the scan line depending on the work target point on the work line in such a way that the scan line extends substantially along an outer face of a lenticule to be cut in the eye tissue.

Abstract: A vibrating tissue separator suitable for use in separating a lenticule established by a femtosecond laser during a smile procedure may include a surgical implement such as a blunt spatula mounted on a handle that carries a haptic actuator for applying vibratory motion to the surgical implement. A damping arrangement may be provided to isolate the surgeons hand from the vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted through the handle. The actuator may apply a linear vibration along the axis of the handle which applies a lifting and chopping motion to the tip of a surgical implement having a bend. The tip may be suitable to the tissue being separated. For example, for SMILE lenticule separation, a blunt or semi-sharp spatula, blunted wire or loop may be used. The direction of vibration at the tip may be changed by rotating the implement in a plane other than the plane of the bend or by rotating an actuator such as an LRA with respect to the handle.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is provided. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer includes crater portions, each crater portion being concavely formed on an adhesive surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. A surface of the crater portion has a plurality of through holes.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions. The article further includes a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and an ear. The ear includes a laminate having a first nonwoven and second nonwoven and an elastomeric material sandwiched between said first and second nonwovens. The laminate comprises a plurality of ultrasonic bonds. The ear also has a first inelastic region and an elastic region. The ear is joined to the chassis in the first inelastic region, and a fastening system is joined to the ear in the elastic region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for making elastomeric laminates that may be used as components of absorbent articles. The methods and apparatuses may be configured with a plurality of elastic strands wound onto a beam, wherein one or more elastic strands comprises a spin finish. During assembly of an elastomeric laminate, the beam is rotated to unwind the elastic strands from the beam. A portion of the spin finish may be removed from the advancing elastic strand with a spin finish removal apparatus. The spin finish removal apparatus may be configured to apply detergent to an advancing elastic strand and may also wipe and/or dry the advancing elastic strand. The treated stretched elastic strand may then be connected between a first substrate and a second substrate. In some configurations, adhesive may be applied to the treated the elastic strand, the first substrate, and/or the second substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for assembling elastic laminates that may be used to make absorbent article components. Particular aspects of the present disclosure involve providing a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate, each having a width in a cross direction; providing an activated elastic material; elongating the activated elastic material; and ultrasonically bonding the first substrate together with the second substrate with the elongated activated elastic material positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wearable article comprising a main body and a ring-like elastic belt comprising a front belt and a back belt. At least some of the elastic bodies may be arranged in an array, the array defined as meeting: a) one array is formed by 2-10 elastic bodies; b) each elastic body within one array is disposed in an inner-interval between each elastic body of 2-4 mm; and c) one specific array disposed in an extra-interval between at least one neighboring elastic bodies outside the specific array of greater than the inner-interval. Further, the front belt may comprise at least 5 arrays.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wearable articles having an elastic belt having arrays of elastic bodies.

Abstract: A wearable article wherein least some of the elastic bodies may be arranged in at least 2 sets of a concentrated array defined as meeting: a) one concentrated array is formed by 2-4 elastic bodies; b) each elastic body within one concentrated array is disposed in an inner-interval between each elastic body of 2-4 mm; and c) one specific concentrated array disposed in an extra-interval between at least one neighboring elastic body outside the specific concentrated array of less than 8 mm. The entirety of the length of the belt side edge of the front belt may be seamed with a certain length of the belt side edge of the back belt to define a seam length LS. The front and back belts may each divided into 4 zones wherein at least 2 concentrated arrays are disposed on the front proximal tummy zone or the back distal tummy zone.

Abstract: A composite includes a first substrate and a second substrate joined in a bonding region, wherein the first substrate comprises a first Peak Force Tensile Strength and the second Peak Force Tensile Strength. The first Peak Force Tensile Strength is greater than or equal to the second Peak Force Tensile Strength. The bonding region has a Bond Density of about 10% to about 22%; and a Composite Tensile Strength at Peak Force that is within about 15% of the second Peak Force Tensile Strength.

Abstract: An auxiliary drive device for a wheelchair has at least one electrically driven drive wheel and a coupling mechanism for coupling the auxiliary drive device to the wheelchair. The electrically driven drive wheel is supported at a steering shaft and freely pivotable with respect to the auxiliary drive device. The steering shaft is arranged such that, when the auxiliary drive device is coupled at a wheelchair ready to be operated, a castor is provided for the electrically driven drive wheel.

Abstract: A method includes receiving sensor data relating to an environment from a plurality of mobility deices, determining locations of one or more points of accessibility within the environment based on the sensor data, creating an environment map based on the sensor data, and transmitting the environment map to a mobility device. The environment map includes the one or more points of accessibility.

Abstract: A multifunctional mobility device includes a frame that is configurable between a plurality of modes corresponding to at least a power wheelchair mode, a power scooter mode, and a power walker mode, a plurality of motorized wheels mounted to the frame, and handles pivotally coupled to the frame and communicatively coupled to the plurality of motorized wheels. Pivoting the handles operates the plurality of motorized wheels, wherein each handle is independently pivotable to independently drive rotation of a motorized wheel of the plurality of motorized wheels.

Abstract: An armchair comprising a seat chassis supported on a support chassis by a pair of support columns, a chair back structure pivotally attached to a rear end of the seat chassis and to the support chassis, and a leg support structure pivotally attached to a front end of the seat chassis and connected to a beam, wherein the beam is attached the chair back structure. A first actuating device is mounted to the chair back, where a protracting end of the first actuating device is connected to the seat chassis. The armchair further comprises a second actuating device mounted to the support chassis, a footrest connected to a protracting end of the second actuating device, a third actuating device attached to the seat chassis, and a seating structure connected to a protracting end of the third actuating device and mounted above the seat chassis, wherein the seating structure includes an operative position projecting upwards and forwards by the third actuating device at a tilting angle from the seat chassis.

Abstract: A system for changing width of a person support apparatus is disclosed. A person support apparatus comprises at least one deck extension which is configured to be retracted or extended by at least one motor controlled by a bed controller. A mattress controller communicates with a bed controller and controls a fluid supply device to inflate or deflate a mattress supported by the person support apparatus to alter the width of the mattress. The mattress may also be inflated or deflated in response to manual extension or retraction of the deck extension.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing patient therapy protocols are disclosed. The system includes a patient support apparatus for supporting a patient, a first input device for use by a first caregiver, a location system for determining a location of the first caregiver, and a therapy management system. The therapy management system receives a location of the first caregiver and a selection of a patient therapy protocol, which includes a location requirement. The therapy management system then determines whether the first caregiver location input signal satisfies the location requirement before initiating the selected patient therapy protocol or notifying a second caregiver if the location of the first caregiver does not satisfy the location requirement.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base, a patient support surface, and a reference sensor arranged to sense inclination of the support structure. A drive system is coupled to the support structure and operable to propel the patient transport apparatus. A handle assembly is operable by a user to control operation of the drive system. The handle assembly comprises a handle movable relative to the base and a position sensor arranged to sense positioning of the handle. A controller is coupled to the reference sensor and the position sensor, and is adapted to control the drive system in response to signals received from the reference sensor and the position sensor.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a base, a controller, and a barrier having at least one electrical device. The base includes mounting structures for releasably mounting the barrier to the base. A first electrical connector is in communication with the at least one electrical device and mounted to the barrier. A second electrical connector is in communication with the controller and mounted at one of the mounting structures for connection with the first electrical connector when the barrier is mounted to the base at the mounting structures.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprises a base supported by caster assemblies with each caster assembly comprising a stem, a caster wheel, and a caster wheel axle. A patient support surface is coupled to the base and is configured to receive a load. One or more load sensors are integrated with at least one of the stem, the caster wheel, or the caster wheel axle for measuring the load. One or more of the caster assemblies can be coupled to a steering motor, which controls orientation of the caster assembly. A controller can control the steering motors based on analyzing the measurements of the load sensor. The load sensors can produce measurements indicative of both vertical load and non-vertical load applied to the caster assembly. The controller can also analyze the measurements of the load sensor to determine the load received by the patient support surface by negating the non-vertical load.

Abstract: According to certain arrangements, a conditioner mat for use with a bed assembly includes an upper layer comprising a plurality of openings, a lower layer being substantially fluid impermeable, at least one interior chamber defined by the upper layer and the lower layer and a spacer material positioned within the interior chamber. In one embodiment, the spacer material is configured to maintain a shape of the interior chamber and to help with the passage of fluids within a portion of interior chamber. The conditioner mat can be configured to releasably secure to a top of a bed assembly.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided with selective stiffening features. The patient support apparatus may include a support substrate defining a patient support surface. The support substrate may include a magnetorheological material providing selective reinforcement support of at least a portion of the patient support surface to redistribute pressure about a surface of a patient. The magnetorheological material may include a distribution of ferromagnetic particles disposed within a polymeric material and exhibits a shape conforming, variable stiffness in response to exposure to a magnetic field. A controller may be provided and configured to create a correlation of patient specific data with an optimal stiffness or inflection force deflection (IFD) of the patient support surface, and generate a strength of the magnetic field based on the correlation.

Abstract: A system for supporting a patient on an inclined surface includes an inflatable device. The inflatable device includes a top sheet of material connected to a bottom sheet of material, the top sheet and the bottom sheet defining a cavity to be inflated, wherein the bottom sheet of material is configured to permit air to pass from the cavity to the exterior of the device and to flow between a bottom surface of the device and a support surface upon which the device is configured to rest, and an input configured for receiving air to inflate the device. The system further includes a high-friction pad configured to attach to the top sheet of material, and at least one attachment system configured to maintain the device on a support surface.

Abstract: A lifting system for a mobility device has a bracket fixed to the mobility device. A hoist connector is configured to removably connect to the bracket to provide lifting of the mobility device in use. One of the bracket and the hoist connector has a pin and the other of the bracket and the hoist connector comprises a clip, the pin having a head formation and a neck formation. The clip has an aperture configured to pass over the head formation in use and into engagement with the neck formation such that the clip is loosely held on the pin, and where the clip has a close fit with the head formation to prevent unintentional disengagement from the pin in use.

Abstract: Support pad assemblies and person support apparatuses are disclosed. A person support apparatus includes a base frame, a longitudinal frame coupled to the base frame, and a support deck supported on the longitudinal frame. The longitudinal frame extends in a longitudinal direction and the support deck is adjustable from a planar configuration to a concave configuration or a convex configuration.

Abstract: Examples of a module for housing unrelated electronic and electromechanical equipment for use during surgery. The module can include a lower section and a tower-like upper section. The lower section can house unrelated electronic and electromechanical equipment. The tower-like upper section can be located on top of the lower section. A water-resistant cowling can enclose at least a portion of the lower section and the tower-like upper section. A cartridge containing one or more ultraviolet-C producing lights can be protectively housed within the tower-like upper section. The cartridge containing one or more ultraviolet-C producing lights can be configured to emerge upward from a top of the tower-like upper section to substantially seat itself on the top of the tower-like upper section when activated allowing the ultraviolet-C light to disinfect the patient and staff-contacting upper surfaces of the equipment in the operating room.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the exoskeleton structure is fastened to the body of the user by a brace and at the foot level. The exoskeleton includes at least one set of three joints corresponding to the hip abduction/adduction, the hip flexion/extension and the knee flexion/extension, wherein the architecture of the exoskeleton is compatible with a set of different removable, adaptable and backdrivable actuation units dedicated to each joints and remotely located around the trunk of the user to decrease inertia and mass on the distal segments, wherein each joint can be modularily let free, constrained by a visco-elastic mechanism or actuated by one corresponding actuation unit.

Abstract: A method of controlling a mobility device and related device including at least one actuator component that drives at least one joint component is described. The control method may include executing a control application with an electronic controller to perform: receiving a command in the control system of the mobility device for initiating an automated assessment and adjustment protocol; controlling one or more mobility device components to perform the automated assessment; electronically gathering user performance data associated with the automated assessment and determining user performance metrics; and electronically controlling one or more of the mobility device components in accordance with the performance metrics. The automated assessment includes controlling mobility device components to perform a predetermined assessment activity related to performance of the mobility device and/or user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to a pneumatic compression therapy device configured to suggest content to the patient based on a determined disease state, the content pertaining to suggested changes in lifestyle based on a standard of care. In an illustrative embodiment, the suggested changes may include modifications to treatment location, treatment time, diet, eating habits, or sleeping schedule. Various examples may further sample the patient's health and automatically adjust a treatment parameter within a predetermined parameter range based on a history of measured parameters, such as limb volume, for example. In coordination with the therapeutic treatment, the therapy device may deliver suggested content to guide the patient to make more healthful lifestyle choices to reduce recovery time and improve patient health outcomes.

Abstract: In a method of treating erectile dysfunction in a patient, a predetermined course of external counter-pulsation treatment is applied to a lower body portion of the patient. After the predetermined course of external counter-pulsation treatment is applied, a predetermined course of low intensity shockwave treatment is applied to a penile area of the patient. After the course of low intensity shockwave treatment, a predetermined course of carboxy therapy is applied to a corpora cavernosa of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a portable sex article. The article includes a soft hollow case (which, in some embodiments, is a pillow case). The case is specially designed with a holster formed on a first side the case. The holster is adapted to secure a sex simulation device such as an artificial vagina or dildo. The holster extends into an interior region of the case, and may have a securing mechanism such as elastic bands or a hook-and-loop fastener to secure a sex simulation device in place. A human image is imparted on the case, such as by a textile printing process. The human image can be a photograph or illustration. The human image includes a rendering of an anatomical orifice, such as an anus, vagina, and/or mouth. The human image is oriented such that the anatomical orifice is aligned with the holster.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system has an accessory control module, comprising computer-executable code stored in non-volatile memory, a memory for storing instructions and a processor for executing the instructions, a user device of a user, and an accessory configured to communicate with the user device. The accessory control module, the memory and the processor, the user device, and the accessory are configured to accumulate receipt of one or more input parameters, determine whether an accumulation satisfies a preset condition, wherein the preset condition includes at least one of a preset receiving quantity of the one or more input parameters, a preset receiving sum of values of the one or more input parameters, or a preset time duration of the accumulation, and in response to the accumulation satisfying the preset condition, send a control signal to actuate the accessory to perform a series of predefined acts, wherein the series of predefined acts is configured to sexually stimulate the user.

Abstract: Vertical decompression relaxation device with vertical tank, with access ladders, with handrail and stairs for internal access, and tie rods adjustable fasteners to tie rods, mainly in the treatment of muscle and fascia stiffness.