Abstract: An implant may include at least one implant articular surface positioned on a superior side of the implant and a bone-facing surface positioned on an inferior side of the implant which may be configured to couple within a Goal Line tunnel of a tibial bone. The implant may be shaped to be at least partially received within the Goal Line tunnel of the tibial bone, and a length of the implant may be oriented antero-posteriorly along a Goal Line located within the Goal Line tunnel. The at least one implant articular surface may be configured to receive a compression load force from at least one femoral articular surface engaged therewith, and the bone-facing surface coupled within the Goal Line tunnel may be configured to transmit the compression load force to the tibial bone along the Goal Line.

Abstract: A shoulder implant system includes a humeral stem implant, a humeral neck implant component, a humeral head implant component, and a glenoid implant. The humeral stem implant has a fin coupled to an exterior surface thereof that is inwardly tapered at an angle relative to vertical. At least a portion of the fin forms a wedge that directly engages and compacts cancellous bone during installation of the humeral stem implant. The humeral neck implant component is configured to be coupled with the humeral stem implant. The humeral head implant component is configured to be coupled to the humeral stem implant via the humeral neck implant component. The glenoid implant has a plurality of peripheral pegs. Each of the peripheral pegs has a plurality of sets of resilient lobes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a convertible prosthesis that is capable of conversion from a humeral head replacement to a reverse reconstruction without any removal of parts integrated into the patient's bony anatomy (e.g. implant stems). A desired overall implant inclination angle may be achieved by matching various implant stems with various reverse inserts, thus permitting a resection surface to be matched with an implant stem selection while also permitting a desired overall implant inclination angle to be achieved through the selection of an appropriate insert.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a glenoid implant with a body and a keel. The body includes an articulation surface and a bone facing surface, and the keel has a depth that extends from the bone facing surface to a free end of the keel. The keel has a first length and a first width, both measured in a plane perpendicular to a direction of the depth. The first length is measured perpendicular to the first width and is defined by a first distance from an inferior end of the keel to a superior end of the keel. The first width is measured at a first location adjacent to the inferior end, and the keel has a width dimension along a first portion of the keel from the first location to the superior end that tapers from the first location toward the superior end.

Abstract: The biocompatible lattice structures and implants disclosed herein have an increased or optimized lucency, even when constructed from a metallic material. The lattice structures can also provide an increased or optimized lucency in a material that is not generally considered to be radiolucent. Lucency can include disparity, maximum variation in lucency properties across a structure, or dispersion, minimum variation in lucency properties across a structure. The implants and lattice structures disclosed herein may be optimized for disparity or dispersion in any desired direction. A desired direction with respect to lucency can include the anticipated x-ray viewing direction of an implant in the expected implantation orientation.

Abstract: A spinal interbody fusion device for use in a plurality of surgical approaches includes a cage, a top end, a bottom end, and at least a first side representing the width of the cage and at least a second side representing a length of the cage. The cage includes fixation holes and inserter holes, with each fixation hole being configured for accepting a screw or anchor and each inserter hole being accessible for one or more surgical approaches for performing a spinal fusion. Also included are methods for selecting a size of an intervertebral implant and methods of surgically approaching a spine of a patient for spinal surgical procedures.

Abstract: An improved interbody spinal implant which takes into account specific patient variables. During the preoperative phase an interactive CT radiodensity scan of localized portions of the vertebrae is used to determine whether the template for a preselected implant will minimize subsidence based on the Hounsfield Unit score and a corresponding calculated Hounsfield Parameter value generated by the scan for the contact surface area of the selected implant. If not, a template for another selected implant having different medial and lateral dimensions is selected and placed over the interactive CT scan. If acceptable Hounsfield Parameters are generated this means acceptable minimal subsidence will occur. The surgeon may then evaluate the size of the bone graft window or the implant opening permitting the surface contact area of the implant with the superior and inferior vertebrae to determine if it is acceptable to ensure proper fusion and minimize subsidence.

Abstract: A unique, universal Zero-Profile Expandable Intervertebral Spacer (ZP-EIS) device for fusion and distraction throughout the entire spine is provided which can be inserted via anterior, anterolateral, lateral, far lateral or posterior surgical approaches dependent on the need and preference. Multiple ZP-EIS embodiments each with unique mechanisms of calibrated expansion are provided. Two of these embodiments incorporate bi-directional fixating transvertebral (BDFT) screws and five other embodiments do not incorporate BDFT screws. A tool for implantation into the intervertebral device and calibrated device expansion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable cage for a spine includes: an upper structural body; a lower structural body; a main frame having control mechanism insertion holes formed through one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction thereof, respectively; a sagittal balance control unit coupled to one side of each of the upper structural body and the lower structural body to control a sagittal balance of a spine by adjusting a spacing distance between the upper structural body and the lower structural body; and a coronal balance control unit coupled to the other side of each of the upper structural body and the lower structural body to control a coronal balance of a spine by controlling a gradient of the upper structural body and the lower structural body by lifting or lowering the other side of each of the upper structural body and the lower structural body.

Abstract: An anchor has a straight centerline and straight splines extending radially while running parallel thereto. Splines extend radially from a core penetrated by a channel to fit over a K-wire guide, and axially along the length of the elongate, cylindrical core. The center line passes along the center of a lumen or channel of the hollow core, while the splines extend radially outward from, and axially along the length of the core except along a conical taper near a leading or point end of the anchor. Installation may be from a posterior access or a lateral-posterior access, each anchor fixing two bones in at least one, but usually two, degrees of freedom. Multiple anchors may fix in all six degrees of freedom (three degrees of freedom in translation along three mutually orthogonal axes, and three degrees of freedom of rotation about those same axes).

Abstract: An implant system having a tibial component, a talar component, and a calcaneal component. The implant system includes a first intermediate component disposed between the talar component and the tibial component and a second intermediate component disposed between the talar component and the calcaneal component. The talar component has a first articulating surface configured to engage with the first intermediate component and a second articulating surface configured to engage with the second intermediate component. The first articulating surface is disposed on a superior surface of the talar component and the second articulating surface is disposed on an interior surface of the talar component. Also disclosed is a subtalar arthroplasty system having an intermediate component and a calcaneal component. The intermediate component has a superior surface that is shaped to articulate with a talar component. The calcaneal component has an inferior surface that configured to promote coupling to a calcaneus bone.

Abstract: A surgical driver apparatus includes a housing and an inner driver shaft having a proximal end secured within the housing and a distal end extending out from a first side of the housing. The inner driver shaft is configured to rotate with respect to the housing. The surgical driver apparatus further includes an outer driver shaft and an idler driver shaft. The outer driver shaft is positioned coaxial with the inner driver shaft and configured to rotate independently from the inner driver shaft. The idler driver shaft is configured to transmit torque to the outer driver shaft. Additionally, the surgical driver apparatus includes a driver key comprising a driving feature and a counter-driving feature. The driver key is configured to engage a second side of the housing in one of a plurality of orientations configured to rotate the inner driver shaft and/or the outer driver shaft.

Abstract: A medical device for actively stretching a stomach wall of a patient for creating a sensation of satiety. The medical device being implantable and comprising a first member configured to be fixated to a first portion of the stomach wall, a second member configured to be fixated to a second portion of the stomach wall, an operation device for operating the second member to displace the second member in a first direction relative to the first member, for stretching the stomach wall between the first and second portion.

Abstract: An intelligent implant includes an implantable reporting processor (IRP) and a component of a prothesis system having a receptacle. The IRP includes an antenna, an electronics assembly including a sensor, a hermetically sealed chamber containing the electronics assembly, a casing configured to house at least a portion of the electronics assembly, and a cover configured to house the antenna. The hermetically sealed chamber contains a gas. The casing and the cover abut one another to form an antenna chamber that houses the antenna and a filler. The receptacle of the component is configured to receive a portion of the IRP and to mechanically couple with the implantable reporting processor. The component of the prothesis system may be one of a tibial component or a femoral component of a knee prosthesis system, a humeral component of a shoulder prosthesis system, and a femoral component of a hip prosthesis system.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes transmission systems for use in artificial joints of assistive devices, such as assistive prostheses, orthoses, and powered exoskeletons. A variable transmission is configured to automatically or manually adapt the torque profile to the demand of different locomotion tasks, such as a relatively high torque and low speed profile for a task such as standing up or ascending stairs, or a relatively low torque and high speed profile for a task such as walking.

Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one Internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.

Abstract: A medical implant, more particularly a stent, having a tubular lattice structure which can be transferred from a radially expanded compressed state to a radially compressed expanded state and has lattice elements that delimit the cells of the lattice structure and have an element surface. In order to enlarge the element surface of each lattice element a polymer nanostructure is distributed over the entire element surface of the lattice element and adheres to it, and an antithrombogenic coating is provided and extends across the lattice element structure surface enlarged by means of the polymer nanostructure.

Abstract: This application relates to a sizing method and computer equipment for braided stents. The sizing method includes: obtaining geometric models of aneurysm and parent artery, determining the expected landing zone of the braided stent, obtaining the centerline and cross-section of the blood vessel at the expected landing zone; obtaining the proposed diameter of the braided stent, thereby obtaining the first braided stent that meets the expectations, obtaining the anchoring section length of the first braided stent, obtaining the working zone length; discretizing the working zone into a finite number of discrete segments, obtaining the corresponding relationship between the length and diameter of the discrete segments, obtaining the diameter of the discrete segments, obtaining the length of the discrete segments based on the corresponding relationship and accumulating them until the total length equates the working zone length, obtaining the number of discrete segments.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collapsing and loading a prosthetic device for delivery to a patient. The collapsing and loading systems described herein may facilitate more efficient and consistent positioning of a prosthetic device with respect to a collapser system and a corresponding delivery system. For example, the system may include a collapser system having a base and a collapser movably coupled to the base. The collapser defines an orifice sized and shaped to receive a prosthetic device (e.g., a prosthetic heart valve) in a first position and may be moved relative to the base to a second position for loading and collapsing the prosthetic device onto a delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pad for Achilles tendon bandages or orthoses, to an Achilles tendon bandage or orthosis which has a pad according to the invention, and to the use of a pad according to the invention for draining lymphatic fluid and for relieving the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A surgical positioning device may include a boot having a pin connected thereto and an adapter, the adapter comprising: a t-track, the t-track is formed from a first protrusion having a first flange located opposite a second protrusion having second flange, a housing, the housing is hingedly pivotable at a fulcrum, the housing having a chamber, the chamber of the housing is configured to receive the pin of the protrusion structure of the boot, wherein the housing is in communication with an outer wall surface of the t-track; and a guide, the guide having a first side located opposite a second side, the first side of the guide having a t-bolt, the t-bolt is configured to slidably traverse the t-track, the second side of the guide having a peg, the peg is configured to be received by an opening of a peg board.

Abstract: Some systems, devices and methods detailed herein provide adjustable restraint device maintaining a selected position of a person relative to a support structure, for example, to maintain a safe and customizable patient position during a surgical procedure or during medical transport.

Abstract: A penile lengthening traction device is provided. The penile lengthening traction device includes a top clamping assembly that includes a top body shell, a top body cover, a pair of top contact pads, and a top traction pad. The device includes a bottom clamping assembly that includes a bottom body shell, a bottom cover, a pair of bottom contact pads, and a bottom traction pad. The top clamping assembly and the bottom clamping assembly are operationally coupled using a pair of threaded bolts for hanging appropriate weight thereon utilizing a four-cord carabiner stabilization attachment assembly. The top clamping assembly is openable in relation to the bottom clamping assembly to accommodate a penile shaft therebetween.

Abstract: An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable layer at least defining at least one opening, a chamber, and a fluid outlet. The fluid collection assembly also includes a porous medium disposed in the chamber and extending across the opening. The porous medium includes a first porous material and a second porous material. The first porous material exhibits a first fluid permeability and a first compressibility. The second porous material exhibits a second fluid permeability and a second compressibility. In an embodiment, the first fluid permeability of the first porous material is greater than the second fluid permeability of the second porous material. In an embodiment. the first compressibility of the first porous material is less than the second compressibility of the second porous material.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to a device for collecting intravaginal fluid. The device is defined by a hollow collector and a flexible fluid collection bag, wherein the device is configured such that when inserted into the vagina, the hollow collector forms a seal with the inner walls of the vagina, while the fluid collection bag extends outside the body. By allowing fluid to collect outside the body rather than inside the, the device is permitted to be narrow in diameter (such as, for example, the diameter of a tampon), to increase user comfort. Flaps at the opening of the hollow collector may be used to seal fluid within the device when it is extracted from the body.

Abstract: Forms of the present technology relate to a patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient. The patient interface may comprise a pressurisable plenum chamber and a seal-forming structure configured to form a seal with a region of the patient's face surrounding an entrance to the patient's nares but not around the patient's mouth. The patient interface may further comprise a vent structure to allow a continuous flow of gases exhaled by the patient from an interior of the plenum chamber to ambient. The patient interface may further comprise a mouth closure structure configured to promote closure of the patient's mouth. In some forms, the seal-forming structure may comprise at least one adhesive surface configured in use to adhere to a region of the patient's face to form the seal. In some forms, the mouth closure structure may be integrally connected to the seal-forming structure and/or the plenum chamber.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: A kit comprising at least one male condom having a condom base, a tubular sheath, and a reservoir tip, at least two wearable, silicone rings, each ring having an internal diameter that is different than the internal diameter of the other ring, and a single package comprising a first internal compartment and a second internal compartment, wherein the at least one male condom is contained in the first compartment, and the at least two wearable rings are contained in the second compartment.

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: A thermal device includes an inflatable non-perforated blanket, a conduit structure, and a recirculating assembly. The inflatable non-perforated blanket is configured to transport warm air internally. The conduit structure is configured to provide conduit to transport the warm air externally to the inflatable non-perforated blanket. The recirculating assembly is configured to inflate the inflatable non-perforated blanket with the warm air and: (1) to cause the warm air to flow from the first port to the second port in a first direction, and (2) to recirculate the warm air through the conduit structure to flow from the second port to the first port in the first direction. The inflatable non-perforated blanket includes first and second sheets. The first sheet faces ambient air and has a first thermal conductivity. The second sheet faces the subject body and has a second thermal conductivity higher than the first thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, pads, and methods for targeted temperature management. For example, a pad can include a multilayered pad body, a pad inlet connector, and a pad outlet connector. The pad body can include a conduit layer and a patient-interfacing layer over the conduit layer. The conduit layer can include one or more conduits configured to convey a temperature-controlled fluid as a supply fluid from a hydraulic system and a return fluid back to the hydraulic system. The patient-interfacing layer can be configured for placement on a portion of a patient's body. The patient-interfacing layer can have a patient-facing side including a plurality of wells configured to hold a thermally conductive medium. The pad inlet connector can include a pad inlet configured for charging the conduit layer with the supply fluid. The pad outlet connector can include a pad outlet configured for discharging the return fluid from the conduit layer.

Abstract: An AI thermal and human body detection system using a temperature sensor includes a base unit; a bimetal cutting off power to prevent overheating; the temperature sensor detecting a temperature of a thermal mat; a heating wire disposed in a zigzag shape on the base unit and converting electrical energy into heat energy; and a power supply unit supplying power to each component of the thermal mat.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal, for delivering a fluid composition therein, and for tearing the trabecular meshwork. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. The systems described here may be configured to cut or tear the trabecular meshwork with the body of an elongate member located within Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for transplanting macular tissue. Donor macular tissue can be harvested from a donor eye, stored in a preservation vessel, and implanted into a recipient eye. Harvesting the donor macular tissue may include forming an incision around the donor macular tissue and excising the donor macular tissue. The donor macular tissue can be subsequently stored in a preservation vessel. Before implanting the donor macular tissue, diseased macular tissue may be harvested from the donor eye. Once the diseased macular tissue has been harvested, the donor macular tissue can be implanted into the recipient eye.

Abstract: An injection device has a longitudinal axis X that defines distal and proximal axial directions and includes a needle formed from relative rigid and inflexible material. The device also includes an abutment member at its distal side and the needle is movable to project in a distal direction beyond the abutment member along an axis T that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis X.

Abstract: A therapeutic laser for use in treating ophthalmological conditions can be modulated by a spatial light modulation device in order to focus the therapeutic laser on a plurality of target locations simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing control data for an ophthalmological laser (12) of a treatment apparatus (10) for correcting an astigmatism, comprising as steps determining (S10) first astigmatism values from predetermined visual disorder data of a patient, wherein the visual disorder data provides a measured refraction of a patient; determining (S12) second astigmatism values from predetermined measurement data of a cornea (16) of the patient, wherein the measurement data provides a morphology of the cornea (16); ascertaining (S14) astigmatism correction data for the astigmatism correction of the cornea (16), wherein the first and second astigmatism values are combined by a combination rule for ascertaining the astigmatism correction data; and providing (S16) the control data for the ophthalmological laser (12), which includes the ascertained astigmatism correction data.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device and system is described that allows the simultaneous imaging of an eye using both scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Further the device and system is capable of targeting and delivering a treatment laser for treatment of an eye condition.

Abstract: Provided are protective glasses and/or sunglasses equipped with a frame adapted to support a lens assembly having at least one structural lens made of plastics material and at least one liquid crystal (LC) film of the guest host type arranged on an inner side of the at least one structural lens and controlled by an electronic board powered by an energy source. The at least one structural lens has a free edge extending beyond an outline of the at least one LC film at which the lens assembly is fixed to the frame. A free space is provided between the frame and the at least one LC film. The frame is provided with a vertically projecting rib covering the free edge and the free space. The rib not only reduces deformations of the lens assembly, but also prevents infiltrations of light around the LC film that would compromise comfortable vision.

Abstract: A disposable adhesive bandage capable of identifying the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (“S. aureus”) at a wound site. By utilizing elements of existing rapid tests, a standard adhesive bandage can be upgraded to detect S. aureus or a proprietary bandage could be manufactured containing the necessary components for such detection without detracting from the bandage's primary capabilities of protecting and covering a wound site. In another embodiment, the bandage pad is manufactured to perform the steps of the testing surfaces.

Abstract: An article. The article includes a nonwoven matrix; and bioactive glass particles enmeshed in the nonwoven matrix; wherein the article is a conformable wound dressing. A method of making the article includes flowing molten polymer through a plurality of orifices to form filaments; attenuating the filaments into fibers; directing a stream of bioactive glass particles amidst the filaments or fibers; and collecting a nonwoven matrix and bioactive glass particles enmeshed in the nonwoven matrix.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing absorbent sanitary articles according to a Machine Direction technique, each sanitary article having an absorbent body, a front waistband and a rear waistband having different lengths from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying discrete stretched film portions to a carrier web includes conveying a continuous elastic film in a machine direction, operating a cutting unit to cut the continuous elastic film into a series of discrete first film portions and discrete second film portions, selectively adjusting a feed rate of the continuous elastic film upstream of the cutting unit, transferring a first film portion and a second film portion from a vacuum drum to a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms of, respectively, of a stretch unit, stretching the first and second film portions in a cross-machine direction by separating the first and second pairs of arms in the cross-machine direction as the stretch unit rotates from a pickup position to a transfer position, and transferring the stretched first and second film portions from the stretch unit to the carrier web.

Abstract: A method for processing a discrete segment of material for absorbent articles comprises picking up the segment from a first succession of segments disposed at a first spacing from each other; releasing the segment to define a second succession of segments disposed at a second spacing from each other; rotating the segment carried out between the step of picking up and the step of releasing and which involves disposing the segment from a first configuration, corresponding to the configuration of the segment of the first succession, to a second configuration, rotated relative to the first configuration and corresponding to the configuration of the segment of the second succession; between the step of picking up and the step of releasing, accelerating the segment and decelerating the segment; the rotating the segment being carried out simultaneously with at least one between the accelerating and the decelerating.

Abstract: Elastic laminate, extending widthwise in a first direction, specifically CD, and lengthwise in a second direction, specifically MD, including at least one nonwoven layer and at least one elastic film fixed by an upper face or lower face, respectively, to a lower face or upper face, respectively, of the at least one nonwoven layer; characterized in that, when the laminate is not in the stretched state, the nonwoven layer includes, in transverse cross-section according to the first direction, specifically in the transverse cross-section CD, curved sections in an inverted U, specifically in a ?, separated from each other by intermediate sections.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between said topsheet and backsheet; said core comprising absorbent material that is substantially enclosed by a core wrap, wherein said core wrap comprises a top core wrap layer and a bottom core wrap layer, said core comprising an absorbent-material-deposition zone comprising a first basis weight of absorbent material, and wherein the top core wrap layer and a bottom core wrap layer are joined together at an elongate bonding region substantially free of absorbent material; and wherein said core further comprises one or more unfastened regions comprising a second basis weight of absorbent material, and wherein the first basis weight is greater than the second basis weight; wherein the elongate bonding region and the one or more unfastened regions are substantially connected to each other and wherein the at least one said elongate bonding region overlaps a longitudinal centerline of said absorbent core and extends there

Abstract: A package of one or more absorbent articles is described. The package includes a package material having natural fibers and a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel. The package is sealed such that the one or more absorbent articles are enclosed therein. The package material exhibits a water vapor transmission rate under stress conditions “SCWVTR” in accordance with ASTM F1249, as modified herein, which is about 300 g/(m2*day) or less. The package material is recyclable, and wherein each of the one or more absorbent articles includes super absorbent polymer (SAP) in an amount of greater than about 5 grams per article.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the production of an absorbent underpad with drawings or patterns on its absorbent surface, using a vacuum technique that distributes the absorbent raw material through the intended and predefined drawings or pattern on cut out molds (1), existing in the pockets (9) (10) of the forming wheel (2) of underpads, This innovative technique differs from the current technical status, which transposes drawings to the absorbent underpads through embossing techniques, which consist of passing absorbent underpads through embossing rolls previously embossed with the drawings or patterns that are intended to be transposed onto the underpads.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient transport apparatus also includes a first and a second caster assembly respectively coupled to the support structure to facilitate movement of the support structure along a floor surface, with the first caster assembly comprising a first brake assembly and the second caster assembly comprising a second brake assembly. The patient transport apparatus also includes an actuator assembly operatively coupling the first and second brake assemblies, with the actuator assembly comprising a first and second actuator respectively operatively coupled to the first and second brake assemblies. The actuator assembly further comprises a cable assembly interconnecting the first and second actuator that places the operatively coupled first and second brake assemblies in the braked state or the unbraked state.

Abstract: A stretcher with an X-ray transparent heated section to inhibit patient hypothermia and facilitate X-raying the patient without having to move the patient off the stretcher. The heated section of the stretcher includes an electrically conductive layer including a sheet of electrically conducting and radiolucent material, e.g. a sheet of carbon-loaded silicone. The sheet of electrically conducting material extends continuously over a two-dimensional region of the stretcher that supports the patient's shoulders back and buttocks (but not the head). The sheet of electrically conducting material lacks wires or other linear elements and so avoid X-ray artefacts and also local heating that can be associated with linear conductive elements. Some implementations of the stretcher can regulate the temperature of the sheet in a way that compensates for a temperature gradient across the sheet.