Abstract: A photosensitizer formulation can be disposed on or in a mesh; net; netting; screen; curtain of strands, fibers, or monofilaments; substrate, personal protective gear, mask, or any other suitable object. The photosensitizer formulation, when in contact with molecular oxygen and activated by light or ultrasound, produces microbicidal singlet oxygen. A variety of different arrangements and applications are described. For example, an air flow device may also be included to generate a flow of air through or over the photosensitizer formulation. A fluorescent formulation may be included to monitor photobleaching. The photosensitizer formulation may be disposed in a concentration gradient to generate antigenic particles by damaging or destroying microbes.

Abstract: A face protecting apparatus for protecting a user from droplets and solids containing bacteria, viruses, and other hazardous materials. The apparatus includes a face shield and a frame member. The face shield includes an elongated planar surface, a plurality of bilateral angled creases and a plurality of openings. The elongated planar surface creates a seal at the user's chest when the user bends forward thereby providing a protective barrier to ejected debris. The bilateral angled creases provide a concave configuration to the face shield that brings the face shield into close proximity to the face of the user. The openings enable a fiber optic LED light and a plurality of loupe magnifiers of a loupe device worn by the user to protrude therethrough thus enabling the user to wear the face protecting apparatus in combination with the loupe device and the fiber optic LED light without any obstruction.

Abstract: The invention is generally a dental appliance that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a mouthpiece equipped with a tongue-securing mechanism. The dental appliance helps keep a user's airway unobstructed by securing a tip portion of the tongue slightly forward relative to the mouth so that the tongue is held from falling back into the throat. This invention helps alleviate problems including severe snoring and sleep apnea, which are typically caused by the tongue obstructing the airway at the throat, thus impeding respiration during sleep or when unconscious. In an exemplary embodiment, the dental appliance comprises a mouthpiece which is configured to circumscribe a tongue retaining mechanism, or tongue sleeve, that secures a user's tongue in place.

Abstract: A face shield comprises a frame that includes a headband, a visor support member and a standoff member spacing the headband from the visor support member. The headband has a strap portion that extends from a center thereof to a right end and to a left end, both positioned rearwardly of the center. A reinforcing rib of the headband outwardly extends from the strap portion but extends for only part of the distance toward the right and left ends of the strap portion. This leaves more elastic, distal portions of the strap portion which will flex more than the reinforced portion. A transparent visor downwardly depends from the visor support member and is removably fastened thereto.

Abstract: A mask device includes a mask body provided with at least one inlet and at least one outlet located below the inlet, a first air cleaner and a second air cleaner for filtering outside air sucked in from an outside environment and supplying the filtered air through the mask body to the inlet, the first air cleaner coupled to one side of the mask body and the second air cleaner coupled to an other side of the mask body, and a first fixing part and a second fixing part, the first fixing part for coupling the first air cleaner to the mask body and the second fixing part for coupling the second air cleaner to the mask body.

Abstract: Photosensitizers are incorporated into articles, such a personal protective equipment. A method of applying continuous and consistent light includes fitting the articles with light sources and optical fibers to apply light to the areas of the articles incorporated with the photosensitizers. Photosensitizers can be applied to articles by various applicators in either a gel or solution. A gel can be particularly effective when used on hydrophobic surfaces. Photodynamic reactor systems can be used to determine the effective doses of photosensitizers and the light dosimetry which can then be applied for use with the articles.

Abstract: A face shield for covering the eyes, nose and mouth of a user is disclosed. The face shield includes a face shield body that has a transparent surface having a first side edge, a second side edge, and a top edge. The first and second side edges include a first and a second anchor/barb, respectively, both of which define a line. A spacer is attached at or near the line, and the spacer extends away from the face shield body. An elastic strap with a first slot and a second slot receives the first and second anchor/barbs. When the user wears the face shield, the elastic strap is in a stretched configuration that pulls on the first and second anchor/barbs, and in this configuration the first slot is detachably affixed to the first anchor/barb, and the second slot is detachably affixed to the second anchor/barb.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for a headset system that includes a transducer configured to collect physiological data of a subject, a device housing configured to support the transducer, an insert portion disposed on the device housing, a support structure comprising a baseplate and a receiving portion, and a head cradle supported by the baseplate. The receiving portion extends in a direction that is oblique with respect to the baseplate. The insert portion is sized and shaped to engage the receiving portion to removably attach the device housing to the baseplate.

Abstract: A device for treating sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea comprising an upper portion, and a lower portion; wherein a first bottom surface of the upper portion, is joined to a second top surface of the lower portion using a sealant. A method of treating sleep disorders such as snoring and sleep apnea includes using an oral appliance, and a positive airway pressure machine for assisting a user to breathe through the nose.

Abstract: A facial mask includes a mask body impregnated with a cosmetic composition and a composition retention structure for retaining the cosmetic composition in the mask body. The mask body includes a facial mask layer and a holding device including at least two ear mask layers integrally extended from two side portions of the facial mask layer and/or a chin mask layer integrally extended from a bottom portion of the facial mask layer, adapted for overlaying on the skin surfaces of the face, the ears and/or the chin of the user respectively for skin care treatment of the facial skin surface of the user while the holding device is adapted for wearing the facial mask layer on the user's face by holding to the ears of the user.

Abstract: The present description provides a filter element that includes an end or side portion attached breather tube. One exemplary filter element described herein includes filter media having front and rear walls each including a proximal end and a distal end, a side portion at the proximal ends of the front and rear walls, and an outlet. The filter element further includes a breather tube attached to the filter media in fluid communication with the outlet. The outlet is positioned at least partially on the side portion, and the front and rear walls of the filter media are joined together at least partially along a perimeter.

Abstract: An eyeglasses fogging prevention apparatus consists of a strip made of stretchable, elastic material. The strip has a central section made of pliant, form fitting material and strip adjustment clips for shortening and lengthening the strip. Loop sections are located at opposite ends of the strip, at least one adjustment clip being located between the central section and one of the loop sections. The apparatus is configured to be positioned across the face of a user who is wearing eyeglasses, beneath the eyeglasses of the user, with the loop end sections placed over the user's ears and the central section placed over and down the sides of the bridge of the nose of the user. The apparatus is held against the user's nose by altering the length of the strip with the adjustment clips, such that the strip is compelled tight against the nose, thereby preventing fogging of the eyeglasses.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impression tray to be removably attached to an oral jaw advancement appliance that is worn over the teeth of a user during sleep to reduce the effects of snoring and sleep apnea. The impression tray has a handle with a first end affixed to a curved rear impression forming stop and an opposite free end that is pushed through the oral appliance so as to extend outwardly from the front thereof. The curved rear impression forming stop of the handle is held flush against the rear of the appliance, and a curved front impression forming stop is detachably connected to the opposite free end of the handle and slidable therealong to lie flush against the front of the appliance. The handle of the impression tray permits the oral appliance to be lowered into and lifted out of boiled water so that an accurate impression of the user's teeth can be made therein.

Abstract: Described are passenger seat headrest assemblies and seats including headrest assemblies having a semi-rigid flap fixedly connected with an upper portion of the seat back or headrest assembly at a first location and movably connected with the seat back or headrest assembly at a receiving element separated from the first location. The distance of the movable connection from the first location can be adjusted to cause the flexible headrest assembly to flex outward from the seat to provide a greater or lesser degree of support for a passenger.

Abstract: Interactive systems using adaptive control software and hardware from known and later developed eyepieces to later developed head-wear to lenses, including implantable, temporarily insertable and contact and related film based types of lenses including thin film transparent elements for housing cameras lenses and projector and functional equivalent processing tools. Simple controls, real-time updates and instant feedback allow implicit optimization of a universal model while managing complexity.

Abstract: An improved face mask for covering the nose, mouth, and areas of the face of a user including an adjustable headband being constructed of a flexible material and being attached to the opposing side walls of the face mask. The headband is formed of flexible fabric material and includes front and back instructional surfaces for displaying instructional materials, interior and exterior pockets for storing items, a top portion having a longitudinally extending internal channel, first, second, and third bungee cord openings for adjusting the tension and length of the bungee cord strap, and a plurality of elongated through holes for inserting elongated items.

Abstract: Enhanced contrast between an object of interest and background surfaces visible in an image is provided using controlled lighting directed at the object. Exploiting the falloff of light intensity with distance, a light source (or multiple light sources), such as an infrared light source, can be positioned near one or more cameras to shine light onto the object while the camera(s) capture images. The captured images can be analyzed to distinguish object pixels from background pixels.

Abstract: An easily storable, flat neck support device for sleeping is described herein. The neck support device consists of flat, rigid panels in geographic shapes enclosed in a fabric. The fabric has fasteners. The shapes are arranged so that the folding of the fabric allows the fasteners to hold the shapes in place, forming a structure the holds a user's head in place to allow for rest or sleep, for instance when traveling on an airplane.

Abstract: Described are shape-memory polymers that have a composite prepolymer crosslinked with a stoichiometric amount of a multifunctional crosslinker, the composite prepolymer having a branched or telechelic prepolymer having a low polydispersity reacted with a non-crystalline chain extender. Also described are methods of making shape-memory polymers by reacting a branched or telechelic prepolymer having a low polydispersity with a non-crystalline chain extender to form a composite prepolymer, and crosslinking a stoichiometric amount of a multifunctional crosslinker with the composite prepolymer, thereby forming the shape-memory polymer.

Abstract: Arrangements for safety and comfort in vehicles.

Abstract: To provide a shield and a dispenser from which the shield can be easily dispensed, the dispenser (100) according to the present invention stores a plurality of shields (1A) in a mutually detachable joined state in the container (50). As such, sliding and the like of the plurality of the shields (1A) against each other in the container (50) is suppressed and, therefore, sticking of the shields (1A) to each other due to the generation of static electricity is suppressed. Thus, a user can easily dispense the shields (1A) from the dispensing opening (51) of the container (50).

Abstract: Configurations are disclosed for a health system to be used in various healthcare applications, e.g., for patient diagnostics, monitoring, and/or therapy. The health system may comprise a light generation module to transmit light or an image to a user, one or more sensors to detect a physiological parameter of the user's body, including their eyes, and processing circuitry to analyze an input received in response to the presented images to determine one or more health conditions or defects.

Abstract: A helmet accessory attachment member includes a finger-actuatable lock configured to secure an accessory attachment member mount to a helmet mount as part of securing an accessory such as a mandible guard to a helmet. The lock includes a pivot arm with a rotation axis that is parallel to the helmet surface, and also includes one or more blocking surfaces on the pivot arm to engage with grooves on the helmet mount. The lock may be positioned on a slidable insert of the accessory attachment member.

Abstract: A machine-implemented method includes obtaining input data and generating output data. The status of at least one contextual factor is determined and compared with a standard. If the status meets the standard, a transformation is applied to the output data. The output data is then outputted to the viewer. Through design and/or selection of contextual factors, standards, and transformations, output data may be selectively outputted to viewers in a context-suitable fashion, e.g. on a head mounted display the viewer's central vision may be left unobstructed while the viewer walks, drives, etc. An apparatus includes at least one sensor that senses a contextual factor. A processor determines the status of the contextual factor, determines if the status meets a standard, generates output data, and applies a transformation to the output data if the status meets the standard. A display outputs the output data to the viewer.

Abstract: An eye patch formed of a flexible, opaque material is attached to a pair of eyeglasses. The patch has an asymmetric conical shape when in repose. The patch extends from an eyeglass nose bridge around a ninety degree (90°) bend to an eyeglass temple piece and overlies a lens of the eyeglasses. At least one slit is formed in an outboard end of the patch to slidingly receive the eyeglass temple piece. An elastic strap is secured to a peripheral boundary of the patch at the inboard end of the patch. The elastic strap underlies the nose bridge so that the elastic strap captures the nose bridge. The peripheral boundary of the patch abuts a user's face in encircling relation to an eye when the patch is secured to the eyeglasses so that light is prevented from reaching the eye.

Abstract: A shield is disclosed for protecting a user from radiation emitted during X-ray imaging. The shield includes a lead layer for absorbing the radiation. The shield comprises first and second opposing flaps configured to position a first portion of the shield around an upper part of the user's head in a deployed configuration, whereby the portion, a component having first and second ends that are attached to the first and second opposing flaps, respectively, wherein the component is adapted to expand to enable the first portion of the shield to adjust to fit around the upper part of the user's head, and third and fourth opposing flaps configured to position a second portion of the shield around a lower part of the user's head.

Abstract: Introduced herein are various systems and techniques for dispensing scents from a scent delivery system. The scent delivery system could be a self-contained unit that is attachable to a head-mounted display (HMD) or could be integrated into the HMD itself. The scent delivery system can be used to improve the realism of content (e.g., visual content, audio content) experienced via the HMD. More specifically, the scent delivery system can be configured to dispense one or more scents in response to determining a particular scene is being experienced by the user. Different scents can be dispensed based on characteristics of the content. In some embodiments, the scent(s) are held in capsules that are housed within the scent delivery system. The capsules may be readily replaceable by the user, which enables the scent(s) to be customized based on what content is to be shown or projected in the future.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adjusting the position of a mandible guard relative to a helmet are disclosed. Adjustment of the mandible guard may be performed by a user while the user is wearing the helmet and/or without the use of tools. A mandible guard adjustment system may be combined with an attachment system for attaching and removing the mandible guard to a helmet.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a custom cranial remodeling device of a type comprising plastic material is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a first database of three-dimensional digital surface images of trim lines for cranial remodeling devices of a first type; providing a second database of three-dimensional digital surface images of trim lines for cranial remodeling devices of a second type; providing a first program for creating trim lines for a cranial remodeling device of the first type, the first program utilizing the first database; providing a second program for creating trim lines for a cranial remodeling device of the second type, the second program utilizing the second database; generating a three-dimensional model of a desired head shape; forming the plastic material onto the model; and selecting one of the first or the second programs to generate trim lines for the cranial remodeling device.

Abstract: A protective device for protecting the face and/or head of an individual receiving medical treatment in a face upward position includes a face portion having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and an aperture extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface, and includes a pair of opposed flexible side portions extending outwardly from the face portion. The face portion is configured to be positioned about the face of an individual with at least a portion of the individual's face exposed by the aperture, and the side portions are configured to be wrapped around and completely surround the head of the individual whereby the individual's head is supported on at least one of the side portions when the individual is receiving medical treatment in a face upward position.

Abstract: This invention is an athletic protective mouthpiece and lip shield apparatus used in contact sports and is designed to attach to a helmet's chin strap. The mouthpiece, Air Channel, and Lip Shield structures are particularly designed to comfortably protect both upper and lower jaw of the athlete while removing unwanted impact stress from the front teeth (Incisors) and placing such stress to the stronger Cuspid and Molars regions of the athlete's dentures. This invention solves the problems of airflow restriction and impact stress of the front teeth from other athletic mouthpieces by removing the position of the Incisors from atop the breathing orifice to behind said orifice, whereby providing an improved larger non-condensing airway for the passing of unrestricted airflow. The apparatus is designed to pivot and operate by way of an attachment strap affixed to the Lip shield and fitted into an opening on the helmet's chin strap.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device for positioning within the mouth cavity of a person is disclosed. The invention is characterized in that a displacement member (9) is provided with a shape and size suitable for placement within the mouth cavity between the bottom of the tongue and the musculature at the bottom of the mouth, the member lifting the tongue in toward the mouth cavity, wherein the displacement member is connected to a mouthpiece-shaped element (8) placed between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, and provides a passage opening (15) for ventilation of the mouth cavity with air that is breathed.

Abstract: An exercise assistance apparatus including a u shaped module comprised of a plurality sides of varying widths, heights and lengths. The module is adapted and configured to receive and support the head, shoulders and cervical spine of an individual. The module includes a base connected to the plurality of sides. The apparatus may include a plurality of sides of equal widths, heights and lengths. The plurality of sides may be separate pieces or interconnected. The module may also include a plurality of component pieces. The plurality of sides may be adjustable in width, height and length. The module may be made of plastic, foam, wood or metal. The module can be stacked vertically to achieve a desired height. The module may have an interior that is hollow or filled with water or sand. The sides of the module may have rounded lateral edges. The base of the module may include pads for non-skidding. The apparatus may come in a variety of sizes.

Abstract: Wearable computing device, comprising a wig that is adapted to cover at least a part of a head of a user, at least one sensor for providing input data, a processing unit that is coupled to the at least one sensor for processing said input data, and a communication interface that is coupled to the processing unit for communicating with a second computing device. The at least one sensor, the processing unit and the communication interface are arranged in the wig and at least partly covered by the wig in order to be visually hidden during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for protecting the face and/or head of an individual receiving medical treatment in a supine position. The protective device includes a central member having an exterior surface and an interior surface. One or more apertures may extend between the interior and exterior surface of the central member to expose the individual's eyes, nose, and/or mouth. Affixed on generally opposite ends of the central member are side portions that extend downward from the central member. The central member and side portions define a cavity and an opening configured to be positioned over the head of an individual receiving medical treatment in a supine position with the side portions supported on a support surface adjacent the individual's head. The protective device directs forces applied to the top surface of the central member away from the individual's head through the side portions to the supporting surface.

Abstract: The cheek pouch anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, conversely-adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.

Abstract: A transport hood for conveying a detainee protects conveying personnel from exposure to blood and body fluids of the detainee, while avoiding discomfort and potential breathing difficulty to the detainee caused by blood and body fluids retained within the transport hood. The transport hood includes a top portion positioned over the head of the detainee to below the eyes and above the nose of the detainee. A bottom portion is joined to the top portion by a first circumferential length of elastic and extends downwardly to below the chin of the detainee. A second length of elastic gathers the bottom portion around the neck of the detainee. The transport hood further includes a skirt attached at the first length of elastic that hangs loosely and extends downwardly to at least the neck of the detainee.

Abstract: Apparatuses for assisting patient movement to/from a gurney to/from a patient handling system are provided. In one embodiment, a bariatric overlay is provided that includes a flexible top pallet and a rigid bottom pallet. A bladder resides between the flexible top pallet and the rigid bottom pallet. When actuated, the bladder expands and props up the flexible top pallet. The flexible top pallet, rigid bottom pallet, and bladder are made of a material translucent to an imaging modality. In various embodiments, the shape of the rigid bottom pallet is similar to the shape of a scanning bed of the patient handling system. For example, when the shape of the scanning bed is concave the rigid bottom pallet is concave in shape also.

Abstract: An earplug insertion device can include a housing that is configured to hold a first earplug and a second earplug. The device can also include an ejection mechanism that can be configured to respond to a first user force by ejecting the first earplug from the device in a first ejection motion. The ejection mechanism can also being configured to respond to a second user force by ejecting the second earplug from the device in a second ejection motion.

Abstract: Ergonomic protective air filtration devices and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. An ergonomic protective air filtration device includes a stack of at least two layers of an air permeable material, the stack forming a body, a periphery, and a back; a plurality of intersecting three-dimensional V-shaped pleats extending from the periphery and into the stack of layers, so the back of the device defines a breathing chamber adapted to cover a mouth and a nose of the wearer; and a retaining means engaging the body of the device to secure the device to a face of the wearer and to create the breathing chamber. The ergonomic protective air filtration device provides protection against contaminated droplets, fluid splashes, solid particulates, pathogenic microorganisms, or aerosoled air pollutions.

Abstract: A mask suitable for protecting the face of a patient during surgery comprises a transparent plastic shield which includes a transverse cutout that provides access to the nose and mouth, and a vertical gap which runs from the cutout to the shield's perimeter. Padding affixed to the perimeter of the shield's underside provides a cushion between the shield and face. The padding is discontinuous, enabling the mask to be installed or removed without dislodging tubing inserted into the patient's nose or mouth via the transverse cutout. An attachment mechanism secures the shield to the face. A warming hood may be coupled to the protective mask. The hood preferably comprises outer and inner layers, with an access point at which air can be introduced between the layers; perforations on the inner layer permit warm air to be dispersed onto the patient.

Abstract: Acoustic shielding system and method for protecting and shielding non-targeted regions or tissues that are not intended to be treated by ultrasonic procedures from acoustic energy using a shield. In some embodiments, the shield comprises multiple layers made of one or more materials with one or more acoustic impedances. In some embodiments a multilayered shield includes materials with relatively different acoustic impedance levels. In some embodiments, the shield includes active components such as energy diversion devices, heating, cooling, monitoring, and/or sensing. In some embodiments, the shield is configured to protect an eye, mouth, nose or ear while allowing the ultrasound to treat the surrounding tissue. One embodiment of an eye shield is configured to fit under at least one eyelid and over a portion of the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a face and mouth muscle stimulator formed by an approximately oblong, oval body (1) to be placed in the mouth, having an open central part and side ends (2) that are wider than the upper and lower mid-zones (3) which are provided with V-shaped recesses (4) at the position of the frenulum. Optionally, the invention can include fixed or removable projections (5) positioned on the stimulator or on attachments (8). The invention can also include a sheet (6) provided with holes (7) for the connection of elements such as bottles or pacifiers or provided with a horizontal groove (11) for the incorporation of a bite splint (12) coupled at the front (2b) thereof using T-shaped flanges (13). Alternatively, the body (1?) can have a V-shaped configuration formed by vertical walls (20 and 30) in order to be positioned in the inner space of the lower jaw, including perpendicular projections (40 and 50) by way of horizontal bite planes.

Abstract: The infant eye guard apparatus has an elasticized lateral band to which is permanently adjoined one end of the elasticized cranial band. The T-member of the cranial band is selectively affixed to the interior of the lateral band posterior. The selectively affixed eye guard is typically worn partially below the lateral band. The cranial band can be worn from anterior to posterior on an infant's head, or side-to-side and the eye guard selectively fitted to the lateral band interior lateral loop. The lateral band is adjustable via elasticizing and also via the cut line by which the lateral band can be divided and adjustably fitted with the T-member of the cranial band. The cranial band prevents any downward slip of the lateral band. The orbitals of the eye guard fully cover and surround the exterior of an infant's eye, thereby ensuring no light invasion.

Abstract: A mouth guard including a top mouth piece for engaging the top teeth and a bottom mouth piece for engaging the bottom teeth. The mouth guard also includes a central section having one or more ports for receiving an endotracheal tube, oral gastric tube, and/or oral suction tube. In a first preferred embodiment, a top portion of the central section is attached to the top mouth piece, and a bottom portion of the central section is attached to the bottom mouth piece. In a second preferred embodiment, the entire central section is attached to the bottom mouth piece. The top and bottom mouth pieces are capable of interlocking via male engaging members and female recesses.

Abstract: A TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) balancing appliance and a method for using the same are provided, in which a first base portion accommodates incisor teeth, a second base portion is extended from a left side of the first base portion and accommodates left molar teeth, and a third base portion is extended from a right side of the first base portion and accommodates right molar teeth. The first base portion includes an upper part for accommodating upper incisor teeth and a lower part for accommodating lower incisor teeth and has a center for accommodating the upper and lower incisor teeth higher than the left and right sides.

Abstract: A medical oral treatment face mask includes a mask body and a band set. The mask body includes a water-repellent layer, an isolation layer and a water-absorbent layer. The isolation layer, which along with the water-repellent layer has a corresponding opening. The water-absorbent layer is arranged between the water-repellent layer and the isolation layer. The band set is fixed on two sides of the mask body.

Abstract: A spacing member can be positioned between teeth of the athlete to obtain a desired position between the upper and lower jaw. At least one bite registration can be recorded while the lower jaw is in the desired position. The desired position can range from the physiological resting position, to a performance position, in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly in relation to the physiological resting position. The mouthpiece can be formed to include a pair of bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws generally according to the desired position, and a connecting portion can connect the bite portions within the mouth. The connecting portion may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: TENS can be applied to the TMJ of an athlete for a period of time to deprogram muscles. After TENS, a desired position of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw can be determined and recorded. The desired position can be a physiological resting position, or a performance position in which the lower jaw is positioned anteriorly relative to the physiological resting position. A mouthpiece can be prepared including bite portions configured to substantially space apart and position the jaws according to the desired position, and substantially prevent movement of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw. A connecting portion connects the bite portions within the mouth, and may extend labially along the anterior teeth and associated gum region of the lower jaw, and may be sized and shaped to substantially lie out of the way so as to not impede speech of the athlete.

Abstract: A blank for a head restraint is disclosed. The blank includes a frame and a sheet extending across the frame wherein a main aperture and a pair of auxiliary apertures are provided in the sheet. The arrangement of the apertures is such that when the sheet is deformed upon placement on a patient's head, the main aperture is such to leave a patient's face substantially free of the sheet and the auxiliary apertures are such to cause a retaining strut to be formed by portions of the sheet between the main aperture and the auxiliary apertures.