Abstract: In one aspect the present invention is directed to an ear-cleaning device comprising: a first cotton wad, for cleaning an ear of an individual; a stick, the first cotton wad being wrapped on one end thereof, for inserting the first cotton wad into the ear; a first guarding object attached to the one end of the stick, for limiting the entrance of the stick into the ear; and detachment means of the first stick from the first guarding object, thereby preventing unintentional contact of the first cotton wad with the myringa of the ear, thereby preventing damage thereof while cleaning of the ear.

Abstract: An ear device having a bubble for placement approximate a user's ear canal and capable of inflation and deflation is disclosed. An inflation tube for delivering inflating air to the bubble during inflation of the bubble and an inflation source, such as a diaphonic valve, cause the bubble to extend automatically into the user's ear canal during inflation and retract from the user's ear canal during deflation. The bubble is substantially cylindrical and is comprised of a plurality of adjacently adjoined inflatable chambers. The bubble may also comprise at least one non-inflatable section interspersed therein. Where the ear device is used to convey sound to the user's ear, the device includes a sound tube positioned within the cylindrical bubble. At least one resilient member attached to a portion of the bubble, which may be a non-inflatable section of the bubble, is used to retract the bubble automatically.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for polishing or cleaning epithelial cells which reside in the posterior capsule of the eye is provided. The instrument is configured to have a flexible foam tip which is applied to the cells at an angle. This allows the instrument to fully access the posterior capsule and facilitates complete polishing or cleaning of the lens of the eye.

Abstract: A device for treating a passage in a body part, said device having a flexible elongate body comprising a leading segment that is inserted into an opening to the passage and passed therethrough until it exits the passage and a cleaning segment that follows the leading segment through the passage and debrides the passage as it is forced therethrough.

Abstract: An ear candle made of wax impregnated muslin cloth in the shape of a cone to which a non-flammable filter insert is placed in the tip of the candle to catch any debris that may fall down the interior of the candle, while the candle is lit, and the tip is disposed in a human ear.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the ear canal of cerumen or contaminants includes a handle, a material expandable upon exposure to a fluid, and a limiter connected to the handle operative to prevent insertion of the expandable material into the ear to a depth which could contact the ear drum. Fluid is passed through the handle and through apertures to the ear canal, and or to the expandable material, whereby the ear canal and expandable material are moistened. The expandable material expands to contact the ear canal walls and cerumen, whereby the cerumen may be extracted by withdrawing the handle and connected expandable material from the ear. The fluid may be an alcohol solution, which loosens cerumen, reduces the potential for infection, and promotes drying of the ear canal.

Abstract: An insert (1) for treating human or animal body cavities, in particular ear cavities, comprises an operating element (2) which is located at one end of the insert intended to be introduced into the cavity and to come into contact with the internal walls of the latter, and is expandable from a radially compressed configuration, in which it may be introduced into the cavity without substantial interference with the internal walls, to a radially expanded configuration having a substantially larger cross-section relative to the compressed configuration, in which radially expanded configuration the operating element (2) is pressed against the internal walls of the cavity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for clearing effusion from an ear. The method may include applying liquid to an ear canal, which is proximal to a perforated tympanic membrane, which is proximal to a middle ear containing effusion, applying an ear device to seal and pressurize the liquid inside the ear canal, the ear device regulating the amount of pressure inside the ear canal, and inducing a Eustachian tube, which is distal to the middle ear, to open, which causes the fluid to displace the effusion into the Eustachian tube.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment that is directed to a conformal hearing aid comprising: a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.

Abstract: An articulating ear curette comprises a curette tip connected to a first actuator arm through a first molded-in living hinge and to a second actuator arm through a second molded-in living hinge. The actuator arms are slidably connected to one another such that relative movement of the first and second actuator arms in opposite directions causes movement of the tip about the first and second living hinges. The articulating ear curette may be utilized to remove cerumen or a foreign body from an ear canal.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning a nasal cavity includes a housing member and a hollow cleaning member. The housing member includes a first orifice, a second orifice and a chamber communicated with the first orifice and the second orifice. The chamber may be adapted to store fluid therein. The hollow cleaning member may be adapted to be received in the second orifice. The hollow cleaning member includes a head portion adapted to be received in the chamber of the housing member and a handle configured to fill the fluid from the chamber into the head portion. The head portion filled with the fluid is capable of cleaning the nasal cavity.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed an improved ear curette for use by medical practitioners, and other healthcare professionals, to remove cerumen (a.k.a. earwax). In the preferred embodiments, the curette comprises: an elongated “no-roll” handle which is substantially triangular in cross-section, with three round “edges,” along substantially the entire length of the handle; and two differently sized collection ends, either paddles or loops, integral with and at opposite ends of the handle. Practitioners can grip the “triangular” handle much like a pencil, between their thumbs and forefingers. This gives practitioners precise control and feel during collection procedures to remove carefully earwax build-up or blockage from patients' ear canals.

Abstract: A disposable ear cleaning device having a one-piece, plastic body with an integral scoop at one end having a bowl portion having a smooth lower surface on the bowl. Openings may be formed in the bottom of the bowl for scraping wax and debris from the ear. The preferred openings are parallel slots. The preferred bowl has rounded, upper edges at the rim for scraping ear wax with the front, distal end at a lower height than a rear end of the bowl which is joined to a handle. The preferred handle may be fluted for gripping and turning the bowl when scraping ear wax. A flexible neck may join the bowl to the handle. A bulbous end of plastic or of cotton may be provided at the end of the device opposite the bowl. The referred cleaning device weighs less than one gram and is inexpensive.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of removing scar tissue from an eye that includes inserting a device including an array of micro-rods into an eye, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature; contacting a scar tissue with the array of micro-rods; and removing the array of micro-rods and the scar tissue from the eye. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a medical device for engaging a tissue including and an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods that is connected to the cannula, wherein the sharp feature of the at least one micro-rod is angled from a plane that is normal to a face of the base of the array of glass micro-rods.

Abstract: Method and systems for accessing a Eustachian tube of a patient are disclosed. The system includes a guide configured for passing into a nasal passage of the patient to position a distal tip of the catheter at or near a Eustachian tube, the guide having distal tip with a bend having an angle between 30 and 90 degrees; and a guidewire configured to pass through the guide into the Eustachian tube.

Abstract: An ear cleaning device including a body including a finger engagement portion, a connecting neck portion and an ear engagement portion, the body being configured such that finger pressure exerted on the finger engagement portion produces expansion of the ear engagement portion.

Abstract: An ear curette has a shaft and a cleaning portion. The shaft has a distal end. The cleaning portion has a disk and a bar. The bar has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end of the bar is narrower than, is formed on and protrudes from distal end of the shaft. The disk is formed on the distal end of the bar. When in use, the disk of the cleaning portion can be deposited in the ear canal first and then pulled out of the ear canal to scrape out earwax and is easily cleanable.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a user's ear includes a hand held appliance with an attached cleaning tool. A first mechanism provides motion to the cleaning tool, a second is included to store one or more cleaning tools within the appliance, and a third mechanism is provided for automatically replacing the attached cleaning tool with another cleaning tool stored within the appliance. A charging stand for holding the device between uses is also included. Such a charging stand is connected to an active power source via a power cord.

Abstract: To definitely remove stains in a small and narrow clearance. Thread 2 is spirally wound around a wire 1 formed by material with plasticity, the two or more thread-wound wires obtained are twisted together in spirals to bring the thread 2 in close contact with the wire 1 and the overall diameter is held to be small. In addition, with the winding thread, spiral narrow-width protrusions and recesses are formed, with the thread-wound wire, spiral wide-width protrusions and recesses are formed, and by crossing these and allowing a large number of small and large protrusions and recesses to be mixed, chances to catch removed matters are increased, and a satisfactory scratching condition is achieved.

Abstract: A combined nasal spray and aspirator device includes an air pump disposed within a housing and comprises a spray and aspirator assembly. The air pump, at which an air suction connector and an air discharge connector are disposed, is driven by a driving component to perform air suction and discharge actions. The spray and aspirator assembly, mounted to the air suction connector and the air discharge connector, comprises a spray conduit and a first aspiration conduit; the spray conduit connects to an atomizer which is provided with liquids from a liquid storage container, and the first aspiration conduit connects to a mucus collector so that when some air carrying mucus enters the mucus collector, the mucus is left behind and the air enters the air pump through a second aspiration conduit. The device of the present invention integrates the operations of a nasal spray and a nasal aspirator, sucking the mucus away right after it sprays and liquefies the mucus, with said actions occurring almost simultaneously.

Abstract: A cannula support serves in supporting a cannula relative to a non-contact lens assembly and a positioning mechanism for positioning the non-contact lens assembly. The cannula support includes a cannula holder and a gripper disposed relative to the cannula holder. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The gripper is adapted to cooperatively engage a portion of one of the non-contact lens assembly and the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument set for removing an object from the eye including a forceps having first and second jaws mounted for relative movement toward and away from one another between a first position in which the backs of the jaws are relatively nearer to one another and a second position in which the backs of the jaws are relatively further from one another. At least one of the jaws defines a cutter on its back able to cut an exit wound upon withdrawal of the jaws from the eye. The forceps may optionally include a conforming portion softer than the jaw body. The instrument set may optionally include elongated magnetic probe. The instrument set may optionally be provided in a single procedure pack that encloses the forceps and probe in a closed sterile environment.

Abstract: An ear cleaning apparatus for removing ear wax from an ear canal has a housing having an ear insertion tip shaped to fit into a person's ear. The housing has first and second passageways with each passageway having an opening in the insertion tip adjacent to each other. The first passageway has an air bleed thereinto. A heater is mounted in the housing first passageway for generating heat, such as with a butane burner. A fan is mounted in the second passageway for drawing air thereinto through the second passageway opening from the first passageway opening when the ear insertion tip is inserted into an ear thereby drawing heated air from the first passageway into the ear and into the second passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for removing objects from narrow passages, having a shaft and an actuation element that is mounted in the shaft and on whose distal end a hook-shaped angled piece can be configured so that the distal end of the actuation element can be converted by a handle between an essentially extended form and a form that comprises the hook-shaped angled piece. It is proposed with the invention that the handle should be configured as consisting of at least two gripping members configured at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the instrument, so that at least one gripping member can rotate with respect to the at least one other gripping member.

Abstract: Ear duct cleaning device, comprising a flexible tubular member, equipped at one end with an inflatable element and at its opposite end with means of supplying a fluid at a certain pressure, wherein said inflatable element, being coupled to means of controlling the inflation so that said inflatable element assumes, once inflated, a shape such that its radial extension with respect to the axis of said tubular element is considerably greater than that along the same axis.

Abstract: The ear cleaning device is a device for removing wax from an ear. The ear cleaning device includes a shaft having opposed first and second ends. First and second cleaning heads are respectively mounted to the first and second ends of the shaft. The first cleaning head is formed from an absorbent material. The second cleaning head is formed from a loop coated with the absorbent material. The loop may be used to abrade and engage the wax, secretions, bodily waste and debris within the ear, with the absorbent material aiding in adhering the waste to the device for removal thereof. The first cleaning head may further be used for subsequently gently cleaning the ear and for absorbing fluids that may be trapped therein.

Abstract: A medical device and method for treating nose bleeds are provided. The device includes packing material interconnected to a flange member. The packing material is insertable into a nasal cavity, for absorbing blood and other body fluids. The flange member prevents the packing material from being inhaled or otherwise moving in an anterior direction. In addition, the flange member obscures a view of the interior of the user's nasal cavity, and therefore of blood within the cavity, or of blood that has been absorbed by the packing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anion emission and anti-dust nose mask capable of enhancing a compatibility so that it is well adapted to various sizes and types of nose based on its flexibility, and it is possible to wear without any string based on a pressure adjusting function, and the mask is not slid along a nose using a magnet, and nano filter, anion emission material receptacle, and anion emission material of the settling unit is added to a nose mask, thus achieving an anti-bacteria, deodorizing effect, and anion generation effect by the added material.

Abstract: A method for preventing a spread of diseases, promoting better breathing, improving comfort and reducing fatigue. The method utilizes a face mask and a noseform of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,173, which is incorporated herein by reference, In a first embodiment, the noseform is an integral part of a mask by forming, adhesion or heat bonding. In a second embodiment, the noseform is added to the mask prior to placing the mask in service with a usual method such as adhesion. In the first embodiment, the noseform is initially mounted on a person's nose by adhesively attaching the noseform to a lower portion of the nose, sliding the noseform upwardly toward the person's forehead and glabella and attaching an upper portion of the noseform to a fixed portion of the nose just below the glabella. The effect of this procedure is to shorten the person's airway and dilate the person's nasal passages.

Abstract: A disposable ear cleaning device having a one-piece, plastic body with an integral scoop at one end having a bowl portion having a smooth lower surface on the bowl. Openings may be formed in the bottom of the bowl for scraping wax and debris from the ear. The preferred openings are parallel slots. The preferred bowl has rounded, upper edges at the rim for scraping ear wax with the front, distal end at a lower height than a rear end of the bowl which is joined to a handle. The preferred handle may be fluted for gripping and turning the bowl when scraping ear wax. A flexible neck may join the bowl to the handle. A cotton swab may be provided at the end of the device opposite the bowl. The referred cleaning device weighs less than one gram and is inexpensive.

Abstract: An ear cleaning apparatus, a tip and a method for cleaning an ear are provided. The ear cleaning apparatus may have a tip having protrusions. The protrusions may be made of a pliable material to assist in removing wax, dirt and/or other build-up from within an ear canal. Additionally, the tip may be removable from the apparatus for cleaning and/or replacement.

Abstract: An ear cleaner is provided to clean ears more safely. It comprises first and second body members, the first body member comprising two sections, a screen separating the two sections, one of such sections having a tube communicating with its interior and being adapted for insertion in an ear, said one section enclosing a space for receiving debris extracted from the ear and being separably connected to the other section to permit removal of such debris, the other section comprising a fan to provide a vacuum for removing debris from the ear, the second body member acting as a handle for the first body member and providing a receptacle for batteries to energize the fan. Preferably contamination is avoided by mounting the cleaner on a pedestal.

Abstract: A disposable ear cleaning appliance comprising an elongated stem having a hollow cavity which opens outwardly from one end thereof, and a plurality, preferably four, flexible lengths of thermoplastic monofilament. These lengths of monofilament are joined at their outboard ends and extend therefrom to define a bulbous shape. At their respective outboard ends, the thermoplastic monofilaments are bonded by heat and pressure, for example, to form a flattened region which serves to partially stiffen the individual monofilaments adjacent the bonded region and for a relatively short distance therefrom. Thus when the monofilaments are bent into a bulbous configuration by applying pressure against their respective inboard ends to gather the inboard ends into a bundle, the individual monofilaments are placed in compression and tend to retain their bulbous configuration.

Abstract: An endoscopic cleaning device capable of properly removing wet cerumen from an auditory canal while the interior of an auditory canal is illuminated. The device allows an image of the interior of the auditory canal to be acquired while the auditory canal is being cleaned. The device has an ear picking main body that also serves as a light guide to provide the illumination. The ear picking main body rotates about a light guide containing the micro lens used to acquire the image, so that the image remains stable. The ear picking main body is inserted through a removable, elastically deformable tubular ear picking part having a through hole and an outer layer made of fibrous material. In this way light can be delivered to the end of the ear picking main body, and the fibrous material of the ear picking part can be used to remove wet cerumen.

Abstract: An earpick includes a handle; a support bar movably coupled to the handle; and an earwax cleaning portion coupled to the support bar, wherein when the earpick deeply enter and contacts an inner wall of an auditory canal, the support bar moves into the hanndle. The earwax cleaning portion has a ring shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A device for delivering a beneficial agent within a body cavity such as the ear canal. The device preferably includes a soft resilient casing that can be compressed to fit at least partially within the ear canal. Once inserted in the ear canal, the casing expands to form a seal between a boundary defining the ear canal and the device. The soft casing preferably encapsulates the beneficial agent within a reservoir formed inside the soft casing. As the device is squeezed, the beneficial agent is ejected through a release point. The device then maintains the beneficial agent within the ear canal until the beneficial agent has had time to take effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an effective and efficient cleaning device for body piercings anywhere on the body. The cleaning device involves a non-fibrous core that is tightly wrapped with a fibrous material. The cleaning device has a leading end and a following end, where the leading end has a tip that facilitates insertion into the area to be cleaned.

Abstract: Ear duct cleaning device, comprising a flexible tubular member, equipped at one end with an inflatable element and at its opposite end with means of supplying a fluid at a certain pressure, wherein said inflatable element, being coupled to means of controlling the inflation so that said inflatable element assumes, once inflated, a shape such that its radial extension with respect to the axis of said tubular element is considerably greater than that along the same axis.

Abstract: A double-headed implement insertable by its user into an ear canal, one head (X) functioning to scrape wax from the surface of the canal, the other head (Y) functioning to remove water therefrom. The implement is formed by a handle shank having at one end a loop defining the X-head and at the opposite end a loop defining the Y-head. The X-head loop is provided with an inwardly-directed scraper which when the implement is manipulated by a user to cause this loop to sweep over and massage the surface of the ear canal, it then scrapes off the wax therefrom and collects it for removal from the canal. The Y-head loop has mounted therein a flat insert of absorbent material which when this head sweeps over the surface of the ear canal, absorbs water therefrom which causes the insert to swell like a sponge to store the absorbed water so that it can be removed from the canal.

Abstract: An ear canal dryer that removes excess fluid or moisture retained in the outer ear canal. The ear canal dryer comprises a bulb and a speculum, each having an air flow controller. By inserting the speculum into the ear canal and squeezing the bulb, an air stream is injected into the ear canal causing evaporation of fluid and carrying the moisture out of the canal. The ear canal dryer of the present invention is easy to carry and use. It can be manufactured at a low cost and may also be adapted for veterinary use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a disposable ear cleaning appliance for insertion into an ear canal. The appliance comprises an elongated stem and a bulbous cage extending from an end of the stem. The bulbous cage is defined by a plurality of bowed members extending from the end of the stem in an inwardly bowed attitude, to an uppermost point of intersection to form a bulbous cage small enough to be easily received in an ear canal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for use in removing liquid from under a corneal flap generated during LASIK surgery. The apparatus comprises a handle, a sickle-shaped end coupled to the handle, the sickle-shaped end having a concave and a convex portion, and a sponge coupled with the concave portion of the sickle-shaped end, extending along the convex portion thereof, and being shaped substantially similarly to the sickle-shaped end. The sickle-shaped end extends from approximately 180° to 270°, or any other desired part of a circle and may have sponge on one or both sides thereof. The radius of the sickle-shaped end is the same or slightly larger than the diameter of a corneal flap generated during LASIK surgery so that when the apparatus is placed adjacent the cornea of a patient about the corneal flap, liquid is wicked from thereunder without requiring any contact with the corneal flap.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an improved ear cleaner consisting of one piece of solid flat plastic, inexpensively molded or stamped to an elongate oval shape with one aperture at each end to form a loop. The present invention teaches that an improved ear cleaner may be made of a length such that it becomes difficult for the user to damage their ear drum. The invention further teaches that an improved ear cleaner may be made having a rounded shape and a soft consistency such that should the ear cleaning head (a thin and soft loop) impact the ear drum, it will bend rather than injure the ear drum. The present invention further teaches a method of manufacturing the ear cleaner which provides a very inexpensive method of making a one piece ear cleaner requiring no further assembly after manufacture. The present invention further teaches that the ear cleaner may advantageously be stamped rather than molded for further decrease in cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A wristband type electric nose cleaner provides an electric spray-suction pump assembly, which applies the Bernoulli's theorem to provide a function of atomization for the cleaning solution. A spray device and a suction device are involved in the nose cleaner such that the foreign matters such as mucus can be sucked out of the nose and the cleaning solution such as normal saline can be injected into the deep inside nasal cavity in a state of being atomized to enhance the nose clean job. Furthermore, a wristband is attached to the nose cleaner for fixing the nose cleaner firmly to the wrist of a user to prevent the nose cleaner from damage resulting from falling from the hand.

Abstract: A disposable ear cleaning device having a one-piece, plastic body with an integral scoop at one end having a bowl portion having a smooth lower surface on the bowl. Openings may be formed in the bottom of the bowl for scraping wax and debris from the ear. The preferred openings are parallel slots. The preferred bowl has rounded, upper edges at the rim for scraping ear wax with the front, distal end at a lower height than a rear end of the bowl which is joined to a handle. The preferred handle may be fluted for gripping and turning the bowl when scraping ear wax. A flexible neck may join the bowl to the handle. A cotton swab may be provided at the end of the device opposite the bowl. The referred cleaning device weighs less than one gram and is inexpensive.

Abstract: An ear cleaning apparatus, a tip and a method for cleaning an ear are provided. The ear cleaning apparatus may have a tip having protrusions. The protrusions may be made of a pliable material to assist in removing wax, dirt and/or other build-up from within an ear canal. Additionally, the tip may be removable from the apparatus for cleaning and/or replacement.

Abstract: An earpick includes a handle; a support bar movably coupled to the handle; and an earwax cleaning portion coupled to the support bar, wherein when the earpick deeply enter and contacts an inner wall of an auditory canal, the support bar moves into the hanndle. The earwax cleaning portion has a ring shaped cross-section.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the treatment of choanal atresia and in the prevention of stenosis following choanal atresia repair in infants comprises two choanal tubes adapted to lie side-by-side each of a plastics material approved for use in humans and each having a lengthwise extending flexible metallic insert embedded internally within its wall(s). The ends of a strip of plastics material are attached one to one end of each of the choanal tubes and a bridge of plastics material extends between and is removably attached to the choanal tubes at or towards their ends remote from the strip of plastics material. The arrangement is such that, in use, the choanal tubes are positioned in the nasal passageways and transnasal openings of an infant with the plastics strip extending behind the cartilage which separates the nasal passageways, and with the bridge positioned adjacent the columella of the infant.

Abstract: A disposable kit for achieving and maintaining clean and healthy tissue in body piercing sites on the human body including the eyebrow, chin, nose, mouth, tongue, navel, nipples, and private parts, by cleaning, sterilizing and applying an antiseptic and antibacterial solution. Prevents body piercing complications most often related to the absence of a suitable sterile environment, e.g., using piercing tools or instruments that are not sterile, or the insertion of non-sterile or contaminated appliances, rings, hooks, or whatever device or product is inserted into the pierced cavity. Designed to prevent problems such as irritation, soreness, and closure of the desired pierced opening, which results from contamination, and the absence of a proper sterile and aseptic cleaning kit.

Abstract: A disposable ear cleaning appliance comprising an elongated stem having a hollow cavity which opens outwardly from one end thereof, and a plurality, preferably four, flexible lengths of thermoplastic monofilament. These lengths of monofilament are joined at their outboard ends and extend therefrom to define a bulbous shape. At their respective outboard ends, the thermoplastic monofilaments are bonded by heat and pressure, for example, to form a flattened region which serves to partially stiffen the individual monofilaments adjacent the bonded region and for a relatively short distance therefrom. Thus when the monofilaments are bent into a bulbous configuration by applying pressure against their respective inboard ends to gather the inboard ends into a bundle, the individual monofilaments are placed in compression and tend to retain their bulbous configuration.