Apparatus is described for measuring and displaying the magnitude of traction forces applied to a patient's lower limbs during surgery, and for measuring the direction and magnitude of counter-traction forces applied to the patient's body by the perineal post located at the patient's groin to oppose traction forces applied to the patient's lower limbs.

A custom brace and method for fabricating the custom brace includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom brace. Fenestrations can be added to the brace design. The custom brace can be fabricated with the fenestrations as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device.

An improved orthotic has a strap that secures the orthotic to a wearer, and comprises a tension indicator coupled to the strap. The tension indicator includes a first element disposed to produce a tactile signal when a tension in the strap reaches a threshold that is less than a permanent deformation threshold.

A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.

A back support apparatus intended for use during emergency transport of a patient suffering an actual or suspected spine injury is disclosed. The device provides a solid support for the arched portion of the spine that molds to the shape of the individual patient's back. The device comprises a bag or other container into which a solid curable material and a liquid activator are introduced, which is then placed beneath the patient's spine on a back board or like support. The device may be deployed quickly without the need for additional straps, belts, or the like, and may be treated as disposable due to its low cost.

To ensure easy and secure placement of a belt for KAATSU muscle training on a target compressed site near the proximal portion of a limb. A belt 100B has a longer first band-shaped member 110 and a shorter second band-shaped member 120 both of which have a band shape and are connected to a ring-shaped joint member 130 at their respective ends. In order to place the belt 100B on the target compressed site, the limb (right leg in this case) on which the belt 100B is expected to be placed is inserted into a loop of the first band-shaped member 110 formed by passing the end of the first band-shaped member 110 through an opening in the joint member 130, and the belt is moved up to the target compressed site. Then, the first band-shaped member 110 and the second band-shaped member 120 are pulled with both hands in the opposite directions. The belt 100B is placed on the target compressed site with the belt 100B being tensioned appropriately.

A shoulder orthosis is provided having an arm support and an optional arm spacer connected to the arm support. The arm support includes an arm retainer and a supportive strapping system. One optional arm spacer includes a pair of individual pillows which are attachably combinable with one another at a first face of the first individual pillow and a face of the second individual pillow to form one combined pillow having a first shape. The individual pillows are alternately attachably combinable with one another at a second face of the first individual pillow and the face of the second individual pillow to form another combined pillow having a second shape different from the first shape.

Upper assembly including slot, hole array. Lower assembly conforming to hips. Lower assembly anchoring holes shaped/spaced as array. Lower assembly fastener hole for each slot; fastener hole having same position relative to anchoring holes as slot to array; having horizontal dimension equal to horizontal dimension of corresponding slot. Adjuster plate including anchoring points spaced as array holes. Each anchoring point dimensioned less than corresponding hole so as to fit snugly therein, and projecting a distance equal to thickness of corresponding upper and lower assembly anchoring hole. Forming an adjuster plate fastener hole for each lower assembly fastener hole. Each adjuster plate fastener hole having same position relative to anchoring points as slot to array. Releasable fastener for each lower assembly fastener hole. As assembled, fastener secures adjuster plate to upper and lower assembly such that anchoring points of adjuster plate are positioned through upper assembly and lower assembly anchoring holes.

A bandage and method for securing a tension member comprising a central body and a plurality of tabs disposed about the central body. A tension member may be disposed across or through a slit or aperture of the central body. A body adhesive on the lower surface of the central body may secure the bandage to the patient. The tension member may then be pulled across the upper surface of the central body and a first tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and central body. The tension member may then be pulled back across the first tab and a second tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and first tab. Likewise, the tension member may then be pulled back across the second tab and a third tab may be folded over and adhered to the tension member and second tab.

A surgical assembly (20) comprises a post (100) having a longitudinally extending axis (104), a support (56) for resisting movement of the post in a negative longitudinal direction, and a platform (70) offset from the support in a positive longitudinal direction. The platform includes an opening (82) through which the post projects. The opening includes a throat (86). The post has a first dimension which renders the post incapable of passing through the throat and a second dimension which renders the post capable of passing through the throat. Alternate embodiments in which the post can be removably engaged with the support and platform and disengaged therefrom without translating the post in the longitudinal direction are also disclosed.

The limb supporting system is an on the go wrist support pad that is designed to give the user cushion and support while free you move from PC to laptop, keyboard, gaming and mousing without pain and discomfort often associated with such movements. Made from soft stretchable elastic that conforms to any size wrist giving you total comfort during repetitive computer use.

An orthopedic device for correcting abnormalities in the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb of a newborn baby comprises a lightweight glove shaped semi rigid shell constructed and dimensioned to fit a newborn baby within a few hours of birth. A wrist or lower arm and hand engaging portion are rotatably connected and adjustable in one millimeter increments. The adjustments are made with no more than one millimeter correction per 24 hour period. The shell includes a wrist and lower forearm engaging portion, a hand engaging portion and a finger engaging portion and is adjustable for rotationally clockwise or counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis of the lower arm bone. Further adjustments may be made to rotate the fingers upwardly or downwardly, to the left or right and rotationally and/or rotational movement between the hand and lower arm. The invention also contemplates an orthopedic method for correcting skeletal abnormalities of the wrist, hand, fingers and thumb of a newborn baby.

In one aspect, an ankle foot orthosis generally comprises a leg member, a foot member, and a drive assembly. The leg member is configured to be releasably fastened to a leg of the wearer. The foot member is configured to be releasably fastened to a foot of a wearer, the foot member having anterior and posterior ends. The drive assembly includes a link member hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member.

A compression dressing and method of use is provided. The dressing is self-adherent, washable and reusable and provides a selected and generally constant pressure to the surface of an animal.

A wound dressing is made of multiple layers and includes a collection chamber that is in fluid communication with a drainage channel. When applied over a wound, the wound dressing provides protection for the wound while allowing air and fluids to evacuate from the wound through the collection chamber and out through the drainage channel. The wound dressing can include a valve that restricts air and fluids from entering the wound, which is beneficial for treating pneumothorax.

A kit of parts for forming an orthotic head support. The kit includes at least one frame having a plurality of arms extending from a central region. Examples of such frames are W-frames, Y-frames and H-frames. The kit further includes at least one extension connectable to a frame. Such extension members include straight extensions, L-shaped extensions, and extension with two elements at an acute angle to one another. The kit has elements for attaching the extensions to the frames. The frames and extensions may have lines of reduced stiffness formed therein about which they are preferentially bendable to conform the support to the shape of a wearer's head and/or neck. The kit further includes padding members connected, or connectable, to the frames and/or extensions on the surfaces thereof which in use are to be adjacent the wearer.

The present invention relates generally to a home therapy system for aiding spinal cord decompression and for treating related health issues. More specifically, the present invention teaches a garment system combining an upper portion and lower portion. According to a preferred embodiment, the upper portion includes a head band and yoke for cervical vertebra disc decompression and for aiding in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea by repositioning and opening up breathing airways. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lower portion includes vertical decompression straps attached to leg bands and extending over the shoulders for thoracic and lumbar disc decompression by arching the spinal column back and opening the vertebra.

A cervical collar having a vertically adjustable chin support, the collar including chin support adjustably connected to a collar body having a stop guide, an adjustment member for adjusting the length of a cable trained around a pulley located on the collar body adjacent to the cable guide and connected to a cable stop connecting between the collar body and the chin support and movably positionable along the stop guide on the collar body, wherein the length of the cable adjusts the position of the cable stop along the stop guide and adjusts the vertical position of the chin support relative to the collar body.

A surgical tourniquet cuff that includes a stabilizer component that facilitates application of an overlapping cuff around the limb of a patient. The stabilizer is fixed to the cuff, and requires no tying or similar user manipulation to secure the overlapping cuff in alignment with the underlying cuff. The stabilizer improves the stability of the inflated cuff to prevent sideways shifting motion of overlapping cuff portions as the cuff is applied to the limb. The stabilizer also provides a handle mechanism to enable the user to snugly apply the overlapping cuff around the patient's limb while the overlapping portions remain properly aligned along their long axes. The stabilizer is designed to also facilitate attaching together two tourniquet cuffs end-to-end, with respective bladders overlapping and in proper alignment so that those attached cuffs can be used as a single, extended surgical cuff applied around a patient's limb.

A hot-melt formulation useful as a wound dressing comprises a chemically crosslinked polymer matrix obtainable from prepolymers crosslinkable by means of photopolymerization. Hydrocolloids are embedded in the chemically crosslinked polymer, matrix. The formulation is obtainable by combining the prepolymers and hydrocolloids, and heating and processing the mixture through a slot die, wherein the mixture has a viscosity of less than 100 Pa*s and a processing temperature of less than 150° C. The prepolymers are crosslinked by means of photopolymerization by irradiation with UV light.

The invention is directed to an adhesive strip, particularly an adhesive strip or bandage for use in periodontal treatments. The biocompatible adhesive strip comprises a flexible barrier with a biocompatible adhesive for use in an oral environment, wherein the adhesive is in a non-tacky state when dry and becomes adherent upon contact with liquids.

An improved skin substitute is presented comprised of a silicone layer backed up with a woven nylon fabric layer, the silicone layer possessing a regular pattern of slits that permit the porosity of the skin substitute to be adjusted by clinicians by means of applying tension to the skin substitute that differentially opens the slits. A variety of therapeutic substances can be applied to the skin substitute to promote healing, including aloe and other medicinal preparations.

A bandage includes a reservoir filled with a perfluorochemical fluid, saturated with oxygen. Oxygen passes through a permeable membrane to the skin or wound to promote healing, and carbon dioxide travels from the skin or wound to the reservoir.

An apparatus is provided for mounting to a support for modifying an ankle-foot orthosis. The apparatus comprises a tooling device having a plurality of holes spaced over an outer surface of the tooling device. The tooling device includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis, and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. The second portion of the tooling device defines an opening for receiving the support. A peg is configured to be inserted into one of more holes of the tooling device. The peg comprises a body portion and a post depending from the body portion and configured to be received in the holes in the outer surface of the tooling device. In one embodiment, the body portion of the peg has a convex outer surface.

In a walking assistance device (10) that can transmit the power generated by a power generator (26, 28) to a femoral part of a user, a swing arm (60, 62) is attached to an output member of the power generator at a base end thereof, and is connected to a femoral support plate (68, 70) at a free end thereof via a pivot joint (64). The pivot joint includes a spherical projection (100) provided on the free end of the swing arm and a socket (112) provided on the femoral support plate, the socket defining a spherical recess (110) configured to receive the spherical projection to permit a tilting movement of the femoral support plate at least in two directions with respect to the free end of the swing arm. Thereby, the femoral support plate is enabled to accommodate the build and/or the movement of the femoral part of the user.

A system and method for long-term monitoring of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias is disclosed. The invention includes a pulse generator including means for sensing an arrhythmia. The pulse generator is coupled to at least one subcutaneous electrode or electrode array for providing electrical stimulation such as cardioversion/defibrillation shocks and/or pacing pulses. The electrical stimulation may be provided between multiple subcutaneous electrodes, or between one or more such electrodes and the housing of the pulse generator. In one embodiment, the pulse generator includes one or more electrodes that are isolated from the can. These electrodes may be used to sense cardiac signals.

A splint for use in stabilizing the nasal septum of a subject following the completion of a septoplasty procedure has a longitudinal axis and is formed of a substantially rigid sheet having a longitudinal length, an anterior end, and a posterior end. The sheet is labeled with a plurality of guide markings that guide a user in shaping the splint prior to implantation of the splint within a nasal passage of the subject.

An orthopedic cast removal tool and method uses an unmodified, typically cordless, rotary impact driver and a embedded wire to cut through an orthopedic cast for removal. By merging it with a slotted spacer block specifically for this cast removal purpose, an ergonomic tool is provided which allays fears of orthopedic patients. When rotating and encountering high resistance of the plaster or fiberglass material of the cast, the cordless rotary impact driver does not bog down; since it seamlessly engages impact action, which offers an order of magnitude or more torque multiplication via short frequent pulses (several per second) to overcome this torque resistance. Thus a high amount of torque with very little reaction force is made available to cut through a cast while affording the technician good control. The cast is cut very rapidly with little dust creation and no jostling of the patient.

A knee orthosis and a method for controlling a knee orthosis including a thigh structure having a fastening structure to be fixed to a thigh, a lower leg structure which is pivotally coupled to the thigh rail using a joint mechanism and has a fastening structure to be fixed to a lower leg as well as a foot piece for supporting a foot, and an actuator device between the thigh structure and the lower leg structure. The fastening points of the actuator on the thigh structure and lower leg structure and the center of rotation of the joint mechanism form a triangle. The fastening points are arranged on the structures such that the connecting line between a fastening point and the center of rotation in an angular position of the knee in which the lower leg is bent at an angle ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the thigh.

A patch permitting division of only its release sheet by simply pulling right and left, wherein detachment of the release sheet is easy. There is provided a patch comprising a stretchable support, a plaster applied substantially all over one major surface of the support and a release sheet attached to the whole surface of the plaster wherein only the release sheet is divided at a division zone by simply pulling right and left, and wherein one or two or more precut parts that open when the patch is pulled right and left are disposed in the neighborhood on the division zone.

A film structure having a polymer film and an application system enabling the film structure to be handled in a simple manner. The application system is arranged on a first side of the polymer film and has at least one supporting film to which at least one gripping strip is applied. The polymer film also has at least one first region without a supporting film.

A therapeutic compression apparatus having a primary wrap, a foot wrap and a stirrup is provided. The primary wrap encircles a first portion of a leg and applies compression thereto. The foot wrap encircles at least a portion of the foot and applies compression thereto. The foot wrap may be integrated with the stirrup, detachably connected or provided separately. The compression apparatus may be configured such that one or more bladders are provided therein. The compression apparatus may include a pressure gauge and pump for controlling an amount of pressure applied to the treatment site. A bladder assembly with a number of fluid bladder configurations is also provided for use within a compression apparatus. The bladder may be configured to provide a gradient pressure profile to the treatment site when filled.

An adjustable hinge having a first support arm, a second support arm, and a deformable insert that is between the first support arm and the second support arm.

A wound dressing including a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer is described. The hydrophilic layer absorbs exudate from a wound and the hydrophobic layer absorbs the exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate. Because the hydrophilic layer is used adjacent to the wound, the exudate is readily absorbed thereby reducing the risk of maceration and infection of the wound tissue by the exudate. The hydrophobic layer receives the absorbed exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate through an interaction that in turn prevents lateral diffusion of the exudate through the bandage to healthy portions of the skin. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers are fabricated from polymer fibers that can be spun to include components that facilitate wound healing, such as poly(hexamethylene biguanide) and/or hyaluronic acid.

The invention relates to a fixing element (33) extending as a flat, particularly lamellar element along a preferred direction (34) and comprising a corrugated sheet metal core (18) as a central component, said core providing the fixing element (33) with the characteristic of being integrally rigid and permanently deformable by hand, and said core being covered by a cover (36, 37). For such a fixing element, a large range of use is achieved in that the corrugations of the corrugated core sheet (18) are oriented substantially parallel to the preferred direction (34), and that means (38, 39) for releasably attaching the fixing element (33) are disposed on the fixing element (33).

Orthopedic device for treating neuropathic ulcers and other injuries while allowing easy access to the wound site on the plantar surface of a patient's foot includes a base portion and a sole that is either movably connected or removably connected to either the base or to a strut member. The base or strut is maintained in position on the lower leg while the sole may be rotated, slid, or completely removed for allowing inspection and access to the plantar surface of the patient's foot.

A composite including a metal having oxygen-reducing activity, nitrogen and carbon, the composite comprising polyhedral particles, an electrode catalyst including the composite, a method of preparing the composite, and a fuel cell using the composite.

A regenerated spent hydroprocessing catalyst treated with a chelating agent and having incorporated therein a polar additive.

A catalyst composition which comprises: a) a carrier which comprises at least 30 wt % of a binder selected from silica, zirconia and titania; at least 20 wt % of a pentasil zeolite, having a bulk silica to alumina ratio in the range of from 20 to 150 and being in its H+ form; and less than 10 wt % of other components, all percentages being on the basis of total carrier; b) platinum in an amount in the range of from 0.001 to 0.1 wt %, on the basis of total catalyst; and c) tin in an amount in the range of from 0.01 to 0.5 wt %, on the basis of total catalyst; its preparation and use; are provided.

A solid particulate catalyst free from an external carrier comprising: (i) a complex of formula (I): whereinM is zirconium or hafnium;each X is a sigma ligand;L is a divalent bridge selected from —R'2C—, —R'2C—CR'2—, —R'2Si—, —R'2Si—SiR'2—, —R'2Ge—, wherein each R' is independently a hydrogen atom, C1-C20-alkyl, tri(C1-C20-alkyl)silyl, C6-C20-aryl, C7-C20-arylalkyl or C7-C20-alkylaryl;each R1 independently is hydrogen or a linear or branched C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radical optionally containing one or more heteroatoms from groups 14-16 of the Periodic Table of the Elements;each R2 and R3 taken together form a 4-7 membered ring condensed to the benzene ring of the indenyl moiety, said ring optionally containing heteroatoms from groups 14-16, each atom forming said ring being optionally substituted with at least one R18 radical;each R18 is the same or different and may be a C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radical optionally containing one or more heteroatoms belonging to groups 14-16;each R4 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-6-hydrocarbyl radical optionally containing one or more heteroatoms belonging to groups 14-16;each W is independently a 5 or 6 membered aryl or heteroaryl ring wherein each atom of said ring is optionally substituted with an R5 group;each R5 is the same of different and is a C1-C20 hydrocarbyl radical optionally containing one or more heteroatoms belonging to groups 14-16; and optionally two adjacent R5 groups taken together can form a further mono or multicyclic ring condensed to W optionally substituted by one or two groups R5; and(ii) a cocatalyst comprising an organometallic compound of a Group 13 metal, preferably aluminoxane.

A catalyst including: a support, the support including a mixture of SiO2 and ZrO2; an active ingredient including copper; a first additive including a metal, an oxide thereof, or a combination thereof; and a second additive including Li, Na, K, or a combination thereof. The metal is Mg, Ca, Ba, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Mo, La, or Ce. Based on the total weight of the catalyst, the weight percentages of the different components are as follows: SiO2=50-90 wt. %; ZrO2=0.1-10 wt. %; copper=10-50 wt. %; the first additive=0.1-10 wt. %; and the second additive=0.1-5 wt. %.

A method of making a metal oxide nanoparticle comprising contacting an aqueous solution of a metal salt with an oxidant. The method is safe, environmentally benign, and uses readily available precursors. The size of the nanoparticles, which can be as small as 1 nm or smaller, can be controlled by selecting appropriate conditions. The method is compatible with biologically derived scaffolds, such as virus particles chosen to bind a desired material. The resulting nanoparticles can be porous and provide advantageous properties as a catalyst.

A component part has a catalyst surface. This surface has metallic components and components of MnO2 (13) in contact with the former. The metallic components are preferably formed of Ag and/or Ni. These material pairs achieve a great improvement in catalyst action compared to the pure metals. Especially in the case of use of Ni, which is toxicologically safe, these surfaces, for example, may also find use in ambient air purification for reduction of the ozone content. The surface can be applied, for example, by a coating of the component part, in which case the metallic component and the component of MnO2 are applied in two layers.

A catalyst can be manufactured using a method which can include preparing a first aqueous solution including zirconium, filling the pores of the porous alumina with the aqueous solution by a pore-filling method using the capillary phenomenon, forming a zirconia layer in the pores of the porous alumina, preparing a second aqueous solution including noble metals, filling the pores of the porous alumina with the second aqueous solution by a pore-filling method using the capillary phenomenon, and drying and baking the porous alumina to carry the noble metals in the pores of the porous alumina formed with a zirconia layer.

The present invention relates to a catalyst for preparing carboxylic acids and/or carboxylic anhydrides, which has a plurality of catalyst zones arranged in series and has been produced using a vanadium antimonate having a maximum content of crystalline valentinite of 5% by weight. The present invention further relates to a process for gas-phase oxidation in which a gas stream comprising at least one hydrocarbon and molecular oxygen is passed through a catalyst which has a plurality of catalyst zones arranged in series and has been produced using a vanadium antimonate having a maximum content of crystalline valentinite of 5% by weight.

The present invention relates to a composite of a porous substrate and one-dimensional nanomaterial, which is manufactured by a hydrothermal method. The method for manufacturing the composite of the present invention is simple and low-cost, and the one-dimensional nanomaterial is homogeneously distributed on the porous substrate with tight binding at the interface. The present invention also relates to a surface-modified composite and a method for preparing the same. The composite of the present invention which is hydrophobically modified at the surface can adsorb organic solvents such as toluene, dichlorobenzene, petroleum ether and the like, and greases such as gasoline, lubricating oil, motor oil, crude oil and the like, with a weight adsorption ratio of >10.

The present invention provides a metal passivator/trap comprising a rare earth oxide dispersed on a matrix containing a calcined hydrous kaolin.

The present invention relates to a diesel oxidation catalyst comprising a carrier substrate, and a first washcoat layer disposed on the substrate, the first washcoat layer comprising palladium supported on a support material comprising a metal oxide, gold supported on a support material comprising a metal oxide, and a ceria comprising compound, as well as a process for the preparation of such catalyst.

This disclosure relates to a catalyst system adapted for transalkylation a C9+ aromatic feedstock with a C6-C7 aromatic feedstock, comprising: (a) a first catalyst comprising a first molecular sieve having a Constraint Index in the range of 3-12 and 0.01 to 5 wt. % of at least one source of a first metal element of Groups 6-10; and (b) a second catalyst comprising a second molecular sieve having a Constraint Index less than 3 and 0 to 5 wt. % of at least one source of a second metal element of Groups 6-10, wherein the weight ratio of the first catalyst over the second catalyst is in the range of 5:95 to 75:25 and wherein the first catalyst is located in front of the second catalyst when they are brought into contacting with the C9+ aromatic feedstock and the C6-C7 aromatic feedstock in the present of hydrogen.

The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for conversion of vegetable oils to hydrocarbon products in the diesel boiling range, comprising a porous support; Group III A or VA element in the range of 1-10 wt %; Group VI B elements in the range of 1 to 20 wt %; Group VIII B elements in range of 0.01 to 10 wt %. The present invention further provides the process for preparing the catalyst composition for conversion of vegetable oils to hydrocarbon products in the diesel boiling range. The present invention also provides the process for conversion of vegetable oils to hydrocarbon products in the diesel boiling range using the catalyst composition or discarded refinery spent hydro-treating catalyst.