An optical disc having a region with pre-recorded data and a recordable region, a method of fabricating the disc, a stamper for forming a disc master, and a recording device for use with the disc are disclosed. Data recorded in the recordable region may be used for activation of the disc, providing unique identification or enhancing program content on the disc.

A wireless media player and a related system and methodology are disclosed. One aspect of the wireless media player system pertains to a virtual connector system, apparatus, and method for the automatic establishment of wireless connectivity with other electronic devices. In one embodiment, the media player device employs the use of integrated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to exchange communication settings, media capability, and other parameters with an external device that also has integrated RFID technology. The automatic exchange of settings and other information via a proximity-based RFID data exchange allows a media player to quickly establish a secure communication link with another device via a commonly supported wireless protocol such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) or Bluetooth. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a method of using the captured media capability of the connecting device to customize certain menu options and software parameters in the media player.

An apparatus for compensating for pixel distortion while reproducing hologram data includes an extraction unit, a determination and calculation unit, a table, and a compensation unit. The extraction unit extracts a reproduced data image from a reproduced image frame including the reproduced data image and borders. The determination and calculation unit determines position values of edges of the extracted reproduced data image, and calculates average magnification error values of pixels within line data from position values of start and end point pixels thereof, which are based on the determined position values of the edges. The table stores misalignment compensation values for the pixels within the line data, wherein the misalignment compensation values correspond to predetermined references for average magnification error values. The compensation unit compensates for pixel positions in the extracted reproduced data image using the misalignment compensation values that correspond to the calculated average magnification error values.

A method of storing data includes providing a write signal for a write head of a hard disk drive, generating a transition pulse signal derived from the write signal using a transition pulse generator, and generating a logic signal to drive a thermal source associated with the write head of the hard disk drive. The logic signal includes the logical summation of a cyclical base pulse signal and the transition pulse signal.

A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, wherein the head comprises a laser configured to heat the disk while writing data to the disk. A temperature is measured, and a first input power is generated based on a first function of the measured temperature, wherein the first function compensates for a temperature dependent output power of the laser. A second input power is generated based on a second function of the measured temperature, wherein the second function compensates for a temperature dependent coercivity of the disk. The first input power is combined with the second input power to generate a write power applied to the laser while writing data to the disk.

The present invention relates to a plasmon generator, in which a surface plasmon is excited by application of light. The plasmon generator extends along one direction. The plasmon generator includes a first end surface that is positioned on one end in the one direction and at which near-field light is generated along with the excitation of the plasmon; and a second cross section that is substantially parallel to the first end surface and is away from the first end surface. The first end surface has a polygonal shape that does not have a substantially acute inner angle. The second cross section has an upper part that has a shape substantially the same as or similar to that of the first end surface and a flare shaped lower part that is connected to the upper part and has a width that increases as it is far from the upper part.

In a heat-assisted magnetic recording hard disk drive, one or more thermally conductive features are incorporated to assist with dissipation of heat from a laser module that comprises a laser and a submount. The submount may be coupled to the slider with solder covering a wider adhesive area for enhanced conduction of heat away from the laser module and to the slider, one or both of the submount and the laser may include a surface coating that increases the thermal radiation of the corresponding component, and/or one or both of the submount and the laser may include fins configured to transfer heat from the corresponding component. Further, a HAMR HGA may be configured such that the submount is coupled directly to the suspension flexure using a thermally conductive material, for conduction of heat away from the laser module and to the flexure.

A mark having a length nT (n being an integer equal to or greater than 3 and T being a clock period) is formed by modulating irradiation laser power with three values of recording power Pw, erase power Pe, and bias power Pb (Pw>Pe>Pb). Constant strength periods (At) of the recording power Pw are set as AtT, A1T, . . . , and AmT and constant strength periods (B) of the bias power Pb are set as BtT, B1T, . . . , BmT, and CT (C=−1 to 3). The application of laser is divided into pulses in order of AtT, BtT, A1T, B1T, . . . , AmT, BmT, and CT (m=(n−k)/2, k=3 (if n is an odd number), or k=4 (if n is an even number)). (Here, the constant strength period of the recording power Pw for n=3, n=4, n≧5 (odd number), and n≧6 (even number) is set as At3, At4, Atod, and Atev, the constant strength period of the bias power Pb for n=3, n=4, n≧5 (odd number), and n≧6 (even number) is set as Bt3, Bt4, Btod, and Btev, and then, At3+Bt3=Atod+Btod=Am+Bm=2T and At4+Bt4=Atev+Btev=3T).

In an optical information recording device and optical information recording method for angularly multiplexing and recording data on pages on the same recording region on a hologram disk, data on each page is sequentially generated by sequentially dividing input data in predetermined units, the pages to be recorded on the same recording region are divided into page groups so that pages to be recorded adjacently by the angular multiplexing may not belong to the same group, each page group is individually subjected to inter-page coding processing for computing an error-correcting code and adding the computed error-correcting code, and data on the pages subjected to the inter-page coding processing is angularly multiplexed and recorded on the hologram disk.

An optical disc having a region with pre-recorded data and a recordable region, a method of fabricating the disc, a stamper for forming a disc master, and a recording device for use with the disc are disclosed. Data recorded in the recordable region may be used for activation of the disc, providing unique identification or enhancing program content on the disc.

An apparatus includes a near-field transducer at or near an air bearing surface of the apparatus. A write pole is disposed at or near the air bearing surface and proximate the near-field transducer, respectively. A thermal sensor is disposed at the air bearing surface and within a protrusion region of the air bearing surface defined relative to at least one of the near-field transducer and the write pole. The thermal sensor is configured to produce a signal indicative of a temperature at the protrusion region.

Techniques are provided for increasing spectral efficiency over data channels in a storage or communication system. In some embodiments, data may be encoded and transmitted over multiple channels. The transmitted data from the multiple channels may be considered together as a channel bundle, thereby increasing the edge transitions of the group of signals to improve clock recovery and reduce coding constraints. In some embodiments, the channel bit size is reduced to maximize data rates based on the reduced coding constraints. Furthermore, the channel bundle has only one channel with timing markers, so that a receiver may receive information from the channel bundle and recover clocking based on the timing markers in the one channel.

The invention relates to recording on a medium, and in particular, to laser control during recording data on an optical medium. A laser control method for dynamically adjusting laser power during recording data onto an optical disc comprises: recording normal data onto the optical disc according to an initial laser power; stopping recording when a trigger is generated; reading back the recorded normal data and generating a first recording quality index; recording a test pattern at a test pattern starting point according to a selected laser power; reading back the test pattern and generating a second recording quality index; and determining an adaptive laser power to continually record the normal data according to the first recording quality index and the second recording quality index.

An near-field light device (100) is provided with: a first electrode layer (123) having a protruding portion (123a); a second electrode layer (121); and a light emitting layer (122), the protruding portion protrudes along a predetermined direction (Y axis direction) to be capable of extracting energy which is caused by emission of light at the light emitting layer, the predetermined direction intersects with a laminated direction (X axis direction) of the near-field light device, an edge surface of at least one portion of the projection portion is located at more outward side in the optical device than an edge surface of the second electrode layer is.

A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification.

The relative health of data storage drives may be determined based, at least in some aspects, on data access information and/or other drive operation information. In some examples, upon receiving the operation information from a computing device, a health level of a drive may be determined. The health level determination may be based at least in part on operating information received from a client entity. Additionally, a storage space allocation instruction or operation may be determined for execution. The allocation instruction or operation determined to be performed may be based at least in part on the determined health level.

In a heat-assisted magnetic recording head for use in a hard disk drive, a thermal shunt is positioned between an E-antenna near field transducer (NFT) and a return pole, to draw excess heat away from the NFT region. The thermal shunt comprises two portions separated by a gap that has a trapezoidal cross-section, where the NFT-side of the gap is wider than the return pole-side of the gap.

An apparatus includes a writer, an arrangement comprising a plasmonic near-field transducer (NFT) adjacent the writer and comprising a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), and a lead arrangement connected to the NFT arrangement. In some configurations, the NFT arrangement includes a heat sink, and the lead arrangement is connected to the heat sink. In other configurations, the lead arrangement is connected directly to the NFT.

A servo processor for an optical disk drive is provided that includes: an analog-to-digital converter for converting versions of photodetector output signals into digital signals; and a digital signal processor configured to receive the digital signals, the digital signal processor being further configured to determine a focus error signal (FES) and a tracking error signal (TES) from the digital signals, the digital signal processor being further configured to process TES and FES through servo algorithms to produce tracking and focus control signals.

An adjustable immobilizing joint brace has a pair of opposed, spaced apart first supports for supporting and immobilizing a joint. Each first support has a pair of first joint holes proximate a first end. One of the holes of the pair of first joint holes is spaced further from the first end of the first support than the other hole. A pair of opposed, spaced apart second supports has two opposed sides. Each second support has a pair of second joint holes proximate a joint end. The pair of second joint holes can be aligned with and attached to the pair of first joint holes on either side of the first support to form different angles of attachment between the first supports and the second supports depending on the orientation of the first supports relative to the orientation of the second supports.

A splint system includes a first base member including at least one connector portion. A second base member including at least one connector portion having a cavity, wherein an interior surface of the cavity includes slidable portions and coupling portions, the first and second base members being aligned to form a longitudinal passage. A shaft member is disposed in the longitudinal passage, and when the coupling portions of the shaft member align with the coupling portions of the second base member, the first and second base members are fixed relative to each other.

A device and method for using the device arranged to maintain anatomical alignment between a joint by creating a dynamic load around the joint to restore and maintain the anatomical alignment. The orthotic device uses a hinge to create a directed force on a tibia by maintaining misalignment of an instant center of rotation (ICoR) of the hinge at a position relative to an anatomical knee joint.

Orthopedic devices, systems, and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, an orthopedic device intended for use with at least one moveable body part of a user may comprise a tubular body forming an interior surface and an exterior surface. The tubular body may include at least one opening and one or more shrinkable materials. The tubular body may be moveable between a first position, wherein the tubular body is configured to at least partially receive and at least partially surround the at least one moveable body part of the user, and a second position, wherein one or more portions of the tubular body are configured to generally conform to and at least partially restrict movement of the at least one moveable body part in one or more directions. The tubular body may be configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a treatment.

This application presents retention devices that afford the user quick and easy placement. These retention devices may accommodate objects of various shapes and sizes. The device provides sturdy means for retaining and securing an object to a surface without the need to handle and position flaps of tape. The device allows easy removal from the retained object without adhesives directly contacting or damaging it sensitive surfaces. The retention described here may be used to quickly secure anatomic structures during operations, such as securing the penis against the abdomen during vasectomy, without causing discomfort or damage to sensitive skin during application or removal.

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 ankle brace is provided that includes (a) a boot assembly having a semi-rigid or rigid support, (b) an adjustable stirrup configured to go under the arch of a wearer's foot, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism configured to tighten the adjustable stirrup and pull it upward.

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.

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.

A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug and a cover for covering the wound surface and the plug, wherein said plug consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer, one second surface layer and one intermediate space arranged between said surface layers. At least the first surface layer is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space is provided with isolating threads elastically holding the first surface layer and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.

An orthopedic device has a main body panel including a longitudinal length with a curved cross-section, and opposed lateral and medial sides. A posterior panel is secured to the lateral and medial sides of the main body panel, and is sized longitudinally shorter than the main body panel in a non-stretched condition. The posterior panel is secured to the main body panel in a pretensioned condition and spans the longitudinal length of the main body panel along the lateral and medial sides thereof.

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.

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.