152results about How to "Better conform" patented technology

An outer cover for use with an absorbent article having a layer of nonwoven fibrous material and optionally including a polymeric layer laminated or printed onto the layer of nonwoven fibrous material. The outer cover includes at least one plastic component and at least one elastic component in the nonwoven fibrous material and / or optional polymeric layer. The outer cover can have different structural combinations of spunbond fibers, meltblown fibers, and / or nanofibers. The combination of plastic and elastic components results in an outer cover that has favorable mechanical, physical, and aesthetic properties. The outer cover can be rendered either uniaxially or biaxially stretchable via a mechanical activation process.

An assembly structured to introduce a trocar or other medical instrumentation into a body cavity through an entry site formed in the cavity wall. The introducer assembly includes a base formed of a semi-rigid, flexible and / or a semi-flexible material having an instrument receiving passage extending there through, and further including an exterior sealing surface extending between proximal and distal portions of the base. The sealing surface has a predetermined configuration which is shaped to conform to the shape of the entry site as the base passes into the entry site. A fluid restricting seal is thereby established between the exterior of the base and the peripheral tissue surrounding the entry site, particularly when the entry site is formed by an incision commonly utilized an open laparoscopic procedure.

A method for coating a medical device with a drug is provided. Energy, preferably thermal energy, is applied to a crystalline deposit of a drug on the surface of a medical device to increase the molecular mobility and form a conformable drug coating with a low density of micro-cracks and other mechanical defects that can degrade the coating toughness and effective adhesion to the device surface. In a preferred embodiment, solution evaporation methods are used to deposit a crystalline coating of an anti-inflammatory steroid on a medical electrode. Heat applied at a controlled temperature, for a predetermined amount of time, induces a solid-state phase change of the drug coating providing a smooth, uniform, well-attached, conformable coating to form a layer that will elute from the electrode over time when implanted in a patient's body.

A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting tread portion, a reinforced annular band disposed radially inward of the tread portion, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the reinforced annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The reinforced annular band comprises an elastomeric shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the elastomeric shear layer and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the elastomeric shear layer. Each of the membranes has a longitudinal tensile modulus sufficiently greater than the shear modulus of the shear layer, and a longitudinal compression modulus of a second membrane is at least equal to the longitudinal tensile modulus of a first membrane so that when under load the ground contacting portion of the tire deforms to a flat contact region through shear strain in the shear layer while maintaining constant the length of the membranes. The web spokes transmit load forces between the annular band and the hub through tension in the web spokes not connected to the ground contacting portion of the tire.

A structurally supported tire includes an outer annular band, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The annular band may further comprise a shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the shear layer, and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the shear layer. A preferred web spoke has a cutaway section transverse to the annular band. The cutaway section has a profile formed by straight line segments joined by a blending radius. The profile of the cutaway comprises a height and a maximum depth greater than five percent of the height and less than thirty percent of the maximum width. The profile has an angle alpha formed by a line tangent to the profile relative to the horizontal at least equal to ten degrees at the radially outermost and radially innermost extent of said profile. The minimum radius of curvature of the profile is at least equal to twenty percent of the height of the cutaway section.

A continuous passive motion apparatus for therapeutic treatment of the fingers of a patient's hand that includes a forearm hand splint. A drive unit is mounted on a palmer aspect of the splint and incorporates a motorized drive tube actuatable over a selectable range of motion. A flexion and extension assembly is connected to the tube and includes at least one finger motion assembly. The finger motion assembly is pivotally interconnected to a proximal end of the drive tube by a coupler adapted to enable movement in at least 2 degrees of freedom relative to the coupler. The coupler is further adapted to releasably engage the at least one finger motion assembly after adjustment to optimally accommodate the anatomical arrangement, size, and range and path of motion of the fingers. The finger motion assembly includes a resilient prime mover selected to be repeatedly bendable without damage but with a bend memory so that it can be adjusted to have an angle of up to about 90 degrees. In variations of the exemplary embodiment, the prime mover is interconnected to the coupler by at least one pivot ball received within the coupler and configured to move about multiple axes of motion. At least one finger splint is releasably connected to a distal end of the finger motion assembly and is adapted to receive a distal phalanx of the finger. The finger splint is preferably formed from a flexible sheet material that incorporates one or more stiffening, bend memory, and hypo-allergenic adhesive layers.

A structurally supported tire includes an outer annular band, and a plurality of web spokes extending transversely across and radially inward from the annular band and anchored in a wheel or hub. The annular band may further comprise a shear layer, at least a first membrane adhered to the radially inward extent of the shear layer, and at least a second membrane adhered to the radially outward extent of the shear layer. A preferred web spoke has a cutaway section transverse to the annular band. The cutaway section has a profile formed by straight line segments joined by a blending radius. The profile of the cutaway comprises a height and a maximum depth greater than five percent of the height and less than thirty percent of the maximum width. The profile has an angle alpha formed by a line tangent to the profile relative to the horizontal at least equal to ten degrees at the radially outermost and radially innermost extent of said profile. The minimum radius of curvature of the profile is at least equal to twenty percent of the height of the cutaway section.

An article (20) comprises a deformation-control member which can include an extending medial section (38), and a selected stiffened region (34). The stiffened region (34) can include a first array (40) of individual, stiffening elements (35), and at least a second array (50) of individual, stiffening elements (37). In particular features, each of the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements can have a convergently arranged nose-end (70, 78), and a relatively divergently arranged tail-end (74, 80). In another feature, the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements (35, 37) can be configured to substantially avoid intersecting in the medial section (38) of the deformation-control member. In a further feature, the second array (50) of stiffening elements (37) can have a counter-positioned configuration relative to the first array (40) of stiffening elements (35).

An integrated nasal mask is adapted for delivering gas to a patient and comprises a mask body and a pair of elongate nostril-engaging stems. The mask body is generally triangularly shaped and includes a nasal opening sized and configured to substantially envelope a patient's nose. The nasal opening opens to a nasal cavity. The nostril-engaging stems extend outwardly from the nasal cavity. Each one of the stems defines a fluid passageway for delivering gas to the patient's nose and for allowing discharge of exhalation gasses during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle.

A method of percutaneously delivering a multi-layered stent assembly to a desired implantation location of a patient including the steps of radially compressing a multi-layered stent assembly to a compressed size for implantation in a patient, the multi-layered stent assembly including a first stent, a second stent coaxially positioned within at least a portion of a length of the first stent, and a valve, wherein the first stent comprises at least one different material property than the second stent. The method further includes delivering the multi-layered stent assembly to the desired implantation location of the patient using a delivery system and substantially simultaneously expanding the first stent and the second stent of the multi-layered stent assembly at the desired implantation location to a radially expanded size that is larger than the compressed size.

An interface system (1) comprising one or more linkage member(s) (30, 48, 49, 51, 52, 61) that have the purpose of retaining an individual's foot / ankle (either bare or covered) on a sports article. The system (1) comprises a rigid base structure (4) a having lateral edge (7) and medial edge (10), and heel loop portion (73); one or more pliable linkage members (30, 48, 49, 51, 52, 61) that wrap around the user's foot / ankle or boot and are tensionably adjustable and disconnectable.

Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and / or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about −5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a cooled surface that is at least 3 cm in width. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a fitting system for a helmet is provided. The fitting system includes a belt having supported racks coupled to a belt adjustment device. The belt adjustment device is operable to allow a user to tighten the belt, and release the belt at a single touch of a release actuator. The belt adjustment device and the racks are configured to hug the occiput of a user when the helmet is properly worn. The belt adjustment device is also operable to hold the rear straps of the helmet apart but is not attached to the helmet. The belt defines a collapsible button for securing a pad. The pad defines a substantially lateral compressed strip that is operable to urge the pad against the belt. The belt adjustment device and the belt are configured to allow rear straps of the helmet to approximately directly approach the chin of the user.

Methods and apparatuses for transdermal electrical stimulation. Described herein are single-use or limited-use TES apparatuses and methods of using them that include an integrated (e.g., flex-circuit) electrode assembly and controller apparatus including a waveform generator and power supply. Also described herein are TES apparatuses including a cord or wire having current control circuitry and configured to connect a mobile computing device (e.g., smartphone or wearable electronics) to an electrode assembly. Finally, also described herein are intermediate apparatuses including a flex-circuit electrode assembly including a waveform generator but receiving power from a cable connected to a mobile computing device.

A pack comprising a pack body, straps, a sleeve attached to the body, and a lumbar sacral support contained in the sleeve and supporting at least a portion of a weight of the pack when secured about a torso of a user and tightened. A frame can be attached to the body having frame members with lower portions and a band around the lower portions. The sleeve can be attached to the band by a pivot pin. The lumbar sacral support can comprise a pair of support body segments, each having an inner end portion and a front end with the front ends detachably connectable to each other; and a mechanical advantage device bridging together the inner end portions to form a belt. The mechanical advantage device include a cable rove around two banks of pulleys which are attached to the front end portions of the support body segments.

Cosmetic method and apparatus are provided that can provide cooling and / or freezing of skin tissue proximal to the skin surface to generate an appearance of lightening or reduced pigmentation in the skin. The skin can be cooled to a temperature of less than about −5 degrees Celsius for a duration of about one minute or less, using a cooled surface that is at least 3 cm in width. A cooling arrangement can be provided to provide controlled heat removal from the skin tissue being treated. A sensor can optionally be provided to detect freezing of tissue proximal to the cooled surface.

The present invention relates to an automated coaching system for financial modeling and counseling system. The automated coaching system enables the user to analyze the user's investment portfolio and dispense context sensitive automated advice to the user based on the user inputted financial data, preferences and financial goals. The automated coaching provides its advice to the user in syntactically correct natural language coaching strings and is able to configure and recommend solutions and financial products, specific to the user's situation. Furthermore, the automated coaching system can analyses the impact of the recommended product on the user's financial model.

An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame / leaf structure to provide centering support and / or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and / or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

The present invention provides a watch band construction which includes a top layer, a bottom layer and an insert. The top and bottom layers each have an aperture provided proximate to the tip ends thereof. The insert is positioned between the top and bottom layers within the apertures and is stitched to the top and bottom layers to secure the insert between the top and bottom layers. The insert provides the tip for the watch band, as well as the holes through which the buckle prong extends. The tip may be formed with raised portions and the holes may be formed with angled walls at the bottom of the insert. The insert is formed with a curve bias along both a length and width thereof. The insert is formed of a sturdy material, such as resin, such that it is durable and long lasting in the areas of high wear.

A tray-shaped dental treatment device includes a moisture-resistant barrier layer having a front side wall and a bottom wall, and a dental treatment composition. In addition, the tray-shaped dental treatment device includes at least one of the following anatomical features to enhance the fit of the device: (1) the bottom wall includes a plurality of cuts positioned to help the bottom wall better conform to abrupt changes in the diameters of a person's teeth where the bicuspids and canines meet, or (2) the bottom wall includes at least one V-shaped or U-shaped indentation configured to be inserted into the depression typically found along the top surfaces of a person's molars, or (3) the front side wall and bottom wall include radii of curvature that account for typical flaring of a patient's incisors.

According to one embodiment, a method of forming a custom fitted mask configured for coupling to an external gas supply system includes applying a first sheet of deformable material against a contact portion of a user's face surrounding the user's nostrils while the first sheet is in a deformable state. The first sheet is deformed against the contact portion of the user's face to cause the first sheet to conform substantially optimally to the user's unique facial features. A second sheet of deformable material is configured around a contact portion of a fitting adapted for coupling to the external gas supply system. The second sheet is applied against a contact portion of the first sheet while the second sheet is in a deformable state such that the fitting is positioned between the first and second sheets. The second sheet is deformed against the contact portion of the first sheet with the fitting positioned between the first and second sheets to cause the second sheet to conform substantially optimally to the contact portion of the first sheet. The second sheet is allowed to bond to the contact portion of the first sheet to form the custom fitted mask.

According to one embodiment, a custom fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material that has been formed and fitted to a portion of a user's face surrounding the user's nostrils to conform substantially optimally to the user's unique facial features. The portion of the user's face includes only soft cartilaginous portions of the user's nose and portions of the user's face on either side of and below the soft cartilaginous portions of the user's nose. The portion of the user's face excludes hard bony portions of the user's nose generally above the soft cartilaginous portions of the user's nose. According to another embodiment, a mask blank for using in forming a custom fitted mask includes a thin sheet of deformable material adapted to be transitioned from a non-deformable state into a deformable state, applied against at least a portion of a user's face surrounding the user's nostrils while the mask blank is in the deformable state, and deformed against the portion of the user's face to cause the mask blank to conform substantially optimally to the user's unique facial features to form the custom fitted mask.

An article (20) comprises a deformation-control member which can include an extending medial section (38), and a selected stiffened region (34). The stiffened region (34) can include a first array (40) of individual, stiffening elements (35), and at least a second array (50) of individual, stiffening elements (37). In particular features, each of the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements can have a convergently arranged nose-end (70, 78), and a relatively divergently arranged tail-end (74, 80). In another feature, the first and second arrays (40, 50) of stiffening elements (35, 37) can be configured to substantially avoid intersecting in the medial section (38) of the deformation-control member. In a further feature, the second array (50) of stiffening elements (37) can have a counter-positioned configuration relative to the first array (40) of stiffening elements (35).

The present invention relates to novel processes and compositions for protecting drugs, especially water soluble drugs in aqueous environments. More specifically, this process entails coating drugs with a controlled phase composition wax / lipid middle layer for controlling migration of the drug toward the composition's surface during preparation and a polymeric outer layer.

An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame / leaf structure to provide centering support and / or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and / or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.