6303 results about "Skin surfaces" patented technology

The invention relates to a preparation method and an application of multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric. The multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric is formed by successively arranging and laminating a metal foil reflection layer, a phase change temperature limitation layer, an interval composite membrane heat-insulation layer and a flame-retardant comfortable layer, wherein the metal foil reflection layer has high reflectivity and an enhanced heat-dissipation function; the phase change temperature limitation layer has functions of high energy consumption absorption and evenly-distributed heat conduction; the interval composite membrane heat-insulation layer has the functions of reflection insulation and even distribution of heat; and the flame-retardant comfortable layer has the functions of low-contact heat conduction, heat insulation and comfort. When the front side of the multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric is under the action of open fire and strong heat flow environment, the back side of the multistage-spreading heat-dissipation fire-proof heat-insulation composite fabric can be kept below 50DEG C which is near the safe temperature state of the human skin, and the integral structural form and the mechanical property are stable. The natural thickness of the composite fabric is 5-15mm, the compression thickness of the composite fabric is 3-8mm, and the square meter quality of the composite fabric is 400-1500g / m<2>. The composite fabric is fire-proof heat-insulation material which is totally sealed, stuck and sewn and can be used for individual protection and environment heat insulation in special high-temperature occasions, such as fire control, military, exploration, safe escape and industry and the like.

Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of:(a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained,(b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin,(c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood,(d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin,(e) retracting said lancet,(f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and(g) releasing the vacuum.In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises:(a) a housing having a sealable chamber located therein and a sealable opening in fluid communication with said sealable chamber,(b) a power source,(c) a vacuum pump operably connected to said power source, said vacuum pump in communication with said sealable chamber,(d) a lancing assembly positioned within said housing, said lancing assembly capable of moving a lancet towards said sealable opening, and(e) a fluid collector positioned in said sealable chamber, said fluid collector in fluid communication with said sealable opening.

A gesture recognition apparatus for recognizing postures or gestures of an object person based on images of the object person captured by cameras. The gesture recognition apparatus includes: a face / fingertip position detection means which detects a face position and a fingertip position of the object person in three-dimensional space based on contour information and human skin region information of the object person to be produced by the images captured; and a posture / gesture recognition means which operates to detect changes of the fingertip position by a predetermined method, to process the detected results by a previously stored method, to determine a posture or a gesture of the object person, and to recognize a posture or a gesture of the object person.

Described are devices, methods, and kits for non-invasively measuring glucose. In general, the devices comprise skin patches for placement on a skin surface and measurement devices for measuring glucose collected in the patches. The patches may include an adhesive material, a collection layer, an interface layer, and a sweat-permeable membrane. The sweat-permeable membrane is configured to act as a barrier to epidermal contaminants and glucose brought to the skin surface via diffusion. In this way, non-correlatable skin surface glucose will not be measured. The patches may further include components to induce a local sweat response. The measurement device typically includes a display, a processor, and a measurement mechanism. The methods typically include the steps of wiping the skin surface with a wipe containing at least one solvent for removing glucose, placing a patch on a skin surface, and measuring glucose collected in the patch. Kits comprising the patch and measurement device are also described.

Patch-type physiological monitoring apparatus, system and network are disclosed. The patch-type physiological monitoring apparatus includes at least a node, and at least a patch for attaching to a skin surface of a user and for supporting the node on the skin surface through joining therewith, wherein the node includes at least a signal I / O port for externally connecting to at least a sensor or electrode through a connecting wire so as to acquire a physiological signal, and a RF module for transmitting and receiving signal. The apparatus according to the present invention is of light weight and compact size and easily attached to human body through adhesive patches. Through a RF module, the system can wirelessly communicate with corresponding devices without additional wiring. Further, the system can utilize conventional electrodes, patch electrodes and electrode wiring to avoid extra cost for facilities' renewal and replacement.

Microneedle devices and methods of use thereof are provided for the enhanced transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue by improving the interaction of microneedles and a deformable, elastic biological barrier, such as human skin. The devices and methods act to (1) limit the elasticity, (2) adapt to the elasticity, (3) utilize alternate ways of creating the holes for the microneedles to penetrate the biological barrier, other than the simply direct pressure of the microneedle substrate to the barrier surface, or (4) any combination of these methods. In preferred embodiments for limiting the elasticity of skin, the microneedle device includes features suitable for stretching, pulling, or pinching the skin to present a more rigid, less deformable, surface in the area to which the microneedles are applied (i.e. penetrate). In a preferred embodiments for adapting the device to the elasticity of skin, the device comprising one or more extensions interposed between the substrate and the base end of at least a portion of the microneedles.

An applicator for applying functional substances, such as cosmetic powder, food color marking, India ink effect marks, or drugs into human skin, having a base, a plurality of microneedles fixed to and projecting from the base a distance only sufficient to penetrate into the stratum corneum or dermis, with the microneedles being of a material that is capable of disintegration and dispersion into the stratum corneum or dermis, such as maltose. The needles contain the functional substance for delivery into the stratum corneum or dermis. The microneedles are of a length approximately 0.5 to 500 μm when used to apply a functional substance to the stratum corneum, or are of a length of approximately 500 to 5,000 μm when used to apply a functional substance to the dermis.

The invention provides methods and apparatuses for the treatment of adipose tissue. The methods comprise application of ultrasound energy to a region of adipose tissue, and the apparatuses comprise at least one source of ultrasound energy configured to direct ultrasound energy through a skin surface into the subcutaneous adipose tissue. In one embodiment, a pressure gradient is created in the region generating relative movement between fat cell constituents having different densities. In another embodiment, a protrusion of skin and underlying adipose tissue containing is formed and ultrasound energy is radiated into the adipose tissue in the protrusion. In another embodiment, an RF electric field is generated inside a region of adipose tissue together with the ultrasound energy.

I have discovered cosmetic or topical pharmaceutical compositions for external body part or organ slimming, firming, cellulite reduction, fat-reduction, and obesity control benefits that are in synergistic combination with benefits for the treatment of skin aging, skin wrinkles reduction, skin exfoliating, treatment of acne, treatment of rosacea, age-spots reduction, skin surface whitening, skin surface brightening striae distensae (stretch marks) reduction, treatment of pimples, treatment of skin infections and lesions, spider veins reduction, blood microcirculation (venous insufficiency) improvement, UVA / UVB protection of skin, and skin redness reduction. These compositions thus provide multiple combinations of skin and external body part or organ enhancement benefits that can be selective and specific for external body parts and organs such as face, chin, cheeks, arms, "love handles" in abdomen area, eye lids and eye zone, neck, breasts, thighs, and hips. These compositions include a body beneficial composition selected from certain nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical ingredients, a composition to promote collagen and elastin synthesis in the skin, and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system.

In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic or immunizing treatment to a subject by applying non-invasive, user-friendly electrodes to the surface of the skin. Thus, therapeutic or immunizing agents can be delivered into cells of skin for local and systemic treatments or for immunization with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

A method for treating a tissue site couples an energy delivery surface of an electromagnetic energy delivery device with a skin surface. An underlying tissue area beneath the skin surface is created. The cooling creates a reverse thermal gradient, where a temperature of the skin surface is less than a temperature of the underlying tissue area. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to the underlying tissue area. The energy delivery modifies the underlying tissue area and decreases irregularities of the skin surface.

Adjustable gastric band implants contain a hollow elastomeric balloon with fixed end points encircling a patient's stomach just inferior to the esophago-gastric junction. These balloons can expand and contract through the introduction of saline solution into the balloon. In current bands, this saline solution must be injected into a subcutaneous port with a needle to reach the port located below the skin surface. The port communicates hydraulically with the band via a catheter. As an alternative to using a percutaneously accessed injection port, a system for regulating the flow of saline that is totally implanted may rely upon bi-directionally pumping fluid from an implant device. This system instead transfers AC magnetic flux energy from an external primary coil to a secondary coil that powers the pump in the implanted reservoir. A magnetically permeable rod centered within the primary coil increases power coupled to the secondary coil.

A hearing-aid device and a method for transmitting sound through bone conduction are disclosed. The hearing-aid device comprises a piezoelectric-type actuator, housing and connector. The piezoelectric actuator is preferably a circular flextensional-type actuator mounted along its peripheral edge in a specifically designed circular structure of the housing. During operation, the bone-conduction transducer is placed against the mastoid area behind the ear of the patient. When the device is energized with an alternating electrical voltage, it flexes back and forth like a circular membrane sustained along its periphery and thus, vibrates as a consequence of the inverse piezoelectric effect. Due to the specific and unique designs proposed, these vibrations are directly transferred trough the human skin to the bone structure (the skull) and provide a means for the sound to be transmitted for patients with hearing malfunctions. The housing acts as a holder for the actuators, as a pre-stress application platform, and as a mass which tailors the frequency spectrum of the device. The apparatus exhibits a performance with a very flat response in the frequency spectrum 200 Hz to 10 kHz, which is a greater spectrum range than any other prior art devices disclosed for bone-conduction transduction which are typically limited to less than 4 kHz.

A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a casing which is pressed against a skin surface to produce a seal therewith. A cocking mechanism is pulled rearwardly to place a lancing device in a cocked state. By releasing a trigger, the lancing device is driven forward to produce an incision in the skin, and then is retracted out of the incision. A plunger mounted on the cocking mechanism is then retracted to generate a negative pressure at the front end of the casing to draw body fluid from the incision.

A method (100) of locating human faces, if present, in a cluttered scene captured on a digital image (105) is disclosed. The method (100) relies on a two step process, the first being the detection of segments with a high probability of being human skin in the color image (105), and to then determine a bounday box, or other boundary indication, to border each of those segments. The second step (140) is the analysis of features within each of those boundary boxes to determine which of the segments are likely to be a human face. As human skin is not highly textured, in order to detect segments with a high probability of being human skin, a binary texture map (121) is formed from the image (105), and segments having high texture are discarded.

A packaging system and method which provides at least one tray or nest, having a number of wells and ribs to position and secure a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device having one or more patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly within the device and upon which a disk, or Belleville spring assembly applies an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents. The device further provides for the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles a patient's skin surface to establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents.

The human body is decorated with highly detailed, multicolored, personalized designs using Wirejet(TM) or electronically controlled ink ejection or similar printing technology. The designs are applied to the epidermal and upper dermal skin layers and last for at least several weeks. The decoration is produced by a print head comprising Wirejet(TM) nozzles, which spray biocompatible inks or dyes onto the skin. The Wirejet(TM) may be connected to a scanning mechanism to scan in one, two, or three directions. The decorations can be applied to contoured skin surfaces following flattening against a screen of intersecting wires, by robotic arm, or using z-axis technology. A computer stores the desired design and controls the firing of the Wirejet(TM) to produce the desired decoration or tattoo.

Biocompatible materials are propelled at the skin with sufficient velocity to cause desired resurfacing of skin layers to the desired penetration depth. The materials, such as dry ice or water ice, are harmonious with the human body and thus eliminate foreign body reactions. Various materials may be used in combination, including local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors in solid or liquid form. The biocompatible solid or liquid particles are suspended in a cold carrier fluid and propelled through an insulated delivery system to the surface of the skin. The treatment of diseased skin lesions may be accomplished using the present invention as a drug delivery system.

A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.

An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.

A method of delivery of a substance to a human subject's skin comprising deposition into a specific compartment of the skin, wherein the delivery occurs at a controlled rate and pressure. The methods of the invention provide accurate deposition of s pre-selected volume of the substance, e.g., greater than 90% of the pre-selected volume. The methods of the invention encompass varying one or more parameters including but not limited to configurations of the delivery device, volume, pressure, and flow rate of delivery, to enhance the efficacy of delivery of the substance to the human skin. Substances delivered in accordance with the methods of the invention result in a more efficacious deposition of the substance into the targeted compartment, improved delivery performance, i.e., completeness of delivery as measured by quantification of the substance not delivered or the amount of the substance leaked out from the injection site, and enhanced safety as measured by the occurrence of minimal adverse cutaneous events at the site of injection.

A portal access device that is adapted to provide long term access to a port implanted in a patient has two major components, an infuser assembly and a safety needle insertion device. The infuser assembly has an infuser housing that can be configured into a specific shape, for example a dome. A blunt cannula is attached to and extends downwardly from the underside of the infuser housing. Also connected to the infuser housing, preferably at a side thereof, is a tubing or catheter. The safety needle inserter assembly has a base having a proximal portion that is configured to form fit over the infuser housing. At the distal portion of the base uprights are provided so that a second end of an arm, to which first end a needle or a sharp cannula is connected, may be movably and hingedly connected to the base. The sharp cannula extends from the underside of the proximal end of the arm and passes through the base by way of a bore formed at the proximal portion of the base. The bore is defined between an opening at the underside of the base and an opening at the upper surface of the base. Locking mechanisms are provided at the base uprights and the distal end of the arm so that when the arm is moved away from the base, and as the distal end of the arm pivots about the uprights, the respective locking mechanisms provided at the arm and the base would coact to lock the arm in place, to thereby maintain the tip of the needle within the bore formed in the base. To use, the safety needle inserter is placed over the infuser assembly, with the sharp cannula extending through the infuser housing and axially mating with the blunt cannula of the infuser assembly, but with the tip of the sharp cannula protruding beyond the tip of the blunt cannula. The combined needle inserter / infuser assembly is pressed down onto the skin surface of the patient so that the combination sharp / blunt cannulas penetrate the patient and puncture the self-sealing septum of a portal reservoir implanted in the patient. Once the safety needle inserter is removed from the infuser assembly, with the infuser housing septum being self-sealing, a closed fluid communication path is established between the portal reservoir and a fluid store that may be connected to the catheter of the infuser assembly. Long term access of the implanted portal reservoir is thereby achieved.

An applicator used to apply microneedle arrays to a mammal. An applicator capable of sensing a controlled distance from a skin surface and propelling a microneedle array across this distance and into the skin surface is disclosed. A method of applying a microneedle array to a skin surface by placing the microneedle array a predetermined distance away from the skin surface and propelling the microneedle array into the skin surface is disclosed.

One or more reflectance modifying agent (RMA) such as a pigmented cosmetic agent is applied selectively and precisely with a controlled spray to human skin according to local skin reflectance or texture attributes. One embodiment uses digital control based on the analysis of a camera images. Another embodiment, utilizes a calibrated scanning device comprising a plurality of LEDs and photodiode sensors to correct reflectance readings to compensate for device distance and orientation relative to the skin. Ranges of desired RMA application parameters of high luminance RMA, selectively applied to middle spatial frequency features, at low opacity or application density are each be significantly different from conventional cosmetic practice. The ranges are complementary and the use of all three techniques in combination provides a surprisingly effective result which preserves natural beauty while applying a minimum amount of cosmetic agent.

Topically applicable pharmaceutical / dermatological / cosmetic compositions well suited for the therapeutic treatment or care of sensitive human skin, hair, mucous membranes, nails and / or the scalp, in particular for reducing or avoiding the skin-irritant side effects of a variety of bioactive agents, for example the alpha -hydroxy acids, comprise a therapeutically / cosmetically effective amount of at least one calcitonin gene related peptide ("CGRP") antagonist, e.g., CGRP 8-37 or an anti-CGRP antibody.