Abstract: Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made form shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.

Abstract: A fluid connector for a compression system for improving venous blood flow in a patient provides a continuous fluid passageway between a source of pressurized fluid and a plurality of inflatable chambers in an elongated pressure sleeve. The connector includes a flexible conduit comprising a plurality of elongate hollow tubes having a corresponding plurality of fittings attached at one end of the conduit. The fittings form a fluid-tight seal between the conduit and a corresponding plurality of outlet ports communicating with the source of pressurized fluid. A grip portion is provided adjacent the end of the conduit. The grip portion is releasably attached to the source of pressurized fluid and grips the conduit securely between adjacent tubes such that the fittings move freely and independently relative to the grip portion. In this manner, leakage of the pressurized fluid and contamination of the fluid stream is minimized, while stresses induced in the conduit are not transferred to the fittings.

Abstract: A spinal column fixation device and method is disclosed. Generally, the device contains a pedicle screw that has a first and second end. The first end of the screw has a threaded portion and the second end has a spherical handle. Also included will be a clamping apparatus that will clamp onto the spherical handle ends as well as having a receiving portion for placement of interconnecting rods. A novel intra-vertebral body wedge is also included. Further, a method of stabilizing motion of a plurality of involved spinal diseased vertebrae with the spinal column fixation device and wedge has been claimed.

Abstract: A heart massager for substernal heart massage is disclosed. The heart massager has a heart-contacting member having a surface which is at least partially concave for contacting the heart, cushioning on the surface of the contact member, and a handle attached to the heart-contacting member for manually manipulating the massager. The partially concave surface allows the heart-contacting member to conform to the shape of the heart. The handle is substantially upright with respect to the surface of the heart-contacting member. The handle is significantly offset from a central portion of the heart-contacting member in the region where it attaches to the member. The cushioning covers substantially the entire surface of the heart-contacting member so as to form a solid surface.

Abstract: A massage appliance has a container which is moved in contact with the body of the massaged person and a handle connected with the container by a fork and pivot bearing arrangement such that the container can pivot about one axis with a swinging movement and rotate about another axis. A torsion spring restores the position of the container relative to the handle and a suction pipe is connected to the container so that suction can be applied concurrently with massage.

Abstract: A heart massager for substernal heart massage is disclosed. The heart massager utilizes a heart-contacting member adapted for insertion into a thoracic cavity for directly contacting the heart and a handle attached thereto for manually manipulating the apparatus. The heart-contacting member includes a cup having one end which is open and which receives the handle, and another end which is closed by an at least partially concave-shaped diaphragm which forms a heart contacting surface and allows the member to conform to the shape of the heart's surface. The ends of the cup are joined by a flexible sidewall which flares outward from the handle in its operative state. The cup's flexible sidewall allows the heart-contacting member to collapse so that it can be inserted into a relatively small incision in the chest cavity. After the heart-contacting member is inserted, fluid pressure is applied to the inside of the cup, thereby causing it to expand into its operative state.

Abstract: A kneader massager includes a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, each upper and lower portion partially defining a power transmission chamber having at least one opening. Also included is least one pair of massaging members for massaging the skin of a user, with each such pair of massaging members being mounted in the chamber for reciprocating movement relative to each other, and extending through the at least one opening in the housing. A motor is provided for powering the massaging members and is disposed in the power transmission chamber, and a drive assembly is also disposed in the power transmission chamber for transmitting power from the motor to the massaging members to move each pair of the massaging members between a relaxed position and a pressing position relative to each other. A principal feature of the present invention is the provision of a dwell feature in the drive assembly for periodically prolonging the massaging members in said pressing position.

Abstract: Portable therapeutic devices and methods for employing them are provided by this invention. The devices include a flexible containment bag including a fluid chamber containing a fluid medium and a self-contained pumping means disposed within the device for causing the fluid medium to circulate within the fluid chamber to provide a therapeutic effect upon contacting the device with a patient. In preferred embodiments of this invention, integral electromagnetic transducer assemblies are employed to create a pumping action within serpentine fluid channels, and solid state heat pumps are employed to control the temperature of the fluid during therapy. The devices of this invention are ideal for treating lower back pain and post-operative conditions associated with spinal surgery, as well as veterinarian treatments.

Abstract: A drill guide for marking a proper location of a bone tunnel for arthroseopic surgery, provided with a marking hook designed to reference the posterior cruciate ligament. The marking hook includes a slot to allow the surgeon to view endoscopically the position of a guide pin as it is drilled through the tibia.

Abstract: A teething ring comprising a teething member and a mechanism for causing vibrations in the teething member. The teething member has a portion thereof of a size sufficient to allow an infant to place the portion between its gums. The portion is constructed of a resilient material and preferably includes a first surface having a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, and more preferably includes a first and second surface each having a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom. The protrusions preferably included a rounded end section at the end of each protrusion located farthest from either the first or second surface. The vibrating mechanism may be any mechanism which will cause the portion of the teething member placeable between the gums of the infant to vibrate. The vibrating mechanism preferably causes the portion to vibrate at between 0.

Abstract: An orthopaedic vehicle seat providing massaging characteristics for all body parts contacted by the seat, with the massage caused by the body movement relative to the orthopaedic vehicle chair.

Abstract: A massage apparatus with multiple vibrator units including a converter and power supplier, a plurality of vibrator units and a base of hive type. The converter is electrically connected with the plurality of vibrator units respectively, and the base is provided with a plurality of cylinders for receiving the vibrator units selectively. Thus, the plurality of vibrator units can optionally massage either a single point or a specific area a patient.

Abstract: A massaging device includes a cord, a plurality of massaging balls and a plurality of biasing units strung alternately on the cord, and a connecting unit for joining two ends of the cord together. The biasing units ensure that the massaging balls remain evenly distributed on the cord.

Abstract: The device is implantable in the living body for attachment and augmentation of tendons and/or reinforcement of bones. It comprises a substantially flat membrane having a rounded outer shape and at least two perforations. The membrane contains resorbable or degradable polymeric and/or polymeric-ceramic material, having a Young's modulus in the range of 1 to 50 GPa and a tensile strength in the range of 0.1 to 20.0 GPa. It allows a more secure fixation of transosseous sutures.

Abstract: An amusement device for use during sexual intercourse which can be used alone or with a condom. The device includes a ring portion and a contiguous housing. A circuit is positioned within the housing portion, including at least one sensory unit, such as a sound transducer or a light emitting diode, a power supply source, and an activator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-profile screw-clamp assembly for use in spinal support fixation systems. The low-profile spinal fixation system has an anchor screw, a clamping assembly mounted on the anchor screw and a sleeve nut for attaching the clamping assembly to the anchor screw. The sleeve nut is substantially recessed into the clamping assembly, when the anchor screw and clamps are assembled. The present invention also relates to a locking mechanism, and method for making such a locking mechanism for locking the sleeve nut in place once assembled where a crimp is placed in a wall which forms the recess in the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment machine for alternatingly applying equal amounts of compression and traction to the body of a patient includes a platform having an upper body support pad with selectively controllably resistance to forward and backward displacement, rotatable rollers to support the lower back, buttocks and thighs of the patient, and a selectively controllable motor driven foot support platform displaceable forward and backward predetermined distances and speeds. The distance between the upper body support pad and the foot support platform is adjustable to accommodate differences in patient torso lengths and the magnitude of compressive and tractional force can be selectively controlled by the patient.

Abstract: A quick release handle apparatus for pulling an intramedullary nail includes a handle body with a sliding pushrod that moves an outer cylindrical member over an inner cylindrical member having locking elements. The locking elements engage an annular groove on a nail puller element that attaches to an intramedullary nail. The outer cylinder overlaps the inner cylinder at the locking balls to define the locking position.

Abstract: A clamp connection serves to connect two construction components, in particular for an osteo-synthetic fixation device in a structure in which the construction components are off-set from the force axis of the loading force that retains them.

Abstract: Briefly, the invention is a vibrating, form fitting skull cap which is designed to snugly fit a user. The inner portion of the cap presents a smooth continuous surface to the head while at the same time providing the capability of complex and subtle vibration patterns which may vibrate different areas differently. Suitable attachment points are provided on the outer portion of the cap to mount individual forced vibration generator units. Each vibration generator unit is separately controlled as to amplitude and frequency. The user may choose one or many of numerous available attachment points for the generators. Electrical controls are provided to fine tune the individual units. Numerous electrical power input alternatives are provided for flexibility of use. Pneumatic powered units may also be used to eliminate magnetic fields if necessary.