Abstract: A non-stretchable flexible band is wrapped around the arch of a foot and has end portions connected by an adjustable fastener. The bottom portion of the band is attached to a compressor hinge and carries a rigid arcuate pad on which is releasably mounted a replaceable resilient pad. The compressor hinge is connected to a flexible cable and a surrounding sheath which are removably coupled to a power drive unit. The power drive unit reciprocates the cable within the sheath and pivots the compressor hinge between a collapsed position and an extended position where the pads are compressed against a localized region on the bottom of the foot. The drive unit includes an electric motor which is momentarily energized and controlled by a timer module to reciprocate a spring bias rack connected to reciprocate the flexible cable.

Abstract: An enclosure for covering extremities or containing material such as trash or other objects or articles is described. The enclosure is a sack-like member having a lip extending above the opening or along a side edge of the sack-like member. The lip includes a perforation extending along a portion of the length thereof, either parallel to the opening or to the side edge. An adhesive strip with a removable covering may extend along the length of the lip at selected portions thereof. In use, the perforation is torn to separate the lip into a tie member and a securing member that remains attached to the sack-like member. In one embodiment, an extremity may be inserted into the sack-like member and the tie member can be used to secure the opening around the extremity. In another embodiment, the tie member can be used to seal the opening of the sack-like member such that the enclosure can be used as a container or receptacle in a desired application.

Abstract: An article for support of an individual is disclosed which includes a body supporting member having a first portion adapted to encircle the waist of an individual, and a second portion adapted to pass through the crotch of an individual. The article for support further includes at least one attachment member which is attached through a first seam to a rear portion of the body supporting member and attached through a second seam to a base sheet that covers at least a portion of inclined surface, bed, wheelchair, or the like. The attachment member and said seams are configured so that when the attachment member is extended, the distance between the base sheet and the first portion of the body supporting member is greater than the distance between the base sheet and the second portion of the body supporting member.

Abstract: An external cardiac massage device comprising a pressure source and a depressor means wherein pressure is transmitted from the pressure source to the sternum via the depressor means in a rhythmic fashion gradually increasing over time to a maximum then decreasing at a like rate while maintaining a minimum residual pressure on the sternum. Graph (A) shows variation in pressure on the sternum over time for ECM applied manually. Graph (B) shows variation in pressure applied by a prior art device. Graph (C) shows variation in pressure applied by a device according to the present invention.

Abstract: In the process for preparing an intravaginal application system for the controlled release of substances, a milled sheet of silicone rubber containing the substances is inserted into one mold component of a split mold. The core of the system is arranged on this milled sheet and is covered with a second milled sheet of the same type. The mold is then closed and the milled sheets are vulcanized at a maximum temperature of 120.degree. C.

Abstract: A massage steering wheel cover including a rubber ring, a plurality of massage members secured on the rubber ring and having a recess and a convex portion at both sides of the recess, the convex portion being adapted to the rubber ring to form an air chamber therebetween, the recess being provided with a plurality of round-headed protuberances, the convex portion being formed with a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of perforations, a plurality of magnets fitted into a certain number of the protuberances of the massage member, and a plurality of leather members secured on the rubber ring.

Abstract: A pin-locked cannulated screwdriver assembly and method for the endosteal fixation of a graft by screw insertion by drilling a graft tunnel through adjacent bone masses and extending a graft attached between bone blocks under tension in the graft tunnel. A guide pin is secured within a cannulated screwdriver. The guide pin includes a mark for indicating the depth of insertion of an end of the pin. Using the screwdriver, the guide pin can be positioned between one of the cut bone blocks and one of the adjacent bone masses. The cannulated screwdriver is removed from the guide pin, with the guide pin remaining positioned between the one bone block and bone mass. A cannulated interference screw is positioned on the distal end of the screwdriver and the screwdriver and screw are slid over the positioned guide pin. The position of the cannulated screwdriver over the guide pin is then locked.

Abstract: After body surgery a patient has at her or his command the ability to create a suitable binding pressure in the locale of her or his body wound. An inflatable cushion, also referred to as an air bladder, is located over and beyond the wound. This positioning of the inflatable cushion is maintained by a strong netting which surrounds the body portion, and passes directly on and over the inflatable cushion. This surrounding netting is comfortably sized by the adjustment of selected spaced fasteners. The air pressure may be increased by the patient, or a person aiding the patient, by hand squeezing sequences of a hand gripping air bulb pump.

Abstract: An automatic massager and washer includes a base housing having a frontal rounded portion and a rear handle portion. A water pressure turbine is mounted in an upper center cavity formed in the frontal portion. Upper recesses are spaced around a center hollow post in the upper center cavity. A hollow post is provided in each recess for mounting a massaging wheel covered with a brush. A large gear is fixed on the center hollow post which rotates with the turbine when water flows through turbine blades formed at an outer circumference of the turbine. The large gear engages and rotates small gears fixed on bottom ends of locating rods of the massaging wheels. An oozing cap covers the top of the center post for emitting bathing milk stored in a chamber formed under the upper center cavity of the base and is actuated by an air push button fixed in the rear portion of the base housing.

Abstract: A massaging apparatus employing a voltage producing device is provided. The voltage producing device produces an instantaneous impulse voltage for passing a current to the veins, arteries and vital points of a human body to stimulate the function of the internal organs.

Abstract: Improved splint system including a brace and attached strap for use in the treatment and prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A cervical traction and exercise device adapted to be secured about the head and neck for imparting the desired lordotic shape into the cervical region of the spine and manipulating the spine and surrounding tissue to promote fluid and cellular exchange in and around the intervertebral discs. The device includes a frame, an upstanding neck support carried by the frame, an inflatable elongated bladder carried by the neck support, restraining straps for securing the device to the user's head such that the bladder is disposed below and adjacent the user's neck, and means for selectively inflating and deflating the bladder to force the cervical spine to curve forwardly and apply angular traction to the spine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing a polymethylmethacrylate or other cement plug from the medullary canal during hip-revision surgery. In accordance with the method, a portion of the PMMA plug is softened and a plug removal tool is advanced through the softened portion to become imbedded in the plug. The plug is permitted to harden around the tool, and the tool is withdrawn thereby pulling the plug with it. Softening may be accomplished by conducting ultrasonic energy through the removal tool tip, or by other means. Hardening is accomplished by removing the heat source and permitting passive cooling of the material, or by accelerating cooling of the material through the use of a heat sink or a circulating media such as a compressed gas. Also disclosed is a self-cooling tool tip.

Abstract: A vibrating neck rest particularly adapted for attachment to and use in conjunction with a passenger seat a motor vehicle, the vibrating neck rest including a cushion, the cushion being substantially elongated and having a major longitudinal axis, a vibration unit disposed within the cushion for producing a vibration on at least a portion of a surface of the cushion, a pair of tubes, one each of the pair of tubes extending outward from an opposing side of the vibration unit, the pair of tubes extending outward from the vibration unit substantially parallel to the major longitudinal axis of the cushion, a pair of hammer members, one each of the hammer members being attached to a distal end of one each of the tubes, an attachment apparatus for attaching the cushion to the passenger seat of the motor vehicle, and a control mechanism for altering at least one characteristic of the vibration produced by the vibrating apparatus, the control mechanism being movable to a point remote from the cushion.

Abstract: A clamp and installation tool combination wherein the clamp portion comprises an elongated pin having a hook at both ends and containing multiple circumferential notches along its shaft. A clamp button with a central through-hole is mounted on the shaft of the pin and engages the notches so as to produce a ratchet-type mechanism that permits the motion of the button only in the direction of the distal end of the pin. The installation tool consists of a syringe-type applicator having an outer barrel containing a pin retention clip designed to engage the hook at the proximal end of the pin, so that the pin cannot move in relation to the barrel of the tool.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically controlling the blood circulation in the lower body extremities in enhancing effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a subject is described which comprises an inflatable garment for covering a preselected portion of the lower body and legs of a subject, a source of pressurized air operatively connected to the garment through a control valve configured for controllably deflating and inflating the garment in response to the application and removal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation pressure applied to a sensor disposed on the chest of a subject.

Abstract: A surface skimming toy defines a generally planar base having a flat under surface. An upwardly extending fin is joined to the upper surface of the base member. In one embodiment, a lightweight aesthetically appealing body portion is supported upon the upper surface. In still further alternate embodiments, a pair of elongated upwardly extending side fins are secured to the upper surface of the planar base. The surface skimming toy is launched in close proximity to a smooth extended surface and assumes a skimming travel in close spacing to the surface while being supported upon an extremely thin layer of air flowing beneath the under surface of the skimming toy. In a further embodiment, the generally planar base defines a slightly convex curved surface and in another, a dual faceted surface forming a transverse crown portion. In a still further embodiment, a weight is supported proximate the leading edge of the body for stability of travel.

Abstract: A portable massager allows self-massaging to be performed in virtually any position. The massager includes at least one pair of pressers mounted at a fixed separation interval onto a rod, which can be separated into two sections, if desired. The pressers may be freely rotatable or non-rotably fixed in position on the rod. The surfaces of the pressers are formed into irregular shapes having indentations and projections. Handles having grips on their ends are either fixed or mounted so as to rotate freely on the rod and project outwardly away from the pressers and toward a respective end of the rod.

Abstract: A method of stimulation of a body surface with application of a fluid matter pressure over a part of the body surface, a mechanical pressure on local points of the body surface, and a temperature change of the part of the body surface, the method comprises the steps of applying a negative fluid matter pressure over the whole part of the body surface; increasing the mechanical pressure on the local points distributed over the whole part of the body surface simultaneously with the applying the negative fluid matter pressure; cooling the part of the body surface simultaneously with the applying the negative fluid matter pressure and increasing the mechanical pressure on the local points; maintaining said negative fluid matter pressure, said increased mechanical pressure on the local points and said cooling over a preset period of time; then raising the pressure of the fluid matter over the whole part of the body surface; reducing the mechanical pressure on the local points of the part of the body surface simulta

Abstract: A cannulated interference screw (10) and process for human implantation in an arthroscopic surgical procedure for replacement of a ligament, or the like. The interference screw is provided with a drill end (11) that extends longitudinally from an end of a cylindrical body (14), which drill end includes equally spaced flutes (12) therearound. The flutes extend into first and second cutting threads (15a) and (15b), respectively which cutting threads and threads (15) are formed around the cylindrical body. A center longitudinal passage (16) is formed through the interference screw drill end and cylindrical body, which passage is stepped outwardly within the cylindrical body into a hexagonal sided section (18) that is for receiving a sided end (20) of a driver (19) that is fitted therein.