Abstract: An improved cervical traction device having main bodies (12) having at their anterior, inferior ends an occipital support (14) and at their anterior, superior ends a head support (16). Maxillary strap (17) and skull strap (19), located at the inferior ends of main bodies (12), along with forehead strap (18), located at the superior ends of main bodies (12), secure the device to the user. A guide rod (20) is located both inferiorly and superiorly to connect the main bodies (12) along with an adjusting rod (22) which is equidistantly located between guide rods (20). A compression spring (24) is secured around the perimeter of each guide rod (20). An adjusting knob (38) is secured to one end of adjusting rod (22), lateral to main body (12). A securing pin (36) and a support guide (34) allow for easy adjustment of head support (16). A strap (26) and a hook (30) allow the device to be attached to a force application device. A hinge (32) secures occipital support (14) to main body.

Abstract: Ankle brace with two arms extending over the ankle bones along the lower leg, said arms being joined under the foot by a flexible connecting member and being provided with cushioning chambers containing a fluid, each arm of the brace being provided with a single cushioning chamber with a longitudinal subdivision, said longitudinal subdivision forming a zone of reduced expandability in the region of the ankle bone and therefore forming opposite the ankle bone a recess which receives the latter, the connecting member being made of a material of such tensile elasticity that, during walking and the accompanying rolling of the foot as well as rhythmic pumping of the cushioning chambers, said connecting member is intermittently lengthened and shortened.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element in the form of a flexible, preferably stretchable, electricity-conducting film disposed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warning when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: A support bandage for a joint between bones includes a small fraction having two opposite first longitudinal sides sewn with two opposite second longitudinal sides of a large fraction. The small fraction is incurved towards the large fraction, and has two arcuate seams on the small fraction. The segment between the two arcuate seams is more incurved than two end segments outside the arcuate seams, and the two arcuate seams are away from a wearer 's joint. Whereby, the support bandage can be tightly abut a knee or an elbow yet have few wrinkles and will not uncomfortably press the wearer.

Abstract: A cervical collar assembly to immobilize the neck and head of a user. The assembly includes an adjustable and conformable shell member having a pad member secured on its interior to engage the skin of the user. The shell member is comprised of a front member, a back member and means to adjustably join the front and back members. A chin support member is adjustably secured to the front member and an occipital support member is secured to the back member. The front and back members are provided with a plurality of elongated slits which permit the shell member to conform to the neck and head areas of the user. Further, the front member is provided with opposing upwardly extending tab members to engage the mandibula of a user's jaw to aid in the immobilization of the neck and head of the user. Cervical collar device size identifiers are further provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a surgical drape during eye surgery comprising a flexible supply tube and a flexible suction tube which is easily formed by hand to maintain a desired shape and which serves the dual role of supporting the surgical drape above the patient's nose and mouth and providing a breathing environment by supplying air or oxygen and by removing exhaled CO2-rich air. Ports are located at the upper ends of the supply and suction tubes near the patient's face. The lower ends of the supply and suction tubes are equipped with optional valves and coupled to an oxygen source and a suction source, respectively. A bracket is disposed beneath the patient and supports the tubes near their lower ends.

Abstract: The abstract of the disclosure has been amended as follows: A hernial truss securely and constantly applies pressure to the herniated abdominal area of the patient while minimizing the pain and skin irritations during use. The hernial truss is formed with a front member applied to the abdominal area of the patent, a rear member applied to the back of the patient, left and right waistbands attached to the front member, left and right crotch bands attached to the rear member, and a pressing pad attached to the inside of the front member. A lower portion of the rear member is divided to left and right by an upward notch. The front and rear members are fitted with the patient body by the waistbands and the crotch bands, and each crotch band connects the rear member and the front member through the bottom of the patient to press the pressing pad against the herniated abdominal area.

Abstract: A method of treatment of symptoms of fibromyalgia, is disclosed. The affected patient is gowned with a radiation-shielding textile for an extended period of time, either by fashioning a garment from the textile or using a sheet or cover, or fashioning a wrap. The radiation-shielding textile found to be suitable is a cloth woven of yarn consisting of a textile fiber, such as nylon, and from two to thirty-five percent by weight of electrically conductive filament, preferably stainless steel.

Abstract: An apparatus for encapsulating a connection of a pipe for transporting a fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a first section having at least one electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage a surface of the pipe. The apparatus further includes a second section having at least one electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage the surface of the pipe. The second section operably sealable to the first section to encapsulate a portion of the pipe and the connection of the pipe. The apparatus further includes at least one terminal mounted on at least one of the first and second sections. The terminal operable to energize the electrocoil surfaces of the first and second sections to electrofuse the electrocoil surfaces of the first and second sections to the surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the fitting of compression bandages consisting of an essentially tubular arrangement of metal rods mounted to a ring base over which a compression bandage is stretched to allow a user to push an arm into the bandage for complete and efficient deployment of the bandage. A guide is provided to align the distal ends of the rods to engage the lock pins in the holes before mounting the bandage.

Abstract: A cloth covered, thermally insulated therapeutic boot. Hook and loop fasteners and straps are arrayed about the boot to control the support angle between the foot and calf. Numerous other hook and loop fasteners are fitted to the boot surfaces to secure panels that wrap to define the boot. A contour shaped and vented foam calf support is secured to the boot to support the calf and elevate the heel within the boot, when the boot is supported. Hinge pieces mount between the calf support and a rigid heel cradle. Hook and loop fasteners secure the hinge straps to the calf support. Compressible, flanged hinge pins mount to the hinge straps to permit rotations relative to stops.

Abstract: A control circuit (20) for controlling electrostatic discharge in an electric component includes a heater (28) that is thermally coupled to the component. A sensor (30) is used for sensing a sensed condition. A controller is coupled to the heater and the sensor. The controller (24) heats the component in response to the sensed condition. The sensor (30) may include an electron flux level near the component or a surface potential of the component itself.

Abstract: The invention comprises a surgical drape formed of a sheet material having a periphery and with a particular type of aperture spaced from periphery. The invention further comprises a method of using the drape. The aperture has a dominant portion and at least one subordinate portion. At least one subordinate portion of the aperture radially extends from the dominant portion. An adhesive layer may underlie an area surrounding the aperture.

Abstract: A splint (10) worn by a sufferer of carpal tunnel syndrome. A first sleeve (12) fits over the person's hand (H) and extends up their arm (A) past their wrist (W). This sleeve is worn during non-working portions of the person's day and includes a support (14) formed in the palm portion of the sleeve to support the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve passing through it. This alleviates pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. A second sleeve (22) also fits over the person's hand and extends up their arm past their wrist. This second sleeve, which is also worn during non-working portions of the day, extends further up the person's arm than the first sleeve. A support (24) of this second sleeve extends along the back of the person's hand to also relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A vapor compression system having a line for flowing heat transfer fluid, a compressor and a condenser both connected with the line. The vapor compression system also has an expansion device connected with the line for expanding the heat transfer fluid. The expansion device has a housing defining a housing orifice and at least one ball within the housing. The ball forms at least two channels, wherein each channel defines a channel orifice. The effective cross-sectional area of the one channel orifice is greater than the effective cross-sectional area of the other channel orifice. Moreover, the ball is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the housing orifice is effectively made larger in the first position than in the second position. The vapor compression system also has an evaporator connected with the line for transferring heat from ambient surroundings to the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: Tool for injection-molding a hearing protection cup which includes a curved shell with an opening for receiving an ear, and a washer which extends around the opening and is connected to the edge thereof. The washer projects inward across the opening along at least two opposite sides thereof and is intended to support a sealing and comfort ring which is intended to rest against the head. The tool includes a common mold cavity intended to produce the shell and the washer in one piece, and an insert which can be introduced into this mold cavity for forming the inner surfaces of the shell and of the washer. The insert is divided into at least three portions by means of dividing planes which extend in the same principal direction as the opposite sides of the opening. The invention also relates to a method for producing a hearing protection cup, and to a hearing protection cup produced using the method.

Abstract: One or more dispensing conveyances (1) have outlet apertures (2) or conveying and dispensing heated water to surfaces of roofs (3) and other structural surfaces selectively when ice and snow is being accumulated or has accumulated thereon. The water is heated with an electric-resistance (7, 10) or optionally with a fuel-flame heater (8, 11), which can be a tank heater or a tankless geyser water heater. Electric-resistance members can be positioned inside of heat-resistant tubular conveyances proximate the outlet apertures. A programmable control unit (18) can be included for programmable heat, flow rate and flow time.

Abstract: An electric heating/warming element consists of a water-resistant, vapor permeable bladder containing an electrical heating/warming circuit that generates heat when attached to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A compression garment for selective application for treatment of lymphedema and related illnesses manifested at various locations of the body. The garment includes a pair or series of layers of hermetically sealed material, that can capture pressurized air, when applied therein, and is formed through the patterned sealing of the layers of the garment together, at select locations, to form air pockets that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure to the patient's affected area, without disrupting normal vascular and lymphatic functioning. The garment is design cut, for application to various segments of the body, and applies encompassing pressure over the entire affected area, and includes valves that can allow for the injection of measurable air, to the desired pressure points, or its deflation, after treatment.

Abstract: A rigid fracture brace having a rigid and non-bendable in use U-shaped member with an inner, soft-cushioned layer carried on an outer rigid layer defining an open inner cavity for laterally receiving and supporting a user's hand, adjacent to the metacarpal grouping of hand bones. The member is of high aspect ratio and is held in position by a three strap system which includes a lower thumb strap, a middle palm strap and an upper palm strap immediately below the fingers. One end of each strap is immovably fixed to the backside of the member and securement of each strap to the member includes a loop associated with each strap. Each strap further includes a two-component hook and pile fastener so as to avoid critical registration of holes and tongs. The pile component of the fastener is carried along the backside of each strap and each strap terminates with a free-end carrying the hook component of the fastener at the tip of the inside surface of each strap.