Abstract: A penile prosthesis system involves the use of an inflatable penile prosthesis which is expandable under pressurization from a flaccid to an erect state. The prosthesis exhibits a low modulus of elasticity in expansion but ultimately reaches a modulus transition after which it exhibits a high modulus of elasticity and resists further expansion. The prosthesis may also be formed of a material which elastically expands from a flaccid to an erect state and elastically contracts thereafter. In its erect state the prosthesis is taut and the surrounding tissue may be similarly taut and pressurized because of the expansion of the prosthesis in girth. If a weakening occurs in the surrounding tissue, the tendancy to form localized penile bulges is limited because of the inability of the prostheis to expand readily beyond its modulus transition.

Abstract: A prosthetic sphincter for controlling urinary incontinence is provided with a dual-mode pressure regulating system designed to establish continence yet prevent damage to the bladder from excessive pressures. In a conventional four-valve system, the valve controlling output of the deflation pump is replaced by a two-stage valve unit having a cracking valve and a holding valve in parallel relationship, both valves permitting only one-way flow with the pressure required to open the holding valve. A flow resistor is placed in parallel with the cracking valve and in series with the holding valve.

Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthesis for the treatment of penile erectile impotence in male patients. The device comprises at least one elongated cylinder implanted within one of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The flexible, distal end of the cylinder is adapted to rigidize upon being filled with pressurizing fluid. The rear tip or proximal end of the cylinder is formed to provide a chamber which serves as a fluid reservoir. Valve means contained within the flexible, distal end section of the cylinder, for conveniently accessible manual manipulation is utilized to selectively control fluid flow between the rear tip reservoir and the distal end of the cylinder. The prosthesis further includes a manually operable pump means utilized to transfer pressurized fluid from the rear tip reservoir to the distal end of the cylinder in order to achieve an erection. The walls of the rear tip reservoir itself may serve as the pump means, or a separate pump may be implanted within the scrotum.

Abstract: A prosthesis adapted to be implanted in a penis includes an elongate malleable element which may be bent to enable the prosthesis to be conformed to a variety of shapes. A bend-limiting member is positioned next to the malleable element and serves to limit the radius of bend of the malleable element and thereby minimize damage or weakening to the malleable element through extreme bending. The malleable element and the bend-limiting member are encased within a physiologically inert plastic body.

Abstract: A surgically implantable prosthesis for the treatment of penile erectile impotence in male patients. The device comprises at least one elongated cylinder implanted within one of the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The flexible, distal end of the cylinder is adapted to rigidize upon being filled with pressurizing fluid. The rear tip or proximal end of the cylinder is formed to provide a chamber which serves as a fluid reservoir. Valve means contained within the cylinder controls fluid flow between the rear tip reservoir and the flexible, distal end of the cylinder. The prosthesis further includes a manually operable pump means utilized to transfer pressurized fluid from the rear tip reservoir to the distal end of the cylinder in order to achieve an erection. The walls of the rear tip reservoir itself may serve as the pump means; or a separate pump may be implanted within the scrotum.

Abstract: A reticulated element positioned in the oxidizing zone of a flame in a combustion chamber adjacent the interface between the oxidizing and reducing regions of the flame, the element comprising a high temperature alloy base metal coated with platinum or platinum alloy. The efficiency of combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel is increased without increasing the level of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: This implantable penile prosthesis may be surgically implanted in human males to cure erectile impotence. The prosthesis includes a pair of rigid portions joined by a hollow tubular section, all of which are implanted inside and along the length of a penis. The tubular section is connected to a pump means which controls erection of the penis by controlling the supply of fluid pressure to the tubular section. The tubular section includes a chamber means which undergoes only a small change in volume and therefore requires minimal fluid displacement as the prosthesis goes between a nonerect and an erect condition.

Abstract: A prosthetic check valve which allows unrestricted fluid flow in a forward direction and is capable of being repeatedly pulled open to allow reverse fluid flow. The valve comprises a valve body having an extensible section which houses a valve seat and a valve support. A resilient member is attached to the valve support and resiliently supports a valve member so as to force the valve member towards the valve seat. When the extensible section is contracted, the valve acts as a check valve to allow fluid flow only in a forward direction from a supply tube, through the valve support and valve seat, to a demand tube. When the extensible section is extended, fluid is allowed to flow both in the aforesaid forward direction and in a reverse direction through the valve.

Abstract: Pressure-regulated artificial sphincter apparatus for controlling vesicular incontinence is disclosed herein. The apparatus preferably comprises a generally toroidal cuff member for constricting a vessel to be opened and closed in response to fluid pressure, a squeezable fluid supply pump bulb in communication with the cuff, and a fluid pressure regulator for maintaining substantially constant fluid pressure within the cuff. The pressure regulator preferably comprises a variable volume, distensible balloon which is in fluid flow communication with the cuff. Check valve means are provided to maintain correct fluid flow throughout the apparatus. One form of this invention includes a low pressure fluid reservoir interconnected with the fluid supply bulb.

Abstract: A prosthesis adapted to be implanted in the penis for simulating an erection is disclosed herein. The prosthesis includes an elongated, malleable rod portion which is housed within a generally tubular, physiologically inert plastic body. The malleable rod portion enables the prosthesis to be conformed to a variety of shapes by bending or twisting same. During intercourse the prosthesis will maintain the penis in an erectile state, and afterwards the penis may be positioned and maintained by the prosthesis in a convenient, comfortable position.