Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopically replacing a joint between two bones utilizes a plurality of joint surface members which are attached to a prepared surface arthroscopically formed on the end of a bone, and the joint surface members are inserted through an arthroscopic portal adjacent to the joint to be repaired.

Abstract: A tissue compensation system and method for making a tissue compensator utilizes a plurality of elongate rods, one end of which contact the treatment surface on the patient, and the other end of which contact and deform a flexible membrane containing a quantity of a material substantially equivalent to tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A balloon device for implanting an aorta or aortodiiliac intraluminal prosthesis for repairing aneurysms utilizes a catheter having two inflatable balloons for expanding two stents associated with the prosthesis.

Abstract: A noninvasive head fixation method and apparatus uses a flexible and compressible bladder which contacts and is deformed to conform to the shape of the patient's nasion in order to immobilize the patient's head during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A flavored eyeglasses boot member is placed upon the end of an eyeglass temple arm, and the boot member is flavored with a fruit, candy, or spice flavor.

Abstract: A plurality of expandable and deformable intraluminal vascular grafts are expanded within a blood vessel by an angioplasty balloon associated with a catheter to dilate and expand the lumen of a blood vessel. The grafts may be thin-walled tubular members having a plurality of slots disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular members, and adjacent grafts are flexibly connected by a single connector member disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular members.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting vertical members in an offshore environment, utilize pivoting support members which are secured to the vertical member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing stereotactic surgery upon a target within a skull establishes a first, predetermined geometric relationship between a skull mount fixture mounted on the skull and a scanning table surface upon which the skull is supported; and that geometric relationship is duplicated by a displacement bar mounted upon the skull mount fixture.

Abstract: An animal litter and method for making an animal litter, includes combining bacteria with an absorptive material whereby the bacteria decomposes the animal waste which comes in contact with the absorptive material.

Abstract: A ski training device includes: a ski having an upstanding elongate member attached thereto; and two handle means associated with the upstanding elongate member, one handle means for an inexperienced skier, and the other handle means for an experienced skier.

Abstract: A plurality of expandable and deformable intraluminal vascular grafts are expanded within a blood vessel by an angioplasty balloon associated with a catheter to dilate and expand the lumen of a blood vessel. The grafts may be thin-walled tubular members having a plurality of slots disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular members, and adjacent grafts are flexibly connected by at least one connector member.

Abstract: An offshore support structure utilizes a central support structure having at least three substantially parallel tubular legs, and at least two outrigger support structures associated with the base of the central support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for offshore support structures utilizes a hollow pile disposed within one leg of a three-legged structure to support an offshore platform, wherein the hollow pile is fixedly secured to the tubular leg within which it is disposed.

Abstract: A safety check valve for use with a pumping unit for an oil well includes a ball housing in communication with a valve housing, a ball contained in the ball housing moving into the valve housing upon the breakage of a polished rod, whereby the ball seats upon a seating surface and seals off the oil well from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A pad structure for relieving stress to a person's knee and leg has a flexible enclosure substantially filled with a flexible, resilient material, and the flexible enclosure is releasably secured to the person's leg behind the person's knee and in contact with the back of the person's upper and lower leg.

Abstract: A cat scratching post for cats has an undulating configuration formed by portions of carpeting disposed in a spaced relationship from an underlying base member.

Abstract: A system for stereotactic-guided radiation therapy, method of stereotactic-guided radiation therapy, and a collimator useful in treating a patient with stereotactic-guided radiation therapy includes a variable length pathway for the beam of radiation, the pathway having associated therewith a material substantially equivalent to the tissue of the patient, whereby the radiation beam always travels through the same distance of actual tissue and tissue equivalent material.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket assembly for use with an arch wire includes a base member, an attachment member, and means for movably associating the base member with the attachment member, whereby the attachment member is slidably received within the base member, whereby a variable sized arch wire receiving channel may be formed.

Abstract: A casing installation system usable with tubular casing having an upper end portion and a lower portion, for anchoring the upper end portion of the casing on an outer casing string secured to a wellhead having a housing, the wellhead housing being positioned at a fixed position over a well, said casing extending upwardly to the wellhead from a location in the well at which location the lower portion of the casing is landed, the upper end of the casing being terminated by a generally annular casing hanger secured to the casing, said outer casing string having an upwardly-facing shoulder, the system also having a locking ring located on the casing hanger and movable thereon in a direction towards the lower end portion of the casing, the locking ring having means for preventing its movement on the casing in a direction away from the lower end portion of the casing in response to a force exerted on the locking ring in said direction away from the lower end of the casing, the locking ring having a downwardly-facin