Abstract: The present invention is for use in tactile communications adaptable by anyone able to recognize messages written in a language known to them. The present invention uses a series of sequentially firing vibromechanical stimulators vibrating against the skin or other suitably tactile sensitive area of the wearer. The vibromechanical stimulators are arranged in a substantially two dimensional array over the skin and are then triggered individually and in sequence, following a set of patterns representative of the symbols in the language recognizable to the wearer to tactually convey the message. The wearer cognitively perceives the tactual stimulation as a line or lines drawn on the skin or suitably tactile sensitive area that resemble the symbols used to communicate between the message sender and the wearer.

Abstract: A dynamic hip splint for attaching to opposing thighs of a patient for correcting chronic abduction and external rotation of the patient's hips, the splint comprising a first thigh cuff positionable onto a thigh of the patient, a second thigh cuff positionable onto the opposite thigh of the patient and an elastic band interconnecting between the first and second thigh cuffs for urging the first and second thigh cuffs towards one another such that when the first and second thigh cuffs are positioned on a patient's thighs, the elastic band urging the first and second thigh cuffs towards each other results in adduction and internal rotation of the hips of the patient to a more neutral anatomic position. This more neutral position in adduction and internal rotation facilitates delivery of routine cares to the patient and also improves gait training and mobility for those patients suffering from malpositioning of the lower extremities secondary to a neuro-muscular abnormality.

Abstract: A jaw thrust support suitable for engaging the angles of the mandible of a patient for accomplishing a jaw thrust maneuver to proved a patient with a patent airway. The device is constructed of polymeric materials suitable for conforming to the angles of the patient's jaw while continuing to provide suitable support to the jaw by distracting the jaw forward away from the patient's head and neck thus distracting the patient's tongue and associated support structures lifting the tongue from the patient's oropharynx and hypopharynx and lifting the epiglottis from in front of the patient's laryngeal opening.

Abstract: A low cost and easy to assemble external fixator for the stabilization of a bone fracture is disclosed. The assembly of the external fixator makes use of a clamp to secure a pin to a stabilization bar. The body of the clamp will have an indentation that can be placed over the stabilization bar. Each arm of the indentation will have a hole with the two holes being aligned such that a single pin can be placed through both holes across the mouth of the indentation. Once the stabilization bar is within the indentation a pin can be inserted through the two holes in the arms of the body to restrain the stabilization bar within the clamp. The clamp will have a force applicator such as a screw that will lock both the stabilization bar and pin to prevent relative motion of the stabilization bar and the pin relative to the clamp. The preferred clamp will have a retaining clasp for gripping the stabilization bar to resist the separation of the stabilization bar from the clamp.

Abstract: A writing implement having an elongate body containing a writing mechanism is disclosed. The writing implement has one end that is movable beyond an end of the elongate body, exposing a writing tip. The writing implement includes a clip which cooperates with the elongate body or a member associated with the elongate body. The clip is movable to a position abutting the elongate body or member cooperating with the elongate body. The overall thickness of the clip and adjacent elongate body or member associated with the elongate body is no greater than an overall thickness of the body of the writing implement.

Abstract: A method of preparing an intermedullary canal of a bone for total joint arthroplasty including drilling a hole into the intermedullary cavity of a bone and inserting a centering rod longitudinally into the intermedullary canal of the bone. The rod is inserted to align the rod along the longitudinal axis of the bone. Osteotomizing the articulating surface of the bone and preparing the intermedullary canal of the bone to receive a prosthesis. The preparation including placing cannulated instruments in a telescoping manner over the centering rod and into the intermedullary canal to create a cavity suitable for receiving a bone prosthesis. The cannulated instrumentation includes a cannulated osteotomy guide, a cannulated reamer, a cannulated box chisel, and a cannulated broach. The instrumentation is also disclosed.