Abstract: A surgical staple remover comprises first and second handle elements pivotally connected to each other. The front portion of the first handle element terminates in a pair of outwardly extending anvil sections having outside surfaces that diverge away from each other in the front to rear direction so that different size staples may be received thereon until the staples contact the diverging outside surfaces thereof. A blade section on the front portion of the second handle element is constructed and arranged for movement toward and away from the anvil sections, and the blade section has a lower concavely curved staple engaging edge. The curved edge engages a staple on the anvil sections with a downward and rearward force to produce a U-shaped bend in the crown of the staple to thereby facilitate its removal.

Abstract: Aqueous gel-forming compositions useful for improving oil recovery from subterranean hydrocarbon-containing reservoirs are prepared by reacting an aminoalkylated polyacrylamide with an aldehyde, dialdehyde or derivative thereof in aqueous medium. These compositions are particularly effective in reducing excessive water encroachment at producer wells.

Abstract: A dressing delivery system comprising an adhesive-coated dressing, a release liner and a package are arranged such that the package acts as the means for applying the dressing to a skin area, with the opening of the package and the application of the dressing being accomplished in a single step. A simple method of preparing the dressing delivery system is also described.

Abstract: Particulate calcium carbonate or iron oxide pretreated with a fatty acid such as stearic acid or oleic acid is added to a cementitious product to improve its strength and resistance to water absorption and penetration. Dry, aqueous and nonaqueous methods of addition are employed.

Abstract: A precipitated calcite of substantially spherical morphology having an average spherical diameter of from 2 to 10 microns and a specific surface area of from 1 to 15 square meters per gram is prepared by introducing carbon dioxide gas into an aqueous slurry of calcium hydroxide containing dissolved polyphosphate in the amount of from 0.1 to 1.0 percent, calculated as grams of phosphorus per 100 grams of the calcite equivalent of the calcium hydroxide, the starting temperature of the carbonation being 15.degree. to 50.degree. C. The spherical calcite is particularly suitable for use in dull finish coated paper.

Abstract: Substantially homogeneous acrylate/maleate copolymers of number average molecular weight of 500 to 5000 are prepared by copolymerizing 35 to 65 mole percent acrylic or methacrylic acid with 65 to 35 mole percent maleic anhydride at 80.degree. to 150.degree. C. in the presence of a polymerization initiator and a chain-transfer solvent such that both the monomers and the formed polymer remain in solution and the mole ratio of the acrylic or methacrylic acid monomer to the maleic anhydride monomer in the solvent is maintained below about 0.2 throughout the polymerization. The copolymers in hydrolyzed form are employed at a level of from about 0.1 to 100 ppm for prevention of alkaline calcium and magnesium scale formation, such as during seawater evaporative desalination.

Abstract: An injection nozzle for the addition of an agent in wire form directly into the interior of a molten material includes a tip having an axial bore with a terminal opening through which the wire exits the nozzle, the terminal opening having a cross section in the form of a star.

Abstract: An acetabular cup assembly prosthesis comprises the combination of a support shell for introduction into an acetabulum and a socket insert in nesting engagement within the shell. The shell has a generally hemispherical outer surface and a downwardly extending concavity surrounded by a peripheral rim, At least one anchoring post secures the shell to the acetabulum, and a central opening in the bottom of the concavity serves as a connection location for the socket insert. The insert has a hemispherical concavity that articulates with the rounded head of a femoral prosthesis, while the outer surface of the insert nests within the concavity of the support shell. A central fastening tab extends from the insert into locking engagement with the opening in the support shell, and structure is provided to prevent relative rotation of the shell and insert.

Abstract: A socket insert component of an acetabular cup prosthesis is held securely within its support shell by a locking mechanism comprising a circumferential groove in the shell concavity perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the concavity, a first circumferential rib on the outer surface of the insert congruent with the groove, and a second circumferential rib on the outer surface of the insert parallel to and proximate the first rib, the first rib snapping into the groove and the second rib being deformed and pressed against the concavity when the insert and shell are assembled.

Abstract: A ribbed, porous tube suitable for use as a vascular graft prosthesis is prepared by scoring a stretched or unstretched tube of PTFE, stretching the tube at 200.degree.-320.degree. C. to develop the desired porosity, and heat setting the scored, stretched tube at 327.degree.-450.degree. C. while restraining the tube from axial shrinkage.

Abstract: A guide for femoral neck osteotomy comprises a longitudinal rod having attaching structure at the lower end thereof for securing the rod to a femur at the greater trochanter. A transversely extending support arm is secured to the rod adjacent the lower end thereof, and a guide bar is connected to the support arm. The guide bar has at least one elongate planar surface disposed at an angle of 45.degree. to the axis of the rod. In use, the rod is aligned with the long shaft axis of the femur and attached to the femur at the greater trochanter. The rod is manipulated until the support arm and the long shaft axis of the tibia are disposed in the same plane. This procedure properly positions the elongate planar surface of the guide bar whereby an instrument in engagement with that surface traverses the femoral neck at an angle of 45.degree. to the long shaft axis of the femur.

Abstract: A shielding material for use in such as endotracheal tubes during laser beam surgery comprising a dispersion of particulate graphite in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A femoral hip prosthesis comprises a stem component generally divided into a proximal portion and a substantially longer distal portion. The stem has a slight posterior bow along its length. The proximal portion includes a slight twist of from about 5.degree. to 15.degree., the twist extending in a direction from the anterior to the posterior face of the stem through the medial face thereof. The characteristics of the stem provide a glove fit when inserted into a prepared intermedullary canal in the femur.

Abstract: A rasp handle has an elongate body portion with a pistol-type grip extending therefrom and rasp retaining structure at its front end. Such structure includes a fixed jaw and a slide jaw constructed and arranged for sliding movement relative to the fixed jaw between a forward closed locking position where a rasp is locked between the jaws and a rearward open rasp receiving and releasing position. A lever is connected to shift the slide jaw between its closed and open positions. A pivot interconnects the lever and the slide jaw so that the lever is free to move between a locked position adjacent the body portion and an unlocked jaw manipulating position away from the body portion.