Abstract: A surgical device capable of cutting and removing medium to hard body tissue such as cartilage and bone from a joint region or similarly restricted interior space within the body is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a stationary carrier sized for insertion into a joint or similar restricted interior space within the body and having a first and second end. The carrier is provided with an apical aperture at the end to be inserted into the joint. A cutter is axially disposed within the carrier and is provided with at least one cutting surface at one end that protrudes from the aperture of the carrier. The cutter is further provided with an axial conduit that terminates in at least one opening on or proximate to the cutting surface of the cutter. The cutter is driven by a motor that moves the cutter in a linearly reciprocating fashion that abrades away tissue depending on the configuration of the cutting surface.

Abstract: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are oriented in a substantially linear row so that the terminus of all teeth lie in a solitary plane. Other tooth profiles assist in the cutting phenomena. The cutting blade has several spaced-apart pairs of notches disposed in the blade edges. Each pair of notches is adapted to cooperate with a pair of pins disposed on the oscillatory power tool to firmly retain the cutting blade to the saw. By providing the cutting blade with several sets of notches, the cutting blade is adjustable, in that it can be retained within the oscillatory power tool at different lengths. It has been found that such an adjustable cutting blade, having teeth oriented in a solitary plane, does not lose efficiency as the length of the blade is changed.

Abstract: A surgical device for closing an incision created by a trocar or similar surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device comprises a support member within which are disposed a first and second needle positioning means. Each of these means carries a suture needle in retrorse configuration relative to the distal end of the support member. The needles can be retracted or deployed relative to the support member in a plurality of desired positions. In operation, the needles are deployed at a desired distance from the edge of the incision. The surgeon then pulls the device out of the body of the patient, thereby capturing and pulling the needles through first the peritoneum followed by the fascia. Needle capture means are provided which retain and remove the needles after the peritoneum and fascia are sutured, leaving the loose ends of the suture thread which can then be tied off below skin level to close the incision.

Abstract: A method for prolonged delivery of a therapeutic agent to the eye is disclosed. The method provides for the addition of a desired drug to a suitable, preferably non-aqueous, vehicle. An amount of the vehicle containing a therapeutic dose of the drug is placed on the extraocular skin adjacent to the lateral canthus of the eye. Movements of the orbicularis oculi associated with the scissor-like closing of the lids of the eye continuously transport small portions of the drug containing vehicle into the interpalpebral space where the drug is released to the cornea for intraocular penetration and treatment effected. The method of the invention is particularly effective in delivering insoluble calcium salts for the treatment of dry eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic composition therapeutic in the treatment of dry eye syndrome is disclosed. The composition is comprised of a minimally soluble salt of calcium that has been finely divided into particles having a mean diameter of 10 to 60 microns. The calcium salt particles are suspended within a pharmacologically acceptable carrier such as petrolatum or physiological saline. The composition is delivered to the ocular surface in an amount and for a time sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye.

Abstract: A self-help test book or similar device incorporating quiz cards is disclosed. The test book comprises question display elements, each of which bears printed questions. Each question is identified by an answer identification code having a first graphic designation and a second numeric designation. The test book is also provided with an answer display element, bearing answers to the questions. The answers are arranged in blocks according to the graphic designation of the particular question to which the answer belongs, and are further organized within each block by the numeric designation of that question. The questions are assigned answer identification codes in a non-ordered fashion so that answers to adjacent questions are displaced from one another. Questions and answers thereto are fully and simultaneously visible.

Abstract: Ridge cap ventilators and roof constructions incorporating such ventilators are disclosed. The ridge cap ventilator is low in profile and comprises either two corrugated vertilating members and a cover member, or alternatively comprises of a single piece member which has a plurality of raised ribs. Both ridge caps have a plurality of channels through which air is educed from the roof cavity to the building exterior.

Abstract: A fascia ventilator which is low in profile and comprises a vent member and a cover member. The vent member is provided with either apertures or channels through which air may pass. The ventilator is further provided with a fiberglass mesh filter for excluding entry of insects and similar pests.

Abstract: A new and distinctive asiatic hybrid lily plant is disclosed. The plant has medium-sized flowers, particularly distinguished by their brilliant orange-red coloration, borne profusely in upright racemes and by a vigorous, upright growth habit.