Abstract: A pad eliminatable by heat prior to casting has a patterned surface and a non-porous backing. The pad is sized and shaped into at least part of the appliance and the patterned surface is conformed to the desired bonding surface contour. The patterned surface yields irregularities in the cast bonding surface which increases bondability.

Abstract: An evacuator system comprising a compressible container inside of which is positioned a vacuum assist device. The vacuum assist device aids in the expansion of the container and in developing a vacuum in the container upon expansion. The vacuum assist device within the evacuator acts to maintain a substantially constant level of vacuum as the evacuator expands while drawing fluids from a closed wound and collecting the fluids in the evacuator container. The evacuator includes an outlet for providing communication between the interior of the container and the atomosphere, and an inlet providing communication between the interior of the container and a drainage tube. The evacuator may include a novel valve mechanism which enables the evacuator to be activated, held in an activated position until needed, and then released from the held position for use to draw fluid from a patient.

Abstract: An orthodontal palatal arch wire is provided for directional control over a pair of brackets; each bracket being mounted on an opposing molar in a patient's mouth. A resiliently flexible wire with a device intermediate its length for producing corrective forces has a torquing band transversely mounted thereon. The torquing band is securable by an elastic device to a receiving unit mounted on the lingual side of each bracket, so as to bear both forward and laterally against the receiving unit for transmitting correctional forces therebetween. A bracket is provided having a receiving unit with planar surfaces capable of bearing flushly against a torquing band having planar forward and lateral bearing surfaces.

Abstract: An adjustable headrest particularly adapted for a dental, medical or the like treatment chair wherein it is necessary to have a patient's head in various positions. A supporting arm preferably of the four-bar linkage type having a first end for being pivotally mounted on any suitable support for attachment to a treatment chair and a second end being pivotally mounted on a headrest for movement of the headrest which approximates the normal motion of the patient's head. Locking mechanism is attached to the headrest and supporting arm to lock the headrest in any desired position with the use of one hand of the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for the correction of scoliotic curvature of the spinal column. A Harrington distraction rod engages a concave side of the curvature of the spinal column and a Harrington compression rod engages a convex side of the curvature of the spinal column. A tensioning device engages the Harrington distraction rod and the Harrington compression rod so that the rods may be drawn toward each other or otherwise held in position with respect to each other. The tensioning device is comprised of a transverse threaded rod having a basket hook at an end thereof. The threaded rod engages the basket hook via a swivel connection which allows the transverse rod to rotate about its longitudinal axis within the basket hook. The other end of the threaded rod has a knurled end to facilitate handling.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a means of fastening flexible elastic tubing, such as silicone rubber, to a rigid connector. The invention allows for a liquid and gas tight, secure connection without the use of any bonding materials between the tube and the connector and without any external ribbing, threading, texturing, barbing, etc. of any kind on the connector and without any external clamping mechanism used to keep the tubing firmly attached to the rigid connector.The invention allows for the rigid connector portion of a component, such as a wound drainage surgical needle, to have a very smooth cylindrical surface. The use of a smooth surface with no other adhering mechanism to assist in making a secure connection that will not easily pull off is contrary to what is taught in the art.

Abstract: A semi-precious alloy for use in a dental restoration which does not discolor porcelain and remains ductile after firing of a porcelain jacket thereon. The alloy is 80-90% palladium, 5-15% indium, 1-5% gallium, 0.1-0.5% aluminum, 0.1-0.5% silicon, and 0.01-1.0% of at least one element from ruthenium and osmium.

Abstract: The prosthesis disclosed is an unrestrained or hingeless elbow prosthesis including a humeral implant component and an ulnar implant component. The metal humeral component is comprised of an elongated stem with a substantially cylindrical articulating surface on the distal end of said stem wherein said cylindrical articulating surface is convex such that the diameters of the end surfaces of the cylindrical shape are smaller than the diameter about the midportion of the cylindrical shape. The ulnar component is comprised of a metal retainer and a polyethylene bearing. The metal retainer includes an elongated stem attached to a metal base such that the stem depends from the base and anatomically curves slightly outward or laterally from the base.The polyethylene bearing is slidably engaged to the metal retainer and locks into position on the retainer. The polyethylene bearing contains a concave cylindrical cavity for receiving the convex cylinder of the humeral component.

Abstract: A device for plugging the medullary canal in joint replacement surgery which prevents the cement used for fixation from extending beyond that point where it is useful and which also creates a closed space to facilitate more complete cement filling of the femoral canal or other boney cavities is disclosed. The device is comprised of a tapered cylindrical plug which is threadedly engaged to a long flexible shaft capable of being inserted into the medullary canal. The shaft is disengaged from the plug after the plug is lodged at the appropriate place in the canal. The plug is made of a bio-compatible material.

Abstract: A fixation device adapted for use within the medullary canal of a fractured tubular bone is characterized by having a gripper unit with a plurality of outwardly concave, springy gripper fingers which can be placed under an increased force to cause the fingers to securely engage the osseous tissue surrounding the medullary canal when the device is used to maintain the fracture in compression. Force is applied to the fingers of the gripper unit by a threaded rod extending within the canal, and the rod carries a nose piece which serves both as an aid to travel of the rod through the canal and as a means for embracing the fingers of the gripper unit to disengage the fingers from the osseous tissue of the canal.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint for replacement of bone joints having a one-piece body of flexible physiologically inert material. The body has an enlarged central portion with two stem portions extending oppositely from the central portion for insertion into the medullary canal of bone. The central portion of the body has a height equal to or greater than its width and a slot extending substantially through the enlarged central portion from the distal end of the dorsal surface of the central portion toward the proximal end of the volar surface of the central portion forming a hinge at the volar surface. The hinge is offset from the center of said central portion toward the proximal end of the central portion.