Abstract: A longitudinally extending section of elastic material of predetermined width is secured to one end to an end of a longitudinally extending section of relatively non-elastic material to form therewith a body encircling lifting belt. A plurality of bendable stays are secured in pockets formed along one surface of said belt and so as to extend across the width thereof; a pair of said stays being carried by said elastic section, one of said stays being disposed at the place where said elastic section is secured to said non-elastic section, and five such stays being carried by said non-elastic section. Two additional torsion support stays, are disposed in longitudinally extending pockets each positioned between a pair of said other stays to form therewith a pair of spaced "H" shaped torsion supports. The torsion supports being carried by said belt for disposition one to each side of the spine of the person wearing the belt, and in proximity to their lumbar and pelvic body areas.

Abstract: An artificial joint for implantation into a living body comprising two members held together by magnetic forces of attraction with the magnetic lines of force running substantially along the direction of the pivotal axis and transversely across the primary direction of movement of the two members.