Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a revolutionary suture needle of exceptionally high marketability. The suture needle curves in the lengthwise direction of the needle body. A curved inner surface portion extending from a needle distal end (3) to a predetermined position P1 towards the basal end of a distal end portion (2) of circular cross section is furnished with frictional resistance reducing means for reducing the frictional resistance to less than that of a curved outer surface portion from the needle distal end (3) to the predetermined position P1 towards the basal end. The frictional resistance reducing means is a chamfered portion (4) chamfered at a surface passing through the needle distal end (3). The needle distal end (3) is furnished at a position coincident with the center axis L of the needle body (1).

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an innovative suture needle which exhibits unprecedented effects. An uneven part is provided to left and right side parts of a distal end site of a needle body (1), and edge parts of the uneven part are configured as small blades (6, 7).

Abstract: A cranial treatment apparatus has a head portion arrangement body for arranging around a head, a retainer member retained at each cranial piece being tensed by a tension maintenance member for maintaining a tensed condition so that cranial pieces are tensed in a direction away from each other. The retainer member is provided in the head portion arrangement body.

Abstract: An air mattress is provided having an improved internal construction for supporting a patient. The mattress provides an internal ventilation system for controlling environmental conditions present at the patient mattress interface. The air mattress contains a plurality of pneumatic envelopes disposed adjacent each other. Located between the envelopes are ventilation conduits having a plurality of exhaust ports. Sequentially alternating envelopes are coupled to a fluid supply line which in turn is coupled to a source of compressed air. At predetermined intervals, a first set of envelopes is inflated while adjacent envelopes are deflated, and vice versa, shifting support for the patient to different areas of the body. Each envelope has two vertically disposed chambers. These preferably are provided lateral support by upright, lateral elastic members straddling the envelope. Ventilating air may be provided by an air conditioning system to a manifold for distribution to the several ventilation conduits.

Abstract: A device for securing detachably a filtering sheet to an air bed, which includes a bed body, having an upper peripheral edge defining an opening, and a number of fine solid particles contained in the bed body, has a flange secured to the upper peripheral edge of the bed body, a hook tape secured to an upper surface of the flange, a loop tape secured to a lower surface of a periphery of the filtering sheet, and a cover resiliently clamped on the flange. The filtering sheet can be firmly secured in an airtight manner to the flange in an easily removable manner by engagement between the hook tape and the loop tape.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluidization patient support system that enables decrease and elimination of the unpleasant and aggravating "pinging" sensation to which patients are presently exposed. The flow rate of air to the plenum chamber beneath the diffuser and fluidization material is controlled by a valve in the air flow conduit, there being a diversionary discharge outlet at the valve, such that the valve can control the ratio of air flow to the diversionary outlet and to the plenum.