Abstract: This invention is in the general field of Rehabilitation Apparatus for the human back and, in particular, it provides a self-help, portable apparatus, which allows the operator to apply intermittant traction to the lower Lombar region of his back. The position of a radius surface in relation to the position of the operators knees, places the Lombar area of his back on an outside circle that is at the peak of the radius surface. The traction force that is created by the weight of the upper Torso of the operator may be lessened by the use of the operators arms, or it may be increased by pulling on an Adjustable Pull Bar.The apparatus may also be used for strengthening exercises for the back muscles, while the spinal column remains under decompression. The invention is designed for quick assembly, and equally quick "knock down" for storage or transporting.

Abstract: A plier-like tool used to grab anchors have a pair of projections which fits into the anchor cavities. A pair of arms are pivotally connected together which provide for rotation of the projections in the same plane near the distal end of each arm. The projections in cross-section are square and uniform over the length of the projections. The projections move together when the arms are squeezed together by the operator.

Abstract: A flexible tube is mounted on top of the drip chamber. The top of the tube is connected to the spike via a one-way ball-type valve. The bottom of the tube is connected to the drip chamber via a duck-bill-type valve inside of the drip chamber. The duck-bill is held closed against head pressure by a metal spring clip acting on the lip. The duck-bill will open when the tube is squeezed and fluid will be injected into the drip chamber.The drip chamber is charged bubble-free by the use of an output tube open to the chamber and joined to the flexible tubing carrying the hypodermic needle. During the initial fill the output tube is positioned above the fluid level and air in the chamber vented via the output tube, the flexible tubing and the hypodermic needle. When the desired level is reached, the output tube is submerged and bubble-free fluid fills the output tube, the flexible tubing, and the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A suturing needle in combination with an anchor. The anchor is molded from medical grade plastic. The needle is made of surgical grade steel and is formed in an arcuate shape. One end of the needle has a point. The opposite end has an off-set section which is insert-molded with the anchor. The off-set section maintains the anchor and needle together. The body is formed with a pair of square cavities whose axes are coaxial. The cavities receive square projections on a manipulating tool.

Abstract: A method for low trauma suturing: (a) Thin steel needle put into flesh (using a tool) on one side of the wound until anchor fixed to a needle engages flesh. At that time point of needle will protrude. Anchor crimped on the protruding side; (b) Anchors are in ball form with square cavities to accept projections on hand tool; (c) Plier-like tool used to grab anchors has projection which fits into anchor cavities; and (d) dispenser for needle/anchor assembly and dispenser for crimp-on anchor provide for quick removal in sterilized condition.

Abstract: For use in suturing: (a) Thin steel needle put into flesh (using a tool) on one side of the wound until anchor fixed to a needle engages flesh. At that time point of needle will protrude. Anchor crimped on the protruding side; (b) Anchors are in ball form with square cavities to accept projections on hand tool; (c) Plier-like tool used to grab anchors has projection which fits into anchor cavities; (d) dispenser for needle/anchor assembly and dispenser for crimp-on anchor provide for quick removal in sterilized condition.