Abstract: A medication delivery system delivers medication to a patient and is suitable for sterilization by a sterilization fluid. The system includes a base and a reservoir disposed about the base for storing the medication. A pump for delivering the medication to the patient is supported by the base. The pump includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet alternate between an open and a closed state to deliver the medication. A port extends from the base. The port fluidly communicates with the reservoir and the pump during sterilization to provide access for the fluid to flow into the reservoir and the pump. An actuator is disposed in the base. The actuator operatively engages the inlet and outlet to retain them in the open state during sterilization. As such, the fluid can penetrate into the reservoir, the inlet, the housing, and the outlet to sterilize the system.

Abstract: An air filtration system and a helmet for use in the air filtration system are disclosed and utilized to filter air between a head and body of a user and an external environment. The air filtration system and helmet include inner and outer shells that define an air flow channel for channeling air about the user. A fan module is mounted between the inner and outer shells and a scroll housing is mounted adjacent the fan module. The scroll housing includes an air inlet for drawing air into the air filtration system and helmet, and at least one air outlet to distribute air flow to the air flow channel. The helmet includes air exits at front and rear sections that are in fluid communication with the air flow channel and the air outlet or outlets. The air filtration system includes a gown operating as a filter for filtering the air.

Abstract: A mixing assembly for mixing bone cement includes a housing, a lid, a handle, and two mixing paddles, a first and a second mixing paddle. The lid is removably attachable to the housing. The handle has a portion that extends through the lid and that is rotatable in a first rotational direction. The first mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the portion of the handle. As a result, the first mixing paddle rotates with the portion of the handle in the first rotational direction. The second mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the first mixing paddle for rotating opposite the portion. As such, when the portion of the handle and the first mixing paddle rotate in the first rotational direction, the second mixing paddle rotates in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for injecting cement from a cartridge includes a cradle, a cartridge, a button, and a threaded rod. The cradle has an axial cavity extending therethrough for supporting the cartridge of cement. The cartridge dispensing mechanism is coupled to the cradle. The button includes threads and defines an axial bore. The button is moveable into and out of threaded engagement with the threaded rod. The threaded rod extends into the axial cavity of the cradle.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery assembly is disclosed for mixing a powdered copolymer and a liquid monomer to form a bone cement and delivering the bone cement. The assembly includes a cartridge having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a mixing chamber between the distal end and the proximal end. A transfer mechanism having a cap and a stem supporting a piston and a plunger is connected to the distal end. The transfer mechanism includes a first advancement mechanism for advancing the piston and plunger in unison and a second advancement mechanism for moving the plunger independent of the piston. The assembly further includes a removable handle having a shaft for attachment of a mixing blade and a quick-release connector and a release button for locking and unlocking the mixing blade from the removable handle.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery assembly is disclosed for mixing a powdered copolymer and a liquid monomer to form a bone cement and delivering the bone cement. The assembly includes a cartridge having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a mixing chamber between the distal end and the proximal end. A transfer mechanism having a cap and a stem supporting a piston and a plunger is connected to the distal end. The transfer mechanism includes a first advancement mechanism for advancing the piston and plunger in unison and a second advancement mechanism for moving the plunger independent of the piston. The assembly further includes a removable handle having a shaft for attachment of a mixing blade and a quick-release connector and a release button for locking and unlocking the mixing blade from the removable handle.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for injecting cement from a cartridge includes a cradle, a cartridge, a button, and a threaded rod. The cradle has an axial cavity extending therethrough for supporting the cartridge of cement. The cartridge dispensing mechanism is coupled to the cradle. The button includes threads and defines an axial bore. The button is moveable into and out of threaded engagement with the threaded rod. The threaded rod extends into the axial cavity of the cradle.

Abstract: An air filtration system and a helmet for use in the air filtration system are disclosed and utilized to filter air between a head and body of a user and an external environment. The air filtration system and helmet include inner and outer shells that define an air flow channel for channeling air about the user. A fan module is mounted between the inner and outer shells and a scroll housing is mounted adjacent the fan module. The scroll housing includes an air inlet for drawing air into the air filtration system and helmet, and at least one air outlet to distribute air flow to the air flow channel. The helmet includes air exits at front and rear sections that are in fluid communication with the air flow channel and the air outlet or outlets. The air filtration system includes a gown operating as a filter for filtering the air.

Abstract: A container assembly for mixing materials having a base defining a mixing chamber for mixing the materials and a cover mounted to the base covering the mixing chamber. A sealing portion depends from the cover and engages an inner wall of the base. The sealing portion is flexible and angled outwardly such that during the engagement of the sealing portion with the inner wall, the sealing portion flexes and conforms to the inner wall to seal the mixing chamber. In addition, a first locking device is disposed on the base and a second locking device is disposed on the cover. A lifting mechanism is disposed on one of the base and cover for automatically lifting the cover relative to the base as the cover is being removed from the base for preventing a discharge of material from the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for installing bioabsorbable plates for general bone repair, as for example, facial or cranial osteosynthesis. The present invention includes an improved plate and fastener system which reduces if not eliminates stresses within the plate. It also includes an improved fastener container and driver for handling and installing fasteners. The system employs a unique water bath for heating the bioabsorbable plate so they can be deformed to the contours of the bone being repaired. Additionally, there is a hand tool for localized heating and deformation of the plate when positioned against the bone to further ensure conformity with the bone structure. These and other features are contained within a kit which is easily sterilized.

Abstract: A neuro-muscular electrical stimulation system provides a series of electrical pulses to instigate muscle twitch to aid in preventing the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. The duration and duty cycle of the electrical pulses provided to a patient's muscle tissue is controlled to instigate muscle twitch without causing tetanic muscle contractions. The system preferably includes a single electrode that is placed upon each calve of a patient. The electrical stimulator device includes a unique housing and circuit board arrangement that facilitates easy assembly without requiring any soldering connections between the circuit board, a power source and electrical leads that are utilized to provide signals to the electrodes that are placed on the patient. The circuit board preferably is made from a slightly resilient plastic material that is flexed from a disconnected position into an electrically connected position upon assembly of the stimulator device.