Abstract: An traction apparatus for use in manipulating a patient's arm and wrist bones comprises a traction assembly having a plurality of finger traps, a plurality of springs with each spring capable of releasably associating with at least one trap, and a swivel base secured to each of the springs. Also, included are a traction force scale coupled to the traction assembly, a first traction force generating mechanism linked to the traction force scale, a second traction force generating mechanism coupled to the patient's upper arm, and a support attachment system for securing the subject apparatus components to a support. Additionally, a spacer for separating and positioning the patient's fingers is included.

Abstract: There is a mulifunctional finger, hand and wrist splint which includes a slab support member. In a position of use the slab support member extends along the underside of, and substantially follows the contours of, a wearer's lower forearm wrist and palm so that the wrist is immobilized. The slab support member in the area of the wearer's palm forms an anchor plate for a fracture support which is releasibly attached to the anchor at a range of positions to align with one or more finger or metacarpal fractures.

Abstract: A non-leaking flush toilet system that eliminates the need for using wax gaskets or rings on a toilet system. Such system having a substantially flat surface that is affixed to the base outlet opening of a flush toilet. The toilet system further includes an upper portion having inner and outer clearance surfaces, and an extension member that projects downwardly from the upper portion. Attached to the exterior surface of the extension member is a sealing boot. The sealing boot having a plurality of sealing lips that outwardly extend from the sealing boot's outer surface. In use, the outer clearance surface is received inside the floor flange, and the outer surface of the extension member having the sealing boot disposed thereon is sealingly received inside the soil pipe, thereby forming a seal between the base of the toilet and the floor flange.

Abstract: A brace is adapted to be wrapped around the wrist and hand of a patient. The brace includes a flexible sheet that comprises a central palmar section, a first flap section connected to and disposed on one side of the palmar section, and second flap section connected to and disposed on the opposite side of the palmar section from the first flap. Fasteners are attached to each of the first and second flap sections. Written indicia are printed onto one of the first or second flap sections, wherein the written indicia correspond to predetermined brace sizes.

Abstract: A personal hygiene cleansing tool, is provided as an apparatus to aid in cleansing body parts in a medical environment. The invention connects to a standard faucet on a sink, and provides a flow of water to a cleansing wand through a flexible plastic hose mounted on a retractable reel. The wand contains controls for adjusting the flow rate of the water, along with an adjustable head to provide a water flow from a stream to a mist. Additionally, the invention has a siphon arrangement to allow the addition of medicine into the water stream. The medicine is placed into a sealed chamber and then drawn out in an incremental manner as the water flows by. It is envisioned that the invention would be used in a hospital environment for the cleansing of wounds or for the bathing of individuals who cannot withstand the impact of water from a shower.

Abstract: A toilet or urinal facility having a screen to display video material. A sensor detects the presence of a person in the facility. A memory device stores data from and is connected to the sensor. A video/audio device is connected to the screen to relay messages thereto.

Abstract: A drain fitting device (10) adapted to seal and facilitate introduction of a fluid, such as tap water, or a gas, such as compressed air, into a clogged drain (12), thereby pressurizing the drain (12) and removing the clog. In a preferred first embodiment, the device (10) broadly comprises a stopper element (14); a hose attachment mechanism (16); an expander mechanism (18); and a hose (20). The stopper element (14) fits within and substantially seals the drain (12). The expander mechanism (18) allows for compressing the stopper element (14), resulting in a circumferential expansion of the stopper element (14) to achieve a tighter seal with the drain (12). The hose (20) extends between and couples the device (10) with a source of pressurization (60) such that the fluid or the gas flows therefrom through the device (10) and into the clogged drain (12).

Abstract: A portable toilet has a support stem which may be inserted into a trailer hitch. A base ring is coupled to the support stem. An attachment device is coupled to the base ring. The attachment device is used for removably coupling a waste collection bag to the portable toilet. A toilet seat assembly is coupled to the support stem and rests on the base ring. A multi positional toilet paper holder is coupled to the support stem.

Abstract: A whirlpool bathtub and a valve device for such a tub. The tub has a molded tub part and at least one, preferably two removable, circular bottom elements which match recesses in the tub part. The bottom elements can be attached to the tub part by means of central screws. From an external pump device, air is supplied to the valve device and on to preferably two defined chambers in the tub, each of which is composed of a recess with an associated bottom element. Each bottom element has apertures for the supply of air from the chambers to the water in the bathtub. The valve device simultaneously constitutes a bottom valve for draining water from the tub to a plug hole. The tub is easy to keep clean, and may in addition be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Absorbent article having a containment assembly and highly extensible leg openings. The leg opening margins may have portions having differential properties, such as differential elastic extensibility. The absorbent article may also have highly extensible outer leg cuffs. Additionally, the absorbent article may have a narrow crotch region. The absorbent article may thus provide ease of application and removal, sustained dynamic fit, prevention of leakage, sustained wearer comfort, and desirable appearance.

Abstract: A swirl disk distinguishes itself in that it has at least one inlet region and at least one outlet opening, the at least one outlet opening being introduced in a bottom base layer. The swirl disk also has at least two swirl channels, which empty into a swirl chamber, the swirl chamber being provided in a swirl-generating layer. The swirl channels being situated and positioned such that when a fluid flows through, at least two swirl flows are generated next to one another in opposite directions, each one having its own jet branch. The swirl disk is particularly suitable for use on a fuel injector, in particular a high-pressure injector for directly injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of a mixture-compressing, spark-ignition internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or minimizing decompression illness in a scuba diver, consisting of a first safety bar, at least one first cable attached to the first safety bar, and an oxygen delivery system. The first cable supports the first safety bar at a predetermined depth. The oxygen delivery system consists of an oxygen tank, an oxygen delivery line, a manifold attached to the oxygen delivery line, and a plurality of regulators attached to the manifold. When the oxygen delivery system will be used by only one scuba diver, the oxygen delivery line can be connected directly to a single regulator without the manifold. The first cable and oxygen tank are attached to a float, which is either secured to a boat or platform via a tether line or anchored to the sea floor. In an alternative embodiment, the first cable is attached directly to a boat or platform, and an oxygen supply is provided on the boat or platform.

Abstract: A gas-powered, durable, needle-less hypodermic jet injection device (10, 210) includes a hand-held injector (12, 212) which receives into an injection cylinder a volume of liquid medication to be injected in the form of a high velocity jet capable of penetrating the skin without the use of a hypodermic needle. The injection device provides an injection orifice, and an injection piston. Forceful movement of the injection piston causes a high velocity injection jet of liquid medication to be expelled from the injection cylinder via the injection orifice. The injection device includes features which improve its usability, particularly for users with hands that are possibly weak, feeble, or arthritic, for example; and also includes additional features which improve manufacturability, durability, and cost effectiveness of the device.

Abstract: A closet flange for installing a bathroom commode, comprising an integrally formed unit having an upper flange, a cylindrical section extending downwardly therefrom for connection to a waste water discharge conduit, and a through passageway extending through the unit, wherein the upper flange has a sufficient thickness or vertical dimension to lie in the same plane as the finish tile floor surface when the closet flange has been bolted in place to the base floor above which a tile supporting underlayment has been installed with the finish tile floor installed over the supporting underlayment. No washers or other shim materials are needed to bring the upper surface of the flange in accordance with this invention into planar alignment with or above the surface of the finish tile floor.

Abstract: A fuel injector with a direct control needle valve has a closing hydraulic surface exposed to a control fluid, and an opening hydraulic surface exposed to fuel. The control fluid is different from the fuel. A vented annulus is positioned around the needle valve member between the control fluid chamber and the fuel chamber. An o-ring is positioned in a lower pressure region between the annulus and the control fluid chamber.

Abstract: A traction belt, including a first elongated portion, a second elongated portion oriented generally parallel to the first elongated portion and connected thereto, a first plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the first elongated portion, and a second plurality of biasing members operationally connected to the second elongated portion. Each biasing member is oriented generally perpendicular to a respective elongated portion. Each biasing member is adapted to provide a biasing force through a respective elongated portion.

Abstract: A pistol-grip kitchen spray device with elongated nozzle and handle portions. Using one hand, separate front upper and lower triggers actuate within the handle a rinse liquid valve and a soap pump to selectively dispense from the nozzle rinse liquid from a retractable hose and/or a soap liquid from a reservoir within the handle. A swivel connection is provided between the supply hose and the handle. A hose-retracting base with manual temperature control may supply rinse liquid at a selectable temperature solely to the hose of the spray device. The base includes a momentary valve with spigot for filling a drinking glass. The nozzle supports various non-rotatable latched scouring brush and abrasive accessories or a pet brush. One elongated brush on the elongated nozzle enables cleaning the entire length of a tall container. Alternative spray device mounting may be at bathroom shower head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the blood flow rate within an A-V shunt via indicator dilution techniques. Unknown flow resistance within the A-V shunt are addressed by adjusting a measured flow rate to provide a flow rate within a predetermined margin of error. The calculated flow rate can be rejected based upon flow conditions of the introduced indicator. Different indicator introduction rates can be used to enhance accuracy of the measured flow. The indicator flow path can include a flow restrictor to limit the flow rate of the indicator to below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet system includes a fixture body, an air line connector coupled to the fixture body, and a water line connector coupled to the air line connector. The air line connector is provided with structure adapted to couple about the outside of relatively small fixture bodies and about the inside of relatively large fixture bodies. As such, the air line connector is universal for multiple sizes of fixture bodies. The water line connector is coupled to the rear of the air line connector. The air and water line connectors may be rotated relative to the element to which each is coupled to facilitate assembly and plumbing. Other plumbing components and fittings may be coupled in a manner which provides a fluidtight seal and permits the components and fitting to thereafter be rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A small, substantially flat, envelope-shaped scent dispensing packet contains a porous, absorbent scent emitting material which retains a desired scent or fragrance. Compressing the packet forces scent-laden air within the packet through an opening in the packet, thereby delivering the scent to a user.