Abstract: In order to confirm the direction of each portion of an image picked up by an endoscope, the endoscope includes a direction indication mechanism detachably mounted on a tip member. This direction indication mechanism includes an annular holder member which is held in contact with a front end face of the tip member and is arranged along a peripheral edge of an inspection window, and a displacement member supported by the holder member for displacement circumferentially of the holder member under the influence of gravity. The displacement member has a direction indication portion disposed radially inwardly of the inner peripheral edge of the holder member and the peripheral edge of the inspection widow. The direction indication portion is observed from the inspection window. When the direction indication function is not needed, the direction indication mechanism is detached from the tip member.

Abstract: A plastic foot splint has a back portion, a heel portion, and a foot portion, with the foot portion normally being positioned at a substantial right angle with respect to the leg portion. The splint is of resilient spring-like material to permit the foot portion to be forcibly deflected at the heel portion to create an obtuse angle with respect to the leg portion. A diagonally extending frame connects the heel and foot portions. Expandable means comprising telescopically secured side members allow the frame to maintain its connection between the heel and foot portions when the foot portion is forcibly moved to form an acute angle with respect to the leg portion. Lock elements are on the frame to rigidly hold the foot portion in a preselected obtuse angular relationship with respect to the leg portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for foot drop and similar conditions utilizes an anterior dorsal ankle foot orthoses having an anterior support adapted to be placed against the shin of the leg and strapped to the leg at a point below the knee. The lower end of the orthoses terminates in a yoke at the dorsal portion of the foot, the yoke having lateral side members adapted to be placed on either side of the foot for supporting a foot pad. The foot pad supports the foot from the heel to the ball. The ankle/foot orthoses may be placed in standard footwear, reducing the visibility of the brace to the observer.

Abstract: A prophylactic ankle brace for protecting the ankle of paratroopers and which fits on the outside of the paratrooper boot. It includes lateral and medial side walls extending longitudinally upwardly to encompass the ankle and lower extremity of the leg above the ankle with a substantially U-shaped member connecting the spaced apart side walls for extending substantially around and conforming to the back of the shoe to hold the side walls in fixed relationship to each other and to the shoe. Straps are provided for removably attaching the connected side walls to the shoe and to the lower extremities of the leg in fixed relationship.

Abstract: An ankle brace for a person. The brace basically comprises an elongate medial support member, an elongate lateral support member, four releasably securable straps for the support members, and a footpiece. Each of the support members is a semi-rigid plate configured to extend along and generally conform to the shape of a respective side of the leg of the wearer from a point just below the malleolus to a point substantially thereabove. Foam pads are provided on the support members to absorb shock and conform closely to the wearer's leg. The footpiece is also a semi-rigid member and comprises a base portion having a medial side and a lateral side and a pair of upstanding members projecting therefrom pivotally connected to respective ones of the support members adjacent the malleoli. The base portion includes a pad thereon and generally conforms to the bottom of the wearer's foot. A metatarsal pad is provided on the footpiece. The support members are connected to each other by the four straps.

Abstract: A pin assembly for use in a skull clamp having a cylindrical non-metallic housing and a metallic rigid pin with a conical point fitted in the non-metallic housing. The non-metallic housing has fingers extending from a cavity in the surface of the housing and are positioned at an angle towards the pin end of the housing to hold the pin assembly in the skull clamp.