Abstract: A towel having a massage device disposed thereto, the massage device is an egg-like element composed of a first compartment and a second compartment and has two ends, from each of which a towel rotatably extends,the towels each have a block disposed in the massage device via a hole defined in the corresponding end, the massage device has a plurality of bosses extending from an outer surface thereof and has a plurality of apertures defined therein such that the massage device is rotatable corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the two towels.

Abstract: Laser shields including the MEROCEL.RTM. brand hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal foam material, for covering an endotracheal tube, for covering parts of a patient's body, and for covering instruments and the like, and laser shields including a micro-corrugated metal foil layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable safety and assistance harnessing device that is mountable to chairs or wheelchairs. Particularly, there is a harness loop (20) which may be attached to one handle (22) of a wheelchair. Additionally, the harness fits under one arm of a person, across the chest and under the other arm of the person. Moreover, the harness may fit under the other handle (34) and over one shoulder of the occupant where the harness is secured to a slideable clip (30). The clip sliding along the chest portion so as to loosen and tighten the harness system. Therefore, the person is free to bend and move more freely in a loosed harness position, and held more securely in a tightened position.

Abstract: A multipurpose bottle and cap combination comprises a bottle for containing a fluid, a neck with an opening through which the fluid may flow, and a bottom. A cap is secured to the neck of the bottle by threaded engagement and controls the flow of the fluid through the cap. A first massaging device is also provided. This device comprises a pair of identical parts, each part having a plurality of curved surfaces terminating in a tip. The massage device also has an internal bore containing a herbal medicine filled fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument and method for performing a partial knee replacement and, in particular, a single condyle replacement method. The instrument includes a tibial mounted platform which has formed thereon a keyed slot for receiving a spacer which spacer is positioned between the femur and tibia of the knee joint being replaced. The spacer receives thereon a positioning element which positioning element includes guides for guiding a drill to drill mounting holes for mounting further instruments used in the knee operation. In particular, the mounting holes are drilled when the femur and tibia are in a predetermined angular relationship with the spacer providing a predetermined spacial relationship. In this way, the mounting holes are properly determined and positioned with respect to the relationship between the femur and tibia. A saw guide is mounted to the mounting holes and used to guide a saw when cutting the anterior chamfer, the posterior chamfer and the posterior femoral cut.

Abstract: A baby burper apparatus aids in the release of stomach gas in a baby and includes a housing having one side having a generally arcuate surface shaped to fit onto a portion of a baby's body, which portion is padded. The housing can have a cloth covering and a hand support strap for holding a person's hand. A vibrating mechanism is mounted in the housing to vibrate the arcuate side of the housing and an electric switch allows the apparatus to be turned on and off with the same hand supporting the apparatus. The method includes selecting a baby burping apparatus as above and placing the arcuate side thereof onto a baby's body adjacent the baby's stomach area and then actuating the apparatus to vibrate or jiggle the area adjacent the baby's stomach to force eructation or release of gas from the baby's stomach. A cloth cover can be moved and cleaned or replaced.

Abstract: A fluid distributor for use in a fluid-filled bladder of a massage table in which a nozzle, mounted for rotatable motion, directs the fluid in an upward direction, a curved blade fixedly attached and extending laterally from the nozzle, causes a second motion to be introduced into the fluid. A temperature stabilizer is provided whereby fluid in the fluid-filled bladder of the massage table can be cooled dissipating heat generated by continuous action of a pump used to pressurize the fluid within the bladder.

Abstract: An improved device for repairing fractured bones is provided, the device comprising a specially designed connector, which is especially useful in combination with a plate having a tab cut out, a stop, a flat portion and a bore portion and with a compression screw and a lag screw.

Abstract: A device for effecting progressive elongation of a sectioned bone having no extracutaneous elements, and a method for using the device, are presented. The device, which includes a pair of telescopically engaged cylindrical members, is inserted into the medullary space of the bone, and one cylindrical member is affixed to each section of bone. Under the normal torsions experienced by the affected limb, a clutch mechanism is provided that causes the cylindrical members to be forced apart, separating the sections of bone, at which site new bone growth is stimulated. Rotations as small as 1 degree are sufficient to activate elongation. In order to limit excessive rotational displacement, a keyring mechanism is provided that limits rotation to that which is physically tolerated yet provides sufficient lengthening, typically between 3 and 5 degrees.

Abstract: A hydromassage pillow comprising a sealed hollow cushion filled with water for placement under a head and neck, or lower back of a person. A framework is within the sealed hollow cushion. An assembly is coupled to the framework, for heating and pulsating the water within the sealed hollow cushion to provide a warm water jet-type massage to the head and neck, or lower back of the person resting on the sealed hollow cushion, so as to relieve muscle tension by greatly reducing and in some circumstances eliminating low back pain, neck pain and a headache in the person.

Abstract: A roller mechanism is provided for a massage table which will allow a roller to accurately follow the curvature of a patient's back, and which will maintain a substantially constant pressure on the patient's back. The roller mechanism includes a roller assembly frame which slides beneath the table. A roller frame, on which the roller is journaled, is pivotally mounted to the roller assembly frame so that the roller may move vertically relative to the fame. A spring is connected at one end to an end of the roller frame and at another end to a bracket which is movable vertically relative to the roller assembly frame. The spring biases the pivotal roller frame upwardly to keep the roller in contact with the bottom of the table's cushion on which the patient lies. By changing the position of the bracket, the spring tension can be changed, to alter the pressure exerted by the roller against the patient's back.

Abstract: A cosmetic foot stool for grooming and massaging the feet comprises a foot support mounted to a base with the foot support being adjustable in height with respect to the base in order that the user may position the foot support in such a way that it is comfortable during use. The foot support defines a recess in an upper surface thereof for receiving a foot of the user. The recess has an inclined surface for receiving the sole of the foot. This inclined surface faces towards the user so that the foot is perpendicular to the line of vision of the user. The foot support is provided with a vibrating device which can be connected to a shoe into which the user can position his foot for receiving a massage. As the foot stool is used for grooming the feet and, for instance, for applying nail polish to the toes thereof, a blower is provided in the foot support with apertures being defined in the inclined surface thereof in such a way that air displaced by the blower flows through the apertures.

Abstract: A screw for fixation of a tendon/bone graft during an arthroscopic surgical procedure includes a smooth conical forward end having a rounded tip and a spiral thread running from a position behind the smooth rounded forward end to a rearward end of the screw. The depth of the thread is shallower than a conventional screw and the exterior edge of the thread is rounded to decrease cutting and fragmentation of the tendon and bone. The screw includes an internal bore with left- and right-handed threaded portions for engagement with insertion and extraction instruments. In the method, the bone graft is harvested and sized as desired. A graft socket is drilled in the bone and then serially sized with increasingly larger sizing instruments to compact the bone and size the graft socket to the graft. A smooth bore screw socket is created by serially dilating a space between the graft and graft socket with increasingly larger dilating instruments, thereby also compacting the graft.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device and method for the stabilization of the spine after surgical procedures such as those related to degenerative disc diseases are described. The device comprises a spacer, which is placed between adjacent vertebrae when installed and a locking mechanism attached to the spacer. The locking mechanism attaches the device to the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the spine in a manner which is non-invasive with respect to the vertebrae to which it is attached.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing a selected portion of a product and for assembling a sterile product from two or more parts which can not be sterilized with the same form of sterilization. A sterile product produced by these methods is also disclosed. The method for sterilizing may include sterilizing a selected portion of the product by exposing the selected portion to an electron beam, while shielding the remainder of the product from the radiation of the electron beam. The method of assembling a sterile product from two or more component parts may include the steps of sterilizing the first part of the product, isolating a portion of the first part from the remainder of the first part, attaching the second part to the isolated portion of the first part, and exposing the isolated portion to a form of sterilization which is deleterious to the remainder of the first part, while shielding the remainder of the first part from such form of sterilization.

Abstract: A loop device includes an endless thread threaded through a number of balls, and a number of spacers disposed between the balls. The balls may apply force against human body for exercising and massaging purposes. The endless thread includes a wire cable for preventing stretching of the endless thread, and a soft covering engaged on the wire cable. The soft covering is engaged between the wire cable and the balls for reducing friction between the wire cable and the balls and for reducing noise.

Abstract: An exercise device and method for the treatment of symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome is described. The device comprises an elastic member, retained in a mouse pad, which removably attaches to the distal tips of the fingers and the thumb of the affected hand. The patient dons the device and with the fingers and thumb extended, repetitively forces the fingers and thumb outward away from one another against the elastic restoring force of the device. Brief, frequent, (preferably daily) use of this device relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: A massage device for the soles of the feet is provided. The device includes a number of units releasably connected together to form a long track which allows people to walk thereon and have the soles of their feet massaged by pebble-like projections formed on each of the units. Each unit includes a rectangular, flat, hollow body defining a sealed interior space inflated by air. The flat body has an upper surface having a plurality of different-sized pebble-like projections distributed uniformly thereon. The hollow body is preferably made of a resilient and slightly inflatable material so that by being inflated, the interior pressure is adjusted to provide an adjustable rigidity of the body. With the resilience and the adjustable rigidity provided by the interior pressure, the pebble-like projections are allowed to deflect and deform when stepped on by people, to comply with the shape of the soles of the feet, so as to avoid damaging the soles.

Abstract: An improved surgical cutting block for guiding bone saws in joint surgery and similar instruments. The cutting block is provided with one or more cutting guides having cutting guide surfaces positioned on exterior faces of the block or along channels within the block. The cutting guide surface is formed of a material having a Knoop hardness of 466 or greater (under a 500 gm load or greater), a chrome content of less than 10% and a nickel content of less than 4%. According to another aspect of the invention, a method of cutting bone tissue utilizing the improved surgical cutting device is disclosed wherein heat-generated damage to bone tissue is reduced and production of toxic residue is minimized.

Abstract: A massaging assembly includes a massaging apparatus and a movable lower-back supporting member. The massaging apparatus includes a hollow casing with a top wall and a front wall, a rest member disposed on top of the top wall, and a driving unit mounted in the casing. The driving unit extends through the top wall of the casing so as to connect with and drive reciprocatingly the rest member from side to side. The lower-back supporting member is to be disposed spacedly from the front wall of the casing and parallel to direction of reciprocating movement of the rest member. The supporting member includes a base and a slide plate mounted slidably on top of the base. The slide plate is slidable in a direction parallel to the direction of reciprocating movement of the rest member.