Abstract: An acetabular cup positioner for positioning an acetabular cup during hip surgery comprising a head having an axis which is receivable in the acetabular cup, a first arm coupled to the head and extending from the head at an acute angle, and a second arm coupled to the first arm at a location spaced from the head. The second arm extends generally parallel to the axis of the head, and the arms and the axis are in substantially the same plane. First and second handles are coupled to the first arm such that the anteversion angle can be established for the right and left hips by aligning the first and second handles, respectively, with the patient axis.

Abstract: An external fixation apparatus for the reduction and immobilization of the proximal end segments of a fractured bone is disclosed. The fixation apparatus includes a turnbuckle device, a ball joint device attached to the respective ends of the turnbuckle device, a locking mechanism for the ball joint devices, and a plurality of clamps which are located on tubular members extending from the ball joint devices and in which a pin embedded at one end in the fractured bone segment is received. After the pin is immovably clamped to the tubular member, the subsequent manipulation of the two tubular members relative to one another and adjustment of the turnbuckle device causes the fractured bone segments to be aligned and reduced so that the locking of the ball joint devices and turnbuckle device holds the fractured bone segments in a proper healing orientation relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for preparing the distal surface of a femur to receive a distal femoral prosthesis employing an intramedullary reamer which is used to internally locate the central long axis of the femur, an intramedullary alignment guide which is inserted into the space left in the intramedullary canal upon removal of the reamer and at least one femoral surface modifying instrument which cooperatively engages with a guide handle attached to the intramedullary alignment guide to accomplish the shaping of the distal femoral surface. The intramedullary alignment guide has a rod portion extending into the femoral intramedullary canal whose central long axis corresponds with the central long axis of the femur.

Abstract: An implant for use in retention of the greater trochanter comprising a circumferentially extending band and first and second bands extending between opposite regions of the circumferentially extending band. One or more prongs are coupled to the bands. The implant cooperates with a wire for tying the implant in position over the greater trochanter. The bands of the implant are deformable so that they can be conformed to approximate the contour of the greater trochanter. The prongs are adapted to penetrate the abductor muscle-tendon attached to the greater trochanter to help retain the greater trochanter in position.

Abstract: An oral weight control apparatus and method adapted to block solid foods from entering the stomach of a user thereof, while at the same time allowing the user to freely move his tongue and jaws, to talk, to breathe, to drink fluids, and to participate in other desirable activities without the presence of the apparatus being visible or otherwise made known to anyone other than the user. The apparatus includes a guard, net, or other sieve-like blocking means that is secured inside the mouth of the user. Liquids and finely ground foods may freely pass through the guard or sieve but solid foods may not. In the preferred embodiment, the blocking means functions as a one-way valve, blocking solid foods from entering the stomach through the mouth but allowing food within the stomach to pass back out through the mouth (as would occur, for example, during regurgitation).

Abstract: A supplemental hand restraint device is disclosed which is utilized in conjunction with conventional handcuffs to eliminate functional hand and/or finger use of a person in custody. The device comprises a bag adapted to be positioned over the hands and handcuffs of a person in custody and be secured thereupon to completely enclose or encapsulate the person's hands. The device may additionally be secured to the belt of a person in custody to prevent the person from stepping through the handcuffs as well as be utilized in multiple custody applications.

Abstract: An extraction device for removing foreign bodies such as a uretal stone from a human body passage. A double lumen catheter is provided having a tubular balloon attached circumjacent to the distal end thereof. A suction lumen is open at the distal end and a pressure applying lumen is open to the interior of the balloon. The balloon includes a lower reentrant portion. After insertion of the distal end of the catheter into the body passage such as the ureter to the point of a stone, the balloon is inflated dilating the ureter. The catheter is slowly withdrawn causing intussusception of the distal end of the tubular balloon, thereby surrounding and captivating the stone. Continued withdrawal extracts the stone without trauma to the passage wall.

Abstract: A suntanning booth rapidly tans an occupant by having a first source of radiant energy of a wave length of 320 to 400 nanometers and a second source of radiant energy of a wave length of 280 to 320 nanometers which simultaneously irradiate an occupant of the booth to stimulate secretion of melanin and to oxidize the melanin, respectively. Individual cooling systems for the radiant energy sources and the occupant are formed as part of the booth to maintain the temperatures of the radiant energy sources and the occupant at acceptable levels.

Abstract: A non-invasive birth control device in the form of a custom-formed, valved cervical cap is disclosed. The cervical cap comprises a cup-shaped elastomeric shell substantially complementary with contiguous surface of portio vaginalis cervicis when in contact therewith and having an aperture at the apex of the shell. The aperture is covered by an elastomeric web secured to the shell and defines, together with the shell, a one-way valve having a discharge port offset from the aperture. The cervical cap can be fabricated from a specially designed blank of a thermoplastic elastomeric material using a replica of cervix uteri as a mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for preparing the proximal surface of a tibia to receive a proximal tibial prosthesis employing a reamer/alignment guide which is used to internally locate the central long axis of the tibia and a plateau planar which cooperatively engages with a guide handle attached to the reamer/alignment guide to accomplish the shaping of the proximal tibial surface. The reamer/alignment guide has a rod portion extending into the interior of the tibial shaft whose central long axis corresponds with the central long axis of the tibia. The guide handle is concentric with that rod portion such that the plateau planar assumes the proper alignment with respect to the central long axis of the tibia such that the proximal tibial surface is shaped relative to that axis in a simple and accurate manner.

Abstract: This stapler includes two scissors-type clamping devices which carry a disposable four-piece stapling cartridge in the form of two pairs of cooperating, arcuate stapling elements. Each device supports a cooperating pair of the stapling elements around one of two, tubular tissues, the ends of which are secured in inverted, confronting positions over operating surfaces on the respective pairs of elements by pins which project from the outer surfaces of the elements. At least one pair of the elements contains a plurality of movable staple pushers and a pair of arcuate knives, which are engagable with wedge-shaped actuators that are operated by a pair of pliers on each device. When operated by the pliers the actuators drive the staple pushers and knives substantially simultaneously toward the operating surfaces of the elements, thereby driving a circular array of staples through the everted tissue ends, and trimming away excess tissue around the outside of the circular staple array.

Abstract: A device or assemblage for effecting immobilization, support, healing and repair of body areas such as displaced or injured bone structure. More particularly, the invention relates to an orthopedic device and method which are simpler, faster and more complete than any known means or technique for a related purpose. Of considered prime importance is the fact that the special cast structure of the invention permits direct and immediate access to the affected body area at all times, after the cast is formed, for any purpose such as inspection or treatment.Contrary to this advantage, conventional plaster cast or known cast forming tapes, wound around an appendage, do not permit such action but require removal of the cast by cutting, a delicate and time-consuming procedure, unpleasant to the subject. The present device eliminates entirely the necessity of cutting the cast for its removal, even after the rehabilitation period.

Abstract: A compression screw having a proximal portion and a distal portion integrally interconnected by an intermediate tapering portion. The proximal and distal portions have threads of the same pitch. The intermediate portion has a smooth outer surface tapering the larger diameter proximal portion into the smaller diameter distal portion. The shaft of the proximal portion is cylindrical and the shaft of the distal portion is tapered, terminating in a sharp trocar point, and the threads of the proximal and distal portion may be provided with self-cutting flutes. The smooth tapering surface of the intermediate portion cooperates with the threads at the distal end to effect counteracting forces which cause compressions of the bone between the distal end and the taper.

Abstract: Blood letting apparatus is disclosed which is particularly adapted for operation by the patient, the device being characterized by a substantial reduction in the pain of administration and by the provision of an efficient release of blood with minimal admixture of tissue fluids. A feature of the invention resides in the provision of a lancet carrier for removably receiving disposable sterile lancets and a hammer member for activating the carrier, the carrier being free of connection with the hammer whereby the point of the lancet may be disposed against the skin of the user in advance of the carrier being struck by the hammer.

Abstract: A novel cannula is disclosed for use in the application of bone cement to the prepared intramedullary canal of a bone prior to the cementation of a surgical implant therein. The novel cannula comprises a hollow tube adapted to slidingly receive the nozzle of a bone cement extruder, an inflatable cuff surrounding the tube, and means to inflate the cuff. In operation, the inflated cuff forms a seal against the wall of the intramedullary canal, thereby preventing escape of cement through the open end of the prepared canal and insuring that the applied cement is properly pressurized within the canal. As a result, a highly secure cementation of the surgical implant within the intramedullary canal is achieved.

Abstract: A sterile hemostatic clip for occluding vessels. The clip comprises a pair of diverging leg members and a ring member. The ring member is placed over the hinge portion of the clip and slides along the legs to occlude a vessel placed between the leg members.

Abstract: A novel pliers-like tool is disclosed for bringing into engagement the first member, having a head and a neck depending therefrom, and the second member, having a cavity therein receiving said head, of a joint prosthesis. In use, the inner surface of one, preferably bifurcated, jaw of the tool bears against the outer surface of the second member, while the tip of the other jaw bears against the neck of the first member. The two members are readily brought into engagement by closing the handles of the tool.

Abstract: An external fixation assembly, and a method of treating fractures utilizing an external fixation assembly, are provided for facilitating the healing of fractured bones in a living body. Pins passing through bone portions are held stationary relative to each other by a frame which includes universal joints, articulation couplings, and adjustable length rods. Springs are provided in the assembly for applying compression to the universal joints allowing for the application of compression and the simultaneous application of axial loading to the bone portions. The universal joints and other components are arranged to provide free sliding of the components relative to each other upon loosening of the universal joints so that desired motion or force application at the fracture site may be provided.

Abstract: A bone clip for surgical repair of bones in vivo, having a body and depending legs at each end thereof and perpendicular thereto. Means are provided to draw the legs inwardly towards each other after insertion into the bone so as to draw the bone ends together under a preselected pressure.

Abstract: An athletic supporter includes a waistband with a pair of leg straps each attached at one end to the waistband and at the opposite end to an elastic mesh protective enclosure which is held in position to provide groin protection on a human body. The protective enclosure includes overlying inner and outer layers of elastic mesh material sewn together to form a closed end portion connected to the end of the straps and an open upper end portion where the inner layer is sewn to the waistband. The inner layer forms a pouch for supporting the groin region in one application of use of the athletic supporter. In another application of use the protective enclosure is adapted to receive a protective cup which is held in position to protect the groin region of the body against impact blows. An elastic strap is sewn to the open upper end portion of the protective enclosure with the ends of the elastic strap sewn to the waistband.