Abstract: A compression surgical staple for bone to bone fixation along a fracture line includes spring means for driving the fractured interfaces together.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device has two sheaths (1, 4) which are relatively slidable for cleaning and assembly but keep stationary during use. Sheath (4) has a air hole (6) and the arrangement is such that air is allowed to and from the inner sheath via the air hole and passages between the sheaths. Air flow is partially restricted so that partial collapse of the sheaths occurs on withdrawal.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a gentle, yet effective versatile restraint system for persons, e.g., patients, which permits exercise without impairment of circulation and can be readily fitted to beds, cribs, etc. to effectively restrain bed patients, children, senile and/or incontinent persons to prevent them from harming themselves and/or engaging in unhealthy practices.

Abstract: A compact, unobtrusive orthotic splint comprising length adjustable padded malleable cuffs for positioning along and fastening to the splint, and an accordion-style spring to provide controlled extension or flexion.

Abstract: A user-worn protective body appliance to prevent injury to the underlying region of the wearer's body includes a relatively rigid shield and a relatively flexible, compressible pad. The pad has a first surface to which the rigid shield is attached, and a second surface against which the body region to be protected is to be placed. The rigid shield is generally dome-shaped with such curvature as to force the relatively flexible pad, upon its attachment thereto, to assume a contour approximating that of the body region to be protected. An appropriate adhesive is applied to a limited, central portion on the second surface for securing the appliance to the body region of the wearer. In contrast, the opposite end portions on the second surface do not contain any adhesive.

Abstract: The rasp-like reaming instrument is constructed as a hollow body with exterior teeth and openings adjacent the teeth. During use, bone material which is peeled off by the teeth is directed through the openings into the interior of the body to avoid accumulation of the material under the teeth. The cutting edges of the teeth remain unencumbered during a reaming operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an external splint which is particularly suitable for application to the pelvis, comprisng a central body consisting of a plurality of members which can be connected together telescopically and do not rotate with respect to each other about their own axes, two screw holding clamps anchored with ball joints to the free ends of the central body and a removable contractor/extender device. An articulated member 22-23, 22-47-23 or 22-50-51-23 consisting of two or more parts can be inserted between parts 20, 21 of the central body allowing the said parts 20, 21 to rotate in a single plane containing the longitudinal axes of parts 20, 21 and at right angles to the plane passing through axes 25, 26 of the seats for the pins of the contractor/extender device. This rotation takes place around at least one of the pivot pins 24 which couples together the parts of the said articulated member.

Abstract: A limb protective covering having a tubular sleeve of waterproof material for receiving a limb and elongated closure member for tightening the sleeve around the limb. A portion of the sleeve above the closure member is folded over the closure member to form a cuff. A belt attaches to the cuff and wraps around the cuff to completely seal the covered limb.

Abstract: A pedicle screw clamp comprising two sections adapted to form a socket which receives the head of a pedicle screw, a hook which holds a spinal support rod at an adjustable distance from the socket and compression means which holds the two sections together so that they tightly clamp the head of the pedicle screw.

Abstract: A method and structure for improved natural lighting for plant growth, particularly for mass production of horticultural crops in environmental conditions where normal solar lighting may be inadequate for horticultural production within a greenhouse structure. The structure comprises a translucent shell on a base, the shell and base enclosing a predetermined space within which plants are to be grown. A reflective surface is situated adjacent major portions of the base, outside the shell and preferably below the level of the base, to reflect solar radiation into the space through the shell. The structure may also be provided with other features tending to increase the exposure of solar radiation to the plants.

Abstract: A surgical prothesis insertion and removal tool is provided which is particularly adapted for removing a variety of different prostheses by clamping to the stems thereof. The device hereof employs a force transmitting member, such as a slide hammer, which is mounted to a coupling member. The coupling member includes an opening adapted to receive a stem of the prosthesis therein, and preferably includes a series of differently sized sleeves which conform to respective stems of different prostheses. The coupling member is configured to clamp around the sleeve and stem, enabling the slide hammer to act to lift the coupling member and thereby remove the prostheses from a bone in which it had been originally placed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a low cost cervical collar for use in emergency situations when there is a possible cervical/spinal injury. The cervical collar comprises a flexible foam plastic body member having sufficient length to substantially encircle the neck of the wearer in use. The body member includes a medial portion and opposite wing portions arranged to overlie the ears and provide substantial support for the head. The cervical collar is also provided with a hole centered at the front thereof to provide access to the throat in the event an emergency tracheotomy is needed. In a preferred embodiment, the cervical collar further includes a solid plastic sheet overlying a substantial portion of the body to provide additional strength and support.

Abstract: A soft tissue washer for use with a cancellous screw for attaching soft tissue, such as ligaments, to bone has posts disposed on a distal face of a washer body to limit penetration of sharp pins extending from the distal face into soft tissue, an annular recess disposed is the distal face to receive and clamp soft tissue, recess portions deeper than the annular recess disposed in the distal face to relieve compression of soft tissue, a dished recess in a proximal face of the washer body to entirely receive the head of the cancellous screw such that the head does not protrude from the washer and suture retention passages extending from the dished recess to a lateral rim of the washer for receiving sutures.

Abstract: A hemi-arm sling incorporates a resilient and adjustable abduction control strap to provide support to the affected arm and shoulder area. The cuff portion of the sling is also adjustable and includes an arm engaging section and a shoulder engaging section. A chest strap attached to the shoulder engaging section wraps around the back of the patient, under the axilla of the unaffected arm, across the chest and is attached to a ring connected to the front of the cuff. The adjustable, resilient abduction control strap is fastened to the rear of the cuff at one end and is selectively attachable to the rear portion of the chest strap at the other. Mateable hook and loop material is employed to connect the abduction control strap to the rear of the chest strap. The same mateable material is employed to attach the chest strap to the ring on the front of the cuff. The hemi-arm sling is employable in rehabilitation programs to prevent dislocation of the shoulder.

Abstract: An oral appliance for correcting tongue thrust or facial oral muscular dysfunction includes palatal and lingual portions arranged to encourage the tongue to contact the rugae for maintaining proper proprioceptive feel. The appliance may include a receptacle for dispensing a stimulant for increasing swallowing frequency.

Abstract: A transcutaneous fixation pin includes a threaded portion with flutes evenly spaced over the circumference of the pin at the anterior end of the threaded portion so as to perform a tapping operation when the end of the threaded portion penetrates a bone fragment. The flutes take the form of a notch creating a cutting edge of the tap, with clearance relief being provided behind the cutting edge of the tap which approaches the centerline of the pin until it reaches the next notch, so as to form a clearance angle. In a modification the flutes are disposed helicoidally in relation to the axis of the thread, with the helix and the thread being pitched in the same direction.

Abstract: For the application of bone cement, the cement must be ejected with maximum uniformity. The proposed device comprises a cylinder (10) including a distal ejection nozzle (11), said cylinder with its proximal end (12) being adapted for mounting on a displacing unit (20) for displacing a piston (13). The displacing unit (20) comprises gear means (21, 22) for converting the rotary movement of a driving journal (23) into the linear displacing movement of a driven plunger (14). The piston (13) is adapted to be connected with the driven plunger (14). In the vicinity of the driving journal (23) the displacing unit (20) comprises adapter means (30) for detachable assembly with a pneumatic drilling machine (40).

Abstract: A shield appliance including a shield support strap structure that fits over the lower end of a female user, and a non-porous, elastic shield member, detachably carried by the support strap member, detachably carried by the support strap structure, and positioned over the perineal area of the female use to protect against vaginal contact, and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, during cunnilingus.

Abstract: A support and watering system for a plant pot in which a support module is formed by a strip of plastic material having panels which are folded relative to each other so that the end panels interlock and form a generally triangular support module. The lower set of panels edges rest on the bottom of a container for holding water. A capillary wick is inserted into the bottom of the plant pot which rests on the top edges of the module panels, with the wick extending into the container and the plant is watered by capillary action. A plurality of the modules can be interlocked to increase the size of the support.

Abstract: A collapsible cervical cervical immobilization device comprising two pieces of treated fiberboard. The pieces are placed one on top of the other and joined together at the center of each. The upper member consisting of different sections formed by and attached to each often by fold lines. The fold lines allow these sections to be rotated independent of each other with the fold lines acting as a hinge. When certain sections are folded against a patient's head they form a cradling area. When the rigid shoulder sections are mated to the base member by means of Velcro-type hook-loop fasteners the device becomes rigid thus restraining the patients head and neck area. Adhesive tape on the bottom of the base member allows for the device to be secured to a surface that further supports the patients cervical area.