Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting fluid includes a first panel member having first and second sheet portions. The first sheet portion has a plurality of apertures therein, and the second sheet portion is spaced apart from the first sheet portion by a spacing structure to define an interior space therebetween. At least one of the end portions of the panel has a first edge opening. The first edge opening and the plurality of apertures communicate with the interior space. The apparatus also includes a first manifold member having a wall defining an inside space and having interior and exterior wall portions. The manifold member further includes an end opening communicating with the inside space and a connecting structure for sealably connecting the manifold member to the first panel member. The connecting structure includes at least one opening in the wall for communication between the inside space and the first edge opening of the first panel member.

Abstract: An automatic water-supplying flowerpot and its water supply control method are disclosed, in which the principle of capillary action is utilized. The flowerpot of the present invention comprises an upper pot for containing the soil to raise a plant, a lower pot for storing the water, and an intermediate portion for integrally connecting the said upper and lower pots. A water supply control tube which is stuffed with an absorption material extends from the bottom of the lower pot to the bottom of the upper pot in order to adequately supply the water into the soil of the upper pot, the water supply control tube including a large bore and a plurality of small bores. The advantage of the device of the present invention is that frequent waterings are not required, but the watering may be done once for every couple of months, thereby making it possible to leave the flowerpot uncared during a long trip and the like.

Abstract: A disposable appliance for inhibiting the intake of food is disclosed. The appliance comprises first and second spaced pressure sensitive adhesive pads applied to the cheeks of a user at the corners of the user's mouth, the ends of one or more bands being connected to the pads. The bands are arcuate, so that they arch over the junction of the lips of the user. The appliance permits normal breathing and speech, while at the same time inhibiting the intake of food through the lips.

Abstract: An improved condom having an elastic mesh as an integral part of the walls of the condom. The elastic mesh reinforces the latex walls of the condom making the condom less susceptible to breakage without loss of sensitivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ankle supporting sleeve (1) having side parts (2,2') in which receiving pockets (10, 11 and 10', 11') are incorporated. These receiving pockets (10, 11, 10', 11') each feature an insertion opening (12, 13 and 12', 13') provided with a releasable fastener (14, 14'). Reinforcing parts can be introduced into said receiving pockets (10, 11 and 10', 11') thus making it possible to adapt the sleeve to various applications and the time of treatment optimally.

Abstract: A combination food holder and planter includes a main frame having an opening; a food support frame removably connected to the main frame within the opening for holding at least one food item within the opening; and a planter connected to the main frame for supporting a plant within the opening when the food support frame is removed from the main frame.

Abstract: Herein presented is an intravaginal device to shield against contact with communicable infections and diseases. The device is an elastic container. The container functions similar to a condom but it can completely cover both the female and and male genitalia. The device can contain lubricant jelly and its exterior is covered with lubricant jelly. The elastic nature of the device allows it to conform to the surface shapes of the vagina and penis as the penis penetrates and enters into the vagina. The device is easy to use and completely disposable.

Abstract: A multi-function hand splint for immobilizing a hand, wrist, and distal forearm of a user includes a sleeve made of a semi-rigid material. The sleeve includes an elongate shell having a dorsal shell portion and a volar shell portion. Extending adjustably from the dorsal shell portion is a dorsal hood having a metacarpal hood portion and a phalanx hood portion. The metacarpal hood portion forms a dorsiflexion angle of between 60.degree. to 80.degree. with the axis of the forearm so that a comfortable maximal dorsiflexion of the wrist is achieved. The metacarpal hood portion also forms a hood angle of between 75.degree. to 90.degree. with the phalanx hood portion. A palm arch supports extends adjustably from the volar shell portion in order to maintain the hand in the dorsal hood with the wrist in dorsiflexion and the metacarpal-phalangeal joints at an angle greater than about 90.degree. to 105.degree..

Abstract: A protective surgical hand covering having a hardened molded material placed over the hand. The material will cover the meat of the palm, the knuckles, the lower knuckles, and breadth of the palm. Thimble shaped tips are also available for use. Surgical latex gloves may be worn either over or under the invention.

Abstract: An improved intravenous injection shield assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a protective shield member made of a rigid transparent plastic material. The assembly further includes strap members for holding the assembly in a predetermined position on a limb. The assembly when positioned on the limb is longitudinally extending with respect to the limb to prevent the bending of the limb. When the shield is positioned on the limb, a space is defined between the uppermost surface of the shield member and the upper surface of the limb. An intravenous needle and tubing can be positioned in the space between the shield member and the limb.

Abstract: An anchor system that is preferably for use in an arthoscopic cruciate ligament replacement procedure for securing a ligament (37) or (50), or ligament type device, with or without a stint (38), within a prepared ligament tunnel (33). The system includes a pair of threaded footings (11) for turning in opposite tapped ligament tunnel cortex ends (34) and (35) and studs (10), each having an eyelet end (18) or, for a prosthetic ligament (50) is secured to the ligament end, the studs each having a cylindrical body (17) and flared end (12). The stud flared end terminates in a lip (15) wherefrom a lock wall (16) extends at an angle to the vertical to the cylindrical body, which flared end is cross-cut at (19) and (20), forming sections. The stud flared end (12) sections to close together to fit through the threaded footing (11) and flex outwardly beyond that footing end (24), the lip lock wall (16) to flex over that footing end locking the stud therein.

Abstract: An invalid walker comprising right and left side frame members in the form of an inverted Y-shape, each frame member containing a vertical leg, a side leg attached downwardly and rearwardly from the vertical leg and a horizontal brace connecting the vertical leg and side leg, a front horizontal member connecting the right and left side frame members, and handgrip support attached to the upper end of each vertical leg. Stair climbing convenience is provided by a forward extension of the horizontal brace and a restraint strap between the handgrip supports provides an optional safety feature.

Abstract: An orthopaedic trolley for leg support to allow mobility in cases of injury or disablement of the foot or ankle comprising a support structure 18 slidably mounted in a sleeve 26 having legs 20 splayed outwardly therefrom. The legs 20 are mounted on castors 24 or rotatable wheels. A cradle 14 is provided having a foam filled 16 inner portion and extending therefrom a maneuvering handle 22.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for coupling the component parts of a foldable device is provide. The hinge apparatus comprises a moveable sleeve adapted to tightly fit a guide and stop bushing operably connected with the support components of the foldable device. With the foldable device is in the use extended position, the moveable sleeve may surround and provide support to a hinge link. The hinge link is adapted to permit folding of the foldable device when the moveable sleeve is not surrounding the hinge link. A folding crutch comprising the hinge apparatus is provided. The folding crutch, comprising the hinge apparatus, provides the crutch user with safe, firm and sure support.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail comprising an elongate tubular rod with upper proximal and lower distal ends and positioned within and extending longitudinally of the intramedullary canal of a fractured bone. A pair of adjacent, elongate anchor blades with upper and lower ends are positioned with their upper end portions within a transverse slot in the distal end of the rod and are connected therewith by a single transverse pivot pin. The blades normally extend downwardly from the rod and are pivoted radially outwardly from opposite sides of the rod to deployed positions where they establish anchoring engagement within the bone. The blades have cam parts and stop edges at their upper ends. An elongate setting tool is slidably engaged in and shiftable downwardly in the rod. The tool has a downwardly-disposed surface normally engaging said cam parts to pivot the blades to their deployed positions when the tool is moved downwardly and to establish stopped engagement with said stop edges when the blades are deployed.

Abstract: An I. V. stabilizer has an elongated rectangular arm support pad onto which eight hook and loop fastener straps are secured. The straps are spaced along the length of the pad in four sets of two. Each set of the four straps and the arm support pad has an inner lining of padded foam material and a sterile cotton backing. The arm support pad as a central enclosed plastic stiffener which extends along the length of the pad. In use, a person's arm is placed on the support pad and the I. V. needle is then inserted. The four inner straps are wrapped around the person's arm and supported by cooperating hook and loop fasteners on the cotton backing of the support pad. The I. V. tube is then looped over the inner straps and the outer straps are then wrapped over the I. V. tube, and around the individual's arm and secured by hook and loop fasteners on the cotton backing of the support pad. In this manner, a secure support of an I. V. needle and tube is provided, preventing the I. V.

Abstract: An orthopeadic splint comprises a plurality of self-contained compartments (10, 20,30) having flexible impermeable walls, each compartment containing fluent granular material and being provided with a valve (11, 21, 31) allowing evacuation and inflation respectively to solid and deformable conditions, the compartments being connected serially with a common wall portion between each successive pair of compartments.

Abstract: An air supported tunnel system for protecting soil rows of planted items by providing a cover thereover, the tunnel system includes a tunnel cover adapted to extend cover a longitudinally extending soil row, the covering being of plastic material and defining a tunnel of generally semi-circular cross section; a plurality of longitudinally spaced air ribs integral with the cover and extending from end to end of the cross section of the cover acts as tunnel supports when inflated; an air channel is connected to the tunnel cover along one side thereof, said air channel being in fluid commumincation with each air rib whereby pressurized air may be supplied through said air channel to inflate the air ribs to maintain the tunnel system in erected condition; a water ballast assembly connected to each longitudinal side of the tunnel cover, the water ballast assembly including a water channel connected to the longitudinal side of the cover, a plurality of ballast chambers in fluid communications with each water channe

Abstract: A post operative protective face shield comprises essentially a transparent body of a flexible material. Along the upper and side edges of the body of the face shield is provided an adhesive strip whereby the shield can be adhesively attached to the perimeter of the face of a patient. The shield is attached to the forehead adjacent the hairline and extending downwardly following the contour along the sides of the face. The shield is primarily adapted for providing a waterproof shield to allow a patient having recently had facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to shower and shampoo their hair while keeping the bandages and incisions in a clean dry condition.

Abstract: A surgical accessory for imposing a controlled and appropriate stress to a surgical joint during arthroscopic surgery. The device is comprised of a substantially inelastic composition defining a sling adapted to be positioned about a selected location of the limb displaced from the joint on which surgery is to be conducted. A transverse handle is secured to the sling and enables the sling to be hand held and carefully manipulated to impose the required stress from the limb location to the joint. The device can be advantageously utilized during arthroscopic surgery of the knee joint. In one embodiment the sling is slit to embrace the ankle with the heel protruding through the slit. In a second embodiment, the sling is comprised of two juxtaposed sections at least one of which is adjustable. Forces provided to the handle by the holder of the device are transmitted from the handle to the sling for appropriate positioning of the ankle whereby proper stressing of the knee joint is achieved.