Abstract: A surgically implantable, multi-lumen, high profile mammary implant includes a first, flexible, elastic lumen at least partly filled with a soft gel material and having a front wall approximating the shape of a human breast and a second, firmer, flexible lumen within the first lumen and connected thereto solely at the rear wall of the first lumen. The second lumen has a volume which is less than the volume of the first lumen and is at least partly filled with a second soft gel material. A third lumen preferably inflatably surrounds the first lumen and is inflated with saline solution.

Abstract: An implantable hydraulic urinary sphincter system is disclosed for maintaining continence in those patients unable to control or stop inadvertent urinary flow. The invented apparatus generally consists of an artificial urinary sphincter and a control means for obtaining continence while causing the artificial sphincter to apply minimal pressure to the urethra for all conditions of the bladder. The invented apparatus: (1) automatically causes sphincter fluid pressure to increase or decrease with sensed bladder and/or abdominal pressure, and (2) is manually actuated by a patient when he or she desires to urinate. The invented apparatus can be filled with fluid, or the fluid pressure can be reset, after implantation without necessitating a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a vessel-equivalent prosthesis is described. A contractile agent such as fibroblast cells, smooth muscle cells or platelets is incorporated into a collagen lattice and contracts the lattice axially around an inner core. After the structure has set, additional layers may be formed in an ordered manner depending on the intended function of the prosthesis. Alternatively, all the layers may be formed concurrently. A plastic mesh sleeve is sandwiched between layers or embedded within the smooth muscle cell layer to reinforce the structure and provide sufficient elasticity to withstand intravascular pressure.

Abstract: A miniature implantable magnetically actuated valve relatively insensitive to normally-encountered shock loads includes a housing for containing a movable ferromagnetic valve member. Inlet and outlet passages are provided in the housing at least one of which has an internal valve seat which is engageable by the valve member to close that passage. The valve member is resiliently suspended within the housing by special flat multiply-started spiral springs which permit the valve member only a single degree of freedom toward and away from the valve seat. The valve member is biased in one direction or the other and the valve is actuated transcutaneously by a magnet juxtaposed to the valve outside the body which produces a magnetic force on the valve member which exceeds and opposes the biasing force.

Abstract: A joint for demountably clamping a tubular member into a main bore in a socket comprises an auxiliary bore directed perpendicular to the axis of the main bore and intersecting it over a small arc and first and second collets that fit in the auxiliary bore. Part cylindrical bearing faces on the collets are shaped to conform to the curvature of the tubular member. A clamping bolt urges the collets together so that they press on the tubular member and retain it in the socket. Preferably a reinforcing insert fits the end of the tubular member and has a disc or annulus that registers with the collets to resist compressive loads on the tube.

Abstract: A newly developed breast prosthesis overcomes the tightness and contracture of the fibrous capsule which forms around the existing prostheses. This prosthesis is constructed with an outer temporary component and an inner permanent component. The inner component is a fluid- or gel-filled container or sac of a flexible, non-absorbable material. The temporary outer component is a container or cover of a material which is absorbable under the conditions of use, and an inert filler material, preferably an absorbable, biologically acceptable liquid, e.g. saline solution, filling the space between the inner and outer components which is added through a valve or tube in the outer cover either at the time of manufacture or at the time of implantation. The inner component is preferably of silicone rubber film and is filled with a silicone gel. The outer portion is in the form of a sheet, film or coating of a material which can be absorbed in the body after surgical implantation.

Abstract: A corrective and protective knee brace wherein the upper and lower portions of the brace are connected together in such a manner that the flexing movement of the brace closely simulates the rolling and sliding movement of the human knee. The simulated knee movement is accomplished in the brace by a novel roller and inclined plane mechanism which coacts with flexible interconnecting cables. The upper portion of the knee brace includes a pair of pressure pads for engagement with opposite sides of the wearer's leg above the knee, and the lower portion of the brace includes a pair of pressure pads for engagement with opposite sides of the wearer's leg below the knee. The brace is provided with a toggle mechanism that is operable after the brace has been positioned on the leg to cause the upper and lower pressure pads to exert inward pressure above and below the knee.

Abstract: An adjustable prosthetic ankle assembly for allowing the heel height of a prosthetic foot to be adjusted and secured in a position that is of optimum comfort and facility to the user, the ankle assembly has a mechanism interposed between an ankle block and a connected foot block with a pivot and associated adjustment screw for altering the fore and aft tilt of the foot block with respect to the ankle block.

Abstract: A hand-held guide 50 for manually positioning a workpiece 58 between the anvil rib 25 and tool 9 of a hot die stamping press. A groove completed by interchangable cover plates 60, 70, 70' attached at one end of the guide conforms to a cross-sectional dimension common to similar workpieces and, with a force fit, retentively holds each of the workpieces.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for mastectomy patients is provided wherein a brassiere is modified by the incorporation of temporary fasteners in at least one cup which will hold in place a prosthetic pad of unique manufacture. The brassiere itself is preferably releasably retained by fasteners mounted to the frontal top portions of a slip.