Abstract: A biomechanical stabilizer apparatus and methods for strengthening unstable joints and improving muscle coordination is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a tubing assembly incorporating a substantially circular member and an elongated handle member. In current design, the handle member extends substantially transverse dimensionally across the internal diameter of the circular member and is operably connected thereto. Preferably, the circular member is formed having an internal channel comprising two or more free moving bodies disposed therein. Similarly, the handle member is formed having an internal chamber wherein at least one free moving body is operably disposed. Preferably engaging the handle member is a timer unit for programming time durations and providing means for visual and/or audio feedback to the user when the programming parameters of the present invention are satisfied.

Abstract: A hinge is provided for an orthopedic brace having an adjustable range of rotation. The hinge includes an outer member and an inner member that are rotatably connected in parallel alignment to one another. The peripheral edge of the outer member has a plurality of rotation limiting notches formed therein and the peripheral edge of the inner member has a rotation limiting face formed therein that is selectively alignable with one of the rotation limiting notches. Each of the peripheral edges also has a locking notch formed therein that is selectively alignable with the other. A rotation limiting stop is provided at the peripheral edge of the inner and outer members that is selectively positionable in one of the rotation limiting notches to define an adjustable range of rotation during a rotational mode of hinge operation. Rotation of the inner member is limited when the rotation limiting face engages the rotation limiting stop positioned in the selected notch.

Abstract: A clavicle orthotic device has two bands (8, 8') of essentially non-elastic material adjustable in length. The bands (8, 8') are permanently attached at their respective first ends (3, 3') to a common support element (2) and can be detachably fastened to the support element at their respective second ends (4, 4'). For increasing wearing comfort through the greatest freedom of movement possible with simultaneous introduction of sufficient traction to the fractured clavicle, the support element (2) is constructed as an oblong plate element, at whose upper region the first ends (3, 3') are installed, and at whose lower region the second ends (4, 4') of the bands can be mounted by means of two buckles (5, 5'), whereby both buckles are positioned on the support element (2) as to be pivotable about a rotation point (6).

Abstract: A line projection part provided on a distal-end part of an endoscope for projecting a light of a line toward the side of an object. A plurality of points are assigned on a line which is projected so as to pass through a recess or the like which resides in an object surface, to calculate an approximate line which expresses the line three-dimensionally. Further, a measurement point is assigned onto the line which passes through the recess, to find a three-dimensional coordinate thereof. A distance from the three-dimensional coordinate to the approximate line is found to calculate a depth of the recess or the like.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic subfascial discission of perforans veins (ESDP) consists of a surgical endoscope (1) and a tube (9). The surgical endoscope (1) contains an optical image recording and transmission system, a fiber-optic lighting system and a working channel (4). A lateral handle (14) forms in an obtuse angle with the surgical endoscope and has at least one reproduction and lighting system (8, 6) guided to coupling spots (5, 7) provided at the proximal end of tube instrument. The distal end of the tube (9) extends beyond the distal end of be surgical endoscope (1) and is designed as a thicker, atraumatic lip (10) that contains a suction channel (12) diametrically arranged to a front lens system (16) and connected through a space (11) between the shaft (2) and the tube (9) to a connection fitting (13) for a suction hose (15).

Abstract: A heated back supporting device including a belt portion having a pair of pockets formed in an interior surface thereof. The belt portion is securable around a waist of a user. A pair of heated gel packets are adapted for removable coupling within the pair of pockets formed in the interior surface of the belt portion. A plurality of utility pockets are securable to an exterior surface of the belt portion.

Abstract: The hinge has optimally spaced pivots in which extension and flexion travel of each independently pivoted hinge arm is limited by a series of planar metal stops acting on both arms and in both directions. Each stop has first and second pairs of angled stop faces for limiting extension at optionally different angles and first and second pairs of angled stop faces for limiting flexion at optionally different angles. The hinge arms are disposed between a front plate and a back plate and pivot means for each hinge arm also serve as securing means securing the plates and hinge arms together. Each stop is secured by a single screw which passes through one plate. Stops are mounted in the internal flexion angle of the hinge.

Abstract: A video otoscope comprises an image forming assembly for producing an optical image of selected portions of an ear canal and a video camera for converting the optical image into a video image and transmitting the video image to a display system. The image forming assembly includes a speculum portion at a front end thereof, an optical lens system, and a coupling mechanism connecting the video camera to a rear end of the image forming assembly. The optical lens system is disposed along a longitudinal axis extending from a front distal end of the speculum portion to the video camera. The optical lens system includes an objective lens means disposed adjacent the front distal end and expander lens means spaced rearwardly from the objective lens along the longitudinal axis. Conically shaped inner taper tube surface defines a trapezoidal chamber portion around an optical image path that extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of an inner optical passage.

Abstract: In an endoscope tube system, an elastically bendable section is constructed of individual members spaced with respect to one another. A stabilizing spring band and a tension spring band are provided. The spring bands extend in a mutually opposite manner axially along the circumferential area of the individual members and at least one of the bands have a natural curvature which is opposite to the bending direction of the bendable section. The individual members are fixed on the stabilizing spring band, while the tension spring band is only connected with the most forward individual member. This construction of the bendable section requires no tension cables and is therefore operationally reliable, easy to take apart, and easy to clean.

Abstract: An improved laryngoscope and its method of use are disclosed herein. The laryngoscope includes a handle and a blade which defines a slot along its length. A tube separation mouth, which is widened in comparison to the slot and which leads into the slot, is provided integral with an uppermost portion of the blade for use during separation of an intubated endotracheal tube from the blade.In a method of separating the blade from an intubated tube, the tube is moved into the separation mouth and thereafter into the slot. The tube is then passed down the slot to be released therefrom as the blade is withdrawn from the throat of the patient.

Abstract: A knee brace (10) comprising a heavy duty surgical elastic bandage (12). A facility (14) is for binding the heavy duty surgical elastic bandage (12) in a removable manner about a knee of a leg (16) of a person (18). A structure (20) is built into the heavy duty surgical elastic bandage (12), for keeping in a first instance the leg (16) straight at the knee when standing, walking and sitting in a chair (22) and for allowing in a second instance the leg (16) to bend at the knee, to permit the person (18) to sit more comfortably in the chair (22).

Abstract: A knee support for supporting an injured knee while permitting bending and straightening movements of such knee such movements involving both displacement of the femur portion of such joint away from the tibia portion and also involving sliding and tilting movement of such femur portion relative to such tibia portion, the knee support having an upper cuff which can be secured around a portion of a leg, above the knee, a lower cuff which can be secured around the leg below the knee, attachments on the upper and lower cuffs, and, linear bearings secured to the attachments on either side of the knee, the linear bearings enabling movement of one of the cuffs away from the other and enabling free displacement movement and sliding movement of the knee joint.

Abstract: An articulated physical therapy device used in the therapy of a frozen shoulder is provided with tensioning means. In the preferred embodiment of the device there is a reciprocating strut employing rods and plates enclosed in a tube. The preferred embodiment can also be provided with a cam-operated detent for easy adjustment of the length of the forearm strut. Means are provided for easy removal of the reciprocating upper arm unit. A detent and keeper are provided for convenient changing of the reciprocating unit from the left side protractor retainer to the right side protractor retainer.

Abstract: An arcuate dynamic traction device for treating a finger having an injured joint, the device being used to apply a distraction force to the injured joint and including a yoke slidably supported on an arcuate track having spaced parallel sides and formed into an arch having a selected radius of curvature. The magnitude of the distraction force applied to the injured joint may be controlled using a tension adjuster that traverses the yoke and which is connected to the injured finger, an adjustable stop engaging the yoke when the desired distraction force is applied. The track is mounted to a forearm splint and can be positioned so that its relative longitudinal position to the forearm and its relative radial position will place the center of the arch on the joint and the finger will move in its normal anatomical plane, in an arcuate path concentric with the arch.

Abstract: A rectangular board has support surface with two spaced apart parallel arcuate rockers. Each rocker has a flat portion adjacent to one edge of the rocker board. The flat portion makes an angle of approximately 45.degree. with the upper surface of the board. A hemispherical pedestal or projection is formed between the two rockers on the underside of the board. The board has structure to assist in the performance of multiple exercises. A person standing on the board may hold the upper portion of the body in a substantially vertical position, with the lower extremities of the body then following the board back and forth as it rocks. In a second exercise, the board is held so the flat portion of the rocker holds the upper surface of the board at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the ground. The user's toes are placed on the ground with the heels extended up the 45 degree ramp until the ankle joints are stretched.

Abstract: A multi-use disposable endoscope capable of being sterilized and reused for a number of surgical procedures and then discarded is disclosed. The endoscope is adapted to withstand a number of sterilization cycles without experiencing degradation of the functional systems of the scope, and yet retains the cost effective qualities of a disposable endoscope. The endoscope preferably is formed in accordance with methods utilized for manufacturing a disposable endoscope, e.g., incorporating inexpensive plastic components for the housing sections of the scope as well as for the various systems of the scope. Particular attention is directed to adequately sealing potential leakage areas of the endoscope, such as the distal end of the endoscope and the juncture of the endoscopic portion and the eyepiece section.

Abstract: A pressure equalization device connects to a port on an endoscope and equalizes the pressure within the endoscope to an environment thereabout. An outlet check valve allows flow out of the port and blocks flow into the port. A filter may be provided for preventing known chemical agents from entering the port. If the agent is hydrogen peroxide, the filter preferably comprises a catalyst, such as copper wool, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An inlet check valve may also be provided to communicate with the endoscope port and allow flow into the port in response to a downstream pressure gradient exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: A polycentric variable axis hinge for use in an orthopedic knee brace to provide a mechanical joint between the femoral and tibial cuffs of the brace. The hinge includes a femoral stem which is attached to the femoral cuff and which extends downwardly from the femoral cuff, and it also includes a tibial stem attached to the tibial cuff which extends upwardly from the tibial cuff. The ends of the two stems overlap one another to provide a joint. The action is such that angular movement of the stems relative to one another causes them to slide and rotate relative to one another to replicate the actual movement of the knee joint of the user as the leg is bent and straightened. The femoral and tibial stems have a 30 degree angulated shape so as to displace the joint of the hinge two-thirds of the distance from the patella to the rear of the knee to cause the hinge precisely to simulate the anatomical femoral arc in the human knee.

Abstract: A hyperextension brace includes an upright support frame and a sternum pad positioned at one end of the upright support frame and a pubic pad positioned at the opposite end of the upright support frame. The brace further includes self-adjusting connectors for pivotally attaching the pads to the ends of the vertical support frame. The self-adjusting connectors comprise a one-piece structure having a generally flat web section integrally molded with an elongated, narrow recessed portion projecting from and reinforcing the web section. The recessed portion has an open end opening into an internal cavity for slidably receiving the end portions of the upright support frame. The one-piece connector further includes a U-shaped flange section integrally molded with and extending away from an end of the recessed portion opposite from its open end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cervical collar preferably formed from a thermoplastic material, which includes flexibility enhancing openings which allow the collar to conform properly to the shape of a patient's neck. Most preferably, the collar is formed from linear low density polypropylene, which is an injection moldable material. The collar may be injection molded and include rivets injection molded directly as part of the collar.