Abstract: An improved total knee joint prosthesis having femoral, tibial and patellar components wherein the trochlear groove in the femoral component of the knee joint prosthesis possesses a depth-width ratio that allows the patellar component to sit deeper in the trochlear groove during knee flexion.

Abstract: An artificial larynx consists of (1) a first unit mounted in the mouth comprising a dental prosthesis, including a loud speaker, a power amplifier, a self-contained power source, plus a radio frequency receiver, and (2) a second unit held in the hand equipped with an input control device, self-contained power source, electronic circuitry and transmitter allowing the user to alter the frequency and volume produced by the unit in the mouth. The construction and components of the unit allows laryngectomees to speak with both a natural sound and a high degree of intelligibility.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in attaching a leg prosthesis. The purpose of this coupling device is to allow for the quick attachment or detachment of the prosthesis without removal of the bucket portion which is left connected to the wearer by suction or by a belt. The device is both self aligning and quick coupling. One plate has a plug and the other plate has a socket into which the plug fits. A threaded pin joins the two plates and forces the two plates, which are deliberately misaligned, together.

Abstract: There is provided a tubular connector to connect first and second fluid tubes wherein separately formed first and second tubular sections are jointed together with a built-in artificial valve in the inside fluid path.

Abstract: A technique and device for relieving intraocular pressure with a reduced risk of inflammation that may be caused by retrograde flow back into the eye. A unidirectional drainage device is implanted which allows fluid to flow away from the eye with a minimal pressure gradient (5 mm Hg. or less), and includes means to prevent retrograde flow. When implanted, the drainage passageway is initially restricted by a flow restrictor. After fibrosis has occurred to prevent excessive drainage that might cause hypotony, the flow restrictor is severed to allow the free flow of fluid away from the eye, with inflammatory debris being prevented from reentering the eye. In one embodiment, the flow restrictor includes barbs which hold it to the device after it has been severed, thereby preventing the flow restrictor from floating freely within the eye after it has been cut.

Abstract: The impellor of a blood pump is supported by permanent magnets on the impellor and pump housing and stabilized by an electromagnet on the housing. A control circuit supplies current to the electromagnet to maintain the axial position of the impellor at a control position in which the impellor is in mechanical equilibrium under permanent magnet forces and static axial forces on the impellor to minimize energy consumption in the support of the impellor. The impellor is rotated magnetically and stator coils in the housing are supplied with electric currents having a frequency and amplitude adjusted in relation to blood pressure at the pump inlet to match the flow characteristics of the pump to physiological characteristics of the natural heart. A cavity is formed in the impellor to match the average specific gravity of the impellor and portions of the suspension and drive systems thereon to the specific gravity of blood to further minimize power consumption by the pump.

Abstract: A thyroplasty implant having a tiered base for anchoring in a window cut through a thyroid lamina and a projecting member for causing medial displacement of a vocal cord. The tiered base has a bottom tier, a middle tier, and an upper tier, the bottom tier and upper tier being larger in area than the middle tier so as to facilitate anchoring the base in the window. The base is made of a firm biocompatible material to facilitate firm anchoring of the implant, and the projecting member being made of softer, biocompatible material that is sufficiently soft to avoid damage to the vocal cord. The projecting member is generally triangular in shape and has a portion that extends in a posterior direction from the base. A measuring tool having a projecting member of similar shape to that of the implant and a movable stop member is used to measure the optimum size implant.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring ophthalmic formulation retention on the surface of an eye include dissolving a fluorescent macromolecule in an ophthalmic formulation to form a fluorescently labelled formulation; topically administering the fluorescently labelled formulation to an eye, said fluorescently labelled formulation forming a thin film on the eye surface. Apparatus is provided for illuminating the eye to cause fluorescence of the fluorescently labelled formulation as the fluorescently labelled formulation thin film is eliminated from the eye by normal blinking and lacrimation; and for measuring fluorescence from the thin film as a function of time.

Abstract: A portable eyeflushing device is disclosed having bladders which store an eyeflushing fluid. The bladders are attached to a mask that may be easily placed on a user so as to cover or enclose the user's eyes. A strap on the mask attaches the device to the user's head such that it is retained in position without the necessity of holding it in position. The bladders have tear strips on a portion extending internally of the mask which are connected to pull cords extending to the exterior of the mask and which may be manually grasped and pulled to tear the strips away from the bladder. This opens the bladders and allows the eyeflushing fluid to be dispensed from the bladders into the interior of the mask and into the user's eye. A nose piece on the interior of the mask prevents eyeflushing fluid on one side of the mask from passing to the other side of the mask and thereby prevents contamination of the user's other eye. A pair of digit covers extend outwardly from the sides of the mask.

Abstract: A cyclic action, electromechanically operated artificial heart having a pusher plate assembly disposed between a pair of bladders for alternately compressing one bladder containing blood directed to the pulmonary system and another bladder containing blood directed to the systemic circulatory system includes a mechanical linkage for translating unidirectional rotary motion of a motor located opposite of both bladders into reciprocating movement of the pusher plate assembly.

Abstract: The prosthesis is configured like an anti-return valve ranged preferably in the area where the esophagus and the hiatal hernia meet. Said valve is comprised of a tubular part associated with an annular fixing element. The tubular part flattens progressively to form two joined lips. It is possible to form said valve with a wall thickness which increases from the free end of the lips towards the annular fixing part in order to avoid an easy returning under the effect of the surging pressure. During the passage of the alimentary bolus, the lips are spaced apart and joined again owing to their natural elasticity. A metal wire embedded in the annular fixing part is used for the radiologic marking.

Abstract: A system for cleansing a patient's ear which contains a control unit, a portable applicator, and a device for modifying fluid flow when temperature or pressure units are exceeded. The control unit contains a heater and a controller for maintaining the temperature of the liquid within certain limits, for limiting the pressure of the liquid, and for varying the flow rate of the liquid. The portable applicator contains a handpiece, a nozzle, and a device for providing a signal to the control unit.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for applying a medicated solution on the skin for dermatological treatment. This applicator (10) essentially comprises an elongated tubular component (11) with an internal cavity (12) in which is fitted a piston (18) secured to the end of a piston rod (21) integral with a micrometer screw mechanism (23). A chamber (27) made in the inner cavity (12) between the piston (18) and plug (13) is designed to contain the therapeutic solution which may be taken in or discharged through capillary conduits (14 and 17) of the plug (13) and an applicator end (16). This applicator makes it possible precisely to meter and deposit a predetermined volume of the treatment solution on the exact place to be treated.

Abstract: The monomer transfer device of this invention includes a syringe adapted to receive an ampule and adapted for connection to a vacuum source such that with the ampule open within the syringe body, the monomer is vacuumed out of the ampule and into the mixing container. Alternative embodiments accept an unbroken ampule and include an offset designed to break the ampule at its predetermined break point to permit the contents of the ampule to be vacuumed from the ampule and transferred to the mixing container. A small mesh filter or screen may be included to any of the ampule before it reaches the mixing container. Once the ampule is inserted into the syringe, an end cap is connected to close the syringe and maintain any fumes within the syringe. In the alternative embodiments, the end cap acts to force the ampule against the offset so as to cause the ampule to break.

Abstract: A spinal disk implant is implanted between vertebrae of the human spine following discectomy. The implant comprises a solid body having four sides and a pair of spaced-apart, opposed bases. The four sides include spaced-apart, opposed anterior and posterior faces, and a pair of spaced-apart, opposed transverse faces. Each transverse face has an anterior platform adjacent to the anterior face. The anterior platform is spaced apart from the opposed anterior platform by a maximum anterior platform spacing. A posterior ledge is oriented at an insertion angle relative to an opposed posterior ledge of the opposed transverse face. At least one of the posterior ledges has a pattern of serrations. There is a ridge on at least one of the transverse faces, positioned between the anterior platform and the posterior ledge and extending in the direction perpendicular to the bases. The top of the ridge is spaced apart from the opposed transverse face by an amount greater than the anterior platform spacing.

Abstract: Means and Method are provided for determining both the topography and the thickness of the nerve fiber layer at the fundus of the eye by measuring the polarization shift of the reflected probing light. The technique is greatly enhanced in the accuracy of its results by the utilization of a corneal polarization compensator, which lies at the heart of the invention.

Abstract: A method of implanting a graft in a patient's body is disclosed. According to the method, a first end of the graft is anastomosed to the blood vessel at a first location which is covered by a substantially intact portion of the epidermis of the body, and a second end of the graft is anastomosed to the blood vessel at a second location which is visually exposed through a gaping surgical incision. The first end of the graft includes a flanged end portion which is guided into the blood vessel through an arteriotomy defined therein near the first location so as to be positioned substantially adjacent a portion of a sidewall of the blood vessel which substantially surrounds the arteriotomy. An expandable stent is then placed within the blood vessel and in contact with the flanged end portion so as to secure the flanged end portion of the graft between the sidewall of the blood vessel and the stent thereby securing the graft to the blood vessel.

Abstract: A disposable diaper system including a diaper body having a pouch, a changing pad within the pouch which can be removed therefrom and form a surface shield extending away from the diaper body, containers connected to the changing pad for containing personal care products, and a disinfectant connected to the changing pad. The soiled diaper is placed in the pouch and wrapped in the changing pad for disinfectant and disposal purposes.

Abstract: A totally implantable artificial heart with two ventricles is disclosed. The blood is pumped alternately from each ventricle using a linear electric motor that moves an armature to push the movable walls of the ventricles. The motor may be made small, and hence light, if it is electrically inefficient. Excess heat is transferred by the convective motion of a heat transfer fluid through special passages in the motor and by effective conduction paths designed into the elements. The motion of the heat transfer fluid is engendered by the movable walls that at the same time are performing the pumping action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved applicator designed for the application of anesthetic fluids such as phenol as well as other fluid medicants to the tympanic membrane. The applicator comprises an articulating member with a finger gripping zone adjacent the proximal end thereof, and an angularly disposed fluid retaining applicator pad secured to the distal end thereof. The distal end is provided with a cylindrical fluid retaining applicator pad attached to the cross-sectional surface of the tip, with the outer diameter of the pad being generally equivalent to that of the articulating member. The fluid retaining applicator pad permits painless application of an anesthetizing fluids such as phenol to the tympanic membrane, with excellent positioning control being made possible by the finger gripping portion of the articulating member.