Abstract: There is provided a method and device for fluid transfer. The device comprises a housing-like body with a wall having a concavity. Inside the housing there is disposed a magnetically activatable diaphragm capable of forming, in conjunction with the concavity, one or more pocket-like chambers. The housing also includes an inlet and outlet aperture. The device includes a plurality of means for producing magnetic fields arranged in proximity to the concavity and adapted to generate, in a predeterminable sequence, a plurality of magnetic fields of controllably changing polarities and intensities producing cycles of dynamic deflections of the diaphragm. By means of the magnetically generated dynamic deflections of the diaphragm, the pocket-like chambers are peristaltically manipulated to move fluid from the region of the inlet aperture through which the fluid is drawn in, towards the region of the outlet aperture, through which the fluid is expelled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging a fluid containing prosthesis adapted to be implanted in a sterile condition involves filling a closable, permeable fluid containing housing within the prosthetic device with a fluid. The prosthetic device is then enclosed within a substantially fluid impenetrable enclosure that is filled with a fluid with activities which substantially match the activities of the fluid within the prosthetic device. Thus, even where the prosthetic device contains a physiological solution, by incorporating a solution of equal solute concentration within the enclosure that surrounds the prosthetic device, the tendency for osmosis to occur across the barrier defined by the walls of the prosthetic device can be adequately controlled. The enclosure may then be enclosed within an outer bag which may be handled by a non-sterile nurse, preparatory to implantation by a surgeon.

Abstract: A voice prosthesis formed as a small diametered, flexible walled, generally linear tube having an air valve at its inner end, a flexible retention collar intermediate its ends and a mounting tab at its outer end is adapted for insertion into a surgically placed tracheoespohageal fistula following laryngectomy for restoring the power of speech to the user. A larger diametered, relatively short, curved tracheal tube or cannula provided with a retention collar at its outer end is insertable into the tracheal stoma to prevent closure thereof; the cannula partially surrounding and guarding the mounted prosthesis which transects the tracheal cannula, by passing through an elongated channel opening, which is open at one end and extends along the outer wall of the tracheal tube. The arrangement of the two tubes is such that the larger tracheal cannula is readily inserted and withdrawn from the tracheal stoma without disturbing the mounted voice prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exercising apparatus (20) which includes a torque arm (24) for rotation on a shaft (38) which is connected to a countertorque machine (26). The exercising person moves torque arm (24) through a flexible strap (28). Strap (28) includes a loop (36) for sliding along torque arm (24). The flexibility and sliding capability of strap (28) provide for the person to do the exact movement which he would otherwise do during an athletic event. Therefore, the person may exercise good form and coordination at the threshold speed of the resistance machine (26) for the movement of a particular sport.

Abstract: A wrist and forearm exercising device is characterized by an elongated frame having two oppositely extending, arcuate members which engage the forearm near the wrist and elbow, respectively. A grip assembly is pivotably attached to the front of the frame, and a tensioning assembly is attached to the frame and to the grip assembly to provide spring tension on the grip assembly. The wrist and forearm is exercised by repeatedly pivoting the grip assembly against spring pressure.

Abstract: An intraocular lens is disclosed in which the support part is made of a cellular material having closed voids to ensure buoyancy of the lens.

Abstract: In order to provide for lengthening of a long bone, such as in place of natural growth, an endoprosthetic device (10, 20) is provided in a two-part telescopic form defining a longitudinal passageway (15) in which ball bearings (40) are progressively locatable to control adjustably the device length. At least one end (24) of the device will be adapted for securement in the bone, and the other end (11) can be similarly adapted or define an articulation surface for a joint. The telescoped parts are preferably mutually keyed (22, 23) against rotation, the passageway is preferably of like cross-sectional form as the ball bearings so that the latter form a singular sequence therein, and the ball bearings are suitably located by way of an acutely inclined branch passageway (17).

Abstract: A method for simulating speech in a tracheotomized individual includes providing a source of compressed air, regulating the air pressure, and controlling the flow of air from the source between a condition in which airflow is stopped and a condition in which airflow is allowed in response to actuation by the individual. The air flow is supplied to a reed to vibrate it, and the resulting vibration-modulated air flow is introduced into the pharynx of the individual, permitting the individual to articulate audibly comprehensible speech. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also described.

Abstract: A novel mechanical hip joint for attaching a robotic leg to a body member is described, which comprises, a housing adapted for connection to the body member, a spherical socket defined within the housing, a ball joint received by the socket for rotational movement about a first horizontal axis, a bearing member rigidly interconnecting the leg and the ball joint and presenting a bearing surface confronting the housing and socket, and a motor interconnecting the housing and bearing surface for selectively imparting rotary movement to the leg, about a second horizontal axis transverse of said first axis, between first and second angular limits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exercising apparatus (20) which includes a torque arm (24) for rotation on a shaft (38) which is connected to a countertorque machine (26). The exercising person moves torque arm (24) through a flexible strap (28). Strap (28) includes a loop (36) for sliding along torque arm (24). The flexibility and sliding capability of strap (28) provide for the person to do the exact movement which he would otherwise do during an athletic event. Therefore, the person may exercise good form and coordination at the threshold speed of the resistance machine (26) for the movement of a particular sport.

Abstract: Inside a flexible shell (10), a deformable pocket (20) is connected to blood circulation via an inlet valve (30) and an outlet valve (40). The pocket is compressed by a floating assembly comprising a drum (50), and a bracket (60) rotatable about the axis thereof. One of the edges (21) of the pocket (20) is fixed to the drum (50); the opposite edge (22) is connected to the bracket (60) by a traction link (70), for example an inextensible sheet. Relative rotation between the drum and the bracket over a fraction of a turn enables the pocket (20) to be wrapped around the drum (50) and the assembly returns to its starting position under the effect of venous pressure. The disposition of the various components provides a self-adapting lever which limits mechanical losses to rolling friction between the drum and the pocket.

Abstract: A laser beam is utilized to alter, in situ, the power of an implanted intraocular lens. The overall intraocular lens can be of conventional size and shape. The circumference, or outer ring of the lens is manufactured from a non-toxic heat shrinkable plastic. The plastic is preferably colored to permit selective absorption of laser energy thereby causing the shape, and thus the corrective power, of the lens to change. The invention is particularly useful for correcting postoperative astigmatism.

Abstract: A right ventricular assist device for assisting the circulation of the blood includes a smooth segmented polyurethane sac having a single valveless passageway to provide a single inlet and outlet. A rigid ellipsoidal shell surrounds the sac and has a first opening for the single valveless passageway and a second opening for pressurizing an interior portion of the shell. A flexible diaphragm extends across the interior of the shell and divides the interior into two unequal volumes; the sac and first opening in a first and larger volume, and a second opening and a pressurizing chamber in a second and smaller volume. The diaphragm is angled and dimensioned to expel up to 90% of the blood present in the sac by pressure supplied through the second opening. A vascular graft is attached between the valveless passageway and a pulmonary artery. Alternately, the sac may be formed with an elongate neck which is reinforced with a dacron graft anastomosed to the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: The invention relates to an incompressible, formed elastic body which adjusts itself to the dynamic movement of the foot and is secured as an integral part of a stocking sole.

Abstract: A safety drive for an artificial heart, if the right drive should fail it is simply put out of operation, while if the left drive fails, the right drive, which is still functioning, is switched over to the left circulatory pump and thus serves as a system-internal backup drive.

Abstract: A selectively removable prosthetic nail adapted for use on one of the digits of a person's hand or foot, including a nail plate comprising a sheet having front and rear ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A bifurcated anchor member extends downwardly from near the front end of the nail plate; the member has two legs with proximal and distal portions. The distal portions of the legs have a rest condition at which they are spaced apart appreciably further than are their proximal portions, and the distal portions are susceptible of being temporarily brought together so that their distal portions are essentially as close as are their proximal portions. The two legs preferably lie in a transverse plane where they are exposed to being externally gripped (by tweezers or the like) from the front of the nail plate.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve includes tapering flaps which are suspended to pivot between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Improved artificial intraocular lenses for surgical implantation to replace a damaged natural lens in an otherwise functional eye of a patient are described; the improvement comprising forming the lens, so as to have a minimum diameter of about 2 mm and a maximum diameter of about 5 mm prior to implantation, which is less than the diameter of the natural lens, from a dry, solid, hydrophilic material capable of being hydrated by the natural fluid in the eye to expand after implantation to provide an optically correct lens having a suitable diameter from about 6 mm to about 14 mm, to permit implantation of the lens through an incision of minimal length corresponding to the diameter of the dry lens and thus restoring the vision of the patient with minimal trauma. The invention also includes the improved method of implantation through an incision of minimal length.

Abstract: A physical exerciser is provided which utilizes a pair of compression springs. The springs are maintained in a spaced apart, parallel, side-by-side, straight state by an assembly comprising an inner guide member and an outer tube circumscribing said member. The springs extend longitudinally in troughs formed in the peripheral surface of the elongate guide member. The troughs extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The tube holds the springs in place in the troughs. The assembly further provides a stop at one end of each spring, to fix that end against displacement. A pair of tubular handles are mounted on the tube, one at each of the tube's ends. Each handle includes a pin extending transversely across the free end of one of the springs. Suitable slots are provided in each end of the guide member and tube, so as to allow the handles to slide inwardly, each such handle acting to compress one of the springs.

Abstract: A foot and ankle joint for a prosthetic appliance has a foot block, an ankle base, and a joint mechanism. The joint includes a resilient block of material such as rubber which is positioned between the foot block and the ankle base. A flexible cable is secured at one end in the ankle base by means of an insert, extends through the rubber block, and is anchored at its other end in the foot block so that the position of the other end is fixed and is not permitted to rotate within the foot block. The components of the foot and ankle block function together to provide the following motions of the foot with respect to the ankle base and connected leg of the user: plantarflexion, dorsalflexion, rotational movement, medial movement, lateral movement and combinations thereof. The foot and ankle joint can be utilized in a conventional or a modular prosthesis.