Abstract: An endoprosthetic acetabular component of overall cup form has three parts: an outer part (10) for securement in bone, an inner part (20) defining a dished articulation surface (23) and adjustably engageable with the outer part to allow independent variation of such surface in both inclination and rotation, and a third part (30) to secure the inner and outer parts with a preselected adjustment of the former. The inner/outer part engagement is preferably of spherical bearing form. Also, the inner part is preferably of two sub-parts (21, 24) respectively providing the articulation surface and the outer part engagement, the former sub-part being selectable from a range interchangeably connectable with the latter sub-part but having respectively different heights of articulation surface.

Abstract: An aquatic exercising device including a handle member having a first end and a second end. A first resistance member is operatively affixed to the first end of the handle. A second resistance member is operatively affixed to the second end of the handle. Movement of the aquatic exercising device through a body of water produces a resistance to enhance the exercising capability of an individual utilizing the aquatic exercising device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a total cardiac prothesis destined to replace the sick human heart.According to the invention, this prothesis comprises a pericardial unit (3) and an extra-pericardial unit (4), including their own electro-mechanical pumping system and interconnected through a connecting line for blood and gas (5).The pericardial unit acts as the right heart and the extra-pericardial unit as the left heart.

Abstract: An artificial knee has a shock casing and a hinge sheath. Plungers mounted in the shock casing bias the casing and sheath away from each other as a shock absorber mounted in the shock casing controls movement and absorbs shock of the casing and sheath as they move relative to one another. A stem secured to the shock casing passes through the hinge sheath into holes in the roller bearing. In this manner with the sheath and casing are urged toward one another by applying weight to the knee as in walking or kneeling, the stem end moves into the roller bearing to prevent movement of the artificial leg secured to the roller bearing.

Abstract: An intraocular lens formed of a soft, resilient polymeric optical element and a resilient polymeric support having an annular portion embedded in the optical element and a pair of mounting arms extending outwardly of the optical element. The optical element and support can be folded for insertion into the eye via a small incision. The support is embedded in the optical element during molding and polymerization of the optical element.

Abstract: A low pressure prosthesis device includes a housing having a proximal end with one or more retainers extending outwardly from the proximal end, a distal end and a port operatively cooperating with a tracheostoma in the neck of a patient. The housing further includes a one-way valve structure comprising a valve seat positioned in the housing between the port and the distal end and a valve membrane hingedly mounted within the housing to cooperate with the valve seat to provide the one-way valve structure. A second retainer in the form of an annular collar extends outwardly from the housing and is positioned to abut against the esophagus tissue when the device has been positioned within a fistula connecting the esophagus to the tracheostoma. The valve membrane is movable from the closed to the opened position when air passes through the port from the tracheostoma to the esophagus to produce alaryngeal speech and sounds in the patient.

Abstract: An artificial limb having two limb members connected by a joint is provided with rotator members, comprising one of the limb members, which are relatively rotatable about an axis extending along the limb. The rotator members are generally cylindrical, with the outer one forming a rotatable sleeve about the inner one. One of the rotator members has a concentric radially extending flange with an opening near the perimeter. A locking mechanism is provided on the other rotator member which is movable from a locking position to a released position. In the locking position, the locking mechanism provides a rigid connection between the two rotator members by inserting a plunger in the opening, thereby preventing rotation between the rotator members. When moved to its released position, the locking mechanism removes the plunger from the opening, thereby permitting relative rotation between rotator members.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated artificial wrist capable of simple repositioning of an artificial hand attached thereto. A presently preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a contractible spherical ball assembly that is normally expanded so as to tightly fit within a socket assembly. An actuating lever is provided such that, upon actuation, the lever causes contraction of the ball assembly, which allows for repositioning of the artificial hand. Release of the actuating lever secures the artificial hand in its new orientation by permitting the ball assembly to reexpand within the socket assembly. A second embodiment further provides for motorized rotation of the artificial hand independent of use of the actuating lever.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a cylindrical handle which is mounted in a U-shaped clevis in a manner to rotate about a horizontal axis. The clevis in turn is mounted relative to the base which supports the device in a manner to rotate about a vertical axis. Thus, when being used to perform push-ups, the device allows the user to rotate his or her hand about a horizontal axis, in order to position the wrist at a comfortable position, and about a vertical axis, in order to simultaneously rotate the arm while extending or contracting it. The base is made from a high friction material to prevent the device from moving on the supporting surface while in use.

Abstract: An improved surgically replaceable intraocular lens having a generally round lens to which are attached a pair of symmetrical voluted loop members secured to opposite sides of the periphery of lens. Each loop member is comprised of a continuous strand of material having opposite terminal ends secured to the lens and curved outwardly from and substantially parallel to the periphery of the lens; its very distal end curling inwardly to provide a reversed curve or scrolled portion. The greatest width of each loop member is between the points of securement of the terminal ends to the lens, and the loop members are displaced and offset with respect to the posterior plane of the lens.

Abstract: Voice prosthesis devices of known type to be inserted into a surgical fistula communicating between the trachea and esophagus of a laryngectomized patient have included a one-way valve that permits channeling air from the trachea into the esophagus of the wearer while preventing flow of esophageal material into the trachea. Heretofore, the one-way valves in certain of such prosthesis devices were in the form of a flap-type check valve having a membrane-like flap or disc anchored at a segment of the margin to the interior or intraluminal surface of a tubular housing. The present invention provides an improvement in such voice prosthesis devices in the form of a novel way of anchoring the membrane-like flaps or discs to the tubular housings whereby when the prosthesis devices are manufactured in commercial quantities the method of attachment provides a uniform resistance to airflow for each prosthesis formed of corresponding production components.

Abstract: An exercise device is providing for suspending the body above a support surface while a person performs exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the full range of back extensor, abdominal and gluteus maximus muscles. The device includes a pelvic brace which cooperates with a rotatable leg restraining member to position the body, in a cantilevered fashion, above the support surface nearly horizontally and face down preparatory to exercising the back extensor and abdominal muscles. Alternatively, the device can be mounted differently to strengthen and tone the gluteus maximus muscles. Utilizing gravity traction, the exercise device tends to decompress the spinal column while the exercises are being performed.

Abstract: This invention is an exercising device for use by archers as a practice aid and a means for strengthening the muscle groups used for drawing and holding the draw of a bow and as a warm up device preparatory for practice or shooting. The device is characterized by its compactness and substantially unitary construction. The device is a novel application of relatively slow recovery elastic type materials to provide a non snap back property to the device. The principle components for the device are; a continuous loop of slow recovery elastic belting passing through a tubular grip at one side and through a string block or rod at the other side and the string block is provided with means for attaching a bow string simulator of the user's choice.

Abstract: A limb exerciser, such as for a leg, includes a brace hinged at the middle with upper padded members for snugly engaging the upper portion of a limb and lower padded members for snugly engaging the lower portion of a limb. Elastic hook-and-loop fasteners surround the members and the limb to firmly secure the members to the limb. A U-shaped portion extends above the center of the hinge and carries fulcrum assemblies on each leg of the U over which a resilient member rides. The ends of the resilient member are attached to upper studs at the far ends of the upper and lower assemblies. A second pair of resilient members may be connected between lower studs at the far end of each support assembly.

Abstract: A heart valve replacement 12 is characterized by a two-part frame with ring-shaped parts 14, 15 and having cloth coverings 16, 17. At least one leaflet 18 is provided having a margin 18X passing between the two parts 14, 15 of the frame and secured by stitching 19 to the cloth covering 16 of one of the frame parts 14. The frame parts are secured together by stitching 20 between the cloth coverings 16, 17 on the outside of both parts whereby the flexure or hinging line 21 of the leaflet 18 is along the nip between the two cloth-covered frame parts 14, 15. Thus, the line 21 is intermediate the main body of the leaflet 18 and the stitching 19, 20, thereby completely eliminating any possibility of tearing between stitch holes.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured and installed in conventional rigid prosthetic legs comprises opposing oblong plates having peripheries which are shaped to match the ankle portion of the leg in which the prosthetic ankle will be installed. Hinge structure bisects the inner surfaces of the plates and rotatably connects the plates, one of which is secured to a lower leg surface and the other to an upper foot surface. The plates may be sloped fore and aft to allow vertical rotation of the foot relative to the leg about the hinge axis. Biasing structure acts to return the foot to a position perpendicular to the leg and provide increased biasing with increased bending. The ankle allows small lateral rotations of the foot. The invention also provides for an auxiliary attachment, such that if an element of the ankle should fail the foot will remain secured to the leg.

Abstract: The invention concerns a releasing means for a prosthetic elbow locking mechanism. When an elbow unlocking cable is tensed by the amputee, a switch is closed, triggering a one-shot circuit. The one-shot circuit emits a single pulse which drives the motor of the prosthetic elbow, turning the motor a few degrees and lifting the arm such that any frictional engagement between an elbow locking pawl and an elbow gear is relaxed. The locking pawl is readily withdrawn from engagement with the gear, once the motor is pulsed, upon continued application of further tension to the elbow unlocking cable.

Abstract: An adjustable ringprosthesis designed particularly for being sewed onto the ring of the mitral valve or tricuspidal valve of a living heart uses a spring ribbon coiled with an overlap of about a half turn covered in a woven, braided or knitted cuff of a suitable synthetic fiber that can be sewed into place. An adjusting device (40) is fixedly positioned on a portion of the spring ribbon which is internally overlapped by an end portion which carries teeth so as to form a rack which can be driven by a screw (15) in the adjusting device for varying the diameter of the ring. The adjusting device is operated by an adjusting tool, the front end of which is guided into a screw-head socket (50) for turning the screw to change the ring diameter. The shaft of the tool is guided by a tube through a connecting piece (51) onto which the guide tube is screwed, and from which it can be unscrewed and removed when there is no further need for post-operative adjustment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An intraocular lens which may be inserted into the eye through an incision in the cornea which is substantially less than 5 mm in length. The lens includes a lens body which comprises a plurality of lens body portions and magnet means for assembly of the lens body portions within the eye after they are individually inserted through the incision.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial heart for pumping blood through a circulatory system and includes an artificial heart housing having a plurality of expandable and contractable chambers formed therein and an oscillating impeller located in the housing and attached to the housing for expanding and contracting each chamber formed therein. The oscillating impeller is driven electromechanically from the outside of the housing. A plurality of inlets and outlets allow the blood to be pumped to and from the different parts of the body.