Abstract: A hand-held drill jig is utilized to locate and maintain a central axis through a head and an associated neck of a femur enabling a blind hole to be drilled into the femoral head oriented to the central axis. The drill jig is adjustable to accommodate a broad range of sizes of femurs and can be readily attached to, then removed from, the femur. A positioning mechanism is provided to firmly engage both the outer peripheral surface of the femoral head and the femoral neck. This operation renders associated drill bushing immobile relative to the femur and orients its longitudinal axis with the central axis. A drill bit is then capable of being guided through the drill bushing and into cutting engagement with the femoral head.

Abstract: A unilateral external fixation device comprises a distal frame and a proximal frame interconnected by a hinge formed of mating, partially spherical-shaped surfaces which permits relative movement of the distal frame and proximal frame. Each of the frames includes one or more pin clamps which mount half pins inserted with the proximal or distal segments of a fractured bone to immobilize the bone segments and permit reduction of the fracture. The focal point of the partially spherical-shaped surfaces of the hinge is positioned in direct alignment with the fracture, preferably in a vertical plane passing through the fracture transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bone, so that manipulation of one or both of the distal and proximal frames permits a relatively slight and precise movement of the bone segments connected thereto by the half pins to ensure proper reduction of the fracture.

Abstract: The external apparatus for fixing bone fragments consists of a tube-shaped portion, of which the internal space is filled with glass fibre. The fixing tube is secured by means of nails or screws (12) to the bone fragments to be fixed, whereby a rapid hardening material is introduced into the closed tube system after completion of assembly. After setting, a plastic-glass fibre composite is obtained which has excellent strength properties and is ideally suited for use as an external fixation apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical drape having a first rectangular part (A) which is intended to cover a patient and a second rectangular part (B) which is joined to the first drape part (A) and which is intended to be placed over an anaesthetist's arch. In accordance with the invention, one short side of the first drape part has formed therein a cut-out (2) in the shape of a truncated V. The second drape part (B) has formed therein a similar cut-out (2), which is formed in the center of one long side of the second drape part. The first and second drape parts are joined together along the edges of the cut-outs. The invention provides a surgical drape which can be easily manufactured by machine and which is easily managed.

Abstract: For applying herbicides in fields of row crops an applicator in which the herbicide can be selectively applied to a localized wick in the row in which the weeds are present. The wick is also selectively supplied with herbicide dependent on whether or not weeds are present.

Abstract: An improved stay for an orthopedic appliance for the knee which is "self-conforming" to the leg and which provides protection against damage to the peroneal nerve, such stay including a generally planar first section and a bifurcated second section whose legs are disposed on opposite sides of a portion of the peroneal nerve below the fibular head.

Abstract: The intravaginal device is comprised of a plastic body (2) wherein a drug is contained. Said device may be particularly used for contraception. A support (8) is arranged into the body which is formed of a preferably cylindrical block of plastic foam. It has an opening (15) parallel and preferably centered to the axis of the cylinder forming the block. This opening may preferably be a blind hole. The support is arranged in the opening. Said support is connected with the body by means of an element embedded in the foam. The invention also discloses a method for handling said device as well as a handling device for implementing the method for introducing, respectively removing said device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a cutting end which includes a pair of grooves to provide a structure having a pair of opposed flanges. The back of the surgical instrument has a back channel. A pair of cutting edges are provided on the surgical instrument. The cutting edges are generally offset and parallel with respect to each other. A method for forming a channel in a femoral condyle of a knee joint of a person, and a method for reconstructing an anterior cruciate ligament of a knee joint of a person. The methods comprise using the surgical instrument in an inside-out fashion, as opposed to an outside-in fashion, in order to cut a trough into a femoral condyle.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod targeting device for guiding drilling of distal fastener screw passages in the femur of a patient during the installation in the patient's femur of an intramedullary rod is disclosed.

Abstract: Easily assembled and disassembled topiary forms for defining the three-dimensional body-shape of a predetermined object. The topiary forms are readily assembled or disassembled for easy transport or mailing.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail comprises a tubular body (1) having a hexagonal cross section and is curved along its length from a proximal end to a distal end, with a frustoconically tapering portion (3) at the distal end. Adjacent the distal end portion (3) are a plurality of holes (6) and adjacent the proximal end are a plurality of slots (7) for receiving fixing screws or locking pins. A longitudinal slot is provided along one corner of the hexagonally shaped nail to increase the flexural elasticity of the nail in the longitudinal direction. A specific apparatus for use in insertion of the nail into the bone and for locating the holes in its ends is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail comprises a unitary piece of elongate material of tubular cross-section having variations in wall thickness along its length. The nail has a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion between the proximal and distal portions. The wall thicknesses of the proximal and distal portions are substantially greater than the wall thickness of the intermediate portion. In preferred embodiments, the outside diameters of the proximal, intermediate and distal portions are substantially equal or, alternatively, the outside diameter of the proximal portion is larger than the substantially equal outside diameters of the distal and intermediate portions. The nail is provided with a longitudinal slot which preferably extends along substantially the entire length of the nail.

Abstract: A washable and contoured nursing pad which can be machine washed and dried, and therefore resuable and economical. The nursing pad is molded into a contoured shape for a body-hugging fit inside the wearer's bra. The nursing pad consists of multiple layers of different types of fabrics for different functions, including a decorative and slip resistant lace outer layer, a waterproof second layer, a fluid absorbent third layer, and a soft comfortable inner layer.

Abstract: A resilient thin membrane shield of substantially rectangular planform includes a peel plied adhesive strip along its upper edge and a tapered tubular segment at its center. The walls of the tubular segment are tapered in thickness and along the axis thereof, forming a feathered edge at the end opening. The membrane, furthermore, may include enlarged section ribs and edge beads for unfolding the membrane.

Abstract: A quick-release maxillo-mandibular splint for patient jaw stabilization which includes a plurality of interfitting maxillary and mandibular connector plates which are adapted to be anchored in immovable relation with selected teeth of the patient. Each of the connector plates defines one or more connector elements which may be of tubular form and which are capable of being disposed in interengaging, aligned relation. A locking element such as a locking archwire is positioned with end portions thereof extending through the aligned tubular connector elements of the connector plates to thus retain the connector plates in immovable assembly to thus retain the jaw of the patient in properly occluded, immovable relation with the maxillary dental arch. In the event of an emergency requiring release of the maxillo-mandibular splint, the locking archwire is simply and efficiently forced from the tubular connector elements of the connector plates to thus permit movement of the patient's jaw.

Abstract: A light-weight, disposable face shield assembly for the protection of the eyes and face of a wearer from accidental exposure to infections, hazardous or undesirable substances. The shield assembly includes an elongated, generally rectangular, semi-flexible, transparent face protection panel having a central panel section and like side panel sections which are foldable rearwardly with respect to the central panel section and a semi-flexible head support strip for the face protection panel in alignment with the upper portion of such panel. The head support strip has its ends affixed to the ends of the face protection panel and is of a length that is less than the length of such panel. The head support strip also includes a central strip portion and like side strip portions which are foldable rearwardly with respect to the central strip portion with the fold lines of the head support strip lying within the fold lines of the face protection panel.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an above ground bed in which plantlife may be grown and for irrigating the bed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of modular members arranged to be readily connected to one another to form a walled enclosure disposed on the ground. The enclosure is arranged to be filled with a plant growing medium, e.g., soil, to form the bed. Each of the members is an elongate hollow body having a pair of ends. At each end is a releasable connector portion which is arranged to releasably connect the members to one another at various angles to form enclosure of various shapes. Each of the members includes an inner wall having a plurality of small apertures which are in communication with the hollow interior of the member. At least one of the members includes a fitting for a hose to enable water to be introduced therein.

Abstract: An automatic plant watering and feeding system includes a plant vessel supporting a quantity of soil and an underlying water reservoir in communication with the soil by a porous wick. The water reservoir is divided into four chambers. In one chamber a float mechanism controls an input water supply valve while in a second chamber a float mechanism controls the air venting of the first chamber. The third chamber is communicated with the soil by the porous wick and the fourth chamber utilizes a dual interlocking float mechanism to dispense a measured quantity of liquid plant food into the system reservoir during a replenishing cycle.

Abstract: The apparatus is designed for the installation of front and rear crossed prosthetic ligaments in the articulation of the knee, and includes a stem which extends, at one end, with an arc-like tapered portion the end whereof is adapted to be inserted through the surgical opening at the knee, to pass between the tibial plate and the condyloid cavity and to be positioned in the exact outlet position of the bore to be provided, a small block having at least one hole for a screw for fastening to the bone and a seat for coupling to a spherical joint, an arm which ends at one end with the spherical joint coupled to the seat, bears at the other end a clamp with a groove and countergroove for its longitudinal sliding and locking along the stem and has coupling elements for interchangeable bushes for guiding the drilling tool.

Abstract: A drill alignment apparatus for a drill adapted for osteoplastic surgery comprises an alignment rod mounted thereto and a clamp element. The alignment rod is parallel to and disposed a predetermined distance (D) from a shaft of the drill. The clamp element includes an aperture which permits passage of the rod. The clamp element is adapted to be affixed to a bone, such as a femur, so that the aperture is displaced from the central axis of the bone by substantially the same distance which the center axis of the alignment rod is displaced from the center axis of the drill shaft. When drilling is commenced, the forward end of the alignment rod is placed within the aperture of the clamp element. As drilling progresses, the rod passes through the aperture, thereby ensuring that drilling occurs along a predetermined drilling path extending along the bone axis.