Abstract: A device and method for intravaginal, barrier-type prevention of conception and infection by sexually-transmitted diseases based upon a barrier-type device including a flexible cervical dome having a continuous fornical rim defining an opening into the dome and a continuous, annular, vaginal brim which circumscribes and is attached to the cervical dome at the fornical rim. The vaginal brim is reverse-folded from the fornical rim, and has a dimension which continuously increases with circumferential symmetry from an anterior vaginal extension of the brim to a posterior vaginal extension of the brim which is diametrically opposite the anterior vaginal extension. The fornical rim is characterized in having a lip which extends inwardly from the opening toward the centerline of the dome. The brim has a curvature in a direction away from the dome.

Abstract: An edging member is adapted to be provided in separate sections having identical cross-sectional configurations which include a male interlocking portion along one edge and a female interlocking portion located intermediate the edge defined by the male interlocking portion and another edge of a longitudinal plate-like member. Two sections of the edging member may be interlocked in perpendicular relationship so that one member which is located in a horizontal position at the top provides a protective cover and the other section which depends perpendicularly therefrom provides an earth anchor for locking the assembly in place.

Abstract: A floral container (10, 110) is manufactured to have an internal chamber (30, 135) which serves as a fluid reservoir. The chamber (30, 135) is essentially closed to the environment. A cavity (20, 130) is recessed into the container (10, 110) and opens to receive a block of floral foam (32, 138) which is capable of supporting an arrangement of cut flowers. One or more ports (33, 139) are provided to permit facile filling of the chamber (30, 135) with fluid (31, 136). A plug means (32, 34 or 37) may be provided selectively to seal the ports (33, 139). One or more slots (35, 140) are provided between the chamber (30, 135) and the cavity (20, 130) to accommodate a wick (36, 141). The wick (36, 141) extends into the chamber (30, 135) and beneath the level of the fluid (31, 136) therein. Capillary action transports water along the wick (36, 141) which extends through the slot ( 35, 140) and into the cavity (20, 130). The wick (36, 141) is preferably impregnated with a floral preservative.

Abstract: Given is a device for cutting a thread in a cup-shaped bone, in particular in the acetabulum of a human pelvis bone, which includes a cutter holder on a drive shaft, with a radially, outwardly directed cutting blade being disposed on the cutter holder. In order to cut, in simple fashion, a correctly dimensioned threading into the bone tissue with a desired depth of cut, the device includes a cutter gauge capable of being fixed in the cup space, with the cutter gauge having a central boring and an open cutting channel running spirally about the longitudinal axis of the boring. The cutter holder is capable of being introduced centrally into the boring of the cutter gauge and is capable of being set into a forcefully guided, spiral cutting movement with introduction of the blade into the cutting channel, during the course of which the cutting blade cuts the thread precisely in the bone tissue.

Abstract: A bone screw for use with a connecting member for connecting a bone portion with the connecting member. The bone screw includes an elongate shank having a longitudinal central axis. A first externally threaded portion receives a nut for attaching the connecting member to the bone screw. A second externally threaded portion engages a surface defining an opening in the bone portion to attach the bone screw to the bone portion. A cylindrical body portion is located on the shank intermediate the first and second externally threaded portions. The body portion engages a portion of the surface defining the opening in the bone portion to restrict movement of the bone screw relative to the bone portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal cental axis of the shank. The body portion blocks effluent from the opening in the one bone portion.

Abstract: A cold frame comprising a housing formed of one or more housing sections with opposed ends walls. The sections include channel-defining end edges interlockable with the end edges of adjacent sections and with the end walls. The sections at the joinders therebetween, forming outwardly directed channels for water exclusion. The sections include, along the opposed side walls thereof, elongate vents with connector bars between the aligned vents of adjacent sections for a gang operation of all of the vents along a side of the cold frame. Each section and end wall incldues positioning blocks mounted thereon for the reception of horizontal alignment pins therethrough and vertical anchoring stakes.

Abstract: A bone staple comprising first and second staple legs and a slidably adjustable ratchet mechanism for coupling the legs together and for lockably positioning them a selected distance apart; thereby facilitating the application of compressive forces between the ends of a bone joined together with the staple.

Abstract: An orthopedic rigid splint-plate orthosis comprises a splint-plate which is provided in one of a combination of different shapes and sizes corresponding to different body members which may have to be treated. The splint-plate has at one of its edges a non-stretchable linking ribbon which at the end thereof opposite to the end joined to the plate includes locking means which are complementary with corresponding locking means provided in the edge of the plate opposite to that edge joined with the ribbon. The plate is provided presterilized and isolated inside an impervious bag which may be filled with boiling water to make the rigid splint-plate soft, whereafter the water is drained and the softened plate applied and moulded to the body member and then left to harden back to its rigid state. For use in an operating theatre, the bag with the plate may be closed inside a second bag and sterilized with gas or radiation; thereafter, the plate may be softened by submerging the sealed outside bag in hot water.

Abstract: Covering sheet, which can be made form-retaining particularly for surgical use, with an airtight cover to be placed under vacuum, flexible opposite outer walls enclosing two layers of flexible fiber material enclosing granular particles fixed in place.

Abstract: An improved protective mouthguard blank is adapted for in situ custom-fitting by an athlete/patient. A method for in situ custom-fitting is disclosed. The resulting in situ custom-fitted mouthpiece provides superior retention and protective characteristics. The protective mouthguard blank has a generally V-shaped channel corresponding to a normal dental arch and is formed from thermoplastic substances which have a softening, moldable temperature in the range of 120-160 degrees F. The protective mouthguard blank has outer side walls which are longer than the labial vestibule and the buccal vestivules of the athlete/patient. The resulting in situ custom-formed protective mouthguard consequently has an outer side wall which substantially entirely fills the athlete/patient's buccal vestibules and labial vestibule.

Abstract: A device, and method of producing and using same, for use in removing the prosthetic cement from a bone in which an artificial joint (such as hip joint) is to be replaced. The device cuts the prosthetic cement in a longitudinal plane of the prosthetic cavity to the complete depth or the cement but without substantially cutting into the bone. The device includes a reciprocating saw head (8) which is advanced longitudinally of the cavity and maintained within the preselected longitudinal plane of the cavity by a guide (1) while it cuts through the cement (10). The saw head (8) is transversly biased towards the cement so that it cuts only to a depth defined by the profile of a template (6). The profile of the template (6) is obtained from X-ray information obtained before commencement of the operation.

Abstract: An orthopedic nail for intramedullary fixation of fractures in long bones has an axially outwardly opening mouth in a first end thereof including a pair of side edge portions and an inward bight portion. A method of fixation of a fracture of a long bone includes driving a distal fastener transverse the bone on a medial frontal plane and axially inserting the mouth end of the nail into the medullary canal with the mouth on the same plane as the distal fastener. The fastener should be received within the mouth and seated against the bight portion due to the axial movement of the nail. A special jig is provided for accurately locating a second distal fastener if one is indicated. A retractable insertion device covers the mouth during nail insertion to reduce the likelihood of snagging vessels.

Abstract: A spike shaped for driving into the soil, has a vertical tube having an upturned lower portion terminating in an upwardly port. The spike has an element for connection with a water supply. It has a closer mounted at the top and its lower end adjacent the port, and restricting the port upon expanding caused by the moisture in the soil. The closer is made of wood cut across the grain in a tree limb. In a modified form, water is supplied by a jar mounted on the pot in which the plant is located. A plurality of devices may be used for a plurality of plants, supplied with water from branches of a common water line, and the device responding and controlling individually.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a piece of perforated tubing is formed into a series of loops which define a generally truncated shape with at least one large diameter loop at the top and at least one smaller diameter loop located below the top loop. The tubing has sufficient strength and is wound into a contour shape to fit around the root ball of a tree or shrub harvested from a nursery. Ther perforated tubing includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings of a size sufficient to supply water and/or fertilizer to the root ball after the root ball is planted in the ground. Means are provided to maintain the tubing in the truncated shape. In one embodiment this shape comprises a series of specially fixed wound loops. In one embodiment this comprises formed loops with six connection points where the loops contact one another. Means are provided for supplying water and/or fertilizer to the tubing after the root ball has been planted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for interosseous bone fixation. Portions of bone on opposite sides of a fracture are compressed toward each other by inserting the opposite ends of a bone stape into each bone portion and crimping the central portion of the staple. A bone staple having a central web portion adapted to be crimped into substantially an inverted V shape is also disclosed. Various devices for crimping a bone staple are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient restraining vest having a main body panel comprising front and pack panel portions and a head opening. A pair of straps extending in opposite directions from the front panel portion is provided for wrapping around the patient to secure the patient in the vest. A third strap extending in both directions from the front panel portion is provided for wrapping around the frame of a supporting structure such as a bed, chair or the like, and attaching to each strap the pair of straps to restrain the patient to the supporting structure. An opening is provided to access to the patient's chest without removing the vest.

Abstract: A fastening clip comprises two lateral rods, approximately parallel, connected together by a straight or curved central part, forming a bridge. The central part is curved and is placed so that the plane of its median axis forms an angle with a plane containing the median axes of the two parallel rods. The clip is particularly useful in osteosynthesis applications.

Abstract: A device for abduction of the upper limbs of a patient comprising a belt and at least one plate made of a rigid material which is capable of being deformed. A belt is provided to encompass the trunk of the patient and is equipped with at least one pocket which is intended to receive the crosswise segment of the at least one rigid yet deformable plate. The vertical segment or segments of the plate are provided to hold the arm and the forearm of the patient in the desired position, and means are provided for supporting the base of the deformed portion of the plate and assuring better distribution of weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a structure with a vertebral body of a spinal column and for transmitting a load between the structure and the vertebral body. The apparatus includes a fastener with a threaded portion for threaded engagement with a surface defining an opening in the vertebral body to connect the vertebral body with the structure. A spacer is adapted to be located between the fastener and the structure for transmitting load therebetween. The spacer is made of a material which plastically deforms as a function of time and load applied thereto to decrease the load transmitted between the vertebral body and the structure.

Abstract: A metal cartridge is driven into a downwardly-inclined bore in the trunk of a tree, and a hyopdermic needle is inserted through a mass of sealable material carried by the rearward end portion of the cartridge and accessible externally thereof. Preferably, the sealable material comprises silicone which is room temperature vulcanizable ("RTV") and may be color coded to readily indicate to the operator the successive stages in the innoculation or other treatment of the tree.The needle is closely guided through the RTV by means of a restricted diameter bore and counterbore in the cartridge, and the liquid is injected into the cartridge and flows out the forward open end thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge comprises a rifle cartridge from which the primer has been removed. The cartridge is rugged and reliable, inexpensive, and may be driven into the tree trunk by a hammering action.