Abstract: A bone saw guide apparatus and method for positioning sequential saw cuts facilitates the cutting of a wedge of bone, in the correction of an angular bone deformity. An arcuate saw blade having a shaft which is parallel to its cutting edge provides greater blade strength and better control of the cut.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail for use in osteosynthesis is provided with means for forming and then tightening a loop of wire extending from its distal end. In the method of its use, a locking bolt which prevents rotation and longitudinal movement of the nail is inserted through a loop more easily than through the bolt holes at the distal end of a conventional nail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for use in the preparation of autologous or single-donor fibrin sealant. The invention further relates to a method of preparing fibrin sealant.

Abstract: A contraceptive cervical cap or form therefor, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encouraging maximal plant growth which method and apparatus comprise a light filter which prevents the natural decay of plant growth stimulating materials by absorption of UV radiation while permitting photosynthesis to occur with blue light in the absence of attendant heat generating and dehydrating radiations caused by green, yellow and infra-red light. The objective is made possible according to the preferred embodiment of the invention by interposing separately, continuously, or discontinuously, a combination of filters made of solid material between the sun and the growing plants which block out radiation in those wave lengths which are either physiologically harmful or which retard growth, but do not inhibit those wavelengths which are necessary for photosynthesis, metabolism, differentiation and development.

Abstract: A bone screw has a smooth shaft segment, a threaded segment and a tapered transition segment between the shaft and the threaded segment.

Abstract: A process for reducing the occurrence of apneic episodes in an edentulous person including the steps of determining a neuromuscularly balanced position of the temporal mandibular joint of the edentulous person and shaping an oral appliance to maintain the neuromuscularly balanced position during sleep. The oral appliance has upper and lower plates with opposing planar rest surfaces which maintain the jaw position and angle corresponding to the neuromuscularly balanced position.

Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis or the like may be removed from the bone for a revision by applying ultrasonic vibration sufficient to disrupt connection of the prosthesis with the bone. This is particularly desirable for disrupting cancellous bone at the interface adjacent to the porous surface of a prosthesis designed for ingrowth of cancellous bone. Preferably the ultrasonic vibrations are applied to the prosthesis with sufficient energy for disrupting cancellous bone at the porous surface interface or softening a cement employed for securing the prosthesis to the bone. An ultrasonically vibrated osteotome may be inserted along the porous surface of a prosthesis for disrupting cancellous bone adjacent to the interface. Preferably the ultrasonic transducer is coupled to the prosthesis by a self-holding taper on the prosthesis and a complementary tapered socket connected to an ultrasonic transducer. Ultrasonic vibrations may also be employed for forming a cavity into which a prosthesis is implanted.

Abstract: A spline and splinting board combination is disclosed that comprises a two-part board structure with an upper board and a lower board that may be adjustably secured to each other. The upper board may be utilized independently when a small child or infant is to be transported and has a pair of belt receiving slots that allows the board to be utilized with differing heights of small children or infants. The upper board is adjustably secured to the lower board through a pair of thumb screws received in adjustment slots to allow adjustment of the distance from the top of the upper board to the bottom of the lower board to correspond to a desired distance for a particular patient. Inflatable cervical and lumbar supports are disclosed that may be quickly inflated or deflated to provide additional supports to those areas of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective mask, and more particularly to a protective mask usable during the act of oral sex or during the performance of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to protect a wearer against infection with communicable diseases including viral diseases such as the human immune virus which leads to the development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The mask is formed by an elongate, generally planar membrane of a tough film material having, when lying flat, a longitudinal axis and an outline configuration which is asymmetrical about that axis, the outline configuration having a lateral extension portion for extending downwardly and rearwardly over the chin of a wearer. The mask is securely wrapped in place over the lower face of a wearer while permitting free movement of the jaw, lips and tongue of the wearer and includes a flaccid pouch-like central portion.

Abstract: An article useful in laser-effected surgery and therapy on humans and animals which reduces or eliminates undesired exposure of said humans, animals and other articles to said lasers comprising(a) a first member proximal to the laser source comprising a xerogel comprising at least one hydrophilic water-insoluble polymer;(b) a second, backing member;(c) water;wherein, if desired, said xeogel layer further comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, colorants, including pigments, and medications.The invention further comprises an article comprising at least one metallic layer disposed between said xerogel and backing members the proximal surface of said metallic layer being reflective or non-reflective of the laser beams as required.If desired adhesives may also be disposed between the layers of the article and/or between the article and the surface to be protected.

Abstract: An athletic protector wherein the harness has a split detachably connectable waistband whereby the jock strap may be put on or taken off by the wearer without the need to completely undress. The harness has a front and rear panel merging one into the other by a narrower crotch portion with each of opposite marginal edges of the panels having a band of elastic or stretchable material secured thereto. On the inside of the front panel of the harness there is an open pouch, removably to receive a protective cup that is selectively adjustable in size and/or curvature. The opening to the pouch is preferably on the side so that the cup is slid in from the side. The opening to the pouch can be closed by a velcro type or button fastener or the equivalent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grow-mat for cultivating plants, and to the production thereof, which grow-mat comprises a layer of mineral fibres cross-linked to one another by cured binding agent and treated with hydrophilic wetting agent, characterized in that in said grow-mat the principal direction of said mineral fibres extending in said layer extends in the longest dimension of said mat, in which preferably in both upright longitudinal surfaces of the grow-mat a curing oven profile is present, and/or the layer is a primary layer and at least two of said primary layers forming a secondary layer are present in a horizontal longitudinal plane of said grow-mat.

Abstract: A supporting device for use in first aid to persons injured in accidents or the like, in particular in cases of neck and/or back injuries, includes a main part for arrangement at the back of the injured person and provided with fastening members for anchoring. The main part and the fastening members are made generally of a flexible material. The main part is provided with an elongate supporting element adapted primarily to give support along the back and/or the neck. The supporting element has the form of a flat metal rod adapted to be detachable and insertable at or in the main part. A preferably upwardly open pocket is provided for this purpose. The main use of such a supporting device is in first aid equipment.

Abstract: A container for biological liquids such as a culture medium comprises a hollow body of elastomeric material including a tubular intermediate part, rounded ends and a portion perforable by a cannula for introducing the biological liquid and hermetically resealing itself once the cannula is removed. The interior and exterior surfaces of the hollow body are smooth and curved throughout and the portion perforable by the cannula is thick walled and is preferably provided at one or both ends of the hollow body. The container may comprise two half shells joined together or a blow extruded member. The interior surface is advantageously coated to eliminate asperities.

Abstract: An outer container (31) formed of moisture-impervious material having an elongate product dispensing sleeve (32) having a moisture-proof sealable opening (33) on one end and an enlarged product storage package (34) communicating with the dispensing sleeve (32). A medical material (14) is positioned within sleeve (32) and includes a substrate (16) formed of a suitable number of overlaid layers of a woven or knitted fabric such as fiberglass. Substrate (16) is contained within a tubular wrapping (18) formed of a soft, flexible non-woven fiber such as polypropylene. Substrate (16) is impregnated or coated with a reactive system which remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions but which hardens upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A head support for the physically disabled, particularly those suffering from cerebral palsy, is provided. The head support is comprised of a helmet, elastic tethers, a collar, a breastbone bridge, a waistband and two vertical straps. Optionally, a chin support may also be used. The elasticity and length of the tethers permit its head movement; but the system will return the head to its upright position. The head is held upright by the elastic tethers, from above. This flexible head support system is an improvement over existing rigid braces which are uncomfortable and often serve to increase spasticity of head and neck muscles. In addition, the present head support is aesthetically more pleasing than conventional rigid braces.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for use in the preparation of bone surfaces and the implantation of a modular total knee prosthesis in a patient, which apparatus comprises cutting guides, templates, alignment devices, a distractor and clamping instruments which provide modularity and facilitate bone resection and prosthesis implantation.

Abstract: A balanced skeletal traction apparatus for aligning fractured leg bones of a patient lying in a supine recuperative position including an underlying solid polygon support member, a horizontal traction device operable to be connected to a patient's lower leg for providing longitudinal traction and at least one securing member operable to releasably secure a patient's leg with respect to the underlying solid polygon support member.

Abstract: Curved bore drilling apparatus and methods having a remotely actuated, pivotal rocker arm and cantilevered, curved guide means which guide and advance a cutting means through a predetermined curved path to drill one or more curved bores within a solid material.