Abstract: An article for the protection of humans, animals and other articles from damage due to undesired exposure to lasers comprising a tubular element comprising at least one layer comprising a xerogel comprising at least one water-insoluble hydrophilic polymer wherein if said tubular element comprises at least three layers the layer adjacent the distal side, relative to the laser beams, of said xerogel layer comprises a metallic layer the proximal surface of which may be reflective or nonreflective of the laser beams and wherein said xerogel layer may further comprise a pigment. In addition, the layer on the distal side of said metallic layer may be a xerogel. During use of the articles of the invention the xerogels thereof are in a hydrated condition, i.e., they are hydrogels.

Abstract: A method of forming a surgical mesh material to be used in conjunction with donor bone in reconstructive surgery. A first corporeal model is made of the defect in the bone using computer tomographic techniques. The computer drives a sculpting tool. A second corporeal model is made of missing bone. Surgical mesh is shaped using the second corporeal model as a template. The shaped surgical mesh can be implanted in the patient.

Abstract: A securing tape for securing to a patient's skin or to a support, a medical device such as tubing, a catheter, an intravenous needle, or the like, including an elongated tape having base portions and a central tab formed integrally therewith, pressure-sensitive tape on the base portions and on an exposed window of the tab, and hook and pile fastener portions on opposite sides of the exposed adhesive on the tab and on the base portion facing the exposed adhesive.

Abstract: A soft and pliable mask for the lower face for the prevention of disease, comprised of a molded mask and straps or bands to hold it in place. Breathing passages are provided. A cavity at the bottom fits around the chin and the top edge may be thicker, or reinforced, to provide close adhesion around the nose.

Abstract: A no hands contraceptive device wherein a condom having a rolled portion is provided with a pair of strips positioned on opposite sides of the condom, each of the strips having one end thereof rolled into the rolled portion of the condom and the other end thereof extending from the rolled portion of the condom such that when the strips are pulled the condom will unroll onto the user's penis without being touched by the user's hands. The strips have a width which is sufficiently great to cause the rolled portion of the condom to assume a generally elliptical configuration having a length to width ratio of at least 1.2 to prevent premature unrolling and the tangling of the condom which may occur when the condom partially unrolls prematurely.

Abstract: A compression hip screw for repairing a bone fracture includes a non-absorbable plate and a non-absorbable barrel section connected to the plate adapted to be inserted into a hole formed in the hip bone. A non-absorbable lag screw with a longitudinal opening therein and with internal and external threads is adapted to be inserted through the longitudinal opening in the barrel and into the portion of the bone on one side of a fracture. A compressing screw with threads adapted to cooperate with the internal threads of the lag screw and a head adapted to abut the outer portion of the barrel adjacent to the longitudinal opening can be inserted into the opening in the barrel for compressing the portions of the bone on both sides of the fracture. The compressing screw has at least a head portion formed of a material that absorbs on contact with body fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing emergency treatment to a burns patient. The apparatus includes a bag (11) having a wall (15) which defines a space (16) for receiving the burns patient so as to provide a protective environment about the patient. The bag (11) comprises a first portion (21) constructed of flexible waterproof material and a second portion (22) constructed of fluid permeable material. The second portion is so arranged as to be upwardly facing when the bag is in use and is detachable from the first portion to provide access to the space within the bag.

Abstract: A training device directed to helping prevent nocturnal enuresis in males. The device inlcudes a pair of elongated members for positioning along opposite sides of a penis. The elongated members are hinged together at one end allowing the elongated members to be folded toward one another around the opposite sides of the penis. An inelastic belt attached to one of the elongated members at a point between opposite ends of the belt can be wrapped around the members and the penis to press the members against the penis and thereby help avoid accidental dislodgement of the device. The elongated members have a semicircular cross section across the direction of elongation, the semicircular faces being oriented toward one another when the elongated members are folded parallel to one another. The inward orientation of the semicircular faces allows the device to be fitted relatively comfortably and aids in preventing dislodgement of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fixation of osteoporotic bones and especially vertebral body compression fractures, Colles' fractures and fractures of the proximal humerus. The method of the present invention includes a series of steps including penetrating the bone having the fracture with a guide pin, drilling the osteoporotic bone marrow of the bone to enlarge the cavity to be treated, following which a bone specific inflatable device is inserted in the cavity and inflated. The expansion of the device causes a compacting of the osteoporotic bone marrow against the inner surface of the outer wall of the bone to be treated to further enlarge the cavity. When this occurs, a flowable synthetic bone material or methyl methacrylate cement is directed into the cavity and allowed to set to a hardened condition. Following this, the instruments are removed.

Abstract: An ankle joint distractor and method for spreading an ankle joint in preparation for arthroscopic surgery. The distractor comprises a pair of external fixation pins for transfixing bones adjacent the ankle joint so as to pass parallel to one another and directly through the bones from the medial side to the lateral side, and a pair of jack screws for attachment to the parallelly transfixed pins, the jackscrews being adapted to force the pins apart or together so as to distract or to compress the ankle joint while the pins are maintained in a generally parallel spaced apart relationship.

Abstract: Surgical material of resorbable polymer, copolymer, or polymer mixture containing at least partially fibrillated structural units, and use thereof.

Abstract: Precontoured plating, screws, instruments and methods for osteosynthesis. Plates according to the present invention take advantage of the fact that human adult craniofacial structure and shape is highly similar among the population. The plates are thus preformed, pretempered, precontoured, and preconfigured during manufacture to fit a large proportion of the human adult population. The plates consequently require less time during surgery to twist and bend to conform to the skeletal structure and their crystalline and other structural characteristics need not be adversely affected by extensive bending, twisting and shaping in the operating room. The plates may be packaged and presented for use on forms which simulate portions of the skull so that their intended craniofacial location is easily recognized by members of the surgical team.

Abstract: A tubular prophylactic device and method is disclosed which provides for frictional stimulation of the male penis during copulation while simultaneously serving as an impermeable barrier for the prevention of disease and for birth control purposes. In one form the device consists of a pleated collapsible tube with an extended length from the open end to the closed end of at least approximately twice the length of the erect mature human male penis. The additional length allows the penis to move relative to the prophylactic device during copulation, with the prophylactic device remaining stationary with respect to the wall of the female vagina. In another form the device is characterized by an inwardly folded sleeve that engages the penis and provides for sealing and an excess length that allows for movement of the end of the penis relative to the device when in use.The method is characterized by relative movement between the glans of the penis and the membrane of the device during use thereof.

Abstract: A hydroponic culture system comprising an angle panel having a plurality of holes for supporting plants with roots projecting through the holes, and a hydroponic solution feeding means comprising a hydroponic solution spraying means for supplying a hydroponic solution onto the roots of the plants and a hydroponic solution pumping means for supplying the hydroponic solution to the hydroponic solution spraying means, in which the hydroponic solution spraying mechanism is movable along the longitudinal direction of the angle panel, or the angle panel is disposed in a plant cultivation structure which is supplied with carbon dioxide through a duct for controlling the environment within the structure, or a plurality of angle panels are disposed in a plurality of rows and top edges of the adjacent angle panel rows are connected with canopies to form substantially triangular-sectioned spaces between the adjacent angle panel rows for enhanced lighting efficiency, thereby cultivating the plants systematically and almo

Abstract: A method for surgically securing body parts with a cable, typically making use of crimping pliers which comprise a pair of operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member by manual pressure on the operating handles. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a cable which passes through a tubular crimp member carried in the jaws. By this invention surgical cable may be looped around body parts in surgical operations, and the loop may be permanently secured at a predetermined desired tension.

Abstract: A pair of handcuffs formed of light weight plastic material, so that the handcuffs cannot be used by a prisoner as a striking weapon against a guard or police officer. A single flexible plastic cord is formed into two loop sections adapted to encircle the prisoner's wrists. Sections of the cord extend through a clamp device that can be manually operated to expand or contract the loop sections, as necessary to remove or install the handcuffs on the prisoner.

Abstract: A cervical cap for covering a portion of the cervix uteri in order to prevent migration of sperm from the vagina into the cervical canal to thereby prevent conception. The cervical cap has an open end portion, a dome-shaped portion, preferably sealed, disposed opposite the open end portion, and a ridged section designed to grip the cervix to secure the cap. In the preferred embodiments, the ridged section has a plurality of substantially parallel ring-shaped ridges formed on the interior surface of the cap. In an alternate embodiment, a helical-shaped ridge is formed on the interior surface of the cap and extends from the rim to the dome portion, progressively narrowing in width.

Abstract: An osteotomy guide assembly for femoral neck osteotomy includes a saddle locator assembly and a saw guide attachment. The saddle locator assembly includes a barrel-shaped locating device that locates the saddle region of the proximal femur. The barrel further includes a transverse support bar extending from the barrel. The barrel is positioned over an intramedullary shaft which is temporarily positioned in and extends from the medullary canal of the femur. A saw guide is used in conjunction with the saddle locator assembly. The saw guide is attached to the support bar by a single locking means which provides for positional adjustment of the saw guide relative to the support bar in two directions, including adjustment in the anterior-posterior direction along the transverse support bar and axially along the femur via a post which extends from the saw guide.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a vertebral column with damaged vertebrae comprises an adjustable arm on a guiding axis and a stationary arm attached to the guiding axis, each arm having a hollow receiving body adjustable in two planes for a lengthening rod, which can be connected with a tire-fond. Each arm (2, 4) has an intermediate jointed piece (5, 5a) with an intermediate jointed piece (5, 5a) with two joints (6, 7), each intermediate jointed piece (5, 5a) being connected in a hinged manner to a support (8) for the hollow receiving body which is designed as an attachable cylindrical piece (15) with a tangential drilled hole (16).

Abstract: A bone screw comprising a shaft having a first set of leading threads and a second set of trailing threads spaced apart from the first set of threads by an unthreaded central portion. The second set of threads are carried externally on a sleeve having a smooth inner cylindrical surface such that the sleeve is slidable about the unthreaded shaft portion. A raised lip is provided about the trailing end of the shaft to retain the sleeve on the shaft.The first and second set of screw threads are like-handed, but preferably of different pitch, with the pitch of the first set of screw threads exceeding that of the second set of screw threads to effectively hold portions of a fractured bone in compressive engagement.Provision of the second set of threads on a slidable sleeve enables the main shaft to slide through the sleeve and back out of the bone, when absorption occurs such as when the invention is used to repair a femoral neck fracture.