Abstract: A protective apparatus for preventing the exchange of harmful substances between an area isolated by the apparatus and the environment for use in medical, laboratory, and industrial application. The apparatus includes a physical shield, a vacuum barrier, and an adjustable support frame. The apparatus further includes a vacuum connector for connecting the apparatus to a vacuum source, a vacuum conduit for flow communicating with the air around the perimeter of the physical shield such that the vacuum source draws air along with solid and liquid matter entrained in the air into the vacuum conduit, and a plurality of vacuum apertures located along the vacuum conduit for communicating the vacuum source with the air. The apparatus is designed so as to provide protection for persons in proximity to a source of harmful substances such as aerosols produced by surgical procedures at a surgical incision on a patient infected with the AIDS virus or the like.

Abstract: An adjustable splint made of silver or gold alloys for stabilizing in extension or realigning the interphalangeal joints of the fingers and thumb consisting of two elliptical rings joined by an elliptical spacer. The individually sized proximal and distal elliptical rings are worn about the fingers on either side of the joint being splinted and disposed at an angle with respect to the axis of the finger. The rings are joined by an elliptical spacer which is placed over the dorsal surface of the joint and sized to distribute and spread the pressure uniformly and comfortably over the surface of the joint. The spacer acts in conjunction with the proximal and distal rings to hold the finger in varying degrees of extension, depending on the adjustment of the splint. The splint may be rotated 90.degree., placing the spacer on the lateral border of a joint to realign an angularly deviated joint.

Abstract: A therapeutic rectal device for alleviating the discomfort of hemorrhoids by protecting the irritated anorectal surfaces from pressure and friction. The rectal device is horseshoe shaped and includes a resilient covering surrounding a core element of malleable material. The device is readily adjustable to conform to the shape and movements of the user's body without displacement, and may be used in combination with hemorrhoidal preparations to promote healing.

Abstract: A plant flat handling system for handling floatable plant flats employs a horizontally extending main channel which can be flooded from either a water tank or a nutrient containing tank with a plurality of branch channels extending outwardly from the main channel. Gate valve means between the branch channel and the main channel can be opened to permit the main channel to fill the branch channel or to drain the branch channel when the main channel is drained. Plural wires extend along the length of the branch channels and support floating plant flats when the branch channels are drained. Periodic flooding and draining of the branch channels is effected until plants in the flats have matured and can be harvested. Harvesting is effected by maintaining light pressure against the outermost plant flats in the branch channel to urge the body of plant flats toward a main work area overlying the main channel. A power conveyor extends downwardly into the branch channel and lifts the flats therefrom for harvesting.

Abstract: An intravenous tube attachment board has a padded base about which are encircled two straps of hook and loop material such as that sold under the trademark VELCRO. The hook and loop material is modified by adding an inner adhesive layer covered with a paper strip and a plastic flap. By removing the paper strips, the IV tube may be firmly grasped between the adhesive layers and the flaps when the straps are used to hold a patient's arm or hand to the base of the board.

Abstract: A guide apparatus for orthopedic surgery provides locational guidance for insertion of an orthopedic nail through a pilot bore into the intramedullary canal of a fractured bone. The guide creates a protected channel through soft tissue which shields the soft tissue from contact by a reaming tool and prevents soft tissue from interfering with a reaming procedure. The guide collects marrow and bone fragments, removed during reaming to prevent their dispersion in soft tissue. Bone fragments and marrow collected on the guide are re-introduced into the canal for grafting. The apparatus includes an elongated chute having a concave, arcuate segment terminating at a spooned end adapted to be mounted controllably spaced in alignment with the pilot bore. An elongated pin secured to the backside of the chute extends beyond the spooned end of the chute for insertion into the proximate bone area. Both guide apparatus and method of utilizing the guide apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A sacrum support device for use by individuals when performing sit-up exercises provides a protective flexible rubber pad. In a first embodiment, the pad is supported between a waist encircling strap and a pair of leg encircling straps by two pairs of support straps. The pad has a pentagonal shape with a downwardly pointing apex and is positioned over the sacrum of the individual. In a second embodiment, briefs formed from a washable fabric material are provided with a rear pocket for insertion of the pad. The pocket and pad may have a generally triangular or rectangular shape. The device provides protection for the sacrum or tail bone which is frequently irritated by repeated sit-up exercises.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medical sponge for use by medical personnel to wipe wounds, incisions and the like to absorb body fluids, such as blood, while protecting the person using the sponge from contact. The medical sponge comprises an absorbent pad enclosed which is covered on one face by fluid permeable cover sheet and on the other face by a fluid impervious cover sheet to enclose the absorbent pad. A handle is provided on the fluid impervious cover sheet for grasping and using the sponge while protecting the user from contact with blood absorbed in the absorbent pad.

Abstract: The method and apparatus described involves sucking pollen from male orchard plants and blowing the pollen onto selected female plants. The collected pollen is diverted through a separation device such as a cyclone where the pollen may be stored.

Abstract: Any external fixture for bone synthesis is provided with at least one bridge member, a plurality of holders are orientable and screw clampable on this bridge member by clamping surfaces. The holders have cylindrical holder openings which are closable by an operating screw and thereby serve as clamp holders, each for one bone nail and/or one bone screw.The cylindrical holder openings are bounded by a one piece connected wall surface and are closable individual or jointly with adjacent holder clamp jaw surfaces on the clamp side, on tightening the operating screw. Thus the cylindrical holder openings are each elastically or plastically deformable by a drill and/or screw guide receiving a bone drill with play, from a layer width - down to a smaller width for clamping.The external fixture affords a simple structure, easy to manufacture and at the same time simple handling during operation.

Abstract: The process for the automated growing of a group of plants in an artificial medium which is solid, liquid or a mixture thereof, comprises sowing collectively seeds or planting young plants directly on a region of the artificial medium, with a small spacing therebetween, and displacing said region progressively as a function of the growth of the plants and increasing the area of said region in the longitudinal and transverse directions so that the spacing between the plants increases in these two directions in proportion to the development of the plants until they reach maturity.

Abstract: A multi-purpose stake includes a stake means forming a longitudinal member adapted to be supported substantially perpendicular to a support surface. An aperture means forms at least one pair of laterally spaced apertures in the stake means. Either a belt means is disposed in a pair of apertures and adapted to form an enclosure to support an object thereon of a snap-on means may be used for removably engaging the apertures to support an object thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and instruments for a resection of the distal femur. The parent application discloses a femoral alignment guide/rod including a plate insertable within a guide slot in the resector which is also used for the guided insertion of a cutting tool. The present invention improves upon this structure by providing an auxiliary attachment member on the resector allowing attachment of a new femoral alignment guide/rod on the resector housing proximal to the cutting tool guide slot, which new guide/rod allows easier access to various resector components. In a further aspect, structure is provided allowing the use of the resector with an intramedullary rod to increase accuracy.

Abstract: An absorbable bone plate resistant to breakage fabricated with such interrelated dimensions that the highest stresses developed along the length of the plate when the plate is implanted are relatively constant and do not vary by more than 20% and preferably do not vary by more than 10%.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device which is suitable for the treatment or prevention of subluxation or dislocation of the hip joint is described. The device comprises a waist band, two thigh bands and two leg bars. Each leg bar is attached at one end to a thigh band which is free to rotate about an axis which is perpendicular to the leg bar. The other end of each leg bar is rotatably held in a sleeve attached to the waist band. Each sleeve is capable of being inclined downwards with respect to the plane of the waist band. The spacial relationship of the axis of the sleeve and the distal end of the leg bar is such that the device operates by maintaining the legs of the wearer in abduction that is appropriate to the extent of hip flexion by altering the separation of the legs in a smooth and controlled way during hip flexion.

Abstract: A tree shelter 10 comprises a twin-walled tubular extrusion of UV-degradable polypropylene formed with an out-turned lip or flange 28 at its upper end and a longitudinal V-section channel receiving a stake 26 which is securable therein by two ratchet-locking cable ties 32.

Abstract: An optionally disposable lightweight, readily stored, low cost cervical spine board made of plastic corrugated board. The device has pre-cut score lines therein for folding the device around the sides of the head and around the sides of the body.Head and neck tabs, and body wings are secured by straps which straps are pre-attached to the device, and which are secured by conventional lock closures similar to those used in car seat belts and other restraining devices.

Abstract: An assembly for display and/or storage floral items or the like which includes a housing made up of stepped side walls, a rear wall, a front wall section at each step and top wall sections at each step. A container is located at each step, preferably received in an opening defined by the top wall section thereat. The containers define at least one water drain opening therein which is associated with a water drain system and with appropriate controls for maintaining water within the container or draining same therefrom. A water supply system is also provided in association with each container for supplying water thereto along with appropriate valving to control water supply to the containers. A cut item separator support may be provided within the containers for dividing the inside of the containers into a plurality of compartments for the receipt of floral items therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating trees (especially trees of relatively small size or diameter) with a liquid. At least one hole is formed in the trunk of a tree extending into the cambium layer thereof. A bracket is secured to the tree. An upstanding inclined hollow tube, having an inner open end and an outer end, is provided. A resilient bushing is positioned in the inner end of the tube and extends therefrom. A self-sealing bushing is positioned in the outer end of the tube, thereby sealing the tube. The resilient bushing has an aperture formed therein which is substantially identical in size to the hole in the tree. The resilient bushing in the tube is pressed against the trunk of the tree with the aperture thereof positioned substantially coincident with the hole in the tree, thereby providing for liquid communication betweeen the tube and the hole. This pressing further deforms the resilient bushing, thereby forming a substantially liquid-tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: A proximal femoral sealing device is disclosed for use in the application of bone cement under pressure to a surgically prepared medullary canal of a femur prior to the implantation of a hip prostesis. The proximal femoral sealing device is formed of a generally solid body member with a passageway and a flexible annular wall member extending from the body member. The sealing device has an anatomically shaped outer surface, corresponding to the exposed endosteal surface of a prepared medullary canal. A chamber defined by a flexible annular wall and the body member opens into the medullary canal. In turn, the passageway communicates with the chamber and permits insertion of a cement nozzle therethrough into the chamber. In operation, the proximal femoral sealing device is placed within the proximal end of a surgically prepared medullary canal.