Abstract: A loquat-leaf moxibustion therapy in which a green leaf of loquat and thereupon mattings of vegetable fibers such as for example the combination of a mat of cotton fabric and a mat of paper are placed preferably in this sequence on the surface of the body skin of a subject in the region of a desired "remedial spot" of the subject and thereafter a moxa stick kindled at one axial end thereof and pointed to the remedial spot across the layers of the mattings and the leaf is pressed at the fiery end of the stick onto the mattings so that the loquat leaf is locally fumigated by the smoke from the moxa stick for producing the combined medicinal effects of the moxa and the loquat leaf and, at the same time, the subject's body skin is pressed upon at the remedial spot and enjoys the remedial efficacy obtainable by the finger-pressure therapy known in the art of oriental medicine.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use in hip or knee surgery designed to provide a substantially complete seal around an operative site in a one step application and having two main sections integrally connected along a main folding line, with one main section being continuous along the main folding line and the second main section being trifurcated into a median flap connected to the main folding line along a narrow junction and a pair of side flaps connected to the main folding line along wide junctions. The median flap extends substantially equidistantly from the main folding line as the continuous main section extends therefrom in the opposite direction, while the pair of side flaps extend from the main folding line about midway of the median flap. The median flap is provided about its periphery with a strip of surgical adhesive and the pair of side flaps have a strip of surgical adhesive about their edges adjacent the median flap.

Abstract: An instrument adapted for collapsing the extended arms of a T-shaped intrauterine device and loading the collapsed device into an insertion tube is disclosed.

Abstract: A hydromassage bathtub for domestic and therapeutic applications. The bathtub has a two level bottom wall defined by two successive surfaces sloping slightly towards the drain pipe area and joined to one another by a transverse ramp of slight extent, a front inclined wall having a centrally located depression facing the lower portion of the back of the user, an essentially vertical end wall opposite the inclined wall and two essentially vertically extending lateral walls. Longitudinal passages secured to the outside surface of the bathtub along the lower region thereof and extending essentially tangentially to the lateral walls, to the inclined wall and to the end wall, for circulating compressed air emanating from blowers. The compressed air is also distributed through inwardly extending branches connected to the lateral passages, the branches being located underneath the bathtub and following the transverse ramp.

Abstract: An outwardly opening receptacle constructed of flexible water impervious material. The receptacle includes a bottom and upstanding peripheral sides and is generally ellipsoidal in plan shape. The upstanding peripheral sides include successive reversely foldable upper marginal zones selectively foldable inwardly and outwardly relative to the peripheral sides of the receptacle and the marginal zones taper in width, oppositely, toward the opposite ends of the receptacle. The opposite ends of the receptacle include flexible drain tube portions opening outwardly therefrom and the outer end portions of the drain tube portions include closed reservoir defining end portions. Tie members are carried by the drain tube outer end portions inwardly of the reservoir defining end portions and the drain tube portions are capable of being readily cut by scissors, or the like.

Abstract: A two-stage device for use within the canal of the cervix of the uterus for the dual and simultaneous purposes of venereal disease prevention and of contraception by prohibiting the migration of sperm through the cervical canal. The two-stage device will consist of (Part A) an insertable member which will be inserted into and be maintained within the cervical canal to which (Part B) a temporary member, effective for upward of a year, can be attached easily with a minimum of discomfort to the patient. [Either or both parts of this two-stage device (at present most probably the temporary part) can incorporate metals such as copper, silver, or others, or suitable compounds thereof, and also spermicidal and pathogenocidal agents, steroids or other drugs.]A unique feature of the invention is its placement within the cervical canal rather than in the fundus or vagina.

Abstract: An air-activated water agitator for hydrotherapy treatments comprises an elongate, flexible conduit having a series of jet openings at intervals along its length and a coupling for connecting the conduit with a source of pressurized air such as a common household vacuum cleaner. The agitator advantageously provides maximum patient stimulation by permitting equalized pressurized air streams to be introduced into the water from all sides of the tank or from a localized portion of the tank without requiring potentially dangerous electrical devices to be in or near the water.

Abstract: A tourniquet, destined to be used in an emergency, particularly on the battlefield, comprises a strap and a combined mechanism for tightening the strap and indicating the pressure exerted on the limb. The mechanism consists of a casing which contains a spool on which the free end of the strap is wound up by means of a pawl and ratchet mechanism. This casing is slidingly movable on a plate attached to the second end of the strap and urged in a direction opposed to the tightening force by two spiral springs positioned between the plate and the casing. Two tongues integral with the plate are made to protrude out of the casing by a length proportional to the compression of the springs and are marked to indicate the pressure exerted on the limb by the strap. These marks also give an indication of the maximum force allowable for an arm or a leg, taking into consideration the circumference of the respective limb.

Abstract: An isometric vaginal exercise device includes a rounded shaft having a flange attached to one end thereof. The shaft has a concave portion adjacent the flange, wherein the diameter of the concave portion decreases to a minimum value and then increases to a maximum value with increasing distance from the flange along the shaft, whereby the concave portion allows more effective gripping of the isometric vaginal exercise device by perivaginal muscles of the user. The flange is substantially oval to permit convenient accommodation between the legs of the user. A handle is attached to the flange end of the isometric vaginal exercise device. A method of using the isometric device to improve muscle tone of the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm is disclosed.

Abstract: An erection holder to enable or prolong an erection of the penis of a man. It has a body of sleeve-like configuration with an outer sleeve wall surface, a hollow interior surrounded by an inner sleeve wall surface, a base end destined for coming to rest, during use, against a portion of the user's abdomen, surrounding the root of his penis, and an outer end. Openings are in the base end and the inner end. A first inwardly directed protrusion surrounds the opening in the base end and a second inwardly directed protrusion surrounds the opening in the outer end. A circumferential lip portion extends from the base end in an axial direction and is preferably integral with the body of the holder and preferably forms a circumferential blunt edge with the said first protrusion. Between the two protrusions the sidewall of the body is outwardly curved and preferably barrel-shaped.

Abstract: A medical device comprising first and second ball sections, an intermediate section having a peripheral surface and opposite ends, and first and second generally cylindrical sections for coupling the first and second ball sections to the opposite ends of the intermediate section. The first and second generally cylindrical sections project from the intermediate section in generally opposite directions. Each of the first and second generally cylindrical sections has a smooth cylindrical surface, and the diameter of the first ball section is greater than the diameter of the second ball section. The diameter of each of the first and second ball sections is greater than the diameter of each of the first and second cylindrical sections.

Abstract: A catheter for use in male patients is disclosed. A catheter is inserted into the urethra and secured in position by the expansion of a flexible portion of the catheter to engage the fossa navicularus. In a first embodiment the expansion is controlled by a threaded element which is removably engaged in the catheter. In a second embodiment the flexible portion of the catheter is collapsible during insertion and expands to the secured position.

Abstract: An anti-rape device having a hollow housing adapted to be worn within a human vagina. The housing has a front opening and contains a hypodermic syringe having a volume of rape-deterring fluid and a needle facing and aligned with the front opening. Actuator means in the housing are provided which include housing means such as a spring to force the needle through the front opening and inject the fluid, cocking means to cock the device into a position which totally shields the needle within the housing, and prevents action of the spring, and trigger means which automatically releases the cocking means, upon forceful penis penetration of a vagina containing the device, to permit the spring to protrude the needle and inject the fluid into the penis. Preferably, the fluid is a quick-acting, safe narcotic such as scopolamine, or the like to render the rapist unconscious.

Abstract: A hand-held ultrasonic tooth-cleaning apparatus which may be inserted into the mouth to remove materials from the teeth by cavitation using a lip seal or a continuous liquid flow. Electromechanical transducer elements are used to establish propagation of ultrasonic energy in a transverse mode with respect to the longitudinal axis of a vibrating member one terminus of which constitutes the probe which is inserted into the mouth by the user.

Abstract: A treatment chamber for a human extremity specially adapted for use with a pulsed or hyperbaric oxygen supply, the chamber comprising upper and lower sections adapted to be sealingly clamped together and provided at one end with a demountable annular sleeve, which fits sealingly against the sides of a patient's extremity and against a chamber end closure element.

Abstract: An artificial corpus cavernosum device which is designed to be implanted into the impaired penis of a patient for the remedy of his impotence and which comprises an at least one artificial corpus cavernosum penis of elongated tubular pouch made of an artificial thin membrane to be implanted into the penis and for selectively receiving and being filled with a fluid therein for erecting the penis, a container means made of an artificial thin membrane for storing said fluid under the normal condition when the penis is not inflated and hence not erected, the container means being implantable into the scrotum, a slenderized conduit means for connecting said at least one artificial corpus cavernosum penis to said container means in fluid communication with one another, and a check valve interposed in fluid communication with said container means and having a valve member provided with a through-hole(s) for allowing said fluid once forcibly delivered from said container means to pass to said artificial corpus cavern

Abstract: A coeliac tissue-suturing apparatus comprising a flexible tubular member having a passage extending therethrough and inserted into a channel of an endoscope, a needle having one end concentrically fixed to that end of the tubular member which is inserted into the endoscope and having the other end made into a sharp tip, said needle having substantially the same outer diameter as the tubular member and adapted to protrude from a distal end of the endoscope, a first-stop receiving chamber communicating with the atmosphere and the passage of the tubular member, a first stop for setting suturing thread on tissues around a coeliac bleeding spot at the commencement of a suturing operation, said first stop being adapted to fix one end of the suturing thread extended along the tubular member, and normally received in the first-stop receiving chamber, and a pushing member inserted into the tubular member for pushing the first stop out of the first stop-receiving chamber.

Abstract: A male contraceptive arrangement defined, basically, by a modified condom, i.e. one having a shorter length than now commercially available and a configuration particularly adapted to contain semen; a spermicidal ring received within the condom; and, an elasticized retaining cover adapted to position the condom on the male organ.In one invention form, a harness, disposed on the glans penis, extends to the spermicidal ring, where, in another invention form, the harness includes sensitivity segments which are located rearwardly of the glans penis. In a further invention form, additional positive positioning of the condom is afforded through an elasticized retaining device arranged over the condom at a position in front of the spermicidal ring and to the rear of the elasticized retaining cover.

Abstract: A device for air-massage comprises an air inflatable bag and an elastic element connectively surmounted thereon. The elastic element may be moved by feeding or exhausting an air into or from the air inflatable bag, thereby to obtain a massage effect on a body portion.

Abstract: An abduction pillow is illustrated wherein a wedge-shaped body is constructed of synthetic foam material for positioning the limbs in cushioned fixed divergent position and means are also illustrated for supporting and cradling the foot and ankle portions of an orthopedic patient.