Abstract: A multi-anchor suture is provided which comprises at least two anchors and at least one suture attached to each anchor. The multiple anchors are inserted into a patient's bone and the suture connecting the anchors facilitates reattachment of soft tissue to the bone. Also provided is a method of attaching soft tissue to bone using the inventive multi-anchor suture.

Abstract: A blood vessel such as a varicose vein is removed using a semi-rigid rod attached to a flexible thread. The thread is passed through the vein using the rod, which can then be removed. An end of the vein is affixed at a point between the ends of the thread, for example the midpoint. By pulling on the thread, the end of the vein is drawn back into the lumen of the vein, and the vein is progressively turned inside out. A stop can be fixed to the thread slightly beyond the point at which the vein is affixed to the thread, and prevents slipping along the thread. The thread can be at least twice as long as the vein, and alternately pulled in opposite directions.

Abstract: A necktie includes a single-piece tie defining a display area and a knot area with the display area having a given pattern and the knot area having a pattern different from the given pattern. The one-piece tie can be woven or printed to produce the patterns. The tie can have a single-piece display-knot portion and a single-piece tail portion to be joined together. The tail portion can have a pattern, preferably, the same as the given pattern. A method of constructing a necktie includes cutting a tie from a single-piece of fabric having a given pattern at a display area and a pattern different from the given pattern at a knot area. The tie is folded lengthwise and is connected together at long edges. The edge-connected tie is turned inside out. Also, a single-piece display-knot portion can define the display and knot areas with the display-knot portion joined to a tail portion also preferably cut from a single-piece of fabric.

Abstract: A full face mask with a strap, which is fastened to a mask body (15) by clamping action by means of eyes can be removed from the face of the user of the full face mask in a simple manner. Two holding grips are connected to eyes located adjacent to one another. The holding grips are located on a side area (18) of the full face mask (14). A pulling device (19) brings the holding grips (4, 41) into the open position.

Abstract: A bicycle helmet that allows ventilation to a cyclist head. The helmet comprises a hard internal shell, a hard external shell, and a shock absorbing foam insert located between the internal and external shells. The helmet consists of a generally open concave structure having a number of fore and aft extending structural arms, transversely spaced from one another and merging with an annular bottom edge rim at both their fore and aft ends. Each structural arm forms a U-shape in cross-section, for reinforcing the helmet structure. The shock absorbing foam of the insert engages with the grooves formed by these cross-sectionally U-shape structural arms. Air ventilation passages are formed in between each pair of successive U arms, extending through corresponding openings in the shock absorbing insert and through the open mouth formed by the annular internal shell. The radius of curvature of the structural arms is greater than that of the shock absorbing insert.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument for deploying a two part fastener having a male fastener part and a female fastener part, includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector is coupled to said distal end of said tube and is configured to hold the male fastener part and the female fastener part in opposed relation. An actuator is coupled to said proximal end of said tube and is configured to actuate the end effector. A shearing device may be positioned proximate the end effector to shear off a tip of the male fastener part after the male and female fastener parts are moved into locking relation. In addition, the surgical instrument may include a male fastener part having a shaft with a plurality of detent positions. Further, the male fastener part may include a base and a shaft pivotally connected to the base.

Abstract: An absorbent article that provides leakage protection and/or skin protection, as well as methods for using and preparing the absorbent article and novel compositions and composites for use in the absorbent article, is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a permeable topsheet; a substantially impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between said permeable topsheet and said substantially impermeable backsheet; and a hydrophobic composition selectively disposed on the absorbent article to contain leakage. The hydrophobic composition is disposed at one or more leak protection zones.

Abstract: An auxiliary visor for a standard riding helmet. The visor includes a bill fixed to an elongated flexible band. Facing sides of the ends of the band include mating fasteners that permit the band to surround and apply an inwardly-directed force to the exterior surface of a helmet. The interior surface of the band includes a strip of material of predetermined non-sticky composition.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin with a pair of wings includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween, the wings including a portion of the backsheet extending bilaterally of the napkin and a breathable sheet material bonded to the portion by means of bonding lines extending in a transversely direction of the napkin and arranged intermittently in a longitudinal direction of the napkin.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system, having a rolling retractable sheath covering a medical device mounting region on the system is disclosed. The rolling retractable sheath comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and may be formed of one or more materials, optionally porous. Optionally, a lubricant may be applied selectively to the interior and exterior walls of the stent.

Abstract: An apparel adapted for use in a confined space as a protective headwear generally comprises a crown adapted for close conformation about a wearer's scalp and a protective element for safekeeping of the wearer's scalp from blunt trauma. The crown consists essentially of a soft fabric such as, for example, cotton and is preferably machine washable. The protective element, which is preferably substantially centrally positioned on an interior face of the crown, comprises a resiliently flexible material such as, for example, plastic. The protective element is shaped to disseminate the force of a potentially traumatic impact over a region of the wearer's scalp, thereby protecting the wearer from injury. A short bill is also affixed to a portion of the edge of the crown. According to the invention, this bill should extend no more than about two inches outward from the crown to prevent deflection of the apparel from the wearer's head.

Abstract: A device (10) for fastening a cranial flap (17) to the cranial vault (16), comprising an upper ring (11) and a lower ring (12), connected to each other by a pillar (13), where the upper ring (11) is composed of two sections (18, 19) and may assume a first configuration in which the sections (18, 19) are approached, and a second configuration in which the sections (18, 19) are spread apart.

Abstract: A safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering and/or retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer shaft having a proximal end, distal end and a wall defining an outer shaft lumen. The system also includes a stop mechanism disposed within the outer shaft lumen. The stop mechanism is preferably configured such that relative axial movement between the guidewire and the outer shaft may be selectively precluded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a machine for false twist texturing a plurality of synthetic filament yarns and which includes a plurality of side by side processing stations. The plurality of processing stations are divided into a plurality of sections, with each section comprising a plurality of processing stations. The processing stations of each of the sections are monitored and controlled independently of the processing stations of adjacent sections, so that the processing of the yarns in each section is independent of the processing of the yarns in adjacent sections.

Abstract: Headgear having a plurality of projections extending outwardly therefrom is disclosed. The projections have compliant portions located between each end and are manually manipulatable by bending, twisting and curving into various configurations. The projections are thermoplastic tubes having sidewalls formed of frusto-conically shaped annuli joined in an accordion pleated fashion. The annuli have two stable positions relative to each other, either adjacent in contact or angularly displaced. The two stable positions permit the projections to maintain a particular shape until manually rearranged. Complementary couplings on the free end of the projections allow the tube to be joined to form continuous loops.

Abstract: A comfortable, self-adjusting, protective helmet made from a process of insert molding. The helmet comprises an armature or insert made of a porous material that is embedded in the layers of the helmet to connect the structural parts of the helmet to one another. The armature as used in the helmet also serves several other functions which include hinging and sizing. A retention system is strategically located on the helmet to provide increased stabilization of the helmet on the wearer's head. One embodiment of this invention is an insert-molded helmet that can be converted into a pouch. A further embodiment of this invention includes a protrusion at the back of a helmet suitable for a compartment.

Abstract: An inflatable liner for a helmet. The liner has a first elongated cell and a second elongated cell extending substantially parallel to the first elongated cell. Passages extend through the first divider to permit air to pass between the first and second cells during an impact event. The second elongated cell is divided into separate sub cells and a single air inlet is provided for introducing air into the liner.

Abstract: A glove comprising a palm; a thumb; at least one finger; and a plurality of suction devices attached to the palm, at least one finger, or both the palm and at least one finger, where said suction devices have a Shore A durometer of from about 20 to about 90.

Abstract: A medical implant insertion system comprising a medical implant cartridge including a medical implant, a head having a first end and a second end, and a pin slidably extending through the head, the pin having a first end and a second end, the first end of the pin being located adjacent the first end of the head and being removably attached to the medical implant; the second end of the pin being positioned adjacent the second end of the head; and a medical implant insertion instrument including a handle for removable attachment to the second end of the head of the medical implant cartridge, collet structure for attachment to the second end of the pin of the medical implant cartridge when the handle is attached to the second end of the head of the medical implant cartridge, and actuator structure;for causing the medical implant to detach from the pin of the medical implant cartridge.