Abstract: A protective apparatus has a helmet and shoulder pads. The helmet is coupled to the shoulder pads by a rear support and lateral supports. The rear support is coupled to the shoulder pads by a ball and socket joint. The lateral supports have rollers which are received by channels formed in the shoulder pads. Impacts to the helmet are transmitted to the shoulder pads by the supports. The helmet can move from side-to-side with respect to the shoulder pads by the lateral support rollers traversing the channels, and up and down by the rear support ball and socket joint. Inside of the helmet is a crown that has inner and outer bands. The outer band is pivotally coupled to the helmet so as to allow the head to move up and down within the helmet. The inner band is located within the outer band and rotates within the outer band so as to allow the head to move from side-to-side within the helmet.

Abstract: An electric power system has an air compressor unit with a reservoir tank, an air powered motor and an electric generator. The air compressor unit has an air compressor that provides compressed air to the reservoir tank. The air compressor is driven by an electric motor. The air powered motor is driven by compressed air from the reservoir tank. The air powered motor provides rotary power to an input shaft of the electric generator, wherein the generator produces electrical power. The system can be mounted onto a mobile platform for ease of transport. Also, storage batteries can be connected to the electric output of the generator. The output of the batteries can be connected to the electric motor of the air compressor unit.

Abstract: A nail is inserted into the medullary canal of a fractured bone to fixate the bone segments in order to promote healing. The nail provides compressive force to close the fracture and further promote healing. The nail has an outer member and an inner member that is slidable within the outer member. The inner member has at one end arms for engaging the interior of the bone cortex in the distal bone segment and at the other end a holding member for engaging the cortex in the proximal bone segment. The arms are movable between stowed positions, for allowing the insertion of the nail into the bone, and deployed positions, for engaging the bone cortex. The force exerted by the arms and the holding member on the bone is adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for use during examination of the colon of a patient includes an insertion member and a tube member. The insertion member, which occludes the opening into the colon, has first and second channels extending between inner and outer ends. The first channel receives a colonoscope, while the second channel receives the tube member. Seals are provided to prevent air leakage from inside of the colon out through the two channels. The tube member provides a conduit into the colon that is independent of the colonoscope. The tube member has an inside channel for receiving colonoscopic tools. There is an inflatable balloon at the inner end of the tube member, for blunting the tube member inner end. An inflation channel extending betwen the balloon and the tube member outer end allows the balloon to be remotely inflated. With the insertion member in place in the opening, the tube member is inserted into the colon, via the second channel.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and methods for playing a game between two opposing sides. One version of the game is played on a board by two or more players. The board has a top surface with markings dividing the top surface into two areas of play and a neutral area. The areas of play are separated from one another by the neutral area. Markings delineate circular nonoverlapping zones within each area of play. Scoring pockets are located within each area of play. The playing ball includes two bowl shaped portions joined together at their open ends. A small shperical ball is inside the playing ball and openings in the bowl shaped portions communicate between the exterior and the interior space of the playing ball. Sticks having foot shaped protuberances are used by the players to strike the ball and to defend the scoring pockets. Men in the form of vertical playing pieces are adapted to be located in the zones and are used for defensive purposes.

Abstract: A sheet-like inner member formed of prosthetic mesh has an opening formed therethrough. A tubular member formed of prosthetic mesh has two opposite ends with an opening extending therethrough between its two ends. The inner member is connected to the tubular member at or near one end thereof such that a passage extends through the openings of the two members. The tubular member is adapted to be located in the opening of an abdominal wall of a human inward of the outer skin thereof with the inner member being adapted to be attached to an inner portion of the abdominal wall around the opening thereof inward of the other end of the tubular member. The passage of the device has a size sufficient to receive and support a portion of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: The rectal-stomal insert apparatus is used for occluding an opening in a patient's colon and preventing uncontrolled leakage during examination with a colonoscope. The apparatus includes an insertion member having an outer end, an inner end, and an exterior surface. The insertion member has an instrument channel and a separate and distinct suction channel each of which extends between the outer end and the inner end. The instrument channel is large enough to receive a colonoscope tube and is provided with a seal to seal around the colonoscope tube. An expandable occlusion member is coupled to the insertion member exterior surface. The occlusion member is made of a relatively soft material to sealingly engage and occlude the opening of the colon as the occlusion member is expanded. At the outer end of the suction channel is a longitudinal flange for receiving suction apparatus. A handle is provided at the outer end of the insertion member.

Abstract: A retention suture apparatus for maintaining a wound closed with a retention suture. The apparatus includes a relatively flat and stiff bridging member adapted to be placed across the wound. One end of the bridging member is adapted to have one end of the suture coupled thereto with the suture extending through the skin on one side of the wound, passing transversely to the wound under the skin and tissue and exiting from the skin on the other side of the wound such that its free end may engage the other end of the bridging member. A plurality of apertures are formed through the bridging member. The apparatus also includes a fastening member having a main body and a band. The main body has a hook fixed at one end and a wrapping projection extending transversely from its upper side. A channel extends longitudinally outward from the central portion of the main body to the other end of the main body where the channel forms an opening.

Abstract: The retention suture apparatus is employed for maintaining a wound closed with a retention suture. The apparatus includes a relatively flat and stiff bridging member adapted to be placed across the wound. One end of the bridging member is adapted to have one end of the suture coupled thereto with the suture extending through the skin on one side of the wound, passing transversely to the wound under the skin and tissue and exiting from the skin on the other side of the wound such that its free end may engage the other end of the bridging member. A plurality of apertures are formed through the bridging member on each side of a central portion. The apparatus also includes a bowed resilient fastening member having hooks at its two ends and a wrapping projection extending transversely from its convex side. The free end of the suture is wrapped around the projection and then tied to the fastening member.