Abstract: A support padding for use on a human joint including an outer layer having a shape conforming to the shape of the human joint, a resilient member layer positioned adjacent to the outer layer and extending around an interior of the outer layer, a packing layer positioned adjacent to the resilient member layer and extending around an interior of the resilient member layer, and an interior layer affixed to the packing layer so as to define a cavity for receiving the human joint therein. The human joint can be either a shoulder, an ankle, a knee, a spine or a neck. A deformable member can be affixed to the packing layer opposite the resilient member layer for conforming to a contour of the human joint upon pressure applied to the surface of the human joint thereto.

Abstract: A shaver apparatus including a handle, a head connected to the head, a first blade connected to the head and extending transverse to the handle, a second blade connected to the head in parallel relationship to the first blade, and a third blade connected to the head in parallel relationship to the second blade. The third blade extends perpendicular to the head. The first and second blades extend at an acute angle relative a the plane of the head. A spring is connected to each of the blades so as to urge the blades to a desired angle. A spring is also connected to the head and to the handle so as to urge the head to a desired angle with respect to the handle. The head is adjustably angularly connected to the handle.

Abstract: A bone fixation plate including a plate having a first set of openings and a second set of openings, and a plurality of clip members removably fitted within the respective opening of the second set of openings. The first set of openings include a plurality of circular through holes. The second set of opening includes a plurality of elongated holes extending through the plate transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plate. Screws are fitted through the first set of openings and the second set of openings so as to engage bone portions on opposite sides of a break.

Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat with a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back and having an interior for receiving a human head therein, and an inertia harness connected to the helmet for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. A universal joint secures the helmet to the seat back. The helmet includes a rigid outer shell, a resilient member layer affixed to an interior surface of the outer shell, a packing layer affixed to an interior surface of the resilient member layer, and a pliable layer affixed to an interior surface of the packing layer. The resilient member layer includes a plurality of springs. The packing layer includes a bubble wrap material or a plurality of randomly disposed foam elements. The pliable layer includes a layer of silicone material lined around the surface of the packing layer.

Abstract: A hip replacement system including a socket having generally hemispherical cavity therein, a ball member cantably affixed within the socket, a stem affixed to the ball member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a lubricant located within a channel formed interior of the stem. The exterior surface of the ball member has at least one opening therein communicating with channel of the stem. The lubricant fills a space between the exterior surface of the ball member and the inner wall of the cavity of the socket. The lubricant is compressed body fat. An inlet is connected to the channel so as to extend outwardly of the stem for allowing the introduction of the lubricant into the channel.

Abstract: A VTOL aircraft having a fuselage, a first wing extending from one side of the fuselage, a second wing extending from an opposite side of the fuselage, a first thruster supported on the first wing, a second thruster supported on the second wing and a propulsion system connected to the fuselage. The first thruster serves to direct a thrust of air at an angle toward an area directly below the fuselage. The second thruster is angularly directed so as to direct the thrust of air at an angle toward the area directly below the fuselage. The propulsion system serves to propel the fuselage through the air. Each of the thrusters is a jet engine. Each of the thrusters can be angularly moveable between a vertical position and an acute angle with respect to a plane of the wings.

Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat having a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back, and an inertia harness mechanism connected to the helmet. The helmet has an interior suitable for receiving a human head therein. In particular, the helmet has a plurality of bar members extending in transverse relationship to each other and have a curvature generally conforming to a curvature of a portion of the human head. The inertia harness mechanism is suitable for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. Pad members are secured to the ends of the each of the bar members so as to generally face the human head received within the helmet.

Abstract: A head restraint for a passenger of a vehicle including a seat with a seat back, a helmet pivotally secured to the seat back and having an interior for receiving a human head therein, and an inertia harness connected to the helmet for restricting relative movement of the helmet upon application of forces beyond a desired level to the vehicle. A universal joint secures the helmet to the seat back. The helmet includes a rigid outer shell, a resilient member layer affixed to an interior surface of the outer shell, a packing layer affixed to an interior surface of the resilient member layer, and a pliable layer affixed to an interior surface of the packing layer. The resilient member layer includes a plurality of springs. The packing layer includes a bubble wrap material or a plurality of randomly disposed foam elements. The pliable layer includes a layer of silicone material lined around the surface of the packing layer.

Abstract: A hip replacement system including a socket having generally hemispherical cavity therein, a ball member cantably affixed within the socket, a stem affixed to the ball member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a lubricant located within a channel formed interior of the stem. The exterior surface of the ball member has at least one opening therein communicating with channel of the stem. The lubricant fills a space between the exterior surface of the ball member and the inner wall of the cavity of the socket. The lubricant is compressed body fat. An inlet is connected to the channel so as to extend outwardly of the stem for allowing the introduction of the lubricant into the channel.

Abstract: A sock for a human foot including an outer layer having a shape generally conforming to a shape of the human foot, a resilient member layer positioned adjacent to the outer layer and extending around an interior of the outer layer, a packing layer positioned adjacent to the resilient member layer and extending around an exterior of the resilient member layer, and a deformable member affixed to the packing layer. The deformable member conforms to a contour of the human foot upon pressure supplied by a surface of the human foot in an area of the contour. The outer layer is a fibrous material. The resilient member layer is a plurality of springs. The packing layer is either a bubble wrap material or a plurality of foam elements. The deformable member is a silicone pad affixed to an interior surface of the packing layer.

Abstract: A replacement system for a joint including a first cup member having an interior lining material and forming a hemispherical cavity therein, a ball member received within the hemispherical cavity and being cantable within the cavity, a securing member connected to the first cup member for affixing the first cup member within an acetabulum area of the pelvic bone of a human joint, and an affixing member interconnected to the ball member for affixing the ball member against the femoral head area of the femur of a human joint. The ball has an outer diameter of no more than one inch. The securing member is a screw having one end embedded into the first cup member and extending through the pelvic bone. The affixing member is a shaft connected at one end to the ball member and extends into the femur bone. The affixing member further includes a nail extending through a portion of the femur and engaged with the shaft distal the ball member. This nail is secured to the femur through the use of surgical screws.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inducing growth of soft tissues including skin, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and spinal cord which includes a tensioned spring causing the application of force on the soft tissue in the direction of the desired growth. The device also includes means for attaching the tensioned spring to the tissue and means for maintaining tension on the spring as the tissue grows. Further, a monitoring and control device can be included which can monitor and control the amount of growth.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inducing growth of soft tissues including skin, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and spinal cord which includes a tensioned spring causing the application of force on the soft tissue in the direction of the desired growth. The device also includes means for attaching the tensioned spring to the tissue and means for maintaining tension on the spring as the tissue grows.

Abstract: A nailing system, condylar anchor, and method for treating fractures of a bone include an intramedullary nail, whose lower end passes through a condylar anchor in a sliding and mating relationship, whereby the patient may exert weight upon the bone and relative movement between the intramedullary nail and condylar anchor is permitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopically replacing a joint between two bones utilizes a plurality of joint surface members which are attached to a prepared surface arthroscopically formed on the end of a bone, and the joint surface members are inserted through an arthroscopic portal adjacent to the joint to be repaired.

Abstract: A steel track for the driver's seat belt and shoulder belt including a substantially horizontal floor portion adjacent the door of the vehicle connected to a substantially vertical side portion forward of the seat and an additional substantially vertical side portion secured along the door post of the vehicle. The seat belt and shoulder belt have a first end which slides along the track using a pulley in response to a predetermined condition, such as opening of the vehicle door.

Abstract: Surgical needles having a "U" or "V" shaped body useful for suturing small, deep wounds typical of surgical procedures such as arthroscopy and laparoscopy are disclosed. Additionally, a method for suturing a deep incision using the "U" or "V" shaped body surgical needle is disclosed.