Abstract: A differential compression bone screw and a method are provided for compressing adjacent bone portions together to encourage bone fusion. The compression bone screw is comprised of a head portion and a shank. A center hole extends from the head portion to a distal end of the shank. A superior end of the head portion includes a shaped opening that receives a tool for driving the compression bone screw into a hole drilled in a patient's bone. An inferior end of the head portion includes barbs that engage with surrounding bone tissue. A smooth portion of the shank is disposed between proximal threads and distal threads that rotatably engage within the hole in the patient's bone. A thread pitch of the distal threads is greater than a thread pitch of the proximal threads, such that the compression bone screw comprises a differential pitch configured to compress the adjacent bone portions.

Abstract: A plantar bone plate and a method are provided for treating fractures of metatarsal bones. The plantar bone plate comprises a generally elongate member having an upper surface and a lower, bone contact surface. Two or more fixation apertures and a compression slot are disposed along a longitudinal dimension of the elongate member. The fixation apertures receive fasteners suitable for fastening the plantar bone plate to a metatarsal bone. The compression slot receives a fastener at an oblique angle for compressing adjacent portions of the metatarsal bone so as to encourage bone fusion. A curvature along the elongate member is configured to mate the plantar bone plate with the anatomy of the plantar aspect of the metatarsal bone. In one embodiment, the curvature is comprised of at least a first bend and a second bend, such that the plantar bone plate mates with the plantar anatomy of the 5th metatarsal.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided having a diverter, a primary showerhead and a wall mounted supplemental showerhead. The showerhead assembly's diverter includes a female threaded inlet for affixing to a male threaded pipe, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a valve assembly which selectively permits or obstructs the flow of water through the first and second outlets. The primary showerhead is connected to the diverter's first outlet by a ball and socket joint connector, and the supplemental showerhead is connected to the diverter's second outlet by a hollow flexible hose. The supplemental showerhead is affixed to a shower stall wall by a fastener, such as a male threaded fastener.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided having a diverter, a primary showerhead and a wall mounted supplemental showerhead. The showerhead assembly's diverter includes a female threaded inlet for affixing to a male threaded pipe, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a valve assembly which selectively permits or obstructs the flow of water through the first and second outlets. The primary showerhead is connected to the diverter's first outlet by a ball and socket joint connector, and the supplemental showerhead is connected to the diverter's second outlet by a hollow flexible hose. The supplemental showerhead is affixed to a shower stall wall by a fastener, such as a male threaded fastener, hook and pile, adhesive, magnets or the like.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided having a diverter, a primary showerhead and a wall mounted supplemental showerhead. The showerhead assembly's diverter includes a female threaded inlet for affixing to a male threaded pipe, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a valve assembly which selectively permits or obstructs the flow of water through the first and second outlets. The primary showerhead is connected to the diverter's first outlet by a ball and socket joint connector, and the supplemental showerhead is connected to the diverter's second outlet by a hollow flexible hose. The supplemental showerhead is affixed to a shower stall wall by a fastener, such as a male threaded fastener, hook and pile, adhesive, magnets or the like.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided having a primary showerhead and one or more retractable and extendable ancillary showerheads. The showerhead assembly includes a showerhead body having a central conduit for transporting water to the primary showerhead's nozzles. In addition, the showerhead body includes one or more ancillary conduits for transporting water to one or more ancillary showerheads. The ancillary showerheads are connected to the showerhead body by flexible hoses which can be extended or retracted from the showerhead body.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided having a primary showerhead and one or more retractable and extendable ancillary showerheads. The showerhead assembly includes a showerhead body having a central conduit for transporting water to the primary showerhead's nozzles. In addition, the showerhead body includes one or more ancillary conduits for transporting water to one or more ancillary showerheads. The ancillary showerheads are connected to the showerhead body by flexible hoses which can be extended or retracted from the showerhead body.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided including a showerhead and a faceplate which is attachable and detachable to the showerhead's front face. The showerhead includes a plurality of nozzles. Meanwhile, the faceplate includes bore holes for receiving the nozzles. The bore holes are sized so as to have a circular outlet having a diameter smaller than the received nozzle's distal end. However, each bore holes' circular outlet has a diameter larger than a received nozzle's circular outlet so as to not impede the spray of water from the nozzles.

Abstract: A valve for use with a showerhead assembly includes a housing having a threaded inlet for connecting to a water source and a distally located front face with nozzles. The nozzles are connected to the threaded inlet by a central conduit which is closeable by an electronically controlled valve. The valve is controlled by a processor which opens the valve based on temperature and audio signals above a predetermined decibel level.

Abstract: A handheld showerhead assembly is provided with an extendable handle. The showerhead assembly includes a handle having a proximal end affixed to a threaded hose and a distal end connecting to a traditional showerhead. The showerhead assembly's handle has a hollow housing for receiving an extension member. The extension member can be locked in a retracted or extended position by rotating the extension member relative to the handle's housing.

Abstract: A valve for use with a showerhead assembly includes a housing having a threaded inlet for connecting to a water source and a distally located front face with nozzles. The nozzles are connected to the threaded inlet by a central conduit which is closeable by an electronically controlled valve. The valve is controlled by a processor which opens the valve based on temperature and audio signals above a predetermined decibel level.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided including a showerhead and a faceplate which is attachable and detachable to the showerhead's front face. The showerhead includes a plurality of nozzles. Meanwhile, the faceplate includes bore holes for receiving the nozzles. The bore holes are sized so as to have a circular outlet having a diameter smaller than the received nozzle's distal end. However, each bore holes' circular outlet has a diameter larger than a received nozzle's circular outlet so as to not impede the spray of water from the nozzles.

Abstract: A handheld showerhead assembly is provided with an extendable handle. The showerhead assembly includes a handle having a proximal end affixed to a threaded hose and a distal end connecting to a traditional showerhead. The showerhead assembly's handle has a hollow housing for receiving an extension member. The extension member can be locked in a retracted or extended position by rotating the extension member relative to the handle's housing.