Abstract: For repeat localization and immobilization of the head, neck and/or torso of a patient's body, immobilizing structures are used to secure the head and the neck and torso in a relative orientation in the position and relative orientation. A reference structure determines the relative position of the head and neck or torso so that the same configuration of these portions of the body can be achieved on a scanner couch or treatment machine couch repeatedly. Several forms of head and neck or torso immobilizers accommodate specific objectives and several forms of reference structures accomplish repositioning and patient position orientation.

Abstract: Device (1) for holding a covering (12) in front of the pubic area of a user, for example a textile covering such as a tanga, comprising a bracket (2) for engaging the groin area of the user on either side of the pubic area and the os sacrum and for supporting a covering, and securing means (4) which can be brought into securing engagement with the proximal side of the sphincter of the user so as to thereby be secured into place, wherein the securing means are substantially rigidly connected to the bracket.

Abstract: A spinal support device for applying a directed and concentrated force on the sacrum to position the sacrum and pelvis to thereby establish a desired spinal posture when in a seated position. The device provides isolatable force on the sacrum from the sacral base line downwardly to a bottom seat surface and for a width across an individual's back approximately equal to twice the dimension of the posterior portion of the individual's sacrum.

Abstract: A lower spine protector for protecting the lower spine from injury from blows to the lower back region of a user. The lower spine protector includes a pad with a pocket on a back face of the pad. An insert is inserted into the pocket. Elongate flexible waist strap are outwardly extended from the sides of the pad.

Abstract: A finger protector and grasping implement for fitting over a single finger during surgical procedures includes an elongated, curved, hollow body having a cylindrical wall, a closed end wall connected to the cylindrical wall and defining an open end in opposed relationship with the closed end wall. A plurality of projections of various lengths extend outwardly from the cylindrical wall and from the end wall, and the end wall defines a groove therein to act as a safety stop for preventing undesired slipping movement of a surgical needle during surgical procedures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chafing device for obese individuals having a plurality of tubular body portions with air holes therethrough; a plurality of webbed portions connecting said plurality of tubular body portions, respectively, and fasteners for fastening the shield between rubbing parts of the individuals so as to minimize chafing between the rubbing parts and permit passage of air through the air holes.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a proximal head, a distal body, and a thin-walled flexible shaft between the head and the body. The thin wall of the shaft of the plug is preferably provided with accordion-like folds, thereby permitting the length of the shaft to vary depending upon the degree to which the accordion-like folds are folded or unfolded. In addition, the accordion-like folds permit the thin wall of the shaft to easily bend, permitting the head and body of the plug to lie along different axes. As a result, the plug is shaped to accommodate both relatively long and short vertical puncta and the body of the plug may be angled relative to the head to accommodate a variety of anatomical structures. According to another aspect of the invention, the body of the plug may be provided with a thread which rotationally guides the plug into the small punctal opening when insertional and rotational forces are applied to the plug. As a result, a relatively larger body size may be used.

Abstract: The frame for prone surgical positioning is a frame placed on a conventional operating table and used to position a patient in a prone position for surgery on the spine. The frame has an open, rectangular base defined by two longitudinal beams and two lateral beams, the size of the base being adjustable by sliding the beams though metal sleeves and clamping the beams in the desired relation by thumbscrews. The base supports six vertical posts, two of the posts being mounted on sleeves at one end of the longitudinal beams and between the longitudinal beams, the remaining four posts being mounted on the longitudinal beams. Resilient patient positioning pads are mounted on top of the vertical posts. The position of the vertical posts on the base may be adjusted, the vertical posts being mounted to the beams by metal sleeves clamped to the beams by thumbscrews.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting thereon a baby when it has gas pains, and a method for using the device. The support device has a main body with a top surface and a bottom surface opposite each other. It is placed by the bottom surface on a fixed surface. The bottom surface is shaped suitably for rocking against the fixed surface without slipping or transmitting vibration. The baby is placed faced down on the top surface of the support device. The top surface is shaped suitably so that it compresses the baby's abdomen at least in part, and thus facilitates the escape of gas that causes the pain. A fabric placed on the top surface increases the baby's comfort, with a heating pad under it. If the main body is ball shaped, knobs prevent tipping over, and straps secure the baby from sliding off the top surface. The bottom surface is preferably flatter than the top surface, which eliminates the need for knobs.

Abstract: A portable and selectively positionable swallow board is provided. The swallow board includes a substantially rigged seat portion. A substantially back portion is positionable with respect to the seat portion to a first position in which a seat portion and the back portion are aligned to support a patient in a supine position. A support mechanism is in operative communication with the back portion to secure the back portion in at least one second position at an angle less than 180.degree., and at least approximately 90.degree., with respect to the seat portion to support a patient in a raised position.

Abstract: An input command controller provides logic function selection signals and proportional signals. The signals are generated by movement of a ball member and socket member relative to two orthogonal axes. When the joystick is implanted a transmitter transmits the signals to a patient carried unit. The patient carried unit includes an amplitude modulation algorithm such as a look-up table, a pulse width modulation algorithm, and an interpulse interval modulation algorithm. The algorithms derive corresponding stimulus pulse train parameters from the proportional signal which parameters are transmitted to an implanted unit. The implanted unit has a power supply that is powered by the carrier frequency of the transmitted signal and stimulation pulse train parameter decoders. An output unit assembles pulse trains with the decoded parameters for application to implanted electrodes.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a proximal head, a distal body, and a thin-walled flexible shaft between the head and the body. The thin wall of the shaft of the plug is preferably provided with accordion-like folds, thereby permitting the length of the shaft to vary depending upon the degree to which the accordion-like folds are folded or unfolded. In addition, the accordion-like folds permit the thin wall of the shaft to easily bend, permitting the head and body of the plug to lie along different axes. As a result, the plug is shaped to accommodate both relatively long and short vertical puncta and the body of the plug may be angled relative to the head to accommodate a variety of anatomical structures. According to another aspect of the invention, the body of the plug may be provided with a thread which rotationally guides the plug into the small punctal opening when insertional and rotational forces are applied to the plug. As a result, a relatively larger body size may be used.

Abstract: A chiropractic device having front and rear portions, a central semi-circular raised portion extending upwardly from the upper surface of the device and notches formed in the sides of the front portion of the device. A patient rests his or her torso on the device by placing his or her sternum on the central semi-circular raised portion of the device. The device has first and second sides, each side having a front side portion, a middle slanted side portion extending outwardly from the front side portion to define a notch in the front portion of the device, and a rear side portion. The patient's arms are accommodated by the notches formed in the sides of the front portion of the device. The central raised portion places the patient in a superior position for treatment and protects the patient's chest from being pressed against the upper surface of the device during treatment.

Abstract: A portable X-ray foundation which is lightweight and easily placed under a patient which helps to quickly align, stabilize, and position the patient in relation to the X-ray film grid cassette. The foundation includes level indicators, alignment indicator lines for aligning the patient on the foundation in proper position with the film grid cassette thereby preventing grid-cut-off, saving considerable time, and also allowing any bed to be used for X-rays. The foundation also includes a means for securing and aligning the patient and the film grid cassette for lateral X-rays.

Abstract: A personnel and equipment shield which includes at least one partition including a frame and a substantially rigid, high-power laser beam absorption panel affixed to the frame is provided. Each frame includes a base section upon which the barrier stands. In the preferred embodiment, the rigid laser beam absorption panels are a textured, laser absorption material, such as EVER-GUARD.TM. laser barrier material. In the preferred embodiment, the portable, self-supporting laser containment barrier is made up of at least two partitions, which are hingably attached to each other at adjacent sides thereof. Thus, the portable, self-supporting laser containment barrier can be set up in any number of positions. Finally, the base section of each partition may include rollers or casters to facilitate the positioning of the laser barrier as a whole or the positioning of the individual partitions with respect to each other.

Abstract: A self-contained transportable life support system for resuscitation, stabilization, and transport of a patient has an environmentally controlled housing for receiving and supporting a patient and a plurality of medical devices disposed within the housing. A control circuit attached to the housing has at least a portion thereof extending to an external surface of the housing for regulating operation of the medical devices and environmental conditions of within the housing in response to monitored life support conditions of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus for a limb of a patient includes a support assembly, such as a sling, for supporting the limb during a surgical procedure, and a mounting assembly slidably coupled to the support assembly by at least one slide rod and at least one slide tube, the support assembly being vertically positionable relative to the mounting assembly. A method for supporting and positioning a patient's body part during surgery comprising the steps of attaching the body part to a sling or other support assembly, and adjusting the position of the body part by positioning the support assembly relative to a mounting assembly slidably coupled thereto, the mounting assembly including at least one slide rod and at least one slide tube to effect vertical positioning of the support assembly relative to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for absorbing vibrations acting on a region of a human body and including at least one vibration-absorbing pillow formed of a synthetic compound resistant to an elastic compression and having a Shore hardness of 0.5-4.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use in a thermal treatment system congealing a sterile medium within a basin and automatically dislodging the congealed sterile medium adhered to the drape adjacent basin walls is accomplished by a drape having a drape portion covering the system housing with part of the drape portion disposed in the basin. The drape may further include a pre-formed container portion fitted to match the contour of, and being disposed within, the basin. The container portion may accommodate various shaped basins and include individual fluted sections, drape deformities, or an inflatable bladder surrounded by the fluted sections for facilitating dislodgement of the congealed medium. Further, the drape or preformed container portion may include a substantially annular bladder, or a bladder having a plurality of individually inflatable sections for manipulation of the drape relative to the basin to dislodge the congealed sterile medium.

Abstract: An isolation bag for isolating a casualty from a contaminated environment. The bag is preferably fabricated from a transparent, biochemically resistive material and is specifically designed and configured to be utilized in combination with a self-contained transportable life support system. The isolation bag is further provided with a plurality of tubular passages which are designed to be filled with air provided by the transportable life support system to thus cause the isolation bag to expand and form a semi-rigid structure. A multiplicity of apertures are formed upon the tubular passages in such a manner that enables refreshed air to pass therethrough which washes over the patient in a head-to-toe direction such that rapid removal of toxic and infectious residues is facilitated.

Abstract: A flat rigid plate having a specialized contoured shape that allows it to best fit the contoured x-ray pattern generated by the different breast tissues on both mediolateral oblique view and craniocaudal view mammogram films. A lower, larger portion of the plate is shaped in the fashion of the lower portion of a spade, with bilaterally symmetrical lobes and a flared stem. An upper, smaller portion of the plate is trapezoidal shaped, having rounded corners. A medical professional examining a mammogram uses the stem as a handle while positioning the plate so that it obscures certain parts of the mammogram. The shape of the plate enables the medical professional to cover any of the film representing the more radiopaque breast tissues that would otherwise present photographic contrast and adversely affect the viewing of a breast tissue area chosen for examination.

Abstract: A collection tray for use in pelvic procedures includes a single piece molded plastic tray having a planar portion, a basin portion, and a live hinge therebetween. The basin portion is preferably provided with a central drain which includes a sponge barrier. The basin portion is also provided with a shelf having one or more slots for holding an irrigation fluid tube so that irrigation fluid may be easily directed toward the site of the procedure. A pair of ears defining instrument receiving holes are preferably located adjacent to the basin portion and the live hinge.

Abstract: An oral device and method for slowing down the rate of food ingestion, thereby aiding digestion, assimilation, and allowing time for raising blood sugar and achieving satiety sooner, with less food consumption over a given period of time. The device consists of any means for lowering the normally vaulted area of the roof of the mouth. In the preferred embodiment, the vault lowering means includes a molded piece which fits against the palate, and retaining wires to secure the piece to the teeth, while avoiding interference with the teeth on occlusion. The method and apparatus for lowering of the vault reduces the amount of food which can be comfortably ingested per bite. In use, the device allows the user to freely move his tongue and jaws, to talk, to breath, to drink, and to chew food. The method includes altering temporarily the configuration of the palate by lowering the vaulted area of the roof, to reduce the volume in the mouth available for food and reducing the food intake.

Abstract: A disposable element for ear phone assembly is provided for use with a hearing screening instrument to test infants for hearing impairments. The ear phone assembly includes a generally D-shaped reusable cover including a back wall having a perimeter, a side wall extending from the perimeter to define a cavity for receiving an infant's ear, a port in the cover to receive and support a transducer, and a generally D-shaped disposable element that is adhesive coated on two sides to be secured to the cover and to the patient's head. The cover may have a notch located along the perimeter of the re-usable body for removing the disposable element. A liner is used to cover the disposable element adhesive sides to protect them from contamination during packaging and prior to use. The disposable element may have a die cut so that a portion of it can be removed to make the ear phone adjustable for infants with large ears.

Abstract: A surgical positioning device for supporting the body of a patient in a selected lateral position comprises a bag made of flexible, air-impermeable material filled with a charge of elastically deformable expanded polystyrene beads, and includes a valve for evacuating air from the bag such that the bag forms a rigid structure to support the patient's body in the selected position. An inflatable pillow is attached to the upper edges of the bag at the center thereof such that when inflated, the pillow supports the patient's axilla and eliminates pressure, thereby to prevent injury to the patient's brachial plexus.

Abstract: A tanning bed face shield is described, including a light shielding body having an anterior surface and opposed side surfaces adjoining the anterior surface. The anterior and side surfaces extend axially between a superior and an inferior end of the light shielding body. The surfaces fold to form a head receiving compartment sized to loosely receive and cover a user's face with an air space between the face and the folded surfaces. A flange assembly at the inferior end of the light shielding body is also folded with the other surfaces to a position substantially normal to the surfaces and partially spanning the inferior end. The flange assembly defines a substantially inverted U-shaped recess configured to loosely receive a user's chin and neck.

Abstract: A skeletal realignment system (10) which is specifically designed to alleviate many of the back aches and pains that are a direct result of a skeletal misalignment. The system (10) consists of a first implement (12) and an identical second implement (12A). To use the system (10), the two implements are positioned side-by-side on a flat surface, such as a floor mat (74), with one of the implements rotated 180 degrees from the other. The back of a person is then positioned over the implements (12, 12A) and a short exercise is performed until the back is realigned at which time the person carefully rises to a standing position.

Abstract: The invention is an arcuately reciprocating human sexual fitness machine having male and female seats from which the female occupant may pivot and reciprocate along an arcuate path forwardly about a horizontal axis toward and away from the other seat, and may also reciprocate along a horizontal path. Counterbalancing of the female seat provides a levitating effect as the seat pivots forward. The machine provides a device for a male and female couple to engage in intercourse while both are seated, and able to be in complete and uninterrupted frontal contact upwardly from the genital region. The female seat is provided with an integral upper high restraint, a remote abutting surface for contact with the occupant of the male seat and is bifurcated to produce an open center for sexual access with a sitting surface forward of the horizontal pivoting axis of the seat.

Abstract: An improved viewing device which includes an adjustable support stand, a splash guard with an octagonally shaped open frame closing an open area to permit visual observation therethrough, with the frame having a surface thereon to receive and support a disposable transparent rectangular film positioned across the open area, and a releasable restraint in the form of a plurality of spaced posts or hooks which extend radially from the frame and which cooperate with the frame surface for releasable securement of the transparent film positioned somewhat under tension across the open viewing area. There are also adjusting components of the stand which permit the splash guard to be positioned in varying angular orientations and at varying heights relative to patient and medical attendant. A disposable transparent frontal drape adapted to be hung from one or more of the posts for enhanced body and clothes protection may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention herein provides an inclined recovery device for a patient's upper body and an aperture so that a prone patient will still have a broad field of vision when lying thereon. The device is well suited to holding a person's head in a stable position as required when recovering from eye surgery.

Abstract: A protective pad, for example, a shin guard, for being custom-fitted to a body member to be protected, and including a first flexible cushion layer for being placed against the body member in a first orientation and an initially flexible intermediate layer having a first side positioned adjacent to the first layer. The intermediate layer includes a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the first flexible cushion layer in the same body-part defined shape, the intermediate layer defining at least first and second adjacent segments for overlying adjacent body parts of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention is a vest formed from mesh material for assisting ambulatory patients move about. The vest is formed of a single piece of material with a hole in the center for the head and recesses that form arm holes when the material is folded over the body creating a front and back panel. The panels are connected under the arm holes with zippers or other material consistent with a zipper closure. The back panel contains a pair of straps attached at a diagonal to the shape of the back and intersect near the center point of the panel. A pair of handles of web or other strong material are vertically mounted proximate the center point to the straps, thereby allowing a high degree of control over the torso of the patient.

Abstract: A containment tray includes a contoured cradle having a floor surface and a drain portion, an entrance portion, a support portion situated between the entrance portion and the cradle, a raised rim, and a lower rim. The raised rim is provided around the cradle and support portion and provides splash protection from the fluids which drain into the cradle and a surface upon which a physician may stably rest his hands when performing surgery on a head or other body appendage held within the cradle. The lower rim provides stability for the containment tray as it rests on a surface. One preferred aspect of the containment tray is that the containment tray is made from a substantially transparent material, thereby not inhibiting the ability of a physician to view a wound or surgical site. Another preferred aspect is that the cradle is sloped toward the drain portion to facilitate drainage. A non-permeable closed cell foam may also be provided on the floor surface of the cradle.

Abstract: A soft-sided splint for rest and therapy of a stressed joint is constructed of fabric and batting and stiffened by one or more battens running the length of the generally tubular shape of the splint. Specific shapes within the generally tubular shape are designed to restrain and hold an affected joint in a resting position comfortably so that the splint can be worn for extended periods including throughout the night and easily removed and re-applied without cumbersome attachment methods. In the preferred embodiment for treatment of wrist injuries, a sleeve extending from the fingers to the elbow contains a foam ball sewn into the construction at the location of the wearer's palm and a thumb-hole to position and secure the splint on the wearer's forearm.

Abstract: A patient is automatically accurately positioned relative to a fixed refece of a treatment/diagnostic device by an optical system which operates a patient positioning assembly to bring fiducials or skin markers on the patient into coincidence with impingement points of laser beams projected in a fixed pattern relative to the device. Cameras record images of the fiducials and laser impingement points from which alignment error and velocity error in pixel space are determined. The velocity error in pixel space is converted to a velocity error in room space by the inverse of an Image Jacobian. The Image Jacobian is initially derived using rough values for system parameters and is continuously updated and refined using the calculated errors in pixel space derived from the camera images and errors in room space derived from position encoders on the treatment/diagnostic device.

Abstract: An extremity pillow is provided including a block of foam having a bottom face, a two pairs of side faces, and a top face. Further provided is a trough formed in the top face of the block of foam about an axis which resides perpendicular with respect to a central extent of one of the pairs of side faces. Next provided is a plurality of ellipsoidal protrusions formed in the top face of the block of foam.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use in a thermal treatment system congealing a sterile medium within a basin and automatically dislodging the congealed sterile medium adhered to the drape adjacent basin walls is accomplished by a drape having a drape portion covering the system housing with part of the drape portion disposed in the basin. The drape may further include a pre-formed container portion fitted to match the contour of, and being disposed within, the basin. The container portion may accommodate various shaped basins and include individual fluted sections, drape deformities, or an inflatable bladder surrounded by the fluted sections for facilitating dislodgement of the congealed medium. Further, the drape or preformed container portion may include a substantially annular bladder, or a bladder having a plurality of individually inflatable sections for manipulation of the drape relative to the basin to dislodge the congealed sterile medium.

Abstract: This invention is a splash prevention device adapted to prevent splashing or contamination by blood or body fluids substantially closer to the point of use than prior art devices. It is a further improvement over the prior art to provide in this invention magnifying means integral with the point of use splash prevention device, wherein the magnification means comprise a relatively inexpensive, light and disposable adaptation of one of the splash prevention devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an upper appendage portion of a body of a patient with respect to an operating room table having a mattress covering at least a portion of the operating room table and a leaf portion moveable out of a coplanar position with respect to a remaining portion of the operating room table during a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes an elongated rigid shell having a shallow curve or fossa for covering a lateral aspect of the arm of the patient and an end cap integrally formed to enclose one end of the shell for completely covering at least the hand and fingers of the patient. A sled is integrally formed as a portion of the shell for stabilizing the shell with respect to the operating room table. A base portion of the sled is spaced from the end cap a sufficient distance to allow insertion of the mattress covering the operating room table between the end cap and the base portion of the sled.

Abstract: A press-fitting product for a human body such as a supporter is provided. The press-fitting product includes a base material constructed of continuous foam-type latex sponge, thereby providing the product with not only elasticity and restitutive force but also with air permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing intercourse in different positions, including an adjustble, fixed length main strap, an elastic strap, an upper torso harness attached to one end of the elastic strap capable of independently supporting the shoulders of a participant, a lower torso harness attached to one end of the elastic strap capable of independently supporting the lower torso of the participant, and at least one, adjustable leg harness attached to one end of the elastic strap capable of supporting at least one leg of the participant. The upper, first end of the main strap is attached to an elevated surface and suspended vertically therefrom. A carabeaner is used to attach the upper end of the elastic strap to the lower end of the main strap. Attached to the opposite lower end of the elastic strap are two carabeaners which are used to selectively connected the upper, lower and leg harnesses to the elastic strap.

Abstract: A male x-ray radiation protector for protection of the male reproductive system against x-ray radiation, including a curved, pear-shaped penial shield for covering the glans penis, and having either a waist or thigh straps attached to the upper section of the penial shield for supporting the x-ray radiation protector on the wearer's torso. The male x-ray radiation protector further includes a flexible, T-shaped testes shield for covering the male testes area, and having thigh straps attached thereto for supporting the testes shield on the wearer's torso. The testes shield is removably attached to the lower section of the penial shield for use separately or together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a patient for the diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc disease permits the generation of increased intra-disc pressure which may serve to stimulate or accentuate abnormalities which can be diagnosed through MRI imaging. The apparatus consists of a frame in which a patient lies in a supine position. The frame allows the generation of muscular forces which are transmitted to the lumbar spine area. The patient is then positioned within an MRI imaging apparatus and subjected to MRI imaging while the muscular forces are maintained. The frame may preferably include a footboard and shoulder restraints positioned as to require the patient to slightly bend the knees. Extension of the legs generates the required forces.

Abstract: A common problem among male distance runners and athletes is male nipple abrasion from tee shirts or jerseys during extended exercise. Some men suffer severe chafing and bleeding nipples when they run long distances caused, in large part, as salt crystals forming as perspiration evaporates. The Male Nipple Abrasion Protector device is formed to fit comfortably over the nipple with an adhesive backing that adheres to the dark nipple area (base). The external material has low friction allowing to easily slide against a tee shirt, sweat shirt, normal shirt or outer wear. The adhesive backing will resist perspiration and can be easily removed when desired. The protectors are simple, low cost and disposable. The Male Nipple Abrasion Protector does not require straps or bra type configurations.

Abstract: A protective pad, for example, a shin guard, for being custom-fitted to a body member to be protected, and including a first flexible cushion layer for being placed against the body member in a first orientation and an initially flexible intermediate layer having a first side positioned adjacent to the first layer. The intermediate layer includes a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the first flexible cushion layer in the same body-part defined shape, the intermediate layer defining at least first and second adjacent segments for overlying adjacent body parts of the wearer.

Abstract: An adapter for use with an apparatus for the control of human lactation. The apparatus comprising a support having an outer surface and an inner surface that is shaped to conform substantially to a human female breast and having a protrusion which extends away from the support and is positioned to align substantially with a nipple of a human female. The adapter comprises an attachment having a second outer surface and a second inner surface. The second outer surface has a second protrusion extending away from the second outer surface and is shaped to fit over the first protrusion. The second inner surface is positioned to align substantially with and contact a nipple of the human female breast to prevent the human female breast from lactating when the apparatus with the adapter is placed over the human female breast.

Abstract: A surgical drape apparatus that incorporates means to alleviate a patient's "suffocation anxiety" by providing for continued circulation of air to the patient's nose and mouth while the patient is draped for surgery, especially the field of surgery is the eye, is described.

Abstract: A surgical limb support and positioning structure is constructed in the nature of a stand which may be supported on a surgical table or other suitable support surface so as to facilitate ready access thereto by a surgeon or other medical personnel, and which basically consists of an upstanding structure having mutually angularly adjustable hand and forearm supporting surfaces which are hingedly articulated to each other, whereby a first planar surface portion thereof is adapted to support the forearm of the patient, and a second planar surface portion of similar configuration is adapted to provide a support for the hand and/or forearm of the patient which is to be surgically treated.

Abstract: Snore reducing device 10 includes the combination of left and right gripping portions 12 and 14 and arch section 20. Each gripping portion 12 and 14 is configured for gripping between a user's upper and lower molars and has a wedge shape which is thicker in front. Raised side edges 16 and 18 and use of thermo-deformable material for compliant shaping to the user's molar surfaces aid in providing a comfortable fit during sleep. The arch section 20 extends upward from and between the gripping portions 12 and 14. Arch section 20 is shaped to fit adjacent to upper elements of the user's mouth in contact or spaced relationship. The snore reducing devices described do not include any front portion extending between the user's incisors to inhibit air flow into or out of the mouth during sleep.

Abstract: A body immobilization and support device including a generally rigid shell having a back portion which is generally contoured to the back of a patient, and having side engaging portions and shoulder engaging portions to immobilize and support the patient during surgery. The device further includes fasteners to fasten the shell to an operating table and prevent sliding when used in an extreme head down position. The device may include a cushioning pad along the inside of the shell in order to increase patient comfort.