Abstract: A medical device for overcoming upper airway obstruction when a patient is placed in a supine position, featuring a harness, a clip that attaches to the harness, and a plate or a bed that receives the clip that is attached to the harness after the medical device is placed on the patient.

Abstract: A punctum plug system includes a punctum plug and an insertion tool therefor. In various embodiments of the invention, the plug includes an axial bore shaped in accord with a stepped cylinder, a cylinder having a tapered end, or a combination thereof. In each embodiment, a relatively proximal portion of the tip of the insertion tool extends within a relatively larger diameter proximal portion of the plug bore but does not frictionally engage such portion, and a relatively distal portion of the insertion tool tip frictionally engages the distal portion of the plug bore. The frictional engagement between the tool tip and the plug is preferably optimized such that once the plug is inserted into a punctum for which the plug is appropriately sized, the insertion tool may be removed simply by withdrawal of the tool, without wiggling the tool or stabilizing the plug with a second instrument.

Abstract: A restraint system for an appendage includes a clamp assembly and an electromagnet capable of being selectively activated for restraint. The clamp assembly includes a base portion and a restraint structure opposing the base portion. The restraint structure defines an opening for receiving an appendage between the base portion and the restraint structure. When the electromagnet is activated for restraint, the clamp assembly restrains an appendage extending in the opening. Another restraint system includes an inflatable bladder arrangement selectively activated to inflate to a first state and to deflate to a second state. When in the first state, the bladder arrangement defines an opening for passing of an appendage there through; however, when in the second state, the bladder arrangement defines an opening that precludes withdrawal of an appendage extending there through.

Abstract: Wrist retention apparatus for handcuffs that have two curved jaws, and a pivot connection for the jaws, comprising in an insert configured to interfit one jaw and present a wrist engaging curved surface toward the other jaw, the insert having a projection configured to fit over a terminal of the jaw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: A hands-fee anesthesia mask includes a mask for providing anesthesia to the patient, a mask strap for holding the mask against a patient's mouth, and a jaw raising strap for raising the patient's jaw up and forward so as to unobstruct the patient's airway.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting biological tissue from the effects of heating. The assembly contains a conductor in contact with the biological tissue and forming an electrical circuit comprising the biological tissue. The assembly contains a device for modifying the impedance of the electrical circuit such that, at a frequency of from about 10 megahertz to about 150 megahertz, such impedance is at least about 0.5 ohms per centimeter of length of said conductor. The assembly also contains a device for limiting the flow of current through the biological tissue such that, when the assembly is exposed to an alternating current electromagnetic field at a frequency of 64 megahertz and a magnetic field strength of 1.5 Tesla for 15 minutes, the temperature of the biological tissue does not exceed 42 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a patient's head on a spine board while allowing longitudinal and rotational movement in conjunction with the body and a method of use for the device are disclosed. The device is comprised of a head harness, a forehead strap, a chin strap, a crown strap and a lateral stabilization strap. The head harness has a skid plate, located on the side of the head harness that rests on a spine board, that is adapted for low friction engagement with the spine board. A patient in a cervical collar is placed on a spine board, the head harness is positioned beneath the patient's head and attached to the spine board. The forehead strap, chin strap, and crown strap are attached to the head harness. The lateral stabilization strap is then attached to the head harness and the attaching straps.

Abstract: A surgical tray for holding an animal in place in a dorsally recumbent position is made in the form of a shell contoured to conform generally to the back, neck and head of the animal. The shell has raised side wall portions on it in the vicinity of the head and thorax area, and scapular shoulder rests for the animal. Openings are placed adjacent the positions of the front and rear legs of an animal placed in the shell; and a detachable leg strap is led around the leg of an animal and passes through a corresponding opening in the shell for holding the animal in place. The shell is designed to raise the bottom above a table surface on which it is placed; and drain holes through the shell are employed to drain fluids from it.

Abstract: A patient support for an external counterpulsation cardiac assist procedure. The patient support includes: a base; and at least one support connected to the base for maintaining at least a portion of the patient above a tabletop during a positive pressure portion of the external counterpulsation cardiac assist procedure. In one embodiment, the base is a tabletop and the at least one support is movably supported on the table top in lateral and/or vertical directions. In another embodiment, the base is higher than the tabletop and the at least one support is a sling.

Abstract: A dynamic trunk positioning device comprises a frame adapted to be removably mounted to an operating table. A number of pads are provided for engaging the trunk of a patient. Each pad is independently adjustably mounted to the frame for movements along three independent directions in order to permit 3-D manipulation thereof by a surgeon either before the surgery while a patient is being positioned or during the surgery when additional corrective forces on the patient's thorax are needed, thereby providing not only for stable positioning of the patient on the operating table but also providing for active application of individual corrective forces at different locations on the patient's trunk.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation assistance device is disclosed. The device is placed under the head and shoulders of a patient in a supine position. The device comprises a first chamber being inflatable to raise the shoulders of the patient relative to the head of the patient thereby facilitating insertion and proper placement of a laryngoscope blade into the mouth of the patient. The device also comprises a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, the second chamber being inflatable to raise the head of the patient relative to the shoulders of the patient thereby facilitating visualization of the patient's glottis for insertion of an endotracheal tube. The device may also comprise a pressure applicator to apply pressure to a cricoid cartilage of the patient. The pressure applicator may comprise a pressure chamber which may be inflated to apply additional pressure.

Abstract: A patient with a dislocated hip lies on a planar pad having side rails along which slides a frame having upright members on each side of the pad and a horizontal member connecting the top of the upright members. A first winch mounted on an upright member controls cables connected to a mid-portion of a leg sleeve on the patient to lift the patient's leg. A second winch mounted on the same upright member controls cables connected to a top portion of the leg sleeve to pull the patient's hip outwardly to a normal position in the hip socket.

Abstract: A medical device for overcoming airway obstruction featuring a flat rectangular support base with a support frame attached by a pivoting means. A T-band, so named for its shape and the positioning of its three straps, attaches to the support frame when the T-band is placed around the chin of a patient when the support base and support frame are perpendicular. Additionally, an adhesive layer is placed at the junction of the straps of the T-band, the layer configured for contact with a patient's chin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and stabilizing an injured person. The device comprises a flexible film element whose two films define an air-tight inner space in between them that can be evacuated and in which loose particle-containing chambers are provided. The inventive device comprises a torso part and a head part that is provided on both sides with shoulder rests.

Abstract: A weight-lifter bench is equipped with a removable body support pad having a multiplicity of body support cavities in the pad upper surface. These cavities mate with rear surfaces of the person's head and torso when the person is in a lithotomy position, e.g. when the person is performing a weight-lifting activity using the bench. The cavity surfaces conform to the body surface contours, such that essentially the entire rear surface of the person's torso is in contact with the pad. The pad provides a comfortable support surface, and an enhanced body support action that tends to minimize the potential risk for injury or fatigue.

Abstract: An orthopedic traction apparatus includes in coaxial arrangement, a first tubular member anchored to a operating table or other stationary structure supporting a patient, and a second tubular member telescopically moving within the first one. A hand-crank and jack-screw mechanism is used to vary the position of the second member in relation to the first member. A tensiometer is provided at the distal end of the second member proximate a fixture adapted for attachment to a part of a patient's body. The tensiometer is based on a compressible, calibrated coil spring and is provided with a vernier scale for convenient and precise adjustment of the traction force. Alternately, the tensiometer uses a load-cell driving a digital read-out.

Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting implanted and/or transdermal medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield comprises an a protective layer including an outer pocket formed from moisture resistant adhesive material located on one side along the peripheral edge of the protective layer. In an embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner pocket to contain and provide added protection for an implanted and/or transdermal device. In an alternate embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner bag having an opening therethrough, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device is inserted into the bag through the opening.

Abstract: A macula cover having a flexible sheet member and including an contact surface, an outer surface, a perimeter, and an annular stiffener. The sheet member is sized to cover the fovea and the parafoveal area of the macula during retinal surgery.

Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting implanted and/or transdermal medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield comprises an a protective layer including an outer pocket formed from moisture resistant adhesive material located on one side along the peripheral edge of the protective layer. In one embodiment, the protective layer includes a line of perforations. In another embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner pocket to contain and provide added protection for an implanted and/or transdermal device. In yet another alternate embodiment, the outer pocket includes an inner bag having an opening therethrough, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device is inserted into the bag through the opening.

Abstract: A method of treatment of symptoms of fibromyalgia, is disclosed. The affected patient is gowned with a radiation-shielding textile for an extended period of time, either by fashioning a garment from the textile or using a sheet or cover, or fashioning a wrap. The radiation-shielding textile found to be suitable is a cloth woven of yarn consisting of a textile fiber, such as nylon, and from two to thirty-five percent by weight of electrically conductive filament, preferably stainless steel.

Abstract: The abstract of the disclosure has been amended as follows: A hernial truss securely and constantly applies pressure to the herniated abdominal area of the patient while minimizing the pain and skin irritations during use. The hernial truss is formed with a front member applied to the abdominal area of the patent, a rear member applied to the back of the patient, left and right waistbands attached to the front member, left and right crotch bands attached to the rear member, and a pressing pad attached to the inside of the front member. A lower portion of the rear member is divided to left and right by an upward notch. The front and rear members are fitted with the patient body by the waistbands and the crotch bands, and each crotch band connects the rear member and the front member through the bottom of the patient to press the pressing pad against the herniated abdominal area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in diagnostic procedures using an MRI unit, CT Scan unit or x-ray unit, comprising a patient resting surface to which a patient's chest, shoulders, knees and lower legs are firmly, but comfortably secured, immobilizing the patient, a foot plate upon which the patient's feet rest or are secured, a pressure creating apparatus which applies a predictable, controllable and variable pressure to the patient's skeleton, joints and spine, and further immobilizes the patient who is secured to the patient resting surface and foot plate with immobilizers, an anchor securing the pressure creating apparatus to the second end of the patient resting surface.

Abstract: A back protector, in particular for motorcyclists, including two vertically aligned supports provided with elements for fixing them to a motorcyclist's body, each of the supports containing a plurality of substantially rigid elements fixed thereto, the lower support being hinged to the upper support by a pin.

Abstract: A transparent article includes a sealed tubular member constructed of a transparent material and having first and second closed ends. The tubular member is substantially filled with a liquid. A plurality of decorative structures, such as plastic fish, are submersed in the liquid, each decorative structure having a predetermined density so as to be loosely suspended at a generally predetermined vertical position within the liquid according to a density of the liquid itself. The transparent article may be used as a bed rail component, mounted to a wheeled base and used as an IV stand, or as a vertical support of a crutch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device that assists in overcoming airway obstruction and maintaining an open airway when a patient, who may or may not be anesthetized, is unconscious and placed in the supine position.

Abstract: An intercourse aiding apparatus for providing support and leverage on a mattress includes a webbing comprised of a plurality of straps which are attached together. The webbing has a peripheral edge. A plurality of elongate binding members is attached to the peripheral edge. Each of the binding members has a first end and a second end. The first ends are attached to the peripheral edge such that the elongate binding members are spaced from each other. Each of a plurality of securing members is attached to one of the second ends for releasably securing the second ends of the binding members together such that coupled pairs of binding members traverse a lower side of a mattress when the webbing is positioned upon an upper side of the mattress.

Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting indwelling medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield includes an inner bag having an opening containing by a medical grade absorbent material, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device in inserted into the bag through the absorbent material. This bag is covered by an attached outer cover, which has an adhesive material applied along it peripheral edge or attachment to the patient, which diverts the flow of fluid away from the opening of the inner bag. The absorbent material in opening of the inner bag traps and hold fluid penetrating the two adhesive barriers affording additional level of protection in preventing fluid from reaching the inside of the pouch.

Abstract: This subject invention is a protective shield for protecting indwelling medical devices, during showering, bathing, or swimming. This protective shield comprises an inner bag having an opening containing by a medical grade absorbent material, where the opening is surrounded by a medical grade adhesive for attachment to a patient's skin. The medical device in inserted into the bag through the absorbent material. This bag is covered by an attached outer cover, which has an adhesive material applied along it peripheral edge or attachment to the patient, which diverts the flow of fluid away from the opening of the inner bag. The absorbent material in opening of the inner bag traps and hold fluid penetrating the two adhesive barriers affording additional level of protection in preventing fluid from reaching the inside of the pouch.

Abstract: The invention described is a pressure device for applying pressure to the whole of the chest area of a patient and for reducing the movement and dehesion of the sternum and chest incision after open heart and chest surgeries. The pressure device has a casing substantially in the form of a pillow, the casing having opposing lateral sides, a back side for application against the chest of the patient, the back side having top corners, a frontal side substantially on the opposite side of the back side of the casing, the frontal side having a top attachment portion and a bottom attachment portion. A membrane layer attached to the top attachment portion and the bottom attachment portion of the frontal side of the casing, the outer wall of the frontal side and the inner wall of the membrane layer forming a sleeve for receiving the hands and forearms of a patient.

Abstract: A patient's hip surgery support plate in the form of a posterior sacral support unit is locked to an operating table support frame. A separate anterior pelvic support unit is then positioned over the patient and joined to the sacral support unit via a post extending from the top of the sacral support unit. Both units are movably adjustable in the vertical and horizontal plane to accommodate a wide range of patient sizes for surgery where lateral decubitus positioning of the patient is required.

Abstract: A positioning device for a patient undergoing a lateral epidural procedure. The positioning device includes a shoulder harness subassembly and a leg saddle subassembly. The shoulder harness subassembly is adapted to fit over the shoulders of the patient, and includes a chest strap extending downwardly from the front thereof. The leg saddle subassembly is adapted to fit behind the upper right and left legs of the patient, the saddle subassembly having a saddle strap extending upwardly therefrom. An adjustable strap attachment means is attached to one of the lower end of the chest strap or the upper end of the saddle strap. The adjustable strap attachment means is adapted to adjustably receive the other strap and hold the other strap at a location that restrains the patient in the desired fetal position.

Abstract: The arm of a patient undergoing wrist arthroscopy or other procedures that involve traction on the forearm, wrist or hand in a vertical position is immobilized in a device containing a stabilizing arch that can be readily secured to an arm board. The device offers multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate arm boards of different widths and heights, and secures the arm of the patient without attaching anything to the arm that might affect the circulation to the involved extremity.

Abstract: The transport and securing system of the present invention is utilized in conjunction with a wrist and ankle mechanical restraint system applied to a subject, which releasably secures the restrained subject to the transport and securing system, to easily and quickly transport the restrained subject and secure the subject to an ordinary bed, or any other stationary structure, without removing the subject's mechanical restraints. A instant release mechanism enables a single staff member to immediately disconnect the transport and securing system from the stationary structure so that the restrained subject may me quickly transported into another location without releasing the subject from the mechanical restraint system. The inventive transport and securing system includes optional releasable chest and stomach straps to supplement the mechanical restraint system. Alternately, the inventive transport and securing system may be configured to utilize an upper body protection and face shield system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for syndactyly of at least two fingers or toes, said device being in one piece and comprising at least two rings joined via at least one connection bar in such a way as to permit sliding of the syndactylized fingers or toes relative to one another.

Abstract: A restraint device (1) comprises a belt (2) and complementary quick-fastening means (3, 4) which are associated with the belt (2) and which, when quick-fastened together, render the belt (2) into a secure closed loop (11) of desired length. The device (1) may be applied to the arms and torso of a person to be restrained or the wrists or ankles thereof.

Abstract: A strap is disclosed for a human user. The strap includes a support for the chin of the user, a first support for a first mandible of the user, a second support for the second mandible of the user, and means for securing the strap to the head of the user. The first mandible support is affixed to one side of the chin support and the second mandible support is affixed to the opposite side of the chin support. In a preferred form, the first mandible support and the second mandible support are each from about 1.5 inches wide to about 3 inches wide, and in a preferred range, the first mandible support and the second mandible support are each from about 1.75 inches wide to about 2.25 inches wide. In a preferred embodiment of a strap according to the present invention, the first mandible support is at an angle to the second mandible support of from about 90 degrees to about 140 degrees when the strap is opened flat, as it would be before it is place on the user.

Abstract: An orthosis can comprise a first body member that can conform to a portion of a patient's body and a second body member that can conform to another portion of a patient's body. A closure unit having a first connector member with a first plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the first body member, while a second connector member with a second plurality of support posts can be operatively connected to the second body member. An elongated flexible pull member can operatively extend between the respective first and second support posts so that when tightened by a patient, a pull member slides across the support posts to provide a mechanical force advantage to draw the first body member and the second body member against the patient's torso. A closure unit can be of a modular configuration for subjective mounting on various components of an orthosis to provide a highly adaptable closure unit.

Abstract: The sleeping posture of a user is improved by the use of a cotton cushion (10) which is attached to one of the legs of the user by means of an elasticated tubular bandage (11) and fits between the two knees of the user when the user's legs are located one on top of the other.

Abstract: A keyboard posture device includes a lateral support shaft, left and right members, and left and right arm restraints. The frame member may be adjustably movable along the support shaft. Left and right arm restraints are also optionally adjustably movable, forward and back, on the forward struts of the left and right frame members respectively. The arm restraints extend forward from the struts and away from each other to form left and right arm crooks. The device may further includes a back pad and a wraparound strap to secure the device to the torso of the user.

Abstract: A suspect restraining device is disclosed that includes a device for extending and retracting a plastic-covered cable from one end of a housing and inserting the end of the cable in another end of the housing to selectably releaseably retain that end in the housing. When the free end of the cable is retained in the housing, the opposing end of the cable is restrained in its movement to only allow retraction of the cable into the housing, thus snugly fitting the cable around the torso of a suspect to be detained. The housing may be mounted in vertical position on the wall of a building or on the inside of a police wagon or corrections vehicle or on the outside of a police squad car.

Abstract: A medical aid and apparatus for enhancing sexual intimacy for facilitating a gynecological examination or performance of the marital act. The medical aid and apparatus includes a pair of main tubular support members, each includes a first, second, and third extents, the first extent is operationally coupled to a proximal end of the second extent, the third extent is operationally coupled to a distal end of the second extent, the main tubular members are positioned in a spaced parallel relationship and provide vertical support for the apparatus; and a main platform member operationally coupled to the pair of main tubular members, the main platform member which includes a first surface, the main platform member is positioned such that the first platform surface is substantially above a surface of the second extents of the pair of main tubular member, the main platform is designed for supporting a first user.

Abstract: A protective device particularly suited for use by females after childbirth generally characterized by a plastic shield for protecting the episiotomy or perineal tear surface from urine flow while urinating over the toilet. The device consists of a sole concave interior (20) plastic with adjacent handle (10) and contoured upper lip (22) adaptable to the female genitalia to be placed between the episiotomy or perineal tear surface and the urethra to alleviate the painful contact of urine on the wound and to promote healing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for restricting movement of a patient's head. The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of constraints engaged with the frame to exactly constrain the patient's head relative to the frame.

Abstract: A restraint and exercise device is provided to treat acute or chronic mechanical pain, particularly lumbopelvic and/or leg pain, and to restore and/or increase range of motion in suitable users. The device is particularly useful during exercise. The device may contain a restraint, such as two straps, connected to a support structure. The straps help restrain a portion of a person's body such as the pelvic region. The portion of the person's body may be restrained in a substantially pain-free position so as to reduce the pain that would otherwise be felt during exercise.

Abstract: A hand pad apparatus (10) for protecting the median nerve, dampening vibration, and absorbing shock including a protecting mechanism (12) for preventing the application of pressure to the median nerve. The protecting mechanism (12) includes parallel cushion portions (24) defining a recess (14) therebetween and a recess maintaining mechanism (22) for maintaining the recess between the cushion portion from reducing the size of the recess. A method of combining median nerve protection, vibration dampening, and shock absorbing to inhibit or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and a method of determining the proper width of a recess defined by parallel portions of a cushioned pads by determining the type of the cushioned pad material.

Abstract: A drape including a sensing device is disposed over a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein to form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may either heat or congeal the sterile medium. The sensing device is typically disposed through the drape to provide a signal indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device may be affixed to a plural basin drape utilized for a multiple basin thermal treatment system. The drape forms a drape receptacle within each basin, while a sensing device is typically disposed within each drape receptacle to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak within that drape receptacle to facilitate control of system operation in substantially the same manner described above.

Abstract: An athletic protector cup having a resilient member with an inner surface faceable toward a body of a wearer, an outer surface, a first flex panel, and a second flex panel. The athletic protector cup also has a rigid member having an inner surface coupled to the outer surface of the resilient member, the rigid member also having an anchor portion along an outer edge coupled to the resilient member. The outer edge of the rigid member is shaped correspondingly to the first flex panel and the second flex panel of the resilient member.

Abstract: A controlled extrication module for the injured composed of a body with several means of immobilization of an injured person and supplied with devices for handling, maneuvering and transporting. The module is composed of a rigid plaque that provides a rear part with a medium zone coinciding with a person's back, a lower zone coinciding with a sacrococcygeal zone, and an upper zone coinciding with neck and head. The upper zone has a rounded edge which coincides with a cranial base and a border enabling attachment to an upper end of a seat. The upper zone also has two cavities for placing cervical collar straps which delimit a central help and semi-rigid fins connected to additional straps which attach at their ends. Both sides of the medium zone have upper and lower projections and an intermediate space supplying a side border. The border is placed on a side edge of the seat. The module also has a harness made up of upper and lower strips.

Abstract: A protection device for hand held ultrasound needle procedures that can be generally described as a shield attachable to a transducer. The shield protects the hand from needle puncture. The shield can be made from either a flexible or a rigid material which is resistant to needle punctures, by both or either a hand directed needle or a mechanically fired needle. The shield is bent in the shape of an arc. The arc has a first apex at the top of the arc. A second apex is located at the bottom of the arc. A first receiver and a first method of securing an upper end of a transducer, or cable attached thereto, is located at the first apex. A second receiver and a second method of securement is located at the second apex to receive and secure a lower end or head of a transducer to the shield. The device attaches above or over a biopsy guide typically located on the head of a transducer or it attaches directly to the transducer.