Abstract: A collapsible, self-standing, rigid laser containment barrier, which includes at least two adjacent, substantially rigid laser beam absorption panels hingably attached to each other using first and second pairs of aligned hinge pins proximal top and bottom edges and near first and second sides of each laser beam absorption panel and a rigid light strip having a front face including first and second pairs of laterally extending hinge brackets. Each of the hinge bracket pairs corresponds to and is aligned with one of the first and second hinge pin pairs, and includes a hinge pin hole passing therethrough. Each of the hinge pins passes through one of the hinge pin holes to hingably attach the two adjacent laser beam absorption panels.

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: The patient positioning kit described herein is a set of vinyl-coated polyurethane foam forms and storage unit. The kit functions to support injured patient extremities during specific surgical procedures. The kit may be tailored to certain surgical specialties such as orthopedic traumatology or orthopedic sports medicine. For the given surgical specialty, each kit is composed of foam forms specifically for the most often performed surgical procedures within that specialty. Each kit contains a significant variety of support pieces such that various patient sizes and extremity positions may be stabilized. Both arm and leg associated procedures are facilitated by component pieces of the patient positioning kit. The kit pieces are coated with a polymeric material that forms a protective shell that increases piece durability and reduces fluid uptake.

Abstract: A hand, wrist and forearm device for patients during surgery, comprising a pair of mating shells which fit about the patient's hand, and wrist and forearm. Each shell has a generally accurate lateral section wrist and forearm channel and a larger, generally accurate longitudinal section hand enclosure. The two shells are loosely hinged together along one edge, with a mutually mating closure provided along the edge generally opposite the hinges. The interior is preferably lined with removable padding, such as gel packs, visco-elastic material in order to apply light pressure to the hand and stabilize the position of surgical device on the hand. The pressure of the removable padding also provides a light outward pressure to stabilize the two halves of the assembly during use.

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 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: 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: A multipurpose site guard for use at all peripheral and central venipuncture infusion sites, sensitive areas, and for pediatric and adult patients. The guard is a hollow plastic member with a base and a sidewall curved upwardly and inwardly to form a cover which is form fitted to the infusion site under finger pressure and which can be taped in place. Improvements to this invention include holding the guard in place with a fabric connector and cushioning the guard's base with a soft material.

Abstract: A cardio-thoracic compression harness that includes a pair of bands are placed around the body of the user so as to compress and hold in place the thorax, sternum, and ribs. The device is positioned so that the bands contact the user's body above and below the breasts. This allows a female user to wear the device while wearing a bra. The device can also be constructed as a device integral to an undergarment such as a bra. The device includes a plurality of closures so that it can conform easily to the shape of the user's body. The device may also include shoulder straps for more secure positioning. The harness can be worn under or over the user's clothing.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, it is an objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a stent that is easily installed, yet removable. Moreover, the stent does not cause material infections and has the capacity to reduce infection. Therefore, a principal objective of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention is to provide a prosthesis that is suitable for both permanent and temporary use while being easy to insert, reposition and remove. This prosthesis is also suitable for targeted delivery of antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic agents.

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: The present invention offers a brace for the treatment of tennis elbow and similar muscular disorders whereby both massage therapy and the continuous application of a fluid, topical lotion is provided. The brace is attached to the arm of a wearer such that a massage ball protruding from one end of the brace is in contact with the affected area of the arm such that as the arm is moved the massage ball exerts massaging pressure on the arm while simultaneously transferring a fluid, topical lotion from a fluid reservoir to the affected area of the arm.

Abstract: A protective helmet apparatus of modular construction to be worn by anesthetized patients for facial support during surgery. The helmet apparatus is assembled using one of a plurality of interchangeable, substantially transparent helmet casings, which are removably attachable to a plurality of dismountable facial cushions providing even support to the facial surface of a patient. The removable facial cushions are dimensioned on and interior surface to accommodate different sized facial structures of different patients to yield maximum pressure diffusion on the face and chin of the patient and are replaceable when worn. The exterior surface of the facial cushions are dimensioned for cooperative engagement with the interior surface of the helmet casing. A plurality of different facial cushions and helmet casings are modular in design and dimension to be interchangeable with each other thus providing accommodate the broad differences in facial structure and size of patients using them for surgery.

Abstract: In the healthcare field there are specific wounds generally referred to as “pressure ulcers” or “decubitus ulcers”. These wounds are generally caused by: direct constant pressure to body tissues; internal disease or disorders which surfaces on the skin; urine or fecal material constantly in contact with skin causing breakdown; lack of proper nutrition; or, a combination of all these factors. These wounds occur mostly on “bed-ridden patients” whose debilitation is such that they cannot react to their body's neurological signals for them to adjust their position. Most of these patients are prone and lay on standard mattresses. These “pressure ulcers” can occur in any area of the body but are predominantly found in the shoulders, coccyx, hip, legs, and heels. Actually, any “bony-prominence” is a candidate for breakdown if pressure is allowed to be against it constantly.

Abstract: A safety shield suitable for removable attachment to a restraint chair. The shield, adjustable movably in a vertical position, characterized as a rigid, planar member adapted for removable attachment to a support member of an animal, restraining chair.

Abstract: A protective guard for a finger or thumb may be used during a medical procedure. The protective guard may inhibit needle or instrument puncture of a medical practitioner's skin during a medical procedure. The protective guard may include a puncture resistant portion and a less puncture resistant portion. The material used to form the puncture resistant portion and the less puncture resistant portion may be chosen so that the guard provides a large degree of penetration resistance while still remaining flexible. The color of the puncture resistant portion may be different than the color of the less puncture resistant portion to provide a user with a visual indication of the puncture resistant portions of the protective guard.

Abstract: A face shield support assembly comprises:

Abstract: An arm support of flexibie, knitted fabric that comprises a body of material covering the shoulders and both arms with the body extending around the upper back having upper arcuate portions secured by patches of press fasteners such as “VELCRO”. The edges of the body are reenforced with strips of rigid binding around the front and circumerential length around the shoulder. In the rear the flexible binding buffs on to the rigid binding strip below the wearers underarms providing latitude in movement. Optionally a blanket can be attached to the body in a choice of locations.

Abstract: Medical component systems are described in which individual hand-held components are enhanced by adjacent restraint and by combinations of function, including: suction devices with a port for regulating suction with single-finger-operable valve for repeatable incremental user control of suction-vacuum variation by aperture shapes like triangles and slots and tactile feedback means like plane changes for amplifying tactile feedback to a user to enhance distinguishing of control increments; clips and tubing restraints for attachment between devices; endotracheal tubes with feedback features so a user knows where the distal end is; wound kits and splash shields for use in combination with various irrigation sources; combination cough shields with medical components; endotracheal tube adapters with less dead space and improved flanges and monitoring ports; and improved long syringes and medical lights.

Abstract: A back protection shield, which includes at least one anatomic shell-like body made of substantially rigid material and longer than wider, so as to extend longitudinally and cover a substantial portion of user's backbone. The shield has a concave inner surface designed to face, in use, the user's back and a convex outer surface and at least one series of spaced stiffening ribs which extend at least partly in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A hernia belt which is provided in two parts, comprising an abdominal belt portion, having a pair of leg straps which extend downwardly for passing between the legs of a wearer, and a separate back belt portion, which extends around the back of the wearer. Virtually the entire face of the exterior of the abdominal belt portion is formed of hook or loop material, which engages with mating loop/hook surfaces on the ends of the back belt portion. The combination of the abdominal belt portion having virtually its entire surface covered with hook/loop material, and a back belt portion with hook/loop material at its ends, makes it possible to provide virtually universal or “fits all” hernia support.

Abstract: The device is a diagnostic tool for the determination of the functional loss of the soft tissue of one or both knees. The device allows for flexion of the knees against a biasing force for observation by magnetic resonance imaging. A supporting member is hingedly connected to a lever arm, both transparent to MRI. In turn, lower extremities of the knees under study are affixed to the lever arm. The lever arm is biased toward full extension by tension applied to the lever arm through a tensioning device. The tensioning device comprises elastic cords and several pulleys configured to apply a nearly constant biasing force throughout a range of flexion. Within the lever arm, an image generating device comprising a vial of electrolyte generates a bar of length proportionate to the degree of flexion.

Abstract: A shirrable cover for a gait belt or other similar belt includes a sleeve, a flap and restraining means whereby the cover may be drawn into a shirred bundle. Such belt cover may consist of various materials and fabric finishes. One embodiment of the shirrable cover includes a back panel and front panel and a flap unitary with the back panel and extending beyond a terminating end of the front panel. Preferably, at least one thread extends along a top seam of the junction of the front and back panels and extends beyond the top seam at least one point. Also, at least one thread extends along the bottom seam of the junction of the front and back panels and extends beyond the bottom seam at least one point.

Abstract: This device is a simple non occlusive protective WOUND SHIELD which protects most wounds without contacting the wound and consists of a single piece of convexly curved thermoplastic material forming a dome over the wound that said dome rests on a contiguous rim which is seated on the skin surrounding the wound and this said rim having several tabs attached for the purpose of securing the WOUND SHIELD to the skin surrounding the wound with roller adhesive tape or velcro tape and said dome having multiple perforations in its convexity to permit atmospheric air to circulate over the surface of the wound.

Abstract: A protective chest shield device having medical applications is disclosed. The chest shield is designed to prevent damage to patients wearing an indwelling catheter or other medically implanted device during participation in athletic activities. The device consists of a rigid shield below which padding is placed at appropriate locations as to create a void so as to prevent contact with the external or internal components of the medical device. It is affixed to the patient by means of an adjustable harness.

Abstract: A sterile drape serving to preserve the sterile integrity of an operating field is disclosed. The drape has a rigid optically clear window which allows a visible light beam, such as a laser beam, to exit a targeting device without refraction or distortion that could result in misalignment of the visible light beam relative to a targeted object. The rigid optically clear window is made of a material having an ability to transmit light and which ability remains substantially unchanged after the drape has undergone a gamma radiation sterilization process.

Abstract: A device for protecting a user against lesions, mainly bone lesions and especially fracture of the neck of the femur. The device includes a shell, a fastening structure and an adhesive part. The shell has a concave and a convex side. The adhesive part includes a skin-friendly adhesive suitable for long-term contact with the skin. The fastening structure is fixed near the peripheral zone of the shell on the concave side thereof, and is fixed on the adhesive part inside the peripheral zone of the shell. The fastening of the adhesive part to the first coupling part of the fastening means is done by a non-permanent attachment.

Abstract: A shield apparatus is disclosed that encloses the human torso (or part of a human torso) during X-ray procedures. The shield protects medical personnel from scatter radiation, is adjustable to fit different size torsos, and will move with the X-ray equipment as the position of the equipment is adjusted to examine different areas of the body.

Abstract: A device avoids chafing on the feet due to the use of new shoes. This device is formed by a complete body of flexile material such as plastic that has a generally prismatic shape open on one of the lateral sides and on the upper base. On the lower face and on the adjacent at the rear, openings or holes ventilate the rear part of the foot when the device is placed inside the rear part of the shoe.

Abstract: An athletic protector cup is provided including a rigid cup-shaped base member and an impact resistant resilient body which is fixedly attached to an exterior surface and around a periphery of the base member. The resilient body includes a flange extending beyond portions of the base member edge and having a geometry for providing additional impact resistance.

Abstract: A pelvic positioning device for stabilizing a patient while lying on their side in a lateral decubitus position. The device includes an anterior pelvic support mechanism including anterior support pads for contacting both pubic tubercles and the ASIS on one or both sides of the patient's body. In a preferred embodiment, the anterior pelvic support mechanism includes two ASIS pads. To provide additional stabilization an upper torso pad may be included proximate the sternum of the patient's rib cage. In addition, the device includes a posterior pelvic support mechanism including a telescopic vertical member and a crescent shaped posterior support pad. The posterior support pad is mounted by a collar to a free end of the telescopic vertical member so as to be freely rotatable in a horizontal plane parallel with the operating table.

Abstract: A sterile immobilizing apparatus for restraining the movement of a patient includes a base platform on which is mounted a series of restraining members with a disposable sterile insert member engaging the restraining members and base platform to provide a sanitary surface for performing the desired procedure. The restraining members include a lower back support, an upper back support, an abdominal stabilizer, a cervical stabilizer, and a knee stabilizer. The lower and upper back supports are rigidly mounted to the base platform, while the abdominal stabilizer, cervical stabilizer and knee stabilizer are each movably positioned on the base platform. Between the lower and upper back supports is a lumbar opening in which the sterile insert member is positioned such that the area surrounding the medical procedure performed on the patient is sterile.

Abstract: A catheter protector designed to be of assistance to patients using a Peripherally insterted central catheter. The catheter is inserted into a vein in the patients arm, usually at the elbow. The catheter has an attached tube which is usually pinched off. The protector can be an elastic tubular sleeve with a zipper or other attachment means at its lower end running longitudinally to a point one-half to three-quarters of the way up the bottom half of the tube. The zipper or attachment is opened, and the sleeve is slipped over the catheter. The attached tube can then be coiled up inside the sleeve and the zipper closed. The device protects the site and tube against pulling and contamination. The zipper or attachement can be opened any time to administer drugs or replace the catheter. The device can optionally contain an inner plastic layer with an optionally inner layer of gauze to further protect the insertion site. The invention can be worn 24 hours a day including wear during bathing.

Abstract: A device (10) for improving the breathing of a user includes an upper arch (12) adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth, a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth, and an engager (104) that engages the lower arch (14). An adjustor (100) adjusts the engager (104) forwardly relative to the upper arch (12). A slotted plate (114) couples the adjustor (100) to the upper arch (12) and adjustably positions the lower arch (14) vertically relative to the upper arch (12).

Abstract: A convertible isolation pod for an individual patient formed from sealable flexible plastic sheeting including an air intake grommet at the head end and an air exhaust grommet at the foot end of the pod each of the grommets being equipped with a Heimlich valve to provide unidirectional air flow within the pod where the air is filtered to remove contaminants.

Abstract: Quick immobilization device for immobilizing victims or patients to be moved or rescued, comprised by two main symmetrical parts and accessories, having an anatomic shape protecting the cranial, dorsum-lumbar regions and legs, which affords safety and avoids new lesions or worsening of the existing ones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective sleeve for a chronically-implanted intravenous (IV) site. The sleeve is made of a prophylactic waterproof material, and is normally worn by a person while showering to prevent moisture from invading the IV site. The sleeve in one embodiment has two elastomeric beads which form a watertight seal between a person's arm and the beads, and the sleeve billows in its mid-section so that it does not snag the catheter. The sleeve in another embodiment has a binding at one end and at least a binding at the other end integrally formed in the sleeve or in another embodiment a plurality of indentations axially spaced on a tapered portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A device to assist in the reading of an illuminated image is disclosed. The device comprises a blocking member including a plurality of blocking portions pivotally mounted together at a common pivot point so as to be pivotable between a storage position and a use position. Each blocking portion has a distal end, the distal ends of the blocking portions defining a curved edge of the blocking member when the blocking portions are disposed in the use position. The blocking member is at least partially opaque for placement over a portion of the illuminated image to block at least a substantial portion of the illumination light. The curved edge is sized so as to approximate the size and shape of a portion of the illuminated image. The device has particular utility with breast X-ray film and CRT images, including such images where breast implants are present. Two embodiments of the device are disclosed, along with a related method.

Abstract: A seizure pillow and method of using same including for supporting the head of a person experiencing a seizure or convulsion, and includes a base member with a handle, the handle has a timing device, and positioned on the base member is a pillow body with a cover.

Abstract: A cushion structure for a nursing equipment such as a child seat includes a soft third cushion layer which has a low density, hard second and fourth cushion layers which have a high density provided on opposite sides of the third cushion layer, and soft first and fifth cushion layers which have a low density. The third cushion layer has an air pool therein, and air outlet holes are provided in the second and fifth cushion layers at positions displaced from the center of the air pool and offset from each other. This cushion structure can protect the head and brain of an infant by effectively absorbing shock.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which includes a support device secured to a structure. The apparatus comprises first and second chambers containing first and second fluids wherein the resiliency of one of the chambers is lower than the resiliency of the other chamber. The chamber having the lower resiliency is positioned so as to be closer to the body of a user than the other chamber. The support device in the apparatus is secured to a structure which can include but is not limited to, back supports, automobile seats, helmets, casts, cervical collars, automobile air bags, and wrist supports for keyboards and mouse pads. The fluid media used in the support device includes air, liquids, and gels. An additional chamber may be employed between the first and second chambers in the support device to provide stability to the support device. A method for using the support device to support various user body portions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using an ophthalmic surgical sponge is described. The sponge includes a base and a corneal shield assembly. The base allows absorption of corneal fluid during eye surgery. The corneal shield assembly is used as an absorption structure and a structure to protect the corneal cap which is formed during eye surgery, particularly in surgeries that remove tissue from the corneal stroma. The corneal shield assembly protects the corneal cap as well as the hinge of the flap during the actual tissue removal from either a laser or other tissue removing means. Thus, the corneal cap is protected from scatter rays from the laser or other debris created from tissue removal of the cornea. Wetting the ophthalmic sponge creates a co-hesive seal so that the corneal shield assembly can seal the corneal cap securely. This seal is removable after the surgery is completed to re-expose the corneal cap and replace the cap on the cornea.

Abstract: A footrest and an abdomen locator are supported on a post mounted on a base which rests on a floor. A patient is seated on the table of a medical cart, with feet on a footrest bar on a floor mounted positioning device. The cart table height is adjusted so that the patient's knees are higher than the pelvis, tipping the pelvis backward. A horizontally and vertically adjustable bar on the device is placed against the abdomen at about the height of the umbilicus, providing a stop about which the patient can curl the upper part of the body forward, reversing the normal lumbar curve, opening the space between vertebral bodies at the dorsal side, facilitating a spinal tap. Base support feet are provided for non-slip engagement with the floor during the procedure, and rollers are provided on the base and situated to facilitate tipping and rolling the base from one location to another after a procedure has been completed.

Abstract: Improved instrument pad surgical drape for use during surgical procedures is disclosed which is resistant to melting caused by high intensity light generated from sources such as fiberoptic illumination systems. The instrument pad and drape comprise an infrared energy reflective film/foam laminate that may also have a high coefficient of friction which is useful for retaining surgical instruments in place and preventing them from slipping off the pad during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing elevation of intraocular pressure during rest or sleep is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an eye covering device that is adapted to be comfortably worn during rest or sleep. The eye covering device bridges over the eyes and contacts the wearer's head along a nose bridge and an outer frame surrounding the eye sockets. When the wearer rolls onto his or her face during rest or sleep, pressure from an external object such as a pillow is imparted to the eye protection device rather than to the eyes. Accordingly, pressure on the eye during sleep is relieved.

Abstract: A custom-fitted athletic body protective product such as a shin guard, including a storage package formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, a flexible protective guard positioned in the storage package and sealed therein against entry of moisture, and for being custom-formed to the shape of a body part to be protected while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit to the body part. The protective product includes a low density core defining first and second major surfaces and first and second sheets positioned in overlying relation on respective first and second major surfaces of the core. The core and the first and second overlying sheet materials collectively defining a laminated substrate.

Abstract: A sealing pad (14) made of a compliant and resiliently deformable gelatinous elastomer suitable to conform under pressure to form a substantially airtight seal with at least a portion of the user's skin adjacent to the sealing pad (14). The gelatinous elastomer may be attached to a second material by incorporating the gelatinous elastomer into a large plurality of interstitium in the second material. In addition, the second material can be configured to form an endoskeleton or exoskeleton that modifies the physical properties of the gelatinous elastomer.

Abstract: A method of reducing delayed onset muscle soreness in humans, such as the pain resulting from unaccustomed exercise, is disclosed. An affected body portion of the human is covered with a radiation-shielding textile, whether 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 fibre, such as nylon, and from two to thirty-five percent by weight of conductive metal filament, preferably stainless steel.

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.