Abstract: In a heat sealing operation for environmentally isolating joints and connections, a spring actuated clamp is utilized to provide positive engagement of the heat shrinkable material in the area between the members being connected. The clamp has two juxtaposed clamp arms with opposed convex clamping jaws. The clamp arms are resiliently loaded by a coil spring so the convex surfaces on the clamping jaws are placed into a clamping relationship on the heat shrinkable material.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiautomatic compress which performs the function previously performed by a nurse exerting 30 pounds of pressure with her hand on a patient after insertion of a tube into a patient's artery, followed by compression by a sand bag for about ten hours. The compress comprises belts coupling it to the patient, and a calibrated ratchet controlled clamp which exerts a selected force on the wound of the patient for about ten hours while the blood of the patient clots at and near the wound.

Abstract: The present invention is an Achilles tendon brace which comprises: a wrap holding a multidimensional compressive pad; an anatomically proportioned strapping system; and hook and loop fasteners such as available under the trademark Velcro. The compressive pad contains a raised portion which lays above and perpendicular to the Achilles tendon, providing a compressive conuterforce, relieving strain and dispersing pressure normally transmitted through the tendon. The pad conforms to each individual's Achilles tendon with continued use, providing a customized unit providing multidimensional support and compression of the tendon. The strapping system employs straps which are proportioned to match the contours of the Achilles tendon area of the leg, permitting full range of motion of the ankle and foot. The strapping system permits the wrap to be placed snugly around the Achilles tendon, and, in conjunction with the hook and loop fasteners (e.g.

Abstract: This invention discloses a pneumatically operated femoral artery compressor applying calibrated and calibrateable external pressure on the puncture site of a fermoral artery with the plunger end of a mounted pressurized syringe assembly.

Abstract: A two piece system and method for driving venous blood from a patient's extremity to prepare the same for local anesthetic. The first piece is a flexible protective undersleeve and the second a flexible pneumatic outer sleeve. Both sleeves have a closed end and an open end for insertion of the body extremity. The protective sleeve is first applied over the body extremity followed by deflated pneumatic outer sleeve. The pneumatic sleeve is then inflated to drive venous blood from the extremity. A tourniquet, which may be the well known proximal and distal cuffs is applied to disrupt arterial blood flow. The pneumatic sleeve is then deflected and removed from the upper body extremity as is the protective undersleeve prior to the administration of local anesthetic.

Abstract: A device for cracking plaque from a blood vessel comprising a fixed jaw member assembly, a moveable jaw member and hammer assembly slidably mounted on the fixed jaw member assembly and a spring transmitting a driving force to the hammer assembly. A handle is connected to the fixed jaw member assembly and a trigger activation assembly is mounted in the handle to activate a trigger releasing the hammer assembly to transmit a driving force against the moveable jaw member and an adjacent blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a means for providing tension to bones dug the healing process that is non-invasive. In the preferred embodiment, the disclosed means for placing bones under tension comprises a first collar and a second collar. Each collar is controllably moved cyclically between a body member embracing condition and a body member releasing condition in such manner that when one collar is in one condition the other is in the other condition. A firm grip is therewith always maintained on the body member while allowing the circulation thereof.

Abstract: A therapeutic, sanitary device intended to promote satisfactory sexual intercourse by preventing impotency, and a method of maintaining erection of the penis by use of said device, is disclosed. The device consists of a band of interlocking material being at least of a length sufficient to both encircle the base of a penis and scrotum at the junction of the pubis and to interconnect against itself when so encircled. A self-enclosed circular region attached to an end of said device to act as a "noose" is further described, whereby said device may be pulled tightly against itself in an effort to be cinched tightly against said junction.

Abstract: A method of alleviating morning sickness in pregnant women resides in the application of a continuum of a controlled amount of pressure to the Neiguan acupressure points on both forearms of the patient. This is achieved by the use of a pair of pressure applying devices, each of which is adapted to be secured to a respective one of the patient's forearms.Each such device comprises a strap of a length to encompass forearms of various girths, a protuberance on the strap for localized engagement with the Neiguan point on the patient's forearm, and adjustable securements on the strap for adjustably securing the strap about the patient's forearm with said protuberance engaging the Neiguan point and for adjusting the amount of pressure applied about the arm and onto said point.

Abstract: An instrument to be used during ocular surgery for the rapid closure of anterior segment openings and the control of expulsive choroidal hemorrhage and the resulting damage caused by this complication. The instrument is to be positioned over the anterior ocular surface of the eye at the first indication of hemorrhage or "posterior pressure". One or more dimples located on the upper surface of the instrument allows the insertion of a elongated member for holding the instrument in place while maintaining the intraocular pressure. An opening is also present which allows a surgeon to insert sutures into the underlying eye while the instrument is in place and also aids in the movement of the instrument about the anterior ocular surface of the eye by insertion of a probe or forceps. The instrument is transparent, allowing the surgeon to visually monitor the intraocular events.

Abstract: Headaches may be relieved by separating the middle and forefinger of each hand and simultaneously applying pressure to the back of the hand side of the webs of skin extending between the bases of the middle and forefingers on each hand. An apparatus for performing the method includes a plate 10 for receiving both hands of the person suffering the headache and which is provided with a pair of spaced parallel arms 24 pivoted to the plate 10 such that corresponding ends 26 overlie the plate. Skin web engaging pads 30 are located on the ends 26.

Abstract: A compression orb for use in combination with known bandage means to simulate manual digital pressure hemostasis following an arterial or venous puncture. The orb is formed from transparent plastic and is shaped as a hollow dome having a central, raised bulb or second, smaller dome which is integrally formed with and extends from the first domed portion. The flat, circular surface of the orb is releasably attached to the bandage means and the raised bulb portion of the orb is pressed upon the puncture site by means of the secured bandage. The bandage means includes a transparent window through which the orb and puncture site may be viewed without having to lift the bandage and orb from the wound to check for bleeding.

Abstract: A pressure applicator for thoracic wounds is disclosed. The device includes a strap for encircling a patient's thorax. The strap has a pair of opposing ends. A cup element is attachable to the strap and has a rim for engaging the paatients's thorax around the wound. The strap is selectively secured in place about the thorax to urge the cup element against the thorax with sufficient pressure to at least partially seal the wound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for reducing all of the common refractive errors, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in a reversible fashion and to a device for achieving same. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for reducing or eliminating nearsightedness by flattening the curvature of the cornea and to a method for reducing or eliminating corneal astigmatism by changing the out-of-round shape of the cornea to a round shape. All of the methods utilize a retainer ring permanently placed in the stroma of the cornea, the tensioning of the ring being controlled by a turnbuckle arrangement.