Abstract:
An endoprosthetic bone joint device, suitable for the knee or other joints, is provided by way of two components of which one is slotted to receive in captive rotatable engagement therein a linkage member projecting from the other. In the direction of the slot, the slotted component has a generally convex bearing surface which engages a similarly directed concave bearing surface on the other component, but in an orthogonal direction the former surface can present two raised portions to engage respective depressions in the latter surface and resulting in a rib and groove along each side of the slot. This double rib groove formation is appropriate to a knee joint device, but can be simplified to singular curvature for another joint such as a finger. Also, the lateral dimension of the slot can progressively vary to allow a progressively varying lateral rocking capability with rotation of the components.
Abstract:
A physiologically acceptable insulin derivative has the terminal amino group of the B chain (B1, phenylalanine) protected by an acyl group or other blocking group containing up to seven carbon atoms and the amino group of the A chain (A1, glycine) is either free or protected by means of an acyl or other blocking group containing no more than four carbon atoms and preferably no more than three atoms other than hydrogen. Pharmaceutical preparations may be prepared containing an effective amount of such an insulin derivative together with a physiologically acceptable diluent. An insulin derivative of reduced antigenicity is obtainable from porcine or bovine insulin by reacting the insulin with an acylating agent or other blocking reagent to acylate or otherwise block the amino group of the B1 amino acid and optionally block the A1 and/or B29 amino acid, followed by purification of the derivative by various methods.
Abstract:
Insulin derivatives which are water soluble, readily isolated, immunologically acceptable and which retain hypoglycaemic activity are those in which at least one of the A1, B1 and B29 aminoacid amino groups is converted into a blocked amino group having a substituent capable of forming an anion, e.g., by substitution with dicarboxylic acid radicals.
Abstract:
A seat for sanitary equipment such as water closets and commodes, has an elongated aperture extending between the front and rear, two non-planar profiled areas bordering the sides of the aperture towards its front, and a relieved area bordering the aperture behind the two areas. The profiled areas are trough formations to receive and support the thighs, and the relieved area is U-shaped and dished around the aperture to clear the buttocks. In a commode, such a seat conveniently forms part of a platform including at least one supplementary seating area extending laterally from the seat, there preferably being two such areas to form wings in an overall configuration which is curved or angled in plan view. Other features associated with such a commode comprise a user support arrangement upstanding from the platform rear and including a back rest and hand rail/arm rests, and also legs with rollers which can be rendered effective or not, the legs and support arrangement being adjustable in height and, in the latter case, angular disposition.
Abstract:
A radiation position detector is described particularly for detecting the source of gamma radiation over which a gamma camera is scanned. Electrical signals are generated representing the coordinates of the focal point of the gamma camera and of the received radiation. The received radiation signals are multiplied by a compensating factor to correct for a particular depth of radiation so that radiation starting at that depth is in focus. The corrected signals and the camera co-ordinate signals are combined so that a picture can be obtained in focus for the particular depth. Multiplexing may be used to provide correction for a plurality of depths.
Abstract:
Surgical apparatus for separating the femur from the acetabulum, such as in total hip joint replacement by the Southern Approach, takes the form of an inverse pair of tongs which open when the handles are closed. More particularly, the free ends of the tongs respectively carry a pin and a hook which extend in a generally orthogonal direction relative to their respective tong arms and the plane of movement therebetween, while the bight of the hook extends away from its arm.
Abstract:
In testing a sample of an optically active substance, the sample is irradiated with polarized electromagnetic radiation and the intensity of radiation scattered from the sample in a given direction is detected. The state of polarization of the incident radiation from which the detected radiation is derived is modulated, preferably by alternating it between right and left circular polarization, to cause a periodic variation of the detected intensity, and a signal related to this variation is derived.
Abstract:
A prosthetic knee joint device comprises a femoral component in the form of a shell member having two condylar portions with major convex bearing surfaces areas, which portions are bridged at one end by a portion defining a trough between the convex areas. An associated tibial component has similar portions in a platform bearing member defining major concave bearing surface areas and a ridge therebetween. The convex bearing areas are longer than the concave bearing areas and generally U-shaped longitudinally to simulate the corresponding shaping in the natural joint from which the shell member can in fact be derived. The concave bearing areas however simulate the menisci of the natural joint different phases of rotation to provide an optimized congruity between the bearing surfaces during rotation of the predetermined geometry of the prosthesis as compared to the variable geometry in the natural joint.
Abstract:
A tool for separating detachable blades from surgical scalpels takes the form of a pair of pliers having a respective channel formation in each jaw, the side walls of which formations approach engagement in mutually facing and aligned disposition during closure of the tool to define a passageway therethrough. This passageway receives the stem portion of a holder on which a conventional detachable scalpel blade is clipped, and the side walls of one of the channel formations are relieved towards one end thereof, and the side walls of the other formation elevated towards the corresponding end thereof, so that closure of the tool jaws grips the blade while lifting one end of the blade from the holder. The blade can then be slid off the holder while still held by the tool.