Abstract:
A system and method for performing object localization based on the emission of electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields are simultaneously emitted from different transmitters. One electromagnetic field is emitted at a base frequency; the remaining waves are emitted at frequencies that are harmonics of the base frequency. The composite magnetic fields are measured by sensors. The signal generated by each sensor is subject to a Fourier analysis to determine the strengths of the individual electromagnetic fields forming the composite electromagnetic field. These individual measure field strength data are then used to determine the position and orientation of the sensors relative to the transmitters.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods of treating bone cancer, inducing differentiation of bone tumor cells, inhibiting bone tumor growth, inducing bone tumor regression or treating a hyperproliferative cell disorder by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a bone morphogenic protein or a nucleic acid encoding the bone morphogenic protein.
Abstract:
A surgical tool system comprising a handpiece and a cutting accessory that is releasable secured to the handpiece. The handpiece has a gear assembly with two drive heads. The gear assembly turns the drive heads at different rotational speeds relative to each other. The cutting accessory is provided with one of two drive hubs. If the cutting accessory is provided with a first drive hub, the drive hub mates to a first one of the drive heads so as to turn of the speed of that head. If the cutting accessory is provided with a second drive hub, the drive hub mates to the second drive head so as to turn at the speed of that head. Thus, the speed at which the cutting accessory is actuated is a function of the associated drive head.
Abstract:
A set of removable cutting attachments (550, 650, 740 and 840). The attachments are of different lengths. The coupling members (578, 802) internal to the attachments are all spaced a substantially identical distances from the distal ends of the attachments. This makes it possible to employ cutting accessories (40a) that have shafts (44a) of a common length in each attachment. The accessory shafts have plural, linearly aligned retention features (530) are formed on the shaft. This makes it possible to longitudinally adjust the position of the cutting accessory relative to the attachment with which the accessory is used.
Abstract:
The invention provides modified TGF- beta family proteins having altered biological or biochemical properties, and methods for making them. Specific modified protein constructs include TGF- beta family member proteins that have N-terminal truncations, "latent" proteins, fusion proteins and heterodimers.
Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for identifying morphogenic protein analogs. In one embodiment, this invention relates to an osteogenic protein reponsive transcription inhibitory element. This invention also relates to the identified morphogenic protein analogs which can mimic the biological effects of morphogenic proteins, particularly those relating to the BMP family such as osteogenic protein (OP-1), on the regulation of gene expression and tissue inductive capabilities.
Abstract:
This invention features devices and methods for inducing tissue formation in a mammal, involving the use of a morphogenic protein, a hormone and a soluble receptor of the hormone. The hormone and receptor thereof are used to enhance the tissue inductive activity of the morphogenic protein.
Abstract:
An anatomical gripping system comprising: a binding comprising: a substantially rigid spine; a calf shell mounted to the substantially rigid spine; an anterior shell; and a clamping mechanism connecting the anterior shell to the calf shell; wherein the calf shell comprises a flexible portion configured to selectively engage the superior portion of the calcaneus bone of a patient; and further wherein when the clamping mechanism applies a force to the flexible portion of the calf shell, the flexible portion of the calf shell is drawn into engagement with the superior portion of the calcaneus bone of the patient.
Abstract:
Systems (10) and methods (12) of controlling an ultrasonic surgical tool (20) with a console (22) are provided. A first drive signal (40) is applied to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20). A characteristic of a harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the first drive signal (40) to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20) is acquired. A cancellation signal (70) is generated based on the characteristic of the harmonic signal (44). The first drive signal (40) and the cancellation signal (70) are combined to produce a second drive signal (80) that is sinusoidal. The second drive signal (80) is applied to the ultrasonic surgical tool (20) such that presence of the harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the second drive signal (80) is reduced relative to presence of the harmonic signal (44) resulting from application of the first drive signal (40).
Abstract:
A surgical instrument (10, 110, 210) includes an articulating tube assembly (20, 120, 220) having a proximal end and a distal end, an articulating region (23, 123, 223) disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and a proximal axis axially extending from the proximal end to the articulating region (23, 123, 223). The articulating tube assembly (20, 120, 220) includes an inner tube (24, 124, 224) and an outer tube (26, 126, 226) each having the articulating region (23, 123, 223). The inner tube (24, 124, 224) and the outer tube (26, 126, 226) being movable relative to each other proximal to the articulating region (23, 123, 223) and fixed axially relative one another distal to the articulating region (23, 123, 223). The surgical instrument (10, 110, 210) also includes an actuation assembly (22, 122, 222a) coupled to the articulating tube assembly (20, 120, 220) for moving the inner tube (24, 124, 224) and the outer tube (26, 126, 226) axially relative to each other for articulating the articulating region (23, 123, 223) of the articulating tube assembly (20, 120, 220) between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the articulating region (23, 123, 223) is rigid in the first configuration and the second configuration.