Abstract:
Single hand supportable and operable apparatus (30) for providing an output signal characteristic of the morphology of a respiratory tract includes an acoustic pipe (30) for exchanging acoustical energy with the tract. The pipe has an open first end (34) in communication with an opening in the respiratory tract. A transducer (38), such as a loudspeaker, is coupled to the pipe, producing an incident wave towards to opening in the tract and a reflected wave to form a transient wave filed in the pipe representative of the morphology of the tract. Preferably, first (40) and second pressure wave sensing transducers (42), such as microphones, mounted along the length of the pipe in spaced relationship provide first and second transduced signals representative of the transient wave field. A processor (66) processes the first and second transduced signals to provide an output signal characteristic of the morphology of the tract, such as the cross-sectional area as a function of the distance from the opening of the tract.
Abstract:
An X-ray cassette is disclosed having a front and back plate with means for securing the front and back plates together. On the inside of each plate a fluorescent screen is mounted over a resilient material such as foam rubber. A plurality of holes extend through the back plate which provide a means of communication between the foam rubber material and the exterior of the back plate. A source of pressurized air is connected to the back plate over the holes. When the X-ray film is positioned in the cassette and the cassette plates are locked together, air under pressure is introduced into the foam rubber portion of the back plate of the cassette through the holes therein, thereby forcing the X-ray film tightly against the fluorescent screen on the front plate of the cassette. This insures that the film is flat against the front plate and, hence, orthogonal to the direction of the X-rays and in intimate contact with the fluorescent screens.
Abstract:
A total joint arthroplasty (34) is described having a first bearing member (36) (e.g., the femoral head of the femoral component of a total arthroplasty hip joint) and a second bearing member (38) (e.g., an acetabular component) cooperable with the first bearing member (36)with the articulating surfaces of the bearing members (36, 38) in engagement with one another, and wherein at least one of the bearing members (36, 38) has a substrate (50) of a magnesia-stabilized zirconia ceramic material and a bearing surface having a carbon coating (52) applied to the bearing surface.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to prostheses for treating spinal pathologies, and more specifically to an artificial disc implant. The implant includes an inferior implant (104, 604, 704, 804) for placement on an inferior vertebra (2b) and a superior implant (102, 602, 702, 802) for placement on a superior vertebra (2a). The implant also includes an articulating interface (116) that is generally saddle-shaped and ramped from the anterior of the vertebrae to the posterior of the vertebrae.
Abstract:
A joint replacement component comprising a metal tray (3) and polymer liner (27). The metal tray having screw holes (7a, 7b) for fixation with screws (9) to bone, and a circumferential rim or wall (15) with a smooth inner surface (21). The liner having a flexible sealing ridge (39) around its entire periphery for tray engagement, forming a fluid-tight seal between the liner and tray. The liner having a locking mechanism comprised of tabs (35) at longitudinal ends of the liner, which engage grooves (23) in the tray's front and rear. Following tray fixation to the resected skeletal structure, a surgeon installs the liner within the tray by angling the liner, inserting first tab into its respective groove, pressing the liner downwardly into the tray causing the liners opposing tab to engage its respective groove, snap-locking the liner within the tray, and simultaneously sealing the liner to the tray by the flexible sealing ridge.
Abstract:
An orthopedic component for total joint replacement that comprises a metal tray (3) and polymer liner (27), the metal tray having screw holes (7a, 7b) for fixation with screws (9) to bone and a circumferential rim or wall (15) with a smooth inner surface (21). The liner (27) is provided with a flexible sealing ridge (39) around its entire periphery, the sealing ridge being positioned so that it sealingly engages the tray rim so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the liner and the tray. The liner is provided with a locking mechanism comprised of tabs at the longitudinal ends of the liner which engage grooves in the front and rear of the tray. In this manner, the surgeon can readily install the liner within the tray after the tray has been surgically affixed to the resected skeletal structure by angling the liner and inserting a first tab into its respective groove and then by pressing the liner downwardly into the tray so that another tab at the opposite end of the liner engages its respective groove thus positively locking the liner with respect to the tray. Simultaneously with snap locking the liner within the tray, the flexible sealing ridge on the tray seals the liner with respect to the tray.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for determining the kinematics of a large joint (e.g., a knee) undergoing arthroplasty, for comparing the kinematics of the joint undergoing surgery with the kinematics of the normal joint, and for providing the surgeon with information allowing the balancing of the ligaments of the joint upon the installation of a prosthesis replacement joint. The apparatus includes optical targets mounted on joint replacement components fitted to the resected bones of the joint. One or more video cameras are used to obtain a series of images of the various optical targets as the extremity is flexed, extended, and rotated. A computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine the kinematics of the joint as it is flexed, extended and rotated. The computer compares the kinematics of the observed joint with the kinematics of a normal joint and determines, based on anomalies of the observed joint relative to the normal joint, whether other implant components or spacers are required, and determines which ligaments must be relaxed or contracted so that the ligaments are balanced. The computer displays suggestions to the surgeon for changing components and for relaxing or contracting specific ligaments such that the ligaments of the joint is balanced with the prosthesis joint in place. A method of computer ligament balancing is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A system and method for monitoring a subject is provided. The method includes obtaining a plurality of readings from a plurality of sensors for detecting motion of the subject, generating a subject vector using the plurality of readings and selecting one of a set of model vectors based on the subject vector. The set of model vectors correspond to a set of respective states. The set of respective states include any one or more of a position and a motion. The method also includes associating the plurality of readings with the respective state of the selected model vector.
Abstract:
PCT Application CA/2014 Blakes Ref: 78749/00003 Doc No: 22525944 27 22525944. ABSTRACT A system and method for monitoring a subject is provided. The method includes 2 obtaining a plurality of readings from a plurality of sensors for detecting motion of the 3 subject, generating a subject vector using the plurality of readings and selecting one of a set 4 of model vectors based on the subject vector. The set of model vectors correspond to a set of respective states. The set of respective states include any one or more of a position and 6 a motion. The method also includes associating the plurality of readings with the respective 7 state of the selected model vector. 8
Abstract:
A total joint arthroplasty (34) is described having a first bearing member (36) (e.g., the femoral head of the femoral component of a total arthroplasty hip joint) and a second bearing member (38) (e.g., an acetabular component) cooperable with the first bearing member (36)with the articulating surfaces of the bearing members (36, 38) in engagement with one another, and wherein at least one of the bearing members (36, 38) has a substrate (50) of a magnesia-stabilized zirconia ceramic material and a bearing surface having a carbon coating (52) applied to the bearing surface.