CLAMP RING SHAPE

A clamp ring includes a generally arced portion. The generally arced portion has a top half and a bottom half each having a guide channel formed therein, the top half and the bottom half each have an exterior portion and an interior portion defining boundaries of the guide channels. The interior portions together have a partially circular cross section with a number of interior reliefs formed therein and the exterior portions together have a partially circular cross section with a number of exterior reliefs formed therein that is greater than zero and equal to or greater than the number of interior reliefs formed in the interior portions.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLIMATING LIGHT FROM A LASER-EXCITED PHOSPHOR ELEMENT

A lighting apparatus and method of steering light from a laser-excited phosphor element. In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes: (1) a laser module configured to generate coherent light, (2) a concave mirror and (3) a phosphor capsule located proximate a focus of the concave mirror and configured to receive and phosphoresce in response to the coherent light and project resulting light upon the concave mirror, the concave mirror configured to steer the resulting light in a direction.

Cartilage enhancing food supplements and methods of preparing the same

A food supplement, either in the form of a snack bar or a beverage, which contains one or more cartilage enhancing supplements is provided. The cartilage supplements include chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. The food supplement may additionally be fortified with cetyl myristoleate. The beverage is a mixture of a juice drink base which may include a water-based fruit flavored juice prepared using a pasteurization process at a relatively high temperature and a cartilage supplement solution which includes a cartilage supplement prepared at a relatively low temperature. The beverage may be carbonated, non-carbonated or concentrated. The preferred cartilage supplement is glucosamine, preferably associated with a counter ion, more preferably as glucosamine HCl. The supplement also contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and calcium hydroxide powder.

Composite Collagen Material And Method Of Forming Same

A felt for repairing soft tissue defects comprising a membranous collagen substrate and a bioresorbable fiber felted onto the collagen substrate. Methods of preparing a felt and methods of repairing soft tissue damage with a felt are also provided.

Training methods for deep networks

A method for training a deep neural network of a robotic device is described. The method includes constructing a 3D model using images captured via a 3D camera of the robotic device in a training environment. The method also includes generating pairs of 3D images from the 3D model by artificially adjusting parameters of the training environment to form manipulated images using the deep neural network. The method further includes processing the pairs of 3D images to form a reference image including embedded descriptors of common objects between the pairs of 3D images. The method also includes using the reference image from training of the neural network to determine correlations to identify detected objects in future images.

Elbow prosthesis

A method and apparatus for replacing a selected portion of the anatomy is described. In particular, a prosthesis can be provided to replace a portion of an articulating joint, such as an elbow. The apparatus can be modular for various reasons and each of the modular portions can include a different dimension to achieve a selected result. For example, the prosthesis can achieve a different size condylar replacement, a selected offset, a selected articulation, or combinations thereof.

Substantially non-immunogenic injectable collagen

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic injectable collagen for implantation into humans. The invention further provides methods for preparing injectable collagen material by removing collagen-containing material from a non-human animal; washing in saline and alcohol; subjecting material to cellular disruption treatment; and digesting the material with a proteoglycan-depleting factor and/or glycosidase and optionally following with a capping treatment. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the method. The injectable collagen material of the invention are substantially non-immunogenic and have substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native soft tissue.

Bone xenografts

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic bone xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a bone xenograft by removing at least a portion of a bone from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft (X); washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to a cellular disruption treatment; and treating the xenograft with a glycosidase to remove surface carbohydrate moieties. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the above identified method of invention. The invention further provides a bone xenograft for implantation into a human including a portion (10) of a bone from a nonhuman animal, wherein the portion has substantially no surface carbohydrate moieties which are susceptible to glycosidase digestion. Each xenograft of the invention has substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native bone.

Processing unit and processing method

A digital signal processor capable of performing a Viterbi algorithm is provided. The digital signal processor includes an instruction fetching unit that fetches instructions; a decoding unit that decodes the instructions fetched by the instruction fetching unit, and an execution unit that executes the instructions decoded by the decoding unit. The execution unit includes a first comparing unit that compares first data with second data and a second comparing unit that compares third data with fourth data. The first comparing unit and the second comparing unit operate in parallel. Also, the first data, the second data, the third data, and the fourth data can each be one of four results obtained by adding one of two path metrics to one of two branch metrics. The execution unit outputs any two new path metrics in a high order position and a low order position respectively.

Method and apparatus for manipulating bone during a surgical procedure

A method and apparatus for performing a procedure by manipulating a bone are disclosed. The apparatus can include a bone engaging portion and a digital manipulation portion. The bone engaging portion can engage the bone and then the digital manipulation portion can be used to manipulate the bone. The method can use the apparatus to perform a procedure with the apparatus.

Robots with perception-based fiber-optic tactile sensing and methods for providing the same

Systems and methods for perception-based tactile sensing in a robot are provided. The robot may include an external portion and an illuminator that outputs illumination. The robot may further include a receiving sensor that receives illumination. The robot may also include a pair of conduits, located at an external portion, that include an injecting conduit that traverses one or more housings of the robot. The injecting conduit may be configured to receive the illumination from the illuminator and output the illumination to illuminate an object external to the robot. The pair of conduits may also include a receiving conduit, traversing one or more housings of the robot, configured to receive the illumination from the object external to the robot and output the illumination to the receiving sensor.

Anterior cruciate ligament xenografts

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic ligament or tendon xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a ligament xenograft by removing at least a portion of a ligament from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonation, freeze/thaw cycling, and optionally chemical crosslinking. In addition to or in lieu of the above treatments, the methods include a cellular disruption treatment and either digestion of the carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft with a glycosidase in a range of about 1 mU/ml to about 1000 U/ml or glycosidase digestion followed by treatment for sialylation. The invention also provides articles of manufacture produced by one or more of the above-identified methods of the invention ...

Substantially non-immunogenic injectable collagen

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic injectable collagen for implantation into humans. The invention further provides methods for preparing injectable collagen material by removing collagen-containing material from a non-human animal; washing in saline and alcohol; subjecting material to cellular disruption treatment; and digesting the material with a proteoglycan-depleting factor and/or glycosidase and optionally following with a capping treatment. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the method. The injectable collagen material of the invention are substantially non-immunogenic and have substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native soft tissue.

Method and apparatus for bone fracture fixation

An elongated plate for coupling severed bone regions comprising at least one bridge region, the at least one bridge region terminating in at least two bone fixation regions. The at least two bone fixation regions each contain at least one aperture for receiving a suitable fastening device for securing the elongated plate to the bone regions to be coupled. The bridge region may be configured so as to be easily severed by a suitable severing device such as surgical scissors. The elongated plate and fastening device may be formed from a bio-compatible or bio-resorbable material.

System and method for braking resistor supplemental heating

A system and a method for supplying electrical energy to high-power vehicle braking resistors to generate heat for supplemental heating. Supplemental heat is transferred from the braking resistors to a desired use by means of circulating liquid or air, and heat exchangers at the desired location. The supplemental heat can be supplied external to the vehicle by circulating liquid or air and using appropriate external heat exchangers.

System, method, and software program product for tracking call failures on a wireless phone

A system, method and software application track call failures on a wireless phone. A software application on the phone monitors outbound calls made on the phone to determine whether or not a call fails. In one embodiment, such monitoring is done only for a select period of time (e.g., the initial few seconds when the phone is attempting to connect to a call to the wireless communication carrier's network), and, in an alternate embodiment, such monitoring is done for the duration of the call. If a call fails, the software application stores information related to the call. Examples of such types of information include the time the call failed, the location of the phone at call failure, and identification information for the phone. The stored call information is then sent to the wireless communication carrier to enable the carrier to assess network quality.

Method and apparatus for wrist arthroplasty

A prosthetic wrist having at least one of a radial insert, which is configured to be fixed to a radius of a patient, a carpal implant or a wrist bearing component. The carpal implant can include a body and a pair of flanges, each of which being skewed to the axis of the body in a manner that permits them to abut the ulnar side of the hamate bone and the radial side of the distal portion of the carpal bone complex, respectively. The radial insert may be provided with a plurality of modular portions to allow for selection and customization of an implant. Also the various portions can allow for a hemi- or total, or revision wrist arthroplasty. The modular portions can allow for intraopertative customization.

Soft tissue xenografts

A method for preparing a soft tissue xenograft includes the steps of removing at least a portion of a soft tissue from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol: subjecting the xenograft to cellular disruption treatment; and either digesting the xenograft with a glycosidase or glycosidase digestion followed by treatment for sialylation. A soft tissue xenograft for implantation into a human includes a portion of a soft tissue from a non-human animal, wherein the portion has extracellular matrix and substantially only dead cells. The matrix and dead cells have substantially no surface α-galactosyl moieties and have sialic acid molecules linked to at least a portion of surface carbohydrate moieties. Each of the xenografts of the invention has substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native soft tissue.

Cartilage enhancing food supplements with sucralose and methods of preparing the same

A food supplement, either in the form of a snack bar or a beverage, which contains one or more cartilage enhancing supplements and sucralose is provided. The cartilage supplements include chondroitin, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid. The food supplement may additionally be fortified with cetyl myristoleate. The beverage is a mixture of a juice drink base which may include a water-based fruit flavored juice prepared using a pasteurization process at a relatively high temperature and a cartilage supplement solution which includes a cartilage supplement prepared at a relatively low temperature. The beverage may be carbonated, non-carbonated or concentrated. The preferred cartilage supplement is glucosamine, preferably associated with a counter ion, more preferably as glucosamine hydrochloride.

Anterior cruciate ligament xenografts

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic ligament or tendon xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a ligament xenograft by removing at least a portion of a ligament from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonation, freeze/thaw cycling, and optionally chemical crosslinking. In addition to or in lieu of the above treatments, the methods include a cellular disruption treatment and either digestion of the carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft with a glycosidase in a range of about 1 mU/ml to about 1000 U/ml or glycosidase digestion followed by treatment for sialylation. The invention also provides articles of manufacture produced by one or more of the above-identified methods of the invention ...

System for automated connection to virtual private networks related applications

A network interface unit is provided for use intermediate a LAN and a public or private network, or a combination of both, for establishing secure links to a VPN gateway. Login by a LAN client with the network interface unit, addressing, authentication, and other configuration operations achieved using a web page-based GUI are applied in establishing tunnels from LAN clients to desired VPN destinations. Illustrative network interface units include a DHCP server and provide encryption-decryption and encapsulation-decapsulation of data packets for communication with VPN nodes. Configuration and connection of a client are further enhanced by a built-in DNS server and other functional servers to provide a high degree of autonomy in establishing connections to a desired VPN gateway via an ISP or other public and/or private network links to. The interface unit then performs required authentication exchanges, and required encryption key exchanges.

Mounting of a Heavy-Duty Alternator to an Automotive Engine

A system that provides a belt driven Power-Take-Off (“PTO”) mounting for a heavy-duty alternator onto a lighter duty automotive engine. The system provides additional torque support for the alternator and crankshaft pulley while allowing the alternator to pivot with engine movement on the motor mounts. A belt tensioner automatically tightens a serpentine drive belt. An alternator air intake and plenum draws cooling air through ducting from outside the engine compartment.

Flexible automated connection to virtual private networks

A network interface unit is provided for use intermediate a LAN and a public or private network, or a combination of both, for establishing secure links to a VPN gateway. Login by a LAN client with the network interface unit, addressing, authentication, and other configuration operations achieved using a web page-based GUI are applied in establishing tunnels from LAN clients to desired VPN destinations. Illustrative network interface units include a DHCP server and provide encryption-decryption and encapsulation-decapsulation of data packets for communication with VPN nodes. Configuration and connection of a client are further enhanced by a built-in DNS server and other functional servers to provide a high degree of autonomy in establishing connections to a desired VPN gateway via an ISP or other public and/or private network links to. The interface unit then performs required authentication exchanges, and required encryption key exchanges.

Trackable diagnostic scope apparatus and methods of use

A surgical procedure is provided. The procedure acquires a plurality of points on or near a bone abnormality and registers them with a surgical navigation system. The navigation system uses the acquired points to make an implant having a surface adapted to contact the bone, and particularly an implant having a portion whose shape substantially matches that of the bone abnormality.

Orthopedic implant for bone fixation

A bone fixation device for use in fixation of a first and a second bone segment can include a first leg member, a second leg member and a lateral connecting portion. The first leg member can extend from a first originating end to a first distal end along a first longitudinal axis. The second leg member can extend from a second originating end to a second distal end along a second longitudinal axis. The lateral connecting portion can be integrally formed with the first and second leg members and connects the first and second leg members from the respective first and second originating ends. The lateral connecting portion can extend along a lateral body portion having a top portion that defines a lateral axis. At least one of the first and second longitudinal axes defines an obtuse angle with the lateral axis.

Autonomous task performance based on visual embeddings

A method for controlling a robotic device is presented. The method includes capturing an image corresponding to a current view of the robotic device. The method also includes identifying a keyframe image comprising a first set of pixels matching a second set of pixels of the image. The method further includes performing, by the robotic device, a task corresponding to the keyframe image.

Autonomous task performance based on visual embeddings

A method for controlling a robotic device is presented. The method includes capturing an image corresponding to a current view of the robotic device. The method also includes identifying a keyframe image comprising a first set of pixels matching a second set of pixels of the image. The method further includes performing, by the robotic device, a task corresponding to the keyframe image.

Systems and methods for generating three dimensional skeleton representations

Systems, robots, and methods for generating three-dimensional skeleton representations of people are disclosed. A method includes generating, from a two-dimensional image, a two-dimensional skeleton representation of a person present in the two-dimensional image. The two-dimensional skeleton representation includes a plurality of joints and a plurality of links between individual joints of the plurality of joints. The method further includes positioning a cone around one or more links of the plurality of links, and identifying points of a depth cloud that intersect with the cone positioned around the one or more links of the two-dimensional skeleton. The points of the depth cloud are generated by a depth sensor and each point provides depth information. The method also includes projecting the two-dimensional skeleton representation into three-dimensional space using the depth information of the points that intersect with the cone, thereby generating the three-dimensional skeleton representation ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BONE FIXATION

An implant can include a bridge member having an upper surface, a lower surface and opposed sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces, where at least the sides can be formed of a porous metal construct having a porous metal outer surface. First and second fixation members can be integrally connected with the bridge member and can include a body having a width greater than a corresponding width of the bridge member and a length greater than a corresponding length of the bridge member, where at least the body can be formed of the porous metal construct with the porous metal outer surface. The implant can be positioned into the bone segments such that the bridge member can fix the bone segments in a first direction perpendicular to the bridge member and the fixation members can fix the bone segments in a second direction parallel to the bridge member.

Vehicle Rooftop Engine Cooling System and Method

An vehicle rooftop cooling system includes a radiator located outside of the engine compartment of a vehicle, the radiator having a liquid coolant inside the radiator; a fan coupled to the radiator and configured to extract hot air from the radiator; a first sensor proximate to the radiator configured to measure coolant temperature of the coolant in the radiator; and a controller communicably coupled to the first sensor, the controller configured to receive inputs from the first sensor, to make determinations based on the received inputs, and to communicate control signals across a controller area network (CAN) in response to said determinations, wherein the controller is further configured to communicate a first control signal to cool the liquid coolant upon determining that the first sensor has measured temperature above a threshold.

Devices and methods for simulating tire non-uniformity forces for vehicle vibration sensitivity measurements and tuning

The many embodiments of the present invention comprise a device to simulate first order and higher-order tire non-uniformity forces. Some embodiments may comprise a wheel adapter adapted to attach to a vehicle wheel, rotate in a first rotational direction, and to couple to a gearbox; a weight retaining member adapted to be coupled to the gearbox, wherein the gearbox is adapted to rotate the weight retaining member in a second rotational direction or at a second rotational speed in the first and second rotational directions; and a rotation restriction member adapted to attach to the gearbox and to restrict the gearbox from rotating. Other devices and methods are also claimed and described.

Method, system and computer program for performing HVAC system set up

A method of performing an HVAC system set up. The method includes coupling a supervisory controller to a plurality of equipment controllers, the equipment controllers communicating with the supervisory controller over a bus. The supervisory controller polls addresses associated with the bus to detect the presence of equipment controllers on the bus. An HVAC device is associated with each controller in response to an HVAC device designated through a user interface and assigning an address to the HVAC device. The supervisory controller retrieves control data from a database and loading the control data into the equipment controllers. The supervisory controller loads operating parameters into the equipment controllers.

Xenograft heart valves

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic heart valve xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides methods for preparing a heart valve xenograft by removing at least a portion of a soft tissue from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to cellular disruption treatment; treating the xenograft with crosslinking agents, and digesting the xenograft with a proteoglycan-depleting factor and/or glycosidase. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the above-identified method of the invention. The invention further provides a heart valve xenograft for implantation into a human including a portion of a heart valve from a non-human animal, wherein the portion has extracellular components and substantially only dead cells. The extracellular components have reduced proteoglycan molecules. Each of the xenografts of the invention ...

Integrated cradle mounting system for a hybrid-electric drive

This invention is a system that provides the structural and positioning framework to mount the components of a hybrid-electric drive together as a single assembly for ease of installation in and removal from a vehicle during assembly and maintenance. This cradle assembly may also have panels for heat shielding and directing air flow, and various hardware supports for routing plumbing components and electrical wiring. The cradle assembly includes an optional matching dolly accessory for ease of moving the cradle assembly around without the aid of a lifting tool such as a fork lift.

Tissue fixation device

A method for securing a graft to a bone. The method includes forming a tunnel in the bone, positioning the graft in the tunnel, securing the graft in the tunnel with an anchor, and inserting biological material in a bore formed in the anchor.

Method and apparatus for passing a suture

A suture pushing device includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head at the distal end of the shaft. The suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and/or the second jaw have a tissue cutting edge adapted to cut an opening in a tissue. A blunt suture pushing member advances from within the shaft, through the suturing head, and through the cut opening in the tissue to place a suture.

Shoulder implant assembly

An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adapter. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adapter to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adapter to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adapter to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup.

System and method for transferring heat from exhaust gasses to compressed gas fuel

A system and method for transferring heat from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine to a fuel container storing compressed gas fuel, using a gaseous heat transfer medium. The heat transferred to the fuel container assists expansion and/or vaporization of the compressed gas fuel. The expanded and/or vaporized compressed gas fuel may be delivered to the internal combustion engine for use by the engine.

Soft Tissue Repair and Conduit Device

A soft tissue repair method. The method includes providing a flaccid tubular member having a longitudinal bore and first and second ends, the tubular member defining first and second portions integral with the tubular member. The method includes coupling the tubular member to a flexible strand, inserting the tubular member from a first side of the soft tissue to a second side of soft tissue, such that a first portion of the tubular member exits the second side of the soft tissue and a second portion of the tubular member remains inside the soft tissue, tensioning the flexible strand, deforming the first portion of the tubular member to an anchoring shape, and forming a vascularization conduit from the second portion of the tubular member.

Shoulder implant assembly

An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adaptor. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adaptor to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup.

TRACKABLE DIAGNOSTIC SCOPE APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE

A surgical procedure is provided. The procedure acquires a plurality of points on or near a bone abnormality and registers them with a surgical navigation system. The navigation system uses the acquired points to make an implant having a surface adapted to contact the bone, and particularly an implant having a portion whose shape substantially matches that of the bone abnormality.

Method and apparatus for bidirectional control of the color and diffusion of a light beam

A light fixture includes a flexible color filter material coupled to a scrolling mechanism that moves the material in a first direction to position a selected portion of the color filter material in a part of a light beam from the fixture. A device coupled to the mechanism may move the mechanism in a second direction so that another part of the light beam passes unfiltered. Different areas of the color filter material produce different colors. The device may move the mechanism in a direction parallel to a plane of the color filter material. The device may rotate the scrolling mechanism about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the plane of the color filter material. The color filter material may include a dichroic filter. The light fixture may also include a second scrolling mechanism coupled to flexible diffusion material, such that at least a part of the light beam of the light fixture may be diffused by a predetermined amount.

Processing unit and processing method

A digital signal processor capable of performing a Viterbi algorithm is provided. The digital signal processor includes an instruction fetching unit that fetches instructions; a decoding unit that decodes the instructions fetched by the instruction fetching unit, and an execution unit that executes the instructions decoded by the decoding unit. The execution unit includes a first comparing unit that compares first data with second data and a second comparing unit that compares third data with fourth data. The first comparing unit and the second comparing unit operate in parallel. Also, the first data, the second data, the third data, and the fourth data can each be one of four results obtained by adding one of two path metrics to one of two branch metrics. The execution unit outputs any two new path metrics in a high order position and a low order position respectively.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF A POWER PLANT MACHINE

A method and system for automatically evaluating the performance of a power plant machine is provided. The method and system may include receiving a plurality of operating data from the at least one power plant machine. The method and system may also store the plurality of operating data in at least one data storage device. The method and system may also determine whether at least one performance indicator is within a range; and if the at least one performance indicator is outside of the range, then automatically notify a support network.

Continuous phase compositions for ACL repair

An implantable interference screw for use in a soft tissue repair, the screw having a bioresorbable body comprising a plurality of interconnected pores, the body having an instrument interface in one end and a thread around an exterior of the body starting from distal end. The plurality of interconnected pores of the resorbable body are substantially filled with a bioresorbable polymer.

Method and apparatus for performing a shoulder implant procedure

Disclosed is a set of prosthetic components for use in shoulder replacements. A glenoid component having a base and a plurality of coupling members are disclosed. The coupling members are used to couple the base to at least one of the acromion or coracoid process. A polymer insert which is configured to couple to the base member and articulate with a humeral component is provided.

System, method and computer program product for looking up business addresses and directions based on a voice dial-up session

A system, method and computer program product for determining an address of an entity based on a user location are disclosed. An utterance representative of an entity is initially received from a user. The entity associated with the utterance is then recognized using a speech recognition process. Next, a location of the user is determined. A query is performed to identify a plurality of locations associated with the entity. Based on the results of the query and the location of the user, it is ascertained which of the identified locations associated with the entity are in proximity to the location of the user.

Method and apparatus for collimating light from a laser-excited phosphor element

A lighting apparatus and method of steering light from a laser-excited phosphor element. In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes: (1) a laser module configured to generate coherent light, (2) a concave mirror and (3) a phosphor capsule located proximate a focus of the concave mirror and configured to receive and phosphoresce in response to the coherent light and project resulting light upon the concave mirror, the concave mirror configured to steer the resulting light in a direction.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BIDIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE COLOR AND DIFFUSION OF A LIGHT BEAM

A light fixture includes first and second flexible materials coupled to first and second scrolling mechanisms that move the material in first and second directions to position a selected portion of the first and second flexible materials in first and second parts of a light beam from the fixture. A device coupled to the first and second mechanisms may move the first and second mechanisms in third and fourth directions so that third and fourth parts of the light beam do not pass through the first and second flexible materials. The third and fourth directions are different than the first and second directions. Different areas of the first and second flexible materials may produce different colors. The light fixture may also include a third scrolling mechanism coupled to a flexible diffusion material, to diffuse at least a part of the light beam by a predetermined amount.

Vehicle rooftop engine cooling system

A horizontal rooftop engine cooling system includes one or more radiator units horizontally mountable to the rooftop of a bus and including a radiator interconnected to one or more passages of an engine of the bus to allow coolant to flow between the engine and the rooftop cooling system to cool the engine. The cooling system can incorporate a fan mounting shroud, a ram-air aerodynamic shroud, and/or an ornamental aesthetic appearance shroud.

IMPLANT CONFIGURED FOR HAMMERTOE AND SMALL BONE FIXATION

An implant configured for fusing a first bone segment and a second bone segment during an operative procedure and constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes an implant body, a first bone interfacing portion and a second bone interfacing portion. The implant body can extend longitudinally between an insertion end and an opposite end. The first bone interfacing portion can be provided on the implant body and be configured to be implanted relative to the first bone segment. The second bone interfacing portion can be provided on the implant body and be configured to be implanted relative to the second bone segment. The first and second bone interfacing portions can be inserted dorsally into the first and second bone segments, respectively.

Tissue fixation device

A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage. The body comprises a cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion. The cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of thin-walled window covers such that after implantation the window covers are resorbed first relative to other portions of the cylindrical portion for defining a plurality of apertures on the cylindrical portion.

Vehicle rooftop engine cooling system

A method of using an engine cooling system with a bus includes providing a horizontal rooftop engine cooling system including a radiator unit through which coolant fluid flows for removing heat from the radiator unit, a fan to assist in removing heat from the radiator unit, and a continuously variable power drive and speed control system for controlling power to and the speed of the fan; horizontally locating the rooftop engine cooling system on a rooftop of the bus; interconnecting the radiator unit of the rooftop engine cooling system to a passage of an engine of the bus to allow coolant to flow between the engine and the rooftop cooling system to cool the engine; and controlling power to and the speed of the fan with the continuously variable power drive and speed control system using pulse width modulation.

Object detection improvement based on autonomously selected training samples

A method for generating positive and negative training samples is presented. The method includes identifying false positive images of an object based on multiple images of an environment. The method also includes generating positive training samples from a set of images of the object. The method further includes generating a negative training sample from the false positive image. The method still further includes training an object detection system based on the positive training samples and the negative training sample.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANTENNA DESIGN

The disclosed computer-implemented method may include generating, using a machine-learning model of a computing device, a set of antenna designs. The method may also include tokenizing, by the computing device, each antenna design in the generated set of antenna designs. Additionally, the method may include predicting, by the machine-learning model of the computing device, a frequency response for each tokenized antenna design. Furthermore, the method may include comparing, by the computing device, the frequency response for each tokenized antenna design. Finally, the method may include selecting, by the computing device based on the comparison, an antenna design that meets a performance threshold for the frequency response. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Immunochemically modified and sterilized xenografts and allografts

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic xenograft for implantation into humans. The xenograft is a body part dissected from a transgenic 1,3-α-galactosyltransferase gene-deficient animal, wherein the cells of the body part are dead. The invention also provides methods for preparing a xenograft by removing a body part from a transgenic animal, which is 1,3-α-galactosyltransferase gene-deficient, to provide a xenograft; optionally washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to a cellular disruption treatment; optionally treating the xenograft with crosslinking agents, and optionally treating the xenograft with a proteoglycan-depleting factor. The invention further provides a method for sterilizing xenograft material, having the steps of obtaining substantially non-immunogenic xenograft material; treating the xenograft material with at least one crosslinking agent; and subjecting the crosslinked xenograft material ...

Elbow Prosthesis

A prosthetic joint kit, particularly well suited for an elbow, transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, bearing structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.

Rotatable snowplow blade apparatus, systems and methods of using the same

A snow pusher, also known as a box plow has a blade that is configured to be disposed in a first position for pushing snow forwardly, as is typical of snow pushers, and is further configured to be disposed in a second position for pulling snow rearwardly. The blade of the snow pusher may be contained within a snow plow box that may be reversible, allowing the blade to be disposed at a rear of the box for pushing the snow forwardly and at a front of the box for pulling snow rearwardly.

System and Method for Sequential Power Charging Switching for Electric Vehicle(s)

A multi-charger, serially operated electrical vehicle (EV) charging system, contains a Power Control System (PCS) providing DC power. A plurality of EV chargers is serially power-connected to each other, wherein the first EV charger is connected to the PCS. There are sets of relays in at least the first EV charger, wherein a first set of the set of relays, when activated, is configured to supply power to a respective charging cable of the EV charger, and a second set of the set of relays, when activated, is configured to supply power to a next-serially connected EV charger. The sets of relays contain auxiliary contacts providing relay status information. A hardware logic prevents the first and second sets of relays from simultaneously being activated, allowing only one EV charger of the plurality of EV chargers to charge at a time.

System, method and computer program product for looking up business addresses and directions based on a voice dial-up session

A system, method and computer program product for determining an address of an entity based on a user location are disclosed. An utterance representative of an entity is initially received from a user. The entity associated with the utterance is then recognized using a speech recognition process. Next, a location of the user is determined. A query is performed to identify a plurality of locations associated with the entity. Based on the results of the query and the location of the user, it is ascertained which of the identified locations associated with the entity are in proximity to the location of the user.

Tissue repair assembly

A tissue repair assembly for repairing tissue. The tissue repair assembly includes a rotatable anchor for insertion through a tissue tear on a surface of the tissue, a threaded fastener for insertion into the tissue, the threaded fastener having a longitudinal bore and a plurality of apertures communicating with the bore, and a flexible member coupled to the rotatable anchor and passing through the bore such that tensioning the flexible member compresses the tear.

Processing unit and processing method

A digital signal processor capable of performing a Viterbi algorithm is provided. The digital signal processor includes an instruction fetching unit that fetches instructions, a decoding unit that decodes the instructions fetched by the instruction fetching unit; and an execution unit that executes the instructions decoded by the decoding unit. The execution unit includes an arithmetic logic unit configured to perform a register-register arithmetic logic operation. The arithmetic logic unit compares a first data with a second data, in parallel with a comparison of a third data with a fourth data. The first data, the second data, the third data, and the fourth data can each be one of four results obtained by adding one of two path metrics to one of two branch metrics. The execution unit outputs new path metrics.

Method and apparatus for passing a flexible strand

An apparatus for passing a suture into a portion of the anatomy. The apparatus can include a handle and a suture advancement mechanism. The suture advancement mechanism can be disposed in the handle and adapted to advance a suture. The apparatus can also include a member coupled to the handle and in communication with the suture advancement mechanism to receive the suture. A cannula can be coupled to the member for receipt of the suture. The cannula can be operable to engage the anatomy. The suture advancement mechanism can contact the suture along a substantial distance of the suture to advance the suture into the member.

Mounting of a heavy-duty alternator to an automotive engine

A system that provides a belt driven Power-Take-Off (“PTO”) mounting for a heavy-duty alternator onto a lighter duty automotive engine. The system provides additional torque support for the alternator and crankshaft pulley while allowing the alternator to pivot with engine movement on the motor mounts. A belt tensioner automatically tightens a serpentine drive belt. An alternator air intake and plenum draws cooling air through ducting from outside the engine compartment.

Clamp ring

Sterilized xenograft tissue

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention also provides methods for preparing a xenograft by removing at least a portion of a soft tissue from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to cellular disruption treatment; treating the xenograft with crosslinking agents, and digesting the xenograft with a proteoglycan-depleting factor and/or glycosidase. The invention further provides a method for sterilizing xenograft material, having the steps of obtaining substantially non-immunogenic xenograft material; treating the xenograft material with at least one crosslinking agent; and subjecting the crosslinked xenograft material to radiation treatment.

Soft tissue repair assembly and associated method

A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Method for Tissue Fixation

A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member.

Cranial clamp and method for fixating a bone plate

A clamp assembly according to the invention can be fixed through an opening between adjacent members, each member having a near face and a far face. The clamp assembly includes a base, a cap opposing the base, and a post connecting the cap and the base in a fastening position on the adjacent members. The clamp assembly may further include an applier interacting with the post to position the cap and base in the fastening position. A method according to the invention includes placing the base and cap on opposing internal and external surfaces of the adjacent members, with a portion of each of the base and cap overlapping a border of junction between the members. The post is rotated to bring the base and cap to the fastening position. The method may further include removing a distal portion of the post projecting from the cap and leaving a proximal portion of the post projecting from the cap and which can be deformed to secure the base and cap in the fastening position.

High-Power Ultracapacitor Energy Storage Pack and Method of Use

An ultracapacitor energy storage cell pack including an ultracapacitor assembly including a plurality of ultracapacitors in series; a plurality of interconnections for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the ultracapacitors; and a plurality of balancing resistors, each balancing resistor in parallel with each ultracapacitor to form a resistor divider network that automatically discharges and equalizes each ultracapacitor over time, thereby balancing the ultracapacitors of the ultracapacitor assembly, and each balancing resistor directly mechanically and electrically connected to an associated interconnection.

System and method for transferring heat from exhaust gasses to compressed gas fuel

A system and method for transferring heat from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine to a fuel container storing compressed gas fuel, using a gaseous heat transfer medium. The heat transferred to the fuel container assists expansion and/or vaporization of the compressed gas fuel. The expanded and/or vaporized compressed gas fuel may be delivered to the internal combustion engine for use by the engine.

Processing unit and processing method

A method of operating a digital signal processor is provided. The digital signal processor may be provided as a radio communication mobile station, a radio communication base station apparatus, or a CDMA radio communication system. Each path metric PM1 and PM0 of an old state is added to each branch metric BM1 and BM0 separately. A path metric of a new state N is formed by comparing the value of PM1+BM1 to the value of PM0+BM0. A path metric of a new state N+2k−2is formed by comparing the value of PM1+BM0 to PM0+BM1.

Braided suture

A suture for a suture anchor or surgical needle. The suture is a tubular sheath defining an empty bore and is braided using biocompatible filaments of the same or different materials. The sheath has a flattened annular cross-section.

Method and apparatus for mandibular osteosynthesis

A system for mandibular reconstruction generally includes an elongated locking plate having a plurality of internally threaded apertures and a plurality of fasteners. Each fastener includes a main body portion having an upper threaded shaft and a lower threaded shaft. The lower threaded shaft is adapted to engage the mandible. Each fastener further includes a removable head portion internally threaded for engaging the upper shaft portion and externally threaded for engaging a selected one of the internally threaded apertures of the locking plate. In the preferred embodiment, the thread leads of the head portion and lower shaft of the main body portion are identical. A method of mandibular osteosynthesis utilizes the system of osteosynthesis and generally comprises the steps of temporarily securing the elongated locking plate to the mandible with at least one fastener by engaging the threads of the lower portion with the mandible and threadably engaging the head with the locking plate, unthreading ...

Segmented joint distractor

A method of separating two articulating surfaces of a joint is provided. The method includes providing a distractor having a series of generally spheroidal members. The method also includes inserting the distractor into the joint, and moving the distractor to separate the two articulating surfaces.

Flexible automated connection to virtual private networks

A network interface unit is provided for use intermediate a LAN and a public or private network, or a combination of both, for establishing secure links to a VPN gateway. Login by a LAN client with the network interface unit, addressing, authentication, and other configuration operations achieved using a web page-based GUI are applied in establishing tunnels from LAN clients to desired VPN destinations. Illustrative network interface units include a DHCP server and provide encryption-decryption and encapsulation-decapsulation of data packets for communication with VPN nodes. Configuration and connection of a client are further enhanced by a built-in DNS server and other functional servers to provide a high degree of autonomy in establishing connections to a desired VPN gateway via an ISP or other public and/or private network links to. The interface unit then performs required authentication exchanges, and required encryption key exchanges.

Xenograft bone matrix for orthopedic applications

The invention provides for the use of an improved xenograft bone particulate with respect to osteo-integration and bone remodeling, while diminishing the primate-to-pig immunological response using established bone-processing technique. Work was carried out using undecalcified bone to determine immunocompatibilty and bone remodeling potential of processed porcine bone struts following onlay graft implantation. New bone formation was evident, including the infiltration of cellular materials responsible for fusion and bone reconstruction.

Method and apparatus for graft fixation

An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an ACL replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod co-operates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a pair of drill points to form a pair of tunnels transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill points are guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill points as the transverse tunnels are formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the second drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over up to the first drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The first drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place. Finally, the two free ends of the soft tissue replacement ...

Elbow Prosthesis

A prosthetic joint kit, particularly well suited for an elbow, transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, bearing structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.

Virtual teach and repeat mobile manipulation system

A method for controlling a robotic device is presented. The method includes positioning the robotic device within a task environment. The method also includes mapping descriptors of a task image of a scene in the task environment to a teaching image of a teaching environment. The method further includes defining a relative transform between the task image and the teaching image based on the mapping. Furthermore, the method includes updating parameters of a set of parameterized behaviors based on the relative transform to perform a task corresponding to the teaching image.

Modular humeral head resurfacing system

A two piece humeral component for use in joint arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a joint and engaged by a socket component of the joint. The joint component includes a body having a first articulating surface and a second medial surface opposite the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to be engaged by the socket and the second medial surface is adapted to be secured to mounting portion. The mounting portion has a first surface and a second medial surface. The first surface is adapted to be fixably engaged to the second mounting portion of the humeral component. The second medial surface is adapted to be secured to the humerus. A peg which has a first end adapted to engage a cavity found in the humerus is disposed on the mounting portion's second medial surface.

Method and apparatus for repairing a meniscus

An apparatus for repairing a separation in body tissue includes an elongated repair member having an intermediate portion extending between a first end and a second end. A first retaining portion is defined at the first end. A second retaining portion is defined at the second end. The elongated repair member is porous and adapted to allow vascularization through the body tissue while urging opposing portions of the separation together in an implanted position.

Method and apparatus for performing ACL reconstruction

A method and apparatus for drilling a bone for receipt of a first and second bundle includes drilling a first tunnel in the bone. A locating member extending along a first axis from the tool may be positioned into the first tunnel. A cutting guide may be moved relative to the locating member to define a lateral offset between the locating member and the cutting guide. The cutting guide may then be located at a desired offset. The second tunnel may then be formed in the bone with a cutting member associated with the cutting guide, the cutting member having a second axis in a defined orientation relative to the first axis.

System, method and computer program product for point-to-point voice-enabled driving directions

A system, method and computer program product are afforded for providing voice-enabled driving directions. Initially, an utterance representative of a destination address is received. Thereafter, the utterance is transcribed utilizing a speech recognition process. An origin address is then determined. A database is subsequently for queried generating driving directions based on the destination address and the origin address.

Method and apparatus for wrist arthroplasty

A prosthetic wrist having at least one of a radial insert, which is configured to be fixed to a radius of a patient, a carpal implant and a wrist bearing component. The carpal implant includes a body and a pair of flanges, each of which being skewed to the axis of the body in a manner that permits them to abut the ulnar side of the hamate bone and the radial side of the distal portion of the carpal bone complex, respectively. The radial insert may be provided with a plurality of modular portions to allow for selection and customization of an implant.

Devices and methods for simulating tire non-uniformity forces for vehicle vibration sensitivity measurements and tuning

The many embodiments of the present invention comprise a device to simulate first order and higher-order tire non-uniformity forces. Some embodiments may comprise a wheel adapter adapted to attach to a vehicle wheel, rotate in a first rotational direction, and to couple to a gearbox; a weight retaining member adapted to be coupled to the gearbox, wherein the gearbox is adapted to rotate the weight retaining member in a second rotational direction or at a second rotational speed in the first and second rotational directions; and a rotation restriction member adapted to attach to the gearbox and to restrict the gearbox from rotating. Other devices and methods are also claimed and described.

Method And Apparatus For Retaining A Fixation Pin To A Cannula

A medical device for placement in an anatomy and for use with a guide wire that generally includes a cannula member configured to be inserted into the anatomy. The cannula member has a wall that includes an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface. The inner wall surface defines an inner passage that extends along a longitudinal axis of the medical device. A guide wire holding member is formed in the wall of the cannula member. The guide wire holding member defines a cavity in the wall of the cannula member and an aperture in the inner wall surface in communication with the cavity that can receive the guide wire from the inner passage of the cannula member.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLIMATING LIGHT FROM A LASER-EXCITED PHOSPHOR ELEMENT

A lighting apparatus and method of steering light from a laser-excited phosphor element are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus includes: a laser module configured to generate coherent light; a concave mirror; and a phosphor capsule located proximate a focus of the concave mirror and configured to receive and phosphoresce in response to the coherent light and project resulting light upon the concave mirror, the concave mirror configured to direct the resulting light in a direction. The phosphor capsule comprises at least a first optical element configured to spread coherent light within the phosphor capsule, a second optical element opposite the first optical element, and a phosphor element positioned between the first optical element and the second optical element, phosphor element having an inner surface and an outer surface and a phosphor coating on at least one of the inner surface or outer surface.

Method and apparatus for bidirectional control of the color and diffusion of a light beam

A light fixture includes a flexible color filter material coupled to a scrolling mechanism that moves the material in a first direction to position a selected portion of the color filter material in a part of a light beam from the fixture. A device coupled to the mechanism may move the mechanism in a second direction so that another part of the light beam passes unfiltered. Different areas of the color filter material produce different colors. The device may move the mechanism in a direction parallel to a plane of the color filter material. The device may rotate the scrolling mechanism about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the plane of the color filter material. The color filter material may include a dichroic filter. The light fixture may also include a second scrolling mechanism coupled to flexible diffusion material, such that at least a part of the light beam of the light fixture may be diffused by a predetermined amount.

Anterior cruciate ligament xenografts

The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic ligament or tendon xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a ligament xenograft by removing at least a portion of a ligament from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonation, freeze/thaw cycling, and optionally chemical crosslinking. In addition to or in lieu of the above treatments, the methods include a cellular disruption treatment and either digestion of the carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft with a glycosidase in a range of about 1 mU/ml to about 1000 U/ml or glycosidase digestion followed by treatment for sialylation. The invention also provides articles of manufacture produced by one or more of the above-identified methods of the invention ...

SYSTEM, METHOD, AND SOFTWARE PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR TRACKING CALL FAILURES ON A WIRELESS PHONE

A system, method and software application track call failures on a wireless phone. A software application on the phone monitors outbound calls made on the phone to determine whether or not a call fails. In one embodiment, such monitoring is done only for a select period of time (e.g., the initial few seconds when the phone is attempting to connect to a call to the wireless communication carrier's network), and, in an alternate embodiment, such monitoring is done for the duration of the call. If a call fails, the software application stores information related to the call. Examples of such types of information include the time the call failed, the location of the phone at call failure, and identification information for the phone. The stored call information is then sent to the wireless communication carrier to enable the carrier to assess network quality. 1. A method for tracking call failures on a wireless phone , the method comprising:monitoring on a wireless phone outbound calls made on the phone;for each outbound call, determining on the phone whether or not the call fails;in response to determining that a call has failed, storing information relating to the call failure on the phone; andsending the information to a communication carrier that provides wireless telecommunication services for the phone.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether or not the call fails comprises determining whether or not the call fails within a time period approximately equal to or less than the time typically required for the phone to connect a call to the wireless communication carrier's network.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether or not a call fails comprises determining whether or not the call fails prior to the call being connected to the wireless communication carrier's network.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information is sent to the wireless communication carrier after each call failure.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information ...

Variable Prosthesis

The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem. 116.-. (canceled)17. A method of implanting a femoral prosthesis system in a patient , comprising:determining an anteversion angle of a natural femur relative to a pelvis of the patient;selecting an adapter having an adapter center axis and an adapter offset connection, wherein the adapter offset connection has an adapter connection center axis;selecting a femoral head having a head center axis and an offset head connection, wherein the offset head connection has a head connection center axis; androtating the selected adapter relative to the selected femoral head to achieve a selected offset of the adapter connection center axis relative to the head connection center axis;wherein the selected offset of the adapter connection center axis relative to the head connection center axis is based on the determined anteversion angle.18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the adapter offset connection includes a female locking taper.19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the adapter connection center axis is defined substantially through a center of the adapter offset connection.20. The method of claim 17 , wherein rotating the selected adapter relative to the selected femoral head to achieve the selected offset of the adapter connection center axis relative to the head connection center axis includes achieving the selected offset at or between a maximum offset and substantially zero ...

System for automated connection to virtual private networks related applications

A network interface unit is provided for use intermediate a LAN and a public or private network, or a combination of both, for establishing secure links to a VPN gateway. Login by a LAN client with the network interface unit, addressing, authentication, and other configuration operations achieved using a web page-based GUI are applied in establishing tunnels from LAN clients to desired VPN destinations. Illustrative network interface units include a DHCP server and provide encryption-decryption and encapsulation-decapsulation of data packets for communication with VPN nodes. Configuration and connection of a client are further enhanced by a built-in DNS server and other functional servers to provide a high degree of autonomy in establishing connections to a desired VPN gateway via an ISP or other public and/or private network links to. The interface unit then performs required authentication exchanges, and required encryption key exchanges.

Soft tissue conduit device

A method of conducting biological materials to soft tissue. The method includes loading a conduit device onto a delivery shaft of an inserter, inserting at least a portion of the delivery shaft into soft tissue, expelling the conduit device from the delivery shaft into the tissue, and delivering biological material through an access port of the inserter into at least one outer longitudinal channel of the conduit device.

EMBEDDINGS + SVM FOR TEACHING TRAVERSABILITY

A system includes a memory module configured to store image data captured by a camera and an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the memory module. The electronic controller is configured to receive image data captured by the camera, implement a neural network trained to predict a drivable portion in the image data of an environment. The neural network predicts the drivable portion in the image data of the environment. The electronic controller is configured to implement a support vector machine. The support vector machine determines whether the predicted drivable portion of the environment output by the neural network is classified as drivable based on a hyperplane of the support vector machine and output an indication of the drivable portion of the environment. 1. A system comprising:a memory module configured to store image data captured by a camera; and receive image data captured by the camera;', 'implement a neural network trained to predict a drivable portion in the image data of an environment, wherein the neural network predicts the drivable portion in the image data of the environment;', 'implement a support vector machine, wherein the support vector machine determines whether the predicted drivable portion of the environment output by the neural network is classified as drivable based on a hyperplane of the support vector machine; and', 'output an indication of the drivable portion of the environment., 'an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the memory module, wherein the electronic controller is configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the neural network is trained offline with a plurality of images of environments that are annotated with drivable portions or non-drivable portions.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic controller is further configured to:provide a user interface on a display, wherein the user interface includes the image data;provide an interactive tool for editing or annotating drivable ...

Method and apparatus for bone fixation

An implant can include a bridge member having an upper surface, a lower surface and opposed sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces, where at least the sides can be formed of a porous metal construct having a porous metal outer surface. First and second fixation members can be integrally connected with the bridge member and can include a body having a width greater than a corresponding width of the bridge member and a length greater than a corresponding length of the bridge member, where at least the body can be formed of the porous metal construct with the porous metal outer surface. The implant can be positioned into the bone segments such that the bridge member can fix the bone segments in a first direction perpendicular to the bridge member and the fixation members can fix the bone segments in a second direction parallel to the bridge member.

System and Method for Powering Accessories in a Hybrid Vehicle

A heavy-duty hybrid vehicle power system includes a main power unit located in an engine compartment; an electric propulsion motor; a DC bus that receives DC power from the main power unit; a vehicle accessory traditionally powered directly from an internal combustion engine of a conventional heavy-duty vehicle and requiring more than 1 kilowatt of power; an electric accessory motor, which is electrically coupled with the DC bus and mechanically coupled with the vehicle accessory, configured to supply power to the vehicle accessory, and the electric accessory motor and vehicle accessory carried by the heavy-duty vehicle either inside or outside of the engine compartment; and at least one of an ultracapacitor pack and a fly wheel coupled with the DC bus and configured to store power when the main power unit is on and supply power in place of the main power unit when the main power unit is off.

Method and apparatus for soft tissue fixation

A positioning member may be released to move an anchor member to a holding position. The positioning member being operable to be held in a selected orientation until the anchor member is in a selected position.

Method and apparatuses for securing suture

Various suture anchors and surgical methods are provided. A two-part suture anchor is provided having a continuously threaded anchor body defining an axial bore and a pin. The pin includes a tip and a plate defining at least two suture receiving openings aligned in a single plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axial bore is disposed in anchor body. Methods of attaching soft tissue to bone are also provided.

Clamp ring

A clamp ring includes a generally arced portion. The generally arced portion has a top half and a bottom half each having a guide channel formed therein, the top half and the bottom half each have an exterior portion and an interior portion defining boundaries of the guide channels. The interior portions together have a partially circular cross section with a number of interior reliefs formed therein and the exterior portions together have a partially circular cross section with a number of exterior reliefs formed therein that is greater than zero and equal to or greater than the number of interior reliefs formed in the interior portions.

Method and Apparatus for Forming a Self-Locking Adjustable Loop

An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween that defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can include first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween that defines a second passage portion. The first end of the first flexible member can pass into and through the second passage portion in a first direction such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion. The first end of the second flexible member can pass into and through the first passage portion in a second direction such that the first end of the second flexible member extends outside of the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct. Applying tension to the first ends can draw the passage portions and corresponding second ends toward each other. 1. An apparatus for use in surgical implantation , comprising:a first flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first body extending therebetween, the first body defining a first passage portion;a second flexible member having a first end, a second end and a second body extending therebetween, the second body defining a second passage portion;the first end of the first flexible member passing into and through the second passage portion in a first direction such that the first end of the first flexible member extends outside of the second passage portion; andthe first end of the second flexible member passing into and through the first passage portion in a second direction such that the first end of the second flexible member extends outside of the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct;wherein applying tension to the first ends of the first and second flexible members draws the first and second passage portions and corresponding second ends toward each other.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second ends of the first and second flexible members ...

Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone

A method can include forming a bore in a bone of a patient and positioning a first anchor in the bore. The first anchor can have a self-locking adjustable suture construct extending therefrom that can include first and second adjustable loops. The first adjustable loop can be positioned about a first portion of the soft tissue and the second adjustable loop can be positioned about a second portion of the soft tissue different than the first portion. A coupling element carried by the second adjustable loop can be coupled to the first adjustable loop. An end of the adjustable suture construct can be tensioned to reduce a size of the first and second adjustable loops to couple the soft tissue to the bone. 1. A method for use in coupling soft tissue to bone , comprising:forming a bore in a bone of a patient;positioning a first anchor in the bore of the bone, the first anchor having a self-locking adjustable suture construct extending therefrom, the adjustable suture construct having first and second adjustable loops;positioning the first adjustable loop about a first portion of the soft tissue;positioning the second adjustable loop about a second portion of the soft tissue different than the first portion;positioning a coupling element carried by the second adjustable loop through the first adjustable loop; andtensioning an end of the adjustable suture construct such that the coupling element is coupled to the first adjustable loop and the first and second adjustable loops cooperate to form a loop structure over at least a portion of the soft tissue to couple the soft tissue to the bone.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the first anchor in the bore of the bone includes positioning a first flexible anchor in the bore of the bone; andwherein positioning the coupling element carried by the second adjustable loop through the first adjustable loop includes positioning a second flexible anchor carried by the second adjustable loop through the first adjustable ...

VARIABLE PROSTHESIS

The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem. 1. A variable prosthesis system , comprising:a femoral head having an articulating surface defining a diameter and a generally opposed surface, a head female taper formed into the femoral head through the opposed surface, wherein a head center axis of the femoral head is offset a first radial distance from a head taper center axis of the head female taper;an adapter having a first side and a generally opposed second side, the adapter defining a first adapter taper, wherein the adapter has an adapter center axis offset a radial distance from an adapter taper axis defined by the first adapter taper;a neck operable to be connected to the adapter;wherein the femoral head, the adapter, and the neck are selectively connected to achieve a selected femoral head offset relative to the neck.2. The femoral prosthesis system of claim 1 , wherein the head center axis of the femoral head is defined through a center of the articulating surface.3. The femoral prosthesis system of claim 2 , wherein the head taper center axis of the head female taper is defined through a center of the head female taper and a taper angle of the head female taper is defined relative to the head taper center axis.4. The femoral prosthesis system of claim 3 , wherein the head center axis of the femoral head is offset about 1 mm to about 10 mm from the first radial distance from the head taper center axis of ...

Fracture Fixation Device

Assemblies for securing fractured bone are provided. The assembly includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an adjustable flexible member construct. The first fixation element having a male or a female sleeve is secured within a first portion of the fractured bone. The second fixation element having the other of the male or female sleeve telescopically received within the one of the male or female sleeve is secured within a second portion of the fractured bone. The adjustable flexible member construct extends between the first and second fixation elements and has at least one adjustable loop coupled to the first fixation element and the second fixation element and a pair of adjusting ends extending through an opening in the first fixation element. The pair of adjusting ends can be pulled to reduce a diameter of the adjustable loop and to compress fragments of the fractured bone.

Method And Apparatus For Wrist Arthroplasty

A method of implanting a prosthesis relative to a carpal complex of a wrist is provided. The method can include providing a carpal implant having a body including an ulnar flange and a radial flange, and locating a bone abutment surface of the ulnar flange against a triquetrum of the carpal complex. The method can also include locating a bone abutment surface of the radial flange against a scaphoid of the carpal complex, and locating a first dorsal flange extending from the ulnar flange against a posterior surface of the triquetrum. 1. A method of implanting a prosthesis relative to a carpal complex of a wrist comprising:providing a carpal implant having a body and including a bone abutment surface and at least one flange extending from the bone abutment surface;resurfacing at least portions of identified bones of the carpal complex including at least one of a scaphoid, lunate and triquetrum;locating the bone abutment surface of the carpal implant against the resurfaced portions of the identified bones;locating a first flange of the at least one flange against the carpal complex;advancing a first bone screw through a first aperture in the body into one of the identified bones;advancing a second bone screw through a second aperture in the first flange and into a first bone of the identified bones; andadvancing a third bone screw through a third aperture in the first flange and into a second bone of the identified bones, the second bone being distinct from the first bone.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:bending at least one flange extending from an ulnar and radial portion of the body relative to a remainder of the body to a position against a medial or lateral face of the identified bones.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:bending a supplemental ulnar flange portion to a position against the triquetrum; andbending a supplemental radial flange portion to a position against a trapezium of the carpal complex.4. The method of claim 3 , further ...

Modular Humeral Head Resurfacing System

A set of surgical components for use in a joint arthroplasty to reconstruct a head of a joint is provided. The set of surgical components can include a head member having a first articulating surface opposite a first fixation surface. The first fixation surface can define a first portion that extends outwardly from the first fixation surface. The set of surgical components can include a base member having a fixation peg with three generally triangular fins and a second fixation surface defined as a recess within a top surface of the fixation peg. The first portion of the head member can be received within the recess of the base member to couple the head member to the base member. 1. A set of surgical components for use in a joint arthroplasty to reconstruct a head of a joint , the set of surgical components comprising:a head member having a first articulating surface opposite a first fixation surface defining a first portion that extends outwardly from the first fixation surface; anda base member having a fixation peg with three generally triangular fins and a second fixation surface defined as a recess within a top surface of the fixation peg,wherein the first portion of the head member is received within the recess of the base member to couple the head member to the base member.2. The set of surgical components of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the first fixation surface further comprises a male tapered portion and the recess of the second fixation surface includes a female taper that mates with the male tapered portion.3. The set of surgical components of claim 1 , wherein the fixation peg extends along a longitudinal axis of the base member.4. The set of surgical components of claim 3 , wherein the three generally triangular fins are substantially evenly spaced about the longitudinal axis of the base member.5. The set of surgical components of claim 4 , wherein each of the three generally triangular fins has an edge claim 4 , and the edge is ...

Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. 1. A method for coupling soft tissue to bone , comprising:forming a tunnel in the bone;positioning a flexible anchor having a suture construct coupled thereto into the tunnel, the flexible anchor having a body defining a hollow interior, the suture construct being in the form of a loop of suture having a first loop end positioned in the hollow interior and outside of the hollow interior at a position intermediate the first end of the body and a second end of the body such that a remaining portion of the body extending from the intermediate position to the second end of the body includes an absence of the suture construct;coupling the soft tissue to the suture construct;pulling the flexible anchor with the soft tissue coupled thereto through the tunnel via the remaining portion of the body; andapplying tension to the suture construct to collapse the flexible anchor relative to a positive locking surface of the bone from a first profile configured for passing the flexible anchor through the tunnel to a second profile forming an anchoring mass relative to the positive locking surface.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein coupling soft tissue to the suture construct includes passing the soft tissue through the first loop end and a second loop end of the suture construct extending from the flexible anchor proximate the first end of the flexible anchor claim 1 , where the loop of suture is ...

Pyrocarbon Orthopedic Implant

An orthopedic prosthetic device having at least one pyrocarbon insert is provided. The prosthetic device can include a prosthetic component having an articulating surface and a bone engagement surface. The articulating surface can be formed of a material that is distinct from pyrocarbon and is arranged to receive the at least one pyrocarbon insert so as to position a pyrocarbon articulating surface of the at least one pyrocarbon insert relative to the prosthetic component articulating surface. 1. An orthopedic prosthetic device , comprising:a first plurality of pyrocarbon inserts each having a first pyrocarbon articulating surface and an elongated body defining a first longitudinal axis;a second plurality of pyrocarbon inserts each having a second articulating surface and an elongated body defining a second longitudinal axis;a first prosthetic component having a first bone engaging surface and an articulating surface, said articulating surface being formed of a material distinct from pyrocarbon and arranged to receive said first plurality of pyrocarbon inserts so as to position the first pyrocarbon articulating surfaces relative to the articulating surface, the first plurality of pyrocarbon inserts surrounded by the articulating surface; anda second prosthetic component having a second bone engaging surface and an articular surface, said articular surface being formed of a material distinct from pyrocarbon and arranged to receive said second plurality of pyrocarbon inserts so as to position the second pyrocarbon articulating surfaces relative to the articular surface, the second plurality of pyrocarbon inserts surrounded by the articular surface, the first and second pyrocarbon articulating surfaces configured to cooperate with each other;wherein the first and second prosthetic components comprise a direction of articulation, the first longitudinal axis of each of the first plurality of pyrocarbon inserts being parallel to the direction of articulation and the ...

Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to Bone

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone. The method includes the following: implanting in bone a first anchor including a first suture construct connected to the first anchor; passing a first adjustable loop of the first suture construct at least one of over or through the soft tissue; coupling the first adjustable loop to one of a first locking feature of the first anchor or a second locking feature of a second anchor; adjusting the first adjustable loop by pulling a first end of the first suture construct; and securing the soft tissue against bone by pulling the first end of the first suture construct. 1. A method for coupling soft tissue to bone comprising:implanting in bone a first anchor including a first suture construct connected to the first anchor;passing a first adjustable loop of the first suture construct at least one of over or through the soft tissue;coupling the first adjustable loop to one of a first locking feature of the first anchor or a second locking feature of a second anchor;adjusting the first adjustable loop by pulling a first end of the first suture construct; andsecuring the soft tissue against bone by pulling the first end of the first suture construct.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising coupling the first adjustable loop to a hook of one of the first locking feature or the second locking feature.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising coupling the first adjustable loop to the second locking feature prior to implanting the second anchor in bone.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein pulling the first end of the first suture construct includes pulling the first end that has been passed through a first passage portion defined by the first suture construct claim 1 , and first and second apertures defined by the first suture construct at opposite ends of the first passage portion.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising passing a second adjustable loop of the first ...

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURES USING SHARED STORAGE

A method includes providing a persistent common view of data, services, and infrastructure functions accessible via one or more shared storage systems of a plurality of shared storage systems of a virtual shared storage system. The method includes applying different governance policies to two or more shared storage systems of the plurality of shared storage systems. The method includes restricting access to first content accessible via a first shared storage system of the plurality of shared storage systems based on a security level associated with a data consumer. The first content corresponds to at least one of first data, a first service, and a first infrastructure function. 1. A method comprising:providing a persistent common view of data, services, and infrastructure functions accessible via one or more shared storage systems of a plurality of shared storage systems of a virtual shared storage system;applying different governance policies to two or more shared storage systems of the plurality of shared storage systems; andrestricting access to first content accessible via a first shared storage system of the plurality of shared storage systems based on a security level associated with a data consumer, wherein the first content corresponds to at least one of first data, a first service, and a first infrastructure function.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a first governance policy applied to the first shared storage system is associated with providing access to the first shared storage system claim 1 , wherein the first governance policy indicates that a first portion of the first content is accessible based on a first security level and a second portion of the first content is accessible based on a second security level.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein restricting access to the first content further comprises:determining whether the security level associated with the data consumer corresponds to one of the first security level and the second security level; ...

Computer architectures using shared storage

A method includes providing a persistent common view of a virtual shared storage system. The virtual shared storage system includes a first shared storage system and a second shared storage system, and the persistent common view includes information associated with data and instructions stored at the first shared storage system and the second shared storage system. The method includes automatically updating the persistent common view to include third information associated with other data and other instructions stored at a third shared storage system in response to adding the third shared storage system to the virtual shared storage system.

Thin shell graft for cartilage resurfacing

An articular cartilage shell graft is designed to treat the arthritic population for which current biologic treatments are insufficient and as a biological-stage repair for intervention before prosthetic knee arthroplasty.

Method and Apparatus for Forming a Bone Hole

A method and tool for creating a location for a fixation device to be secured to a bone. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with an outer surface of the bone. The bone cutting tool is rotated about the longitudinal axis while driving it from the outer surface of the bone to a predetermined depth in the bone to form a bore. The bone cutting tool is then continuously rotated at the predetermined depth to establish an enlarged bone pocket at a distal end of the bore. The bone pocket defines a shoulder extending around a circumference between the bone pocket and bore. The bone cutting tool is removed from the bone pocket and bore. The fixation device is then inserted into the bone pocket through the bore, where it is seated against the bone pocket shoulder. 1. A method for attaching a fixation device to a bone , the method comprising:bringing a bone cutting tool having a body portion that extends along a longitudinal axis into engagement with an outer surface of the bone;rotating the bone cutting tool about the longitudinal axis while driving the bone cutting tool from the outer surface of the bone to a predetermined depth in the bone to form a bore;slidingly engaging the body portion of the bone cutting tool with a sleeve member at a first location;continuously rotating the bone cutting tool at the predetermined depth to establish an enlarged bone pocket at a distal end of the bore, the bone pocket defining a shoulder extending around a circumference between the bone pocket and the bore;removing the bone cutting tool from the bone pocket and the bore;inserting the fixation device into the bone pocket through the bore; andpositioning the fixation device against the shoulder of the bone pocket.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein continuously rotating the bone cutting tool is performed without removing the bone cutting tool from the bore and after rotating the bone cutting tool into position at the ...

Tissue Engaging Member

A system includes a flexible member and a tissue engaging member fixed to the flexible member. The tissue engaging member includes a barb preformed to extend rearward from a distal end of the flexible member at an acute angle relative to the flexible member. 120-. (canceled)21. An elongate member , comprising:an elongate body to which a suture engaging feature is fixed; anda tissue engaging member protruding from the elongate body at an angle other than parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, wherein the elongate body is rigid.22. The elongate member of claim 21 , wherein the tissue engaging member includes a plurality of tissue engaging members aligned in axial rows extending along a length of the elongate body and spaced apart about a perimeter of the elongate body.23. The elongate member of claim 21 , further comprising an actuator operable to actuate the tissue engaging member relative to the elongate body.24. The elongate member of claim 21 , wherein the tissue engaging member includes at least two barbs aligned in at least one row extending along a length of the elongate body claim 21 , the barbs extending rearward from a distal end of the elongate body claim 21 , and wherein a first distance between tips of the at least two barbs is greater than a second distance between bases of the at least two barbs.25. An elongate member claim 21 , comprising:an elongate body defining a hole for receiving a suture; anda plurality of barbs extending radially outward from the elongate body and extending rearward from a distal end of the elongate body, wherein the elongate body is rigid.26. The elongate member of claim 25 , wherein the plurality of barbs have a stiffness that causes the barbs to deflect toward the elongate body as the elongate body is inserted into tissue and to deflect away from the elongate body as a removal force is applied to the elongate body claim 25 , and wherein the elongate body is configured to remain rigid while the plurality of ...

METHODS OF AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A FLEXIBLE COMPOSITE HAVING RESERVOIRS AND CAPILLARIES

A method of manufacturing a flexible composite panel having a plurality of reservoirs connected by at least one capillary includes forming a capillary assembly by winding a flexible, deformable capillary base web partially around a rotating cylinder that has a plurality of recessed features formed therein; drawing the capillary base web into the recessed features to form the capillaries in the capillary base web; filling the capillaries; and laminating a capillary barrier web over the capillary base web. A flexible reservoir assembly is formed by cutting the perimeter of the at least two reservoirs and associated catchments into a flexible reservoir web; removing the waste cut interiors of the reservoirs and the catchments from the reservoir web; securing the reservoir web to a base layer; overfilling each reservoir; and laminating the capillary assembly over the reservoir assembly, driving excess filler from the reservoirs into the catchments. 1. A method of forming a flexible capillary assembly having a set of at least one filled capillary , the method comprising:winding a flexible, deformable capillary base web partially around the surface of a rotating cylinder that has a plurality of sets of recessed features formed therein, each set corresponding to a set of capillaries;connecting the recessed features underlying the capillary base web to a source of reduced pressure to draw the capillary base web into the recessed features and form the set of capillaries therein;applying a fill material to the surface of the capillary base web to fill the set of capillaries; andlaminating a flexible capillary barrier web over the capillary base web to close the set of capillaries.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of applying a fill material uses a chambered doctor blade system claim 1 , with a central wet zone of the fill material and entrance and exit blades claim 1 , to apply the fill material to the set of capillaries passing below the central wet zone ...

Chondral Defect Repair

A tissue repair device. The tissue repair device includes a tubular shaft having a longitudinal bore for delivering biological material to a soft tissue defect, and an awl having a distal end configured for microfracturing bone underlying the defect. The tubular shaft and the awl are movable relative to one another such that the awl is at least partially positioned within the longitudinal bore of the tubular shaft. 1. A tissue repair device comprising:a handle having a slider;a delivery shaft having proximal end and a distal end, the delivery shaft defining a longitudinal bore for delivering biological material, the proximal end of the delivery shaft coupled to the handle;an awl received in the longitudinal bore of the delivery shaft, the awl having a distal tip configured for microfracturing, the awl moveable by the slider between a first retracted position in which the distal tip of the awl is inside the delivery shaft and a second extended position in which the distal tip of the awl is extended out of the distal end of the delivery shaft.2. The repair device of claim 1 , further comprising an access port communicating with the longitudinal bore of the delivery shaft for delivering biological material into the delivery shaft.3. The repair device of claim 2 , further comprising a delivery device coupled to the access port for delivering biological material to the access port.4. The repair device of claim 1 , wherein the delivery shaft includes a distal tip configured for anchoring the distal tip on the tissue.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal bore has an inner diameter larger than an outer dimension of the awl such that a passage is defined therebetween for flow of biological material.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein a longitudinal passage for flow of biological material is defined between an inner dimension of the tubular shaft and an outer dimension of the awl.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the delivery shaft has a longitudinal wall ...

Software Program and Method For Offering Promotions On A Phone

The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion.

DEBRIS BLOWING AND/OR VACUUM APPLIANCE

A debris blowing and/or vacuum appliance. The appliance comprises a body including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid externally of the body, a volute located in a flowpath between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and a centrifugal impeller located within the volute and rotatable by a motor to generate a flow of fluid, and a diffuser located immediately downstream of the centrifugal impeller between the centrifugal impeller and a volute outlet region. The diffuser comprises an annular channel surrounding the centrifugal impeller and has substantially constant radial width such that the impeller is radially spaced from the volute walls by at least the width of the diffuser. By providing such an arrangement, the efficiency of the impeller can be improved. 1. A debris blowing and/or vacuum appliance comprising a body including:a fluid inlet into the body;a fluid outlet for exhausting fluid out of the body;a volute assembly located in a flowpath between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; andan impeller located within the volute assembly and rotatable by a motor to generate a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the volute assembly comprising a volute outlet portion in communication with the fluid outlet; anda diffuser located immediately downstream of the impeller between the impeller and the volute outlet portion, the diffuser comprising an annular channel surrounding the impeller and having substantially constant radial width such that the impeller is radially spaced from the volute outlet portion by at least the width of the diffuser.2. The appliance according to claim 1 , wherein the diffuser is vaneless.3. The appliance according to claim 2 , wherein the diffuser comprises planar annular walls defining the annular channel.4. The appliance according to claim 3 , wherein the volute outlet portion has an expanding cross-sectional area in the downstream direction.5. The appliance according to claim 4 , wherein the cross- ...

Method for Tissue Fixation

A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member.

Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Method

A soft tissue repair device can include a housing having a handle, a deployment system having an actuation member, and an insertion system having an inserter and a slider. The slider can be coupled to the actuation member and movable relative to the inserter between deployed and retracted positions. First and second anchors can be carried on an external surface of the slider such that the anchors are spaced apart and portions of the anchors are coaxial with the slider and each other. A flexible strand can couple the anchors. The insertion system can cooperate with the deployment system to move the slider to the deployed position to deploy the first anchor upon activating the actuation member a first time, and to move the slider to the deployed position from the retracted position to deploy the second anchor upon actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time. 1. A method for repairing a tear in soft tissue , comprising:coupling first and second flexible anchors with a flexible strand;providing an insertion device having a housing with a pistol grip handle, an inserter and a slider carried in the inserter, wherein the inserter and the slider each have a distal end extending from the housing;loading the first and second coupled anchors on an external surface of the slider;inserting the inserter through the soft tissue at a first position from a first side of the tear to a second side of the tear;actuating an actuation member protruding from the pistol grip handle at a first time to translate a distal end of the slider beyond a distal end of the inserter;deploying the first anchor;releasing the actuation member after deploying the first anchor;inserting the inserter through the soft tissue for a second time in a second position;actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time to extend the distal end of the slider beyond the distal end of the inserter and deploy the second anchor;removing the inserter from the soft tissue;tensioning ...

Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods

A device for repairing tissue includes a first tubular anchor having a first central longitudinal axis and a first bore along the first central longitudinal axis, the first bore having a first curved surface and a first flat surface, and a first transverse bore perpendicular to the first central longitudinal axis and parallel to the first flat surface. The device includes a second tubular anchor having a second central longitudinal axis and a second longitudinal bore along the second central longitudinal axis, the second bore having a second curved surface and a second flat surface, and a second transverse bore perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis and parallel to the second flat surface. A flexible strand couples the first and second tubular anchors and passes through the first and second transverse bores. 1. A device for repairing tissue comprising:a first tubular anchor having a first central longitudinal axis and a first bore along the first central longitudinal axis, the first bore having a first curved surface and a first flat surface, and a first transverse bore perpendicular to the first central longitudinal axis and parallel to the first flat surface ;a second tubular anchor having a second central longitudinal axis and a second longitudinal bore along the second central longitudinal axis, the second bore having a second curved surface and a second flat surface, and a second transverse bore perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis and parallel to the second flat surface; anda flexible strand coupling the first and second tubular anchors and passing through the first and second transverse bores.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second anchors are substantially rigid.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the first and second anchors have open ends.4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an inserter having an open longitudinal channel and a deploying member movable along the longitudinal channel claim 1 , the ...

Method and Apparatus for Forming a Hole in Bone During a Surgical Procedure

A method and tool for forming a hole in a bone. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with a cortical portion of the bone. A distal portion of the bone cutting tool is passed into the cortical portion of the bone up to a first predetermined depth to form a first bore. The bone cutting tool is then driven in the axial direction to a second predetermined depth to form a keyway portion in the first bore with a cutting tooth of the bone cutting tool. The bone cutting tool is then rotated about the longitudinal axis to form a second bore in a cancellous portion of the bone. The first bore and the second bore have a shoulder extending therebetween. The bone cutting tool is removed from the hole formed by the first and second bores in the bone. 1. A method for forming a hole in a bone , the method comprising:bringing a bone cutting tool that extends along a longitudinal axis into engagement with a cortical portion of the bone;passing a distal portion of the bone cutting tool into the cortical portion of the bone up to a first predetermined depth to form a first bore;driving the bone cutting tool in an axial direction to a second predetermined depth to form a keyway portion in the first bore with a cutting tooth of the bone cutting tool;rotating the bone cutting tool about the longitudinal axis to form a second bore in a cancellous portion of the bone, the first bore and the second bore having a shoulder extending therebetween; andremoving the bone cutting tool from the hole formed by the first and second bores in the bone.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:inserting a repair tissue into the second bore; andpositioning a fixation device through the first bore to retain the repair tissue in the second bore.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein passing the distal portion of the bone cutting tool into the cortical portion of the bone further includes:rotating the bone cutting tool about the longitudinal ...

Method and Apparatus for Interosseous Membrane Reconstruction

A method for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone. The method includes: coupling a flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the flexible member extending past a first area of the interosseous membrane between the first bone and the second bone; and orienting the flexible member such that the flexible member extends generally parallel to fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane. 1. A method for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone comprising:coupling a flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the flexible member extending past a first area of the interosseous membrane between the first bone and the second bone; andorienting the flexible member such that the flexible member extends generally parallel to fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first bone is a radius and the second bone is an ulna claim 1 , and the flexible member extends through the interosseous membrane.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising anchoring the flexible member to the first bone with a first anchor and anchoring the flexible member to the second bone with a second anchor.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising coupling a first portion of the flexible member to the first bone and the second bone claim 1 , the first portion of the flexible member extending past the first area of the interosseous membrane generally parallel to the fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane; andcoupling a second portion of the flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the second portion of the flexible member extending past the interosseous membrane.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising coupling the first portion of the flexible member to the first bone with a first anchor and coupling the second portion of the flexible member to the first bone with a second ...

Knee Prosthesis Assembly With Ligament Link

A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component that engages a femur and at least one bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component thereon. Also, the assembly includes a tibial tray that engages a tibia and that supports the bearing. A ligament link coupling component is included on the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link coupling component is operable to couple to a ligament link to couple the ligament link to the femoral component or the tibial tray. Moreover, the assembly includes an opening included on the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link is received in the opening to bypass the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray to operably couple to the respective one of the femur or the tibia. 1. A method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly comprising:selecting for implantation a ligament link from a plurality of ligament links;engaging a femoral component to a femur;engaging a tibial tray to a tibia;intraoperatively choosing whether to operably couple the selected ligament link to one of the femur or the tibia;operably coupling the selected ligament link to the one of the femur or the tibia;extending the selected ligament link through an opening of one of the femoral component or the tibial tray, the one of the femoral component or the tibial tray operable to engage to the one of the femur or the tibia; andoperably coupling the selected ligament link to a coupling component of the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting a fastener from a plurality of fasteners for operably coupling the selected ligament link to the one of the femur or the tibia.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting the coupling component from a plurality of coupling components disposed on the tibial tray claim 1 , and wherein operably coupling the selected ligament link to the coupling component includes operably ...

Soft Tissue Repair Device and Associated Methods

A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. 1. A tissue repair device comprising:a handle;a first inserter extending from and movable relative to the handle;a second inserter extending from and movable relative to the handle;a first slider configured to move the first inserter relative to the handle; anda second slider configured to move the second inserter relative to the handle, wherein the first slider is configured to selectively move the first inserter from a first retracted position to a first extended position, and wherein the second slider is configured to selectively move the second inserter from a second retracted position to a second extended position.2. The repair device of claim 1 , wherein the first inserter is configured to carry a first anchor at a first distal end of the first inserter and the second inserter is configured to carry a second anchor at a second distal end of the second inserter.3. The repair device of claim 2 , wherein the first distal end defines a first groove transversely extending relative to a first longitudinal axis of the first inserter and the second distal end defines a second groove transversely extending relative to a second longitudinal axis of the second inserter claim 2 , wherein the first anchor is loaded externally on the first distal end and draped over the first groove and wherein the second anchor is loaded externally on the second distal end and draped over the second groove.4. The repair device of claim 3 , further comprising a first flexible anchor loaded on the first groove and a second flexible anchor loaded on the second groove claim 3 , wherein the first and second flexible anchors are ...

System and method for performing an action on a phone in response to a user initiating an outbound call to one or more select phone numbers

The present invention provides a system, method and software application for associating one or more phone numbers with an action on a phone and performing an action on the phone in response to the user initiating a call to one of such phone numbers. Certain phone numbers are associated with an action. The user's phone, or a server with which the user's phone communicates, maintains a table of the phone numbers associated with an action, and each phone number in the table is related to an action. Software on the user's phone listens for call initiated by a user. When the user initiates a call, software on the phone “intercepts” the call, and the phone (or a server with which the phone communicates) determines whether the call is to a phone number that is in the table. If the phone number is in the table, then it is associated with an action, and the user's phone performs that action at a time specified by instructions for such action. The action may be performed before, during, or after the call depending on the instructions associated with the call. Whether a call is placed to the original phone number ultimately depends on the action and the user's response to the action.

Method And Apparatus For Coupling Soft Tissue To A Bone

A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together.

Method And Apparatus For Suture Anchors With A Vertical Eyelet

A suture anchor for anchoring a suture in the selected portion of an anatomical portion for fixing a suture thereto. The suture anchor including an anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion wherein both the anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion are adopted to be substantially disposed below an exterior of the anatomical portion after implantation. Suture eyelets are provided in the suture engaging section and a suture passage is formed to interconnect the eyelets to allow a suture to be easily threaded in the suture engaging section from the first eyelet to the second eyelet. 1. A suture anchor to anchor a suture in a selected bone portion , comprising: a bone engaging portion to engage a selected bone region;', 'a suture protecting portion configured to substantially limit contact of the suture with the bone portion;', a suture engaging portion configured to hold a suture relative to said first member;', 'a first member engaging portion;, 'a second member, including], 'a first member, includingwherein when the suture engages said suture engaging portion, the suture is protected from generally contacting the selected bone portion after implantation of the suture anchor.2. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein said bone engaging portion and said suture protecting portion of said first member are integrally formed from a substantially a unitary portion.3. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein said suture engaging portion and said first member engaging portion of said second member are substantially integrally formed as a single unit.4. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein said bone engaging portion includes a deflectable member that is generally forced outwardly from said first member by said first member engaging portion;wherein said first member engaging portion engages said deflectable member to increase a pull out strength of said first member from the selected bone portion.5. The suture anchor of claim 4 , wherein said ...

Method for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone

A method for coupling tissue with a flexible member including a tail and a self-locking construct coupled to the tail. The self-locking construct includes a first loop and an adjustable second loop coupled thereto. The method includes implanting an anchor in bone. The anchor is slidably mounted to the tail. The tail is positioned relative to the tissue. An end of the tail is inserted through the first loop. The tail is passed through the first loop. The second loop is pulled into the anchor. The self-locking construct is positioned relative to the tissue. The self-locking construct is tightened against the tissue by pulling on an end of the self-locking construct. 1. A method for coupling tissue with a flexible member including a tail and a self-locking construct coupled to the tail , the self-locking construct including a first loop and an adjustable second loop coupled thereto , the method comprising:implanting an anchor in bone, the anchor slidably mounted to the tail;positioning the tail relative to the tissue;inserting an end of the tail through the first loop;passing the tail through the first loop, pulling the adjustable second loop into the anchor, and positioning the self-locking construct relative to the tissue; andtightening the self-locking construct against the tissue by pulling on an end of the self-locking construct.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising positioning the tail relative to the tissue one of before or after implanting the anchor in bone.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the tail includes positioning the tail such that the tail passes through a first tissue portion and a second tissue portion to arrange the self-locking construct across the first tissue portion and the second tissue portion claim 1 , and couple the first tissue portion to the second tissue portion.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the tail includes positioning the tail such that the tissue is between a first portion of the tail and a second ...

Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone

A flexible member for coupling tissue. The flexible member includes a tail and a self-locking construct. The tail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The tail defines a tail passageway proximate to the second end. The self-locking construct includes a first loop and an adjustable second loop. The second loop is slidably threaded through the tail passageway defined by the tail. The self-locking construct is configured such that passing the tail through the first loop so that the second loop extends into the first loop forms a tissue capture region defined by the self-locking construct. The tail passageway defined by the tail defines a locking member configured to secure the second loop to the first loop. 1. A flexible member for coupling tissue comprising:a tail including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the tail defining a tail passageway proximate to the second end; anda self-locking construct including a first loop and an adjustable second loop, the second loop slidably threaded through the tail passageway defined by the tail;wherein the self-locking construct is configured such that passing the tail through the first loop so that the second loop extends into the first loop forms a tissue capture region defined by the self-locking construct; andwherein the tail passageway defined by the tail defines a locking member configured to secure the second loop to the first loop.2. The flexible member of claim 1 , further comprising a first anchor defining a first anchor passageway claim 1 , the tail extends through the first anchor passageway and the first anchor is slidably mounted to the tail.3. The flexible member of claim 2 , wherein the first anchor is a first flexible anchor claim 2 , and further comprising a second flexible anchor defining a second anchor passageway claim 2 , the tail extends through the second anchor passageway and the second anchor is slidably mounted to the tail.4. The flexible member of claim ...

SPOOL CASSETTE, A CUTTING HEAD FOR A STRING TRIMMER AND A STRING TRIMMER

A spool cartridge for use in a cutting head of a string trimmer, in which the cutting head includes a locking arm having an engagement end and a balance end. The spool cartridge includes a spool rotatably mounted within a spool cassette housing and has cutting line wound thereon. The spool cassette housing includes one or more openings for the cutting line. An internal gear is formed in the spool and is in geared engagement with a locking assembly. The locking assembly is arranged to be engaged by the engagement end of the locking arm to automatically lock and unlock the spool with respect to the spool cassette housing. 1. A spool cassette for use in a cutting head of a string trimmer , in which the cutting head includes a locking arm having an engagement end and a balance end , the spool cassette comprising:a spool cassette housing having one or more openings for cutting line;a spool rotatably mounted within the spool cassette housing and having cutting line wound thereon, the spool having a recess forming an internal gear;a locking cam assembly in geared engagement with the internal gear, the locking cam assembly adapted to engage the engagement end of the locking arm to lock and unlock the spool with respect to the spool cassette housing.2. The spool cassette according to claim 1 , in which the locking cam assembly includes a pinion in engagement with the internal gear claim 1 , and a cam that is adapted to be engaged by the engagement end of the locking arm to lock the spool with respect to the spool cassette housing.3. The spool cassette according to claim 2 , in which the pinion has an axis of rotation and rotation of the pinion rotates the spool for controlled dispensing of cutting line from the spool.4. The spool cassette according to claim 2 , wherein the cam has at least two separate cam surfaces which are able to engage the locking arm.5. The spool cassette according to claim 4 , in which the cam surfaces are spaced approximately on opposite sides of the ...

Soft Tissue Repair Assembly And Associated Method

A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue. 1. A soft tissue repair device comprising:a first deformable anchor, the first deformable anchor deformable from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape;a first deformable vascularization conduit having a side wall and defining a plurality of perforations extending through the side wall; anda flexible strand having a first end and a second end and coupled to the first deformable anchor and the first deformable vascularization conduit, wherein upon pulling on at least one end of the flexible strand causes the first deformable anchor to deform from the first shape to the second shape.2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a first strand loop passing at least partially through a longitudinal bore of the first deformable anchor and having first and second loop ends extending outside the bore of the first deformable anchor.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the flexible strand passes through the first and second loop ends of the first strand loop.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the flexible strand extends through at least a portion of an inner bore of the first deformable vascularization conduit.5. The device of claim 4 , further comprising a second deformable anchor claim 4 , the second deformable anchor deformable from a third shape to a fourth shape different from the third shape claim 4 , wherein the flexible strand is coupled to the second deformable anchor.6. The device of claim 5 , further comprising a second deformable vascularization conduit ...

SUTURE BUTTON

A bone fixation assembly can include a suture button, a bone plate, and a suture assembly. The suture button can include a body that has a first end surface, a second end surface, and a circumferential outer surface. A first pair of passages can be formed through the body from the first end surface to the second end surface. The circumferential outer surface can include at least one protrusion or retaining rib extending radially therefrom. The bone plate defines an aperture. The suture button is configured to be at least partially received into the aperture in an assembled position such that the retaining rib engages the bone plate and inhibits withdrawal of the suture button from the aperture in the assembled position. The suture assembly includes a suture engaging member and a suture configured to couple the suture engaging member in the suture button. 1. A bone fixation assembly comprising:a suture button having a body that includes a first end surface, a second end surface, a circumferential outer surface and a first pair of passages formed through the body from the first end surface to the second end surface, the circumferential outer surface including at least one protrusion extending radially therefrom;a bone plate that defines an aperture, the suture button configured to be at least partially received into the aperture in an assembled position such that the at least one protrusion engages the bone plate and inhibits withdrawal of the suture button from the aperture in the assembled position; and a suture engaging member; and', 'a suture configured to couple the suture engaging member and the suture button., 'a suture assembly comprising2. The bone fixation assembly of wherein the suture button further defines a second pair of passages formed through the body from the first end surface to the second end surface.3. The bone fixation assembly of wherein the body defines a pair of radial openings that connect the second pair of passages claim 2 , respectively ...

PATIENT-SPECIFIC HIGH TIBIA OSTEOTOMY

A surgical method for tibia osteotomy includes attaching a patient-specific alignment guide to a corresponding surface of a tibia of a patient for whom the alignment guide is customized during a pre-operative planning stage and making a partial bone cut in the tibia through a planar slot of the alignment guide. The planar slot is oriented at a patient-specific angle relative to an anatomic axis of the patient and the angle is customized during the pre-operative planning stage. The method includes opening the bone cut to form an opening wedge, and inserting a patient-specific implantable wedge into the opening wedge. 1. A surgical method comprising:attaching a three-dimensional engagement surface of a patient-specific alignment guide to a corresponding surface of a tibia of a patient for whom the alignment guide is custom-made by computer imaging during a pre-operative planning stage, the three-dimensional engagement surface conforming as a negative surface to the corresponding surface of the patient's tibia;making a partial bone cut in the tibia through a planar slot of the alignment guide, the planar slot oriented at a patient-specific angle relative to an anatomic axis of the patient, the angle custom-selected during the pre-operative planning stage for correcting the patient's anatomy;opening the bone cut to form a wedge-shaped opening in the tibia; andinserting a patient-specific implantable wedge into the wedge-shaped opening, the implantable wedge including first and second planar surfaces defining a wedge angle therebetween, the wedge angle custom-selected during pre-operative planning for correcting the patient's anatomy.2. The surgical method of claim 1 , further comprising removably attaching a patient-specific fixation plate to the implantable wedge claim 1 , the patient-specific fixation plate having a custom made surface mating as a negative surface with a corresponding surface of the patient's tibia.3. The surgical method of claim 1 , wherein inserting ...

Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods

A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. 1. A tissue repair device comprising:a handle;a first inserter extending from and movable relative to the handle;a second inserter extending from and movable relative to the handle;a first slider configured to move the first inserter relative to the handle; anda second slider configured to move the second inserter relative to the handle, wherein the first slider is configured to selectively move the first inserter from a first retracted position to a first extended position, and wherein the second slider is configured to selectively move the second inserter from a second retracted position to a second extended position.2. The repair device of claim 1 , wherein the first inserter is configured to carry a first anchor at a first distal end of the first inserter and the second inserter is configured to carry a second anchor at a second distal end of the second inserter.3. The repair device of claim 2 , wherein the first distal end defines a first groove transversely extending relative to a first longitudinal axis of the first inserter and the second distal end defines a second groove transversely extending relative to a second longitudinal axis of the second inserter claim 2 , wherein the first anchor is loaded externally on the first distal end and draped over the first groove and wherein the second anchor is loaded externally on the second distal end and draped over the second groove.4. The repair device of claim 3 , further comprising a first flexible anchor loaded on the first groove and a second flexible anchor loaded on the second groove claim 3 , wherein the first and second flexible anchors are ...

Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods

A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. 1. A method for repairing a meniscal tear in meniscal tissue comprising:positioning a first inserter carrying a first anchor on a distal end of the first inserter adjacent to the meniscal tear;passing the distal end of the first inserter through the meniscal tear and deploying the first anchor at a first location on an outer surface of the meniscal tissue;retracting the first inserter relative to a second inserter;positioning the second inserter carrying a second anchor on a distal end of the second inserter adjacent to the meniscal tear;passing the distal end of the second inserter through the meniscal tear and deploying the second anchor at a second location on the outer surface of the meniscal tissue; andreducing the tear by tightening a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising completely removing the first inserter after deploying the first anchor.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising passing the distal end of the first inserter through a cannula.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising passing the distal end of the second inserter through the cannula.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using the flexible strand to rotate the first anchor on the outer surface of the meniscal tissue.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising using the flexible strand to rotate the second anchor on the outer surface of the meniscal tissue.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sliding the first inserter relative to the second inserter.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising passing the first anchor through the meniscal ...

BLOWER VACUUM DEVICE

The present invention relates to a blower vacuum device and in particular to a blower vacuum device for use in the collection of garden debris. The device is preferably one which is operable in a blowing mode to generate an air stream for blowing the debris into piles and also operable in a vacuum mode to suck debris into the device. 1. A blower vacuum device comprising:a housing comprising a motor located therein, the motor being operable with a first switch;a fan located in the housing, the fan being drivable by the motor;an attachment which is releasably attachable to the housing and arranged to cover the fan when attached to the housing, the attachment comprising an actuating projection attached to the attachment for actuating the first switch; andan interlock mechanism between the attachment and the housing, the interlock mechanism comprising an engageable lug attached to the attachment and a moveable cam surface, the moveable cam surface being mechanically coupled to a blocking plate wherein the blocking plate is moveable between an unblocking position when the engageable lug engages with the moveable cam surface and a blocking position when the engageable lug is not in engagement with the moveable cam surface;wherein the blocking plate prevents the actuating projection from actuating the switch when the blocking plate is in the blocking position.2. The blower vacuum device according to wherein the attachment is an air inlet grill or a vacuum tube.3. The blower vacuum device according to wherein when the actuating projection is actuating the switch claim 1 , the moveable cam moves such that the blocking plate moves from the unblocking position to the blocking position claim 1 , thereby preventing removal of the actuating projection.4. The blower vacuum device according to whereby the blower vacuum device comprises an attachment release button mechanically coupled to the moveable cam surface and for removing the attachment.5. The blower vacuum device according ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLABORATION OVER SHARED STORAGE

In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein enable synergy among a group of users by providing a real-time, secure collaboration environment that allows for cooperative interaction and decision making and provide the ability for users to simultaneously view, revise, and review a document or multimedia file that resides in a shared data storage location. Real-time, low latency, rich collaboration between producers and consumers provides organization efficiency, and this collaboration provides real-time, low latency transmission of data. 1. A method for real-time collaboration among a plurality of users over one or more networks in a shared storage system , the method comprising:sending, by a metadata server to the plurality of users, a designated data location in the shared storage system for storing collaboration data for a collaboration session;writing, to the designated data location in the shared storage system, to store the collaboration data from at least one of the plurality of users; andreading, from the designated data location to retrieve the collaboration data for viewing by one or more of the plurality of users.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:performing the writing and reading in real-time during the collaboration session; andproviding an ability for at least two of the plurality of users to simultaneously view and revise the collaboration data stored at the designated data location in the shared storage system.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:creating a real-time information stream in the shared storage system between a first user and a second user of the plurality of users.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:creating a metadata record with instructions for reassembling the collaboration data, wherein the writing to store the collaboration data includes disassembling the collaboration data,storing the metadata record in a metadata database, wherein the ...

Method And Apparatus For Tibial Fixation Of An ACL Graft

A tensioner system for use in tensioning graft strands in a knee reconstruction procedure can include a handle assembly, a tensioner assembly coupled relative to the handle assembly, and a drive shaft slidably received through and supported by the handle assembly. The tensioner assembly can include an arm support member rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and first and second arm members each rotatably coupled to lateral sides of the arm support member. Each arm member can include at least one graft attachment area adapted to be coupled to a graft strand. The arm support member can be configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tensioner system and perpendicular to an axis of rotation of each of the arm members. The drive shaft can include proximal and distal ends that extend beyond respective proximal and distal ends of the handle assembly. 1. A method for use in graft fixation in a knee reconstruction procedure , comprising:forming a femoral tunnel in a femur and a tibial tunnel in a tibia, the femoral tunnel having an opening adjacent a joint space between the femur and the tibia, and the tibial tunnel having an entrance at the joint space and an opposite exit spaced apart from the joint space;positioning a graft into the femoral tunnel and retaining the graft relative to the femoral tunnel;passing the graft though the tibial tunnel such that the graft extends beyond the exit of the tibial tunnel;coupling the graft to a tensioner device;positioning a bone engaging member of the tensioner device relative to the tibial tunnel;grasping the tensioner device and tensioning the graft by moving a portion of the tensioner device away from the bone engaging member thereby increasing a length of the tensioner device and applying tension to the graft; andungrasping the tensioner device, while the tensioner device maintains the tension in the graft.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein coupling the graft to a tensioner device includes ...

Method And Apparatus For Soft Tissue Attachment

An anchor assembly for retaining a graft in an anatomy. The anchor assembly includes an anchor body, a flexible connector, and a graft holding member. The anchor body includes a first connector bore defined by the anchor body. The flexible connector extends through the first connector bore. The graft holding member is attached to the flexible connector and is configured to hold the graft. 1. An anchor assembly for retaining a graft in an anatomy comprising:an anchor body having a first connector bore defined by the anchor body;a flexible connector extending through the first connector bore; anda graft holding member attached to the flexible connector and configured to hold the graft.2. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anchor body defines a second connector bore spaced apart from the first connector bore claim 1 , the first connector bore extends substantially parallel to the second connector bore.3. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a flexible activation member connected to the anchor body.4. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:an activation bore defined by the anchor body; anda flexible activation member extending through the activation bore.5. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the graft holding member is attached to the flexible connector with a flexible attachment member.6. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anchor body includes a button.7. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anchor body is rigid and monolithic.8. The anchor assembly of claim 3 , wherein the flexible connector and the flexible activation member are each sutures.9. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the anchor body is configured to fit within a bone tunnel.10. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the graft holding member is configured to separate a first portion of the graft from a second portion of the graft.11. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the graft holding member includes a body and a connection ...

Continuous phase compositions for acl repair

An implantable interference screw for use in a soft tissue repair, the screw having a bioresorbable body comprising a plurality of interconnected pores, the body having an instrument interface in one end and a thread around an exterior of the body starting from distal end. The plurality of interconnected pores of the resorbable body are substantially filled with a bioresorbable polymer.

Knee Prosthesis Assembly With Ligament Link

A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop. 1. A method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly comprising:operably coupling a femoral component of the knee joint assembly to a femur of a patient;operably coupling a tibial component of the knee joint assembly to a tibia of the patient;operably coupling a ligament link to one of the femur or the tibia; andoperably coupling the ligament link directly to one of the tibial component or the femoral component via a ligament link coupling component included on the one of the tibial component or the femoral component, the ligament link extending from a first end to a second end, the ligament link having an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion, the ligament link also having a first aperture passing through the outer wall and disposed between the first and second ends, the ligament link additionally having a second aperture passing through the outer wall and disposed between the first and second ends, the first end extending through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, the ...

Suture Anchor Reload

A suture anchor reload assembly for loading a suture anchor on an inserter. The assembly includes a first surface of the assembly, a second surface of the assembly, and a suture anchor holder. The first surface and the second surface define an inserter receptacle therebetween that is configured to accommodate the inserter. The suture anchor holder is arranged to hold a suture anchor across the inserter receptacle to be loaded onto the inserter as the inserter is driven through the inserter receptacle. 1. A suture anchor reload assembly for loading a suture anchor on an inserter , the suture anchor reload assembly comprising:a first surface and a second surface of the assembly defining an inserter receptacle therebetween configured to accommodate the inserter; anda suture anchor holder arranged to hold a suture anchor across the inserter receptacle to be loaded onto the inserter as the inserter is driven through the inserter receptacle.2. The suture anchor reload assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first surface is on a first portion of the assembly and the second surface is on a second portion of the assembly claim 1 , the first portion is separate from the second portion and is substantially similar to the second portion.3. The suture anchor reload assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a coupling device configured to secure the first portion to the second portion.4. The suture anchor reload assembly of claim 1 , wherein the assembly is monolithic.5. The suture anchor reload assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a coupling device configured to couple the suture anchor reload assembly to a guide handle.6. The suture anchor reload assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a coupling device configured to couple the suture anchor reload assembly to a drill guide handle.7. The suture anchor reload assembly of claim 1 , further comprising the inserter including a hook configured to couple the inserter to the suture anchor.8. The suture anchor reload assembly of claim 1 ...

POWER TOOL HAVING MULTIPLE OPERATING MODES

A handheld power tool is configured to receive an input indicative of a clutch setting for an electronic clutch from the tool operator, where the clutch setting is selectable from a drill mode, an automated drive mode and one or more user-defined drive modes. Each of the user-defined drive modes specifies a different value of torque at which to interrupt transmission of torque to the output spindle. In an automated drive mode, the controller interrupt torque to the output spindle in an automated manner when a fastener being driven reaches a desired stopping position. In a selected one of the user-defined drive modes, the controller sets a value of a maximum current threshold in accordance with the selected one of the user-defined drive modes and interrupts torque to the output spindle when current measures exceeding the maximum current threshold. 1. A method of controlling operation of a power tool having an electric motor drivably connected to an output spindle to impart rotary motion thereto , comprising:receiving, by a controller residing in the power tool, an input indicative of a clutch setting for an electronic clutch, the clutch setting being selectable from a drill mode and a drive mode; sampling periodically current delivered to the electric motor;', 'storing a sequence of current measures most recently sampled, the sequence of current measures being stored in a memory of the power tool; and', 'determining a slope for the sequence of current measures by way of linear regression;, 'monitoring, by the controller, torque applied to the output spindle when the clutch setting is in a drive mode by'}interrupting, by the controller, transmission of torque to the output spindle based in part on the slope of the sequence of current measures and when the clutch setting is in a drive mode; anddisregarding, by the controller, torque applied to the output spindle when the clutch setting is in drill mode.2. The method of further comprisesdetecting, by the controller, an ...

Method And Apparatus For Intraosseous Membrane Reconstruction

A method for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone. The method includes: coupling a flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the flexible member extending past a first area of the interosseous membrane between the first bone and the second bone; and orienting the flexible member such that the flexible member extends generally parallel to fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane. 1. A kit for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone , the kit comprising:at least one suture; a body;', 'a bone engagement surface;', 'a first through hole extending through the body, the first through hole defines a first drilling axis; and', 'a second through hole extending through the body, the second through hole defines a second drilling axis that is angled one of about 20° to 25° or about 40° to about 45° relative to the first drilling axis., 'a drill guide including2. The kit of claim 1 , further comprising a pin guide defining a hemispherical guide surface.3. The kit of claim 2 , further comprising a flexible guide pin configured to be guided by the pin guide.4. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the suture includes a self-locking claim 1 , braided suture construct having a sleeve portion that defines a first opening and a second opening claim 1 , a first end of the braided suture extends through both the first opening and the second opening claim 1 , and a second end of the braided suture extends through both the first opening and the second opening.5. The kit of claim 3 , wherein the flexible guide pin includes a pointed distal end and a hook proximate to the distal end configured to engage and guide the suture.6. The kit of claim 2 , wherein the pin guide includes a body having a bone engagement surface claim 2 , wherein the body defines the hemispherical guide surface.7. The kit of claim 6 , wherein the bone engagement surface of the pin guide ...

Methods And Apparatuses For Securing Suture

Various suture anchors and surgical methods are provided. A two-part suture anchor is provided having a continuously threaded anchor body defining an axial bore and a pin. The pin includes a tip and a plate defining at least two suture receiving openings aligned in a single plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axial bore is disposed in anchor body. Methods of attaching soft tissue to bone are also provided. 1. A suture anchor system for insertion into a portion of a patient , comprising:a body extending along a body axis from a proximal end to a distal end;a neck region configured to engage a suture portion to be placed about the neck region, wherein the neck region is formed nearer the distal end than the proximal end and be placed within the portion of the patient;wherein the body and at least the proximal end are configured to be driven directly into the portion of the patient that is unmodified.2. The suture anchor system claim 1 , wherein the distal end is formed as a conical tip.3. The suture anchor system claim 1 , further comprising:a plurality of radial extending protrusions.4. The suture anchor system claim 2 , wherein the plurality of radial extending protrusions are formed as a thread on an exterior of the body extending from the proximal end towards the distal end;wherein the conical tip is smooth.5. The suture anchor system of claim 1 , wherein the body is made of a composite of an osteoconductive ceramic and a resorbable polymer.6. The suture anchor system of claim 1 , further comprising a bore formed along a bore axis through the body transverse to the body axis;wherein the bore is configured to allow the suture portion pass therethrough and extend through the body.7. The suture anchor system of claim 6 , further comprising:at least one channel formed in the exterior of the body from the neck to the proximal end;wherein the channel is configured to receive an extending portion of the suture portion that extends from the bore; ...

Software program and method for offering promotions on a phone

The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion.

Method And Apparatus For Forming A Self-Locking Adjustable Loop

A self-locking adjustable loop construction and a method of forming the construction are disclosed. The construction can include a flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first portion therebetween. The first end can be passed back through the first portion at a first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from a first side of the flexible member to a second opposite side of the flexible member. The first end can be passed through the first portion at a second point spaced apart from the first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from the second side to the first side so as to place the second end outside of the first portion.

Method And Apparatus For Attaching Soft Tissue To Bone

A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include forming a bore in the bone and carrying a flexible suture anchor into the bore. The flexible anchor can include a passage and can be coupled to a suture construct. The suture construct can include at least one self-locking adjustable loop, and the flexible anchor can include a first profile while being carried into the bore. A shape of the flexible anchor can be changed from the first profile to a second profile forming an anchoring mass to retain the flexible anchor in the bore. Tension can be applied to a portion of the suture construct to reduce a size of the self-locking adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue relative to the flexible anchor and the bone.

Fixation Device For Delivery Of Biologic Material Between Soft Tissue And Bone

A fixation device for delivery of biological material between soft tissue and bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a first longitudinal bore and a first radial extending delivery bore and an insert having a second longitudinal bore and a second radial extending delivery bore. The first and second radial extending bores are aligned and positioned relative to a head of the anchor to deliver the biologic material between the soft tissue and the bone. 1. A method for attaching soft tissue to bone , comprising:forming a bore in bone;coupling a fixation device to a distal end of a delivery device;inserting the fixation device into the bone bore;positioning a radial passage in at least one of the fixation device and the delivery device at an interface between soft tissue and an outer surface of the bone; anddelivering biological material between the soft tissue and the outer surface of the bone through a longitudinal bore in the delivery device that is in communication with the radial passage.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising placing the soft tissue on the outer surface of the bone and above the bone bore.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising inserting the fixation device through the soft tissue before inserting the fixation device into the bone bore.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein coupling the fixation device to the distal end of the delivery device includes inserting a portion of the fixation device into a non-circular bore extending axially into the distal end of the delivery device.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the radial passage at the interface between the soft tissue and the outer surface of the bone includes partially seating the fixation device in the bone bore.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the radial passage at the interface between the soft tissue and the outer surface of the bone includes fully seating the fixation device in the bone bore.7. A method for attaching soft tissue to bone claim ...

Method for Bone Reattachment

A method for trochanteric reattachment can include positioning a femoral prosthesis relative to a proximal portion of a femur. A first portion of a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be coupled to a first attachment region of the prosthesis, and a second portion of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be coupled to a second attachment region of the femoral prosthesis, where the second portion can be opposite the first portion. A trochanter can be positioned relative to the femur and a trochanteric engaging region of the prosthesis, and the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be positioned around an outer surface of the trochanter. Free ends of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be tensioned to draw the trochanter into secure engagement with the prosthesis and the femur via the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct in an absence of a knot. 1. A method for reattachment of a bone , comprising:positioning a prosthesis relative to a proximal portion of a first bone;coupling a first portion of a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct to a first attachment region of the prosthesis;positioning a second bone portion relative to the first bone proximal portion and a second bone engaging region of the prosthesis;coupling a second portion of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct to the second bone portion; andtensioning free ends of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct to draw the second bone portion into secure engagement with the prosthesis and the first bone via the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct in an absence of a knot.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:forming a bore through the second bone portion that has been at least partially separated from the first bone; andwherein coupling the first portion of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct to the first attachment region of the prosthesis ...

Flexible Planar Member For Tissue Fixation

A flexible fixation assembly including a flexible main body and a suture engagement portion of the flexible main body. The suture engagement portion is configured to cooperate with a suture to mate the suture with the flexible main body. The flexible main body is configured to flex outward against walls of a bone hole when implanted therein to retain both the flexible main body and the suture mated therewith within the bone hole 1. A flexible fixation assembly comprising: a first generally planar surface;', 'a second generally planar surface opposite to, and spaced apart from, the first generally planar surface; and', 'a side surface extending between the first generally planar surface and the second generally planar surface; and, 'a flexible main body includinga suture engagement portion of the flexible main body configured to cooperate with a suture to mate the suture with the flexible main body;wherein the flexible main body is configured to flex outward against walls of a bone hole when implanted therein to retain both the flexible main body and the suture mated therewith within the bone hole.2. The flexible fixation assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible main body includes one of a planar circular disk claim 1 , a tapered portion at a center thereof claim 1 , a planar cloverleaf shape claim 1 , or a convex outer surface opposite to a concave inner surface.3. The flexible fixation assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible main body includes a first portion overlapping a second portion to define an aperture extending along a longitudinal axis claim 1 , the suture engagement portion is defined by the aperture.4. The flexible fixation assembly of claim 1 , wherein the suture engagement portion includes one of a single aperture defined by the flexible main body at an axial center thereof claim 1 , or a first aperture and a second aperture defined by the flexible main body on opposite sides of an axial center of the flexible main body.5. The flexible fixation ...

Method And Apparatus For Sternal Closure

A method and apparatus for securing a fractured or sectioned sternum in a patient's body is disclosed. The apparatus can include an attachment member and an adjustable flexible member construct. The attachment member can have a flexible member holder. The adjustable flexible member construct can have first and second ends and a body defining at least one passage portion. The first and second ends can be passed into and through the at least one passage portion via first and second openings associated with the at least one passage portion of the adjustable flexible member construct to form a pair of loops. The attachment member can be configured to be coupled to at least one of the formed pair of loops. The adjustable flexible member construct can be positioned about the sternum and can be reduced to compress the fractured or sectioned sternum. 1. A method for securing a fractured or sectioned sternum in a patient's body , comprising: providing a flexible member having first and second ends and a body defining first and second passage portions spaced apart from each other by a first portion of the flexible member;', 'passing the first end into and through the second passage portion and then into and through the first passage portion to form a first loop;', 'passing the second end into and through the first passage portion in an opposite direction as the first end and then into and through the second passage portion in an opposite direction as the first end to form a second loop; and', 'coupling an attachment member to the first and second loops;, 'forming an adjustable flexible member construct includingencircling the fractured or sectioned sternum by at least partially wrapping the formed adjustable flexible member construct about the sternum;coupling the first portion of the adjustable flexible member construct opposite the loops to the attachment member; andreducing the adjustable flexible member construct to compress the fractured or sectioned sternum.2. The ...

Scaffold For Spring Ligament Repair

A construct is disclosed that may be used to repair or replace a natural ligament. The construct may be formed of materials for biocompatibility and/or resorbtion. The construct may be provided or connected to a soft anchor for connection to a bone portion. 1. A method of augmenting a ligament , comprising:forming a first bore in a first bone;forming a second bore in a second bone, wherein the second bone is separate from the first bone and naturally connected with a natural ligament;positioning a first anchoring mass relative to the first bone via the first bore;positioning a second anchoring mass relative to the second bone via the second bore; andtensioning a ligament construct between the first anchoring mass and the second anchoring mass anchor.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming the first bore in the first bone includes forming the first bore in a navicular bone;wherein forming the second bore in the second bone includes forming the second bore in a calcaneus bone.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the first anchoring mass relative to the first bone via the first bore includes passing a first anchor through the first bone and positioning the first anchor on an exterior surface of the first bone opposite an insertion position of the ligament construct.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:applying a tensile load to the first anchor after passing the first anchor through the first bore, including applying the tensile load to a portion of a suture construct to form the first anchoring mass with the first anchor having a locking profile engaging the exterior surface of the first bone, wherein applying the tensile load collapses the first anchor from a first profile to a second profile having a larger diameter to form the anchoring mass.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the first anchoring mass relative to the first bone via the first bore includes passing a first anchor into the first bore and into the first bone and ...

Fracture Fixation Device

Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. A bone engaging fastener is coupled to bone. A second fastener is coupled to a suture construction. The second fastener is coupled to the first fastener. Soft tissue is coupled to the suture construction. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)3. A method of securing soft tissue to bone , comprising:locating a first anchor in a bone at a first location and a second anchor in the bone at a second location that is spaced from the first location with an adjustable suture construct extending between the first anchor and the second anchor to couple the first anchor to the second anchor with a segment of soft tissue positioned under the adjustable suture construct and over the bone between the first anchor and the second anchor, the adjustable suture construct including a suture with a first free end and a second free end, the first free end passing through a first longitudinal passage in the suture to form a first adjustable loop, the second free end passing through a second longitudinal passage in the suture to form a second adjustable loop, wherein, with the first free end extending through the first longitudinal passage in the suture to form the first adjustable loop and with the second free end extending through the second longitudinal passage in the suture to form the second adjustable loop, the first free end can be pulled through the first longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the first adjustable loop without decreasing a size of the second adjustable loop and the second free end can be pulled through the second longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the second adjustable loop without decreasing a size of the first adjustable loop; andpulling on the first free end of the suture to reduce a size of the first adjustable loop, wherein said pulling forces the segment of soft tissue against the bone.4. The method of further comprising pulling on the second ...

Suture Anchor Reload

A suture anchor loading system for loading a suture anchor on a suture. The suture anchor loading system includes a first portion and a second portion defining a suture anchor receptacle therebetween. A superstructure is configured to retain the first and the second portions together. The suture anchor can be loaded onto the suture when the suture anchor is seated within the suture anchor receptacle. 1. A suture anchor loading system for loading a suture anchor on a suture , the suture anchor loading system comprising:a first portion and a second portion defining a suture anchor receptacle therebetween; anda superstructure configured to retain the first and the second portions together;wherein the suture anchor can be loaded onto the suture when the suture anchor is seated within the suture anchor receptacle.2. The suture anchor loading system of claim 1 , further comprising an inserter for positioning the suture anchor at an implant site;wherein the first portion and the second portion further define an inserter receptacle therebetween configured to receive the inserter.3. The suture anchor loading system of claim 2 , further comprising the suture anchor.4. The suture anchor loading system of claim 2 , wherein the inserter receptacle is keyed to orientate a hook portion of the inserter to couple with the suture anchor seated in the suture anchor receptacle.5. The suture anchor loading system of claim 1 , wherein each one of the first portion and the second portion includes a body and a head portion claim 1 , the head portion including first and second flanges extending beyond side portions of the first and the second portions.6. The suture anchor loading system of claim 1 , wherein the first portion includes a first half of the suture anchor receptacle extending across the first portion claim 1 , and the second portion includes a second half of the suture anchor receptacle extending across the second portion.7. The suture anchor loading system of claim 1 , wherein ...

METHOD FOR IMPLANTING SOFT TISSUE

A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture. 120.-. (canceled)21. A method of making a surgical construct , comprising:obtaining an elongate bone engaging fastener with a braided hollow core suture extending through an interior passage in the elongate bone engaging fastener, the braided hollow core suture including a longitudinal segment located between a first free end and a second free end of the braided hollow core suture, the first free end braided to have a first diameter, the longitudinal segment braided to have a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter with a gradual increase in diameter occurring along the braided hollow core suture between the first free end and the longitudinal segment; andforming an adjustable suture construct with the braided hollow cure suture as the braided hollow core suture is extending through the interior passage in the elongate bone engaging fastener, wherein said forming includes passing the first free end of the braided hollow core suture longitudinally through a longitudinal passage in the braided hollow core suture to form a first self-locking adjustable loop, wherein the longitudinal passage extends through the longitudinal segment of the braided hollow cure suture, and wherein, during said passing, at least part of the longitudinal passage is positioned within the interior passage in the elongate bone engaging fastener so that said passing also passes the first free end of the braided ...

VEGETATION CUTTING DEVICE

A vegetation cutting device comprising a housing; a motor mounted in the housing configured to drive a drive gear or wheel, at least one rotatable eccentric cam mounted on the drive gear or wheel; a reciprocating blade assembly comprising a first blade and a second blade wherein the first blade is coupled to the at least one rotatable eccentric cam and the first blade is arranged to reciprocally move when driven by the at least one rotatable eccentric cam; and a cam adjustment mechanism for varying the eccentricity of the at least one rotatable eccentric cam with respect to the drive gear or wheel and thereby varying the distance through which the first blade moves. 1. A vegetation cutting device comprising:a housing;a motor mounted in the housing configured to drive a drive gear,at least one rotatable eccentric cam mounted on the drive gear;a reciprocating blade assembly comprising a first blade and a second blade wherein the first blade is coupled to the at least one rotatable eccentric cam and the first blade is arranged to reciprocally move when driven by the at least one rotatable eccentric cam; anda cam adjustment mechanism for varying the eccentricity of the at least one rotatable eccentric cam with respect to the drive gear and thereby varying the distance through which the first blade moves.2. The vegetation cutting device according to wherein the at least one rotatable eccentric cam is a first cam which is pivotally mounted on the drive gear and the cam adjustment mechanism comprises a pinion for engaging in a internal gear in the first cam.3. The vegetation cutting device according to wherein the second blade is reciprocally moveable and the at least one rotatable eccentric cam comprises a second rotatable eccentric cam mounted on the drive gear and the second cam is coupled to the second blade and the second blade is arranged to reciprocally move when driven by the second rotatable eccentric cam.4. The vegetation cutting device according to wherein the ...

SUTURE ANCHOR AND RELATED METHOD

A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include loading a suture through an eyelet of a suture anchor. The suture anchor can have a longitudinal axis and a distal tip. An anchor inserter assembly can be positioned in contact with the suture anchor. The anchor inserter assembly can include a sleeve portion and an impacting portion. The suture can be engaged with a suture engaging member on the suture inserter assembly at a location adjacent to the eyelet. The sleeve portion can be translated relative to the impacting portion from an alignment position to an insertion position thereby moving the suture a first distance offset from the eyelet in a direction away from the distal tip. The anchor insert assembly can be advanced to a driven position thereby advancing the suture anchor into the bone. The suture engaging member can be released from the suture. 1. A method for securing soft tissue to bone , the method comprising:loading a suture through an eyelet of a suture anchor, the suture anchor having a longitudinal axis and a distal tip;positioning an anchor inserter assembly in contact with the suture anchor, the anchor inserter assembly including a sleeve portion and an impacting portion;engaging the suture with a suture engaging member on the suture inserter assembly at a location adjacent to the eyelet;translating one of the sleeve portion and the impacting portion relative to the other of the sleeve portion and the impacting portion from an alignment position to an insertion position thereby moving the suture a first distance offset from the eyelet in a direction away from the distal tip;advancing the anchor insert assembly to a driven position thereby advancing the suture anchor into the bone; andreleasing the suture engaging member from the suture.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein subsequent to translating one of the sleeve portions and impacting portion to the impacting position:applying a desired amount of tension on the suture; ...

SUTURE PASSER

A suture passer for passing a suture through tissue during surgery includes a tissue grasper, a piercing member and a suture retriever. The tissue grasper has a first jaw with a first opening and a second jaw with a second opening. The first jaw and/or the second jaw is/are movable between an open position and a clamped position. The first opening and the second opening align relative to each other when in the clamped position. The first jaw has a suture positioner for positioning a suture across the first opening. The piercing member forms an opening in the tissue. The suture retriever includes a distal end and a hook positioned proximally of the distal end. The suture retriever passes at least partially through the first opening and the second opening and the hook is used to retrieve the suture held across the first opening. 1. A suture passer for passing a suture through tissue during surgery , said suture passer comprising:a tissue grasper having a first jaw with a first opening and a second jaw with a second opening, at least one of said first jaw and said second jaw being movable between an open position and a clamped position, said first opening and said second opening aligning relative to each other when in the clamped position, said first jaw having a suture positioner for positioning a suture across said first opening;a piercing member; anda suture retriever including a distal end and a hook positioned proximally of said distal end, said suture retriever passing at least partially through said first opening and said second opening and said hook being used to retrieve the suture held across said first opening.2. The suture passer of claim 1 , wherein said distal end of said suture retriever includes said piercing member.3. The suture passer of claim 2 , wherein said distal end of said suture retriever includes a sleeve with a sharpened distal edge defining said piercing member.4. The suture passer of claim 3 , wherein said sleeve is tapered toward said ...

Method And Apparatus For Coupling Soft Tissue To A Bone

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. 1. A method of coupling soft tissue to bone , comprising:forming a bore in the bone;attaching the soft tissue to a first and a second adjustable loop of an adjustable suture construct, the adjustable suture construct having a body extending from a first end to a second end and defining an internal bore, the first end extends through a first aperture in the body along the internal bore and out a second aperture in the body to form the first adjustable loop, the second end extends through a separate third aperture in the body along the internal bore and out a separate fourth aperture in the body to form the second adjustable loop;positioning a fixation member attached to the adjustable suture construct relative to the bore in the bone; andtensioning the soft tissue with the adjustable suture construct.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming a bore in the bone further includes forming a tunnel into the bone.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein positioning the fixation member relative to the bore in the bone further includes passing the fixation member in a first profile through the tunnel; andengaging the fixation member in a second profile adjacent the tunnel.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the fixation member includes a collapsible tube that collapses from the first profile to the second profile under tension to form an anchoring mass.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO A BONE

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. 118.-. (canceled)19. A method of coupling soft tissue to bone , comprising:forming a bore in a bone;coupling a soft tissue graft to a first adjustable loop and a second adjustable loop of an adjustable suture construct, the adjustable suture construct including a first free end that passes through a first longitudinal passage in the adjustable suture construct to form the first adjustable loop and a second free end that passes through a second longitudinal passage in the adjustable suture construct to form the second adjustable loop, the first longitudinal passage separate from the second longitudinal passage in the adjustable suture construct;positioning a fixation member coupled to the adjustable suture construct outside the bone proximate a first opening in an outer surface of the bone, the first opening in the outer surface of the bone providing access to the bore; andtensioning the soft tissue graft with the adjustable suture construct.20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the bone is a femur claim 19 , the bore is a femoral tunnel that extends through a portion of the femur from the first opening to a second opening in the outer surface of the femur claim 19 , and the soft tissue graft is an ACL.21. The method of claim 20 , wherein said positioning the fixation member outside the femur proximate the first opening in the outer surface of the femur includes: passing the ...

FRACTURE FIXATION DEVICE

Assemblies for securing fractured bone are provided. The assembly includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an adjustable flexible member construct. The first fixation element having a male or a female sleeve is secured within a first portion of the fractured bone. The second fixation element having the other of the male or female sleeve telescopically received within the one of the male or female sleeve is secured within a second portion of the fractured bone. The adjustable flexible member construct extends between the first and second fixation elements and has at least one adjustable loop coupled to the first fixation element and the second fixation element and a pair of adjusting ends extending through an opening in the first fixation element. The pair of adjusting ends can be pulled to reduce a diameter of the adjustable loop and to compress fragments of the fractured bone. 1. (canceled)2. A method for securing a fractured bone comprising:(i) aligning first and second portions of the fractured bone, the first bone portion being on a first side of the fracture, and the second bone portion being on a second side of the fracture;(ii) engaging a first fixation member with the first bone portion and a second fixation member with the second bone portion;(iii) providing or obtaining an adjustable suture construct defining a first adjustable loop, wherein the adjustable suture construct includes first and second free ends, and first and second sections of the adjustable suture construct pass through a self-locking passage portion of the adjustable suture construct to form the first adjustable loop;(iv) positioning the first adjustable loop of the adjustable suture construct across the fracture;(v) engaging a first loop portion of the first adjustable loop with the first fixation member, and engaging a second loop portion of the first adjustable loop with the second fixation member;(vi) tensioning the first and second free ends of the adjustable ...

Anchor Assembly And Method Of Use

The present teachings provide a flexible member securing assembly. The flexible member securing assembly includes a shaft, an arm extendable from the shaft, an anchor, and a flexible member grasper formed on a distal end of the arm. Methods of securing a flexible member are also provided. 1. A flexible member securing assembly to secure a flexible member relative to tissue comprising:a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end;an arm extending from the shaft second end;an anchor removably positioned at the shaft second end; anda flexible member grasper formed on a distal end of the arm to position the flexible member in relation to the anchor, wherein the anchor is operable to retain the flexible member in the tissue.2. The flexible member securing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the shaft claim 1 , the arm claim 1 , and the anchor are concentric along the longitudinal axis.3. The flexible member securing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member grasper is remote from the anchor.4. The flexible member receiving assembly of claim 1 , wherein the shaft defines an opening to axially move the arm independent of the shaft.5. The flexible member securing assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the flexible member grasper is removably fixed to the distal end of the arm.6. The flexible member securing assembly of claim 5 , wherein a proximal end of a portion of the flexible member grasper is sized to sit at a pin tip defined by the distal end of the arm.7. The flexible member securing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the flexible member grasper is defined by a region of the distal end of the arm.8. The flexible member securing assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the flexible member grasper comprises a removable ledge and shoulder.9. The flexible member securing assembly of claim 8 , wherein the shaft claim 8 , the arm claim 8 , and the anchor are concentric along the longitudinal axis and the ledge is offset ...

SOFT TISSUE REPAIR DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop. 118.-. (canceled)19. A method for repairing a defect in a fibrous soft tissue , the method comprising:advancing, on a distal portion of an inserter, a first tubular anchor along a first pathway through a tear in a meniscus to an outer surface of the meniscus, wherein the first tubular anchor includes a longitudinal bore through which the distal portion of the inserter, during said advancing, is slidably received, wherein, during said advancing, a hollow shaft which is received on the inserter and which is situated proximally of the first tubular anchor on the inserter contacts a proximal portion of the first tubular anchor to provide a stop for the first tubular anchor as the first tubular anchor is being advanced along the first pathway toward the outer surface of the meniscus;deploying the first tubular anchor from the distal portion of the inserter at a first location along the outer surface of the meniscus, wherein, during said deploying, an adjustable loop coupled to the first tubular anchor extends back through the first pathway and again through the tear in the meniscus along a second pathway to connect to a second tubular anchor deployed at a second location along the outer surface of the meniscus; andtensioning the adjustable loop to reduce the tear in the meniscus.20. The method of claim 19 , wherein said tensioning causes rotation of the first tubular anchor and the second tubular anchor.21. The method of claim 19 , wherein the adjustable loop is a knotless adjustable loop.22. The method of claim 19 , wherein the adjustable loop incorporates a slip knot.23. The method of claim 19 , wherein the first tubular anchor has an elongated shape.24. The method of ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING ANATOMICAL FEATURES

A method of coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes coupling first and second bones of the anatomy with a bone-tendon-bone implant. The bone-tendon-bone implant has a first bone end, a second bone end and a replacement tendon between the first and second bone ends. The first and second bone ends are positioned in corresponding first and second bores of the first and second bones. The first bone end is secured to the first bone with a first bone anchor. A second anchor coupled to the bone-tendon-bone implant is passed through and outside the second bore. The second anchor is coupled to an adjustable suture construct having two adjustable suture loops. Tensioning at least one of first and second ends of the adjustable suture construct tensions the replacement tendon and positions the first bone relative to the second bone. 120.-. (canceled)21. An apparatus for engaging bone , the apparatus comprising:a first bone engaging fastener; andan adjustable suture construct coupled to the first bone engaging fastener, the adjustable suture construct including a suture with a first free end and a second free end, the first free end extending through a first longitudinal passage in the suture to form a first adjustable loop, the second free end extending through a second longitudinal passage in the suture to form a second adjustable loop, wherein, with the first free end extending through the first longitudinal passage in the suture to form the first adjustable loop and with the second free end extending through the second longitudinal passage in the suture to form the second adjustable loop, the first free end can be pulled through the first longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the first adjustable loop and the second free end can be pulled through the second longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the second adjustable loop, the first longitudinal passage being separate from the second longitudinal passage in the suture.22. ...

ADJUSTABLE KNOTLESS LOOPS

Methods of attaching a soft tissue to an adjacent bone at a defect site are provided. An adjustable loop region of a flexible construct contained in a bore defined by a fastener is passed through a tissue. The adjustable loop is passed through the tissue. The fastener is passed back through the adjustable loop to fold the adjustable loop upon itself. The fastener is attached to the bone. An adjusting arm on the flexible construct is engaged to reduce the size of the adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue to the bone. 120.-. (canceled)21. A suture anchor assembly , comprising:an anchor for insertion into a hole in a bone, the anchor having a longitudinal axis that extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the anchor, the anchor including a first opening in the proximal end of the anchor which leads to a longitudinal interior bore in the anchor, the anchor further including a second opening in a side wall of the anchor which leads to a transverse passage in the anchor, the transverse passage proximate the distal end of the anchor and connecting the longitudinal interior bore in the anchor to a longitudinal exterior channel in the anchor that extends along an outer surface of the anchor; andan adjustable suture construct that includes a suture with a first free end that passes through a first longitudinal passage in the suture to form a first adjustable loop, wherein the adjustable suture construct is coupled to the anchor such that the first longitudinal passage in the suture: (i) extends along the longitudinal interior bore; (ii) passes through the transverse passage; (iii) exits the anchor through the second opening in the side wall of the anchor; and (iv) extends along the outer surface of the anchor in the longitudinal exterior channel in the anchor.22. The suture anchor assembly of claim 21 , wherein the first longitudinal passage in the suture extends along the entirety of the longitudinal interior bore in the anchor.23. The suture anchor assembly ...

Scaffold for spring ligament repair

A construct is disclosed that may be used to repair or replace a natural ligament. The construct may be formed of materials for biocompatibility and/or resorbtion. The construct may be provided or connected to a soft anchor for connection to a bone portion.

Self-Centering Drill Guide

A drill guide including an inner surface, a tip, and a deflecting device. The inner surface defines a bore extending through the drill guide. The bore is configured to individually receive therein a flexible drill bit and an insertion tool with a suture anchor mounted thereto. The tip is at a distal end of the bore and defines a tip aperture of the bore. The deflecting device is proximal to the tip and includes at least one bearing surface configured to deflect the drill bit within the bore. 1. A drill guide comprising:an inner surface defining a bore extending through the drill guide, the bore configured to individually receive therein a flexible drill bit and an insertion tool with a suture anchor mounted thereto;a tip at a distal end of the bore, the tip defining a tip aperture of the bore; anda deflecting device that is proximal to the tip, the deflecting device includes at least one deflecting surface configured to deflect the drill bit within the bore.2. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the inner surface is curved along its length:the deflecting surface defines a first dimension of the bore; andthe deflecting device defines a pair of opposing grooves, a second dimension of the bore is defined between the pair of opposing grooves, the second dimension is greater than the first dimension and configured to permit passage of a suture anchor past the centering device.3. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the deflecting surface includes a plurality of spaced apart deflecting surfaces that radially protrude from the inner surface and extend toward an axial center of the bore.4. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the suture anchor is a soft anchor configured for implantation beyond cortical bone.5. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the deflecting device includes an annular ring of the inner surface that extends toward an axial center of the bore.6. The drill guide of claim 1 , wherein the first dimension extends along a length of the curved portion ...

SHOULDER PROSTHESIS

A prosthesis may include a stem, a ball stud, an adaptor, and a head. The stem may include a longitudinal axis and a bore having a central axis that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball stud may include a cylindrical shaft and a ball end. The cylindrical shaft may be received in the bore of the stem. The adaptor may include a tapered outer surface and a ball socket rotatably receiving the ball end of the stud. The head may be rotatably supported by the adaptor and may include a semispherical articulating surface and a female taper rotatably receiving the tapered outer surface of the adaptor. 1. A prosthesis comprising:a stem including a longitudinal axis and a bore having a central axis that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis;a ball stud having a cylindrical shaft and a ball end, the cylindrical shaft received in the bore of the stem;an adaptor including a tapered outer surface and a ball socket rotatably receiving the ball end of the stud; anda head rotatably supported by the adaptor and including a semispherical articulating surface and a female taper rotatably receiving the tapered outer surface of the adaptor.2. The prosthesis of claim 1 , wherein the female taper is eccentric relative to the semispherical articulating surface.3. The prosthesis of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of indicia formed on at least two of the stem claim 1 , the adaptor and the head.4. The prosthesis of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of indicia indicate an alignment of a radial offset of the head relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem.5. The prosthesis of claim 1 , wherein the ball socket is centered on an axis that is radially spaced apart from a central axis of the adaptor.6. The prosthesis of claim 5 , wherein the ball stud includes a wedge adjustably received in an aperture in the ball end.7. The prosthesis of claim 6 , wherein the ball stud includes a screw that is received in the wedge and engages an aperture extending through the ...

VIRTUAL TEACH AND REPEAT MOBILE MANIPULATION SYSTEM

A method for controlling a robotic device is presented. The method includes positioning the robotic device within a task environment. The method also includes mapping descriptors of a task image of a scene in the task environment to a teaching image of a teaching environment. The method further includes defining a relative transform between the task image and the teaching image based on the mapping. Furthermore, the method includes updating parameters of a set of parameterized behaviors based on the relative transform to perform a task corresponding to the teaching image. 1. A method of controlling a robotic device , comprising:positioning the robotic device within a task environment;mapping descriptors of a task image of a scene in the task environment to a teaching image of a teaching environment;defining a relative transform between the task image and the teaching image based on the mapping; andupdating parameters of a set of parameterized behaviors based on the relative transform to perform a task corresponding to the teaching image.2. The method of claim 1 , in which the set of parameterized behaviors comprises behaviors performed by a user while the robotic device was trained to perform the task with a virtual reality interface.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising mapping the descriptors from a present scene of the task image to descriptors from the teaching image at an interval.4. The method of claim 1 , in which:the robotic device is positioned to deviate from a starting condition or position used during training in a teaching environment, andthe task environment is similar to or same as the teaching environment.5. The method of claim 4 , in which deviations from the starting condition or position comprise a different starting location and/or pose of the robotic device.6. The method of claim 4 , in which deviations from the starting condition or position comprise a different starting location and/or pose of an object on which the task is performed.7 ...

AUTONOMOUS TASK PERFORMANCE BASED ON VISUAL EMBEDDINGS

A method for controlling a robotic device is presented. The method includes capturing an image corresponding to a current view of the robotic device. The method also includes identifying a keyframe image comprising a first set of pixels matching a second set of pixels of the image. The method further includes performing, by the robotic device, a task corresponding to the keyframe image. 1. A method for controlling a robotic device , comprising:capturing an image corresponding to a current view of the robotic device;identifying a keyframe image comprising a first set of pixels matching a second set of pixels of the image; andperforming, by the robotic device, a task corresponding to the keyframe image.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising capturing the keyframe image while the robotic device is trained to perform the task.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising assigning a pixel descriptor to each pixel of the first set of pixels and the second set of pixels.4. The method of claim 3 , in which the pixel descriptor comprises a set of values corresponding to pixel level information and depth information.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining a difference for one of a distance, a pose, or a combination between the keyframe image and the image; andadjusting the task based on the determined difference.6. The method of claim 1 , in which the task comprises at least one of interacting with an object claim 1 , navigating through an environment claim 1 , or a combination thereof.7. The method of claim 1 , in which an area corresponding to the first set of pixels is selected by a user.8. A robotic device claim 1 , comprising:a memory; and to capture an image corresponding to a current view of the robotic device;', 'to identify a keyframe image comprising a first set of pixels matching a second set of pixels of the image; and', 'to perform a task corresponding to the keyframe image., 'at least one processor, the at least one processor ...

TRAINING METHODS FOR DEEP NETWORKS

A method for training a deep neural network of a robotic device is described. The method includes constructing a 3D model using images captured via a 3D camera of the robotic device in a training environment. The method also includes generating pairs of 3D images from the 3D model by artificially adjusting parameters of the training environment to form manipulated images using the deep neural network. The method further includes processing the pairs of 3D images to form a reference image including embedded descriptors of common objects between the pairs of 3D images. The method also includes using the reference image from training of the neural network to determine correlations to identify detected objects in future images. 1. A method for training a deep neural network of a robotic device , comprising:constructing a 3D model using images captured via a 3D camera of the robotic device in a training environment;generating pairs of 3D images from the 3D model by artificially adjusting parameters of the training environment to form manipulated images using the deep neural network;processing the pairs of 3D images to form a reference image including embedded descriptors of common objects between the pairs of 3D images; andusing the reference image from training of the neural network to determine correlations to identify detected objects in future images.2. The method of claim 1 , in which generating the pairs of 3D images comprises:pairing 3D images with linked elements; andmanipulating linked elements between the pairs of 3D images to create a scene having different object articulations.3. The method of claim 1 , in which artificially adjusting parameters comprises:varying an object articulation between an original 3D image and a manipulated 3D image.4. The method of claim 3 , in which varying the object articulation comprises:varying lighting between the original 3D image and the manipulated 3D image.5. The method of claim 3 , in which varying the object articulation ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS COMPRISING OPEN CELL PACK MODULES

In one aspect, an embodiment of this invention comprises an energy-storage module for storing energy for electrical consumption. The module comprises a plurality of energy-storage cells and a set of parallel walls configured to mount the plurality of energy-storage cells between the parallel walls and having a plurality of through-holes. The module also comprises a bus bar arrangement configured to electrically couple each of the plurality of energy-storage cells to a first terminal and a second terminal and a wire routing device configured to mate with a plurality of the through-holes and configured to receive one or more wires that electrically connect components of the energy storage module. 1. An energy storage module , comprising:a plurality of energy-storage cells;a set of parallel walls configured to mount the plurality of energy-storage cells between the parallel walls and having a plurality of through-holes;a bus bar arrangement configured to electrically couple each of the plurality of energy-storage cells to a first terminal and a second terminal; anda wire routing device configured to mate with a plurality of the through-holes and configured to receive one or more wires that electrically connect components of the energy storage module.2. The module of claim 1 , wherein the bus bar arrangement comprises a first plurality of bus bars that each couples to at least two energy-storage cells of the plurality of energy-storage cells and a second plurality of bus bars that each couples to at least one energy-storage cell of the plurality of energy-storage cells and comprises the first or second terminal.3. The module of claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second pluralities of bus bars comprises a depressed portion that extends from a first surface of the bus bar into one through-hole of the plurality of through-holes.4. The module of claim 3 , wherein the depressed portion comprises: hold the bus bar within the one through-hole, and', 'allow for transverse ...

SOFT TISSUE REPAIR DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

A soft tissue repair device. The device includes an inserter having a distal portion, a first anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, a second anchor carried externally onto the distal portion, and a flexible strand coupling the first and second anchors and forming an adjustable knotless loop. 118.-. (canceled)19. A tissue repair device , comprising:an outer tube, the outer tube comprising an open distal end and a longitudinal bore that extends through the outer tube to the open distal end;a first anchor;a second anchor, wherein both the first anchor and the second anchor are positioned in the longitudinal bore of the outer tube with the second anchor located proximal of the first anchor in the longitudinal bore; anda deploying member, the deploying member slidably received in the longitudinal bore and including a deformable projection that projects from a side of the deploying member, the deformable projection configured to:engage the first anchor such that the deformable projection is located at least partially within the first anchor;be advanced distally in the longitudinal bore of the outer tube while so engaging the first anchor so as to force the first anchor out of the longitudinal bore through the open distal end of the outer tube;be retracted proximally in the longitudinal bore of the outer tube and into engagement with the second anchor, the engagement of the deformable projection with the second anchor including the deformable projection located at least partially within the second anchor; andbe advanced distally in the longitudinal bore of the outer tube while so engaging the second anchor so as to force the second anchor out of the longitudinal bore through the open distal end of the outer tube.20. The tissue repair device of further comprising a hollow shaft received in the longitudinal bore of the outer tube claim 19 , the hollow shaft received over the deploying member with a distal end of the hollow shaft contacting the second anchor to ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO A BONE

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel. 120-. (canceled)21. An apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone , the apparatus comprising:an elongate bone engaging member for placement in a longitudinal bore formed in a bone; andan adjustable suture construct extending down into the elongate bone engaging member through an opening in a trailing end of the elongate bone engaging member to couple the adjustable suture construct to the elongate bone engaging member, the adjustable suture construct including a suture with a first free end and a second free end, the suture including a braided body that defines a longitudinally formed hollow passage therein, the braided body defining a first aperture in the braided body at a first location along the longitudinally formed hollow passage and a second aperture in the braided body at a second location along the longitudinally formed hollow passage, wherein the first free end of the suture passes into the longitudinally formed hollow passage through the first aperture, along a longitudinal section of the longitudinally formed hollow passage, and out of the longitudinally formed hollow passage through the second aperture to form an adjustable loop, wherein at least a portion of the adjustable loop protrudes from the opening in the trailing end of the elongate bone engaging member for looping around soft tissue for securing the soft tissue to the bone, wherein the first free end can be pulled through the ...

Adjustable knotless loops

Methods of attaching a soft tissue to an adjacent bone at a defect site are provided. An adjustable loop region of a flexible construct contained in a bore defined by a fastener is passed through a tissue. The adjustable loop is passed through the tissue. The fastener is passed back through the adjustable loop to fold the adjustable loop upon itself. The fastener is attached to the bone. An adjusting arm on the flexible construct is engaged to reduce the size of the adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue to the bone.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO A BONE

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. 118.-. (canceled)19. A bone fixation assembly , comprising:an adjustable suture construct that includes a suture with a first free end and a second free end, the first free end extending through a first longitudinal passage in the suture to form a first adjustable loop, the second free end extending through a second longitudinal passage in the suture to form a second adjustable loop, wherein the first free end extends through the first longitudinal passage without extending through the second longitudinal passage, and wherein the second free end extends through the second longitudinal passage without extending through the first longitudinal passage, wherein, with the first free end extending through the first longitudinal passage in the suture to form the first adjustable loop and with the second free end extending through the second longitudinal passage in the suture to form the second adjustable loop, the first free end can be pulled through the first longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the first adjustable loop and the second free end can be pulled through the second longitudinal passage to decrease a size of the second adjustable loop; anda bone fixation member coupled to the adjustable suture construct.20. The bone fixation assembly of claim 19 , wherein claim 19 , with the first free end extending through the first longitudinal passage in the suture to form the first ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLIMATING LIGHT FROM A LASER-EXCITED PHOSPHOR ELEMENT

A lighting apparatus substantially as illustrated and described. 1. A lighting apparatus substantially as illustrated and described. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/038,526, filed by Stone on Aug. 18, 2014, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Collimating Light from a Laser-Excited Phosphor Element,” commonly owned with this application and incorporated herein by reference.This application is directed, in general, to lighting sources and, more specifically, to lighting sources employing laser-excited phosphor elements.Increasing demand for more efficient lighting sources has led many industries away from incandescent, arc and induction light sources and into solid state lighting. Solid state lighting has primarily been represented by light emitting diodes due to their long duty cycles and high rate of conversion of electrical energy into light (at about 80% efficiency). LED light sources are not, however, without their drawbacks. First, LEDs are very narrow-band emitters, typically covering a band of some 10 nm at half height of the output curve. This makes emission of full spectrum white light from an LED-only illuminator highly impractical, as doing so would require tens of different-wavelength emitters. Consequently, lighting manufacturers have used combinations of LEDs and phosphors that are excited by the center wavelength of a given color LED to approximate white light. This approach also has its drawbacks, in that the spectral output profile is characterized by a spike at the LED's emission band followed by a broad band of relatively low emission at a lower frequency, then a broad but lower amplitude band (as compared with the LED output) from the secondary phosphor emission, typically representing ¼ to ⅓ of the visible spectrum, which then trails off to near zero emission at the lower visible frequencies, resulting in an approximate “white light” output that is deficient in the green and red bands. So-called “ ...

PACKED INTERCONNECT STRUCTURE WITH REDUCED CROSS COUPLED NOISE

An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes an electro-mechanical interface having angled signal interconnects, wherein, the angling of the signal interconnects is to reduce noise coupling between the angled signal interconnects. 1. An apparatus , comprising:an electro-mechanical interface comprising angled signal interconnects, wherein, the angling of the signal interconnects is to reduce noise coupling between the angled signal interconnects.2. The apparatus of wherein the electro-mechanical interface further comprises angled shielding interconnects between the angled signal interconnects.3. The apparatus of wherein the angled shielding interconnects have the same angling as the signal interconnects.4. The apparatus of wherein the angled signal interconnects comprise diverging lower legs and converging upper legs.5. The apparatus of wherein the electro-mechanical interface further comprises angled shielding interconnects between the angled signal interconnects claim 4 , the angled shielding interconnects comprising diverging lower legs and converging upper legs.6. The apparatus of wherein at least one end of the angled signal interconnects is dimpled to mate to a solder ball.7. The apparatus of wherein at least one end of the angled signal interconnects is flat to mate to at least one of a land grid array and pad grid array.8. The apparatus of wherein the angled signal interconnects diverge from one another at an angle within a range of 90° to 20°.9. A computer system claim 1 , comprising:a plurality of processing cores;a main memory;a memory controller between the plurality of processing cores and the main memory; and,an electro-mechanical interface comprising angled signal interconnects, wherein, the angling of the signal interconnects is to reduce noise coupling between the angled signal interconnects.10. The computer system of wherein the electro-mechanical interface is between a packaged semiconductor chip and a motherboard.11. The computer system of ...

KNOTLESS SOFT TISSUE DEVICES AND TECHNIQUES

A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor. 120.-. (canceled)21. A tissue fixation system , comprising: a flexible tubular anchor; and', 'a single suture arranged into a self-locking suture construct, the single suture extending through a passage in the flexible tubular anchor to couple the self-locking suture construct to the flexible tubular anchor, the self-locking suture construct including a first adjustable loop, a second adjustable loop, and a first free end, wherein the first free end can be pulled to close the first adjustable loop;', 'a first flexible tail coupled to the first adjustable loop, the first flexible tail including a first elongated free tail portion that can be pulled to open the first adjustable loop; and', 'a second flexible tail coupled to the second adjustable loop, the second flexible tail including a second elongated free tail portion that can be pulled to open the second adjustable loop; and, 'a tissue fixation device, comprisingan arthroscopic cannula,wherein the first elongated free tail portion of the first flexible tail and the second elongated free tail portion of the second flexible tail extend longitudinally through the arthroscopic cannula from a first open end of the arthroscopic cannula to a second open end of the arthroscopic cannula.22. The tissue fixation system of claim 21 , wherein the passage in the flexible tubular anchor extends longitudinally within the flexible tubular anchor.23. The tissue fixation system of claim 21 , wherein the first adjustable loop and the second adjustable loop are spaced apart from one another in the self-locking suture construct.24. ...

Knee Prosthesis Assembly With Ligament Link

A method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly. The method includes: coupling a femoral component to a femur, and coupling a tibial component to a tibia; coupling a ligament link to one of the femur or the tibia; coupling the ligament link to a coupling component of one of the femoral component or the tibial component; arranging the ligament link in a first position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a left knee; and arranging the ligament link in a second position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a right knee, the second position is different from the first position. 1. A method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly comprising:coupling a femoral component to a femur, and coupling a tibial component to a tibia;coupling a ligament link to one of the femur or the tibia;coupling the ligament link to a coupling component of one of the femoral component or the tibial component;arranging the ligament link in a first position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a left knee; andarranging the ligament link in a second position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a right knee, the second position is different from the first position.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising extending the ligament link in a first direction towards the femoral component when the ligament link is implanted in the left knee claim 1 , and extending the ligament link in a second direction towards the femoral component away from the first direction when the ligament link is implanted in the right knee.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:arranging the ligament link such that the ligament link extends through a first opening defined by the tibial component when the ligament link is in the first position and implanted in the left knee, the first opening is ...

SOFT TISSUE REPAIR ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue. 118.-. (canceled)19. A method for repairing a tear in a meniscus , the method comprising:delivering a first deformable anchor through a tear in a meniscus to an area along the outer surface of the meniscus, wherein said area is located on a first side of the tear, and wherein a flexible strand coupled to the first deformable anchor extends back through the tear with at least a first end of the flexible strand positioned on a second side of the tear;implanting a first vascularization conduit in the meniscus so that the first vascularization conduit extends across the tear in the meniscus;pulling on at least the first end of the flexible strand while the first deformable anchor is positioned along the outer surface of the meniscus and while the flexible strand is extending back through the tear and through the first vascularization conduit,wherein said pulling is effective to deform the first deformable anchor from a first shape to a second shape that is different than the first shape and to reduce the tear in the meniscus.20. The method of further comprising securing the flexible strand to tissue on the second side of the tear after said pulling.21. The method of claim 20 , wherein said securing includes use of a knot in the flexible strand.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein said knot is a pre-tied self-locking slip knot.23. The method of claim 20 , wherein said securing includes use of a soft tissue anchor.24. A soft tissue repair assembly for repairing a tear in soft tissue ...

Patient-Specific Osteotomy Devices And Methods

An osteotomy method includes attaching a patient-specific osteotomy guide to a corresponding surface of a tibia of a patient and making an osteotomy at a patient-specific orientation through a resection slot of the osteotomy guide. The osteotomy guide is removed and first and second faces of the osteotomy are opened to form an implant insertion angle. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are secured at the implant insertion angle and an osteotomy implant having a patient-specific wedge angle that is smaller than the implant insertion angle is implanted. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are brought to the patient-specific wedge angle and in contact with the osteotomy implant. 1. An osteotomy surgical kit comprising:a patient-specific osteotomy guide having a three-dimensional inner surface configured to closely mate and conform to a corresponding portion of a patient's tibia in only one position, wherein the patient-specific osteotomy guide includes a resection slot at a patient-specific position and orientation for guiding a cutting tool to perform an osteotomy according to a preoperative plan for the patient, and a drill support sized and shaped for guiding a drilling of a stress-relief hole at a sharp edge of the osteotomy.2. The osteotomy surgical kit of claim 1 , further comprising a patient-specific osteotomy implant forming a wedge angle equal to a patient-specific osteotomy angle and having a patient-specific outer surface.3. The osteotomy surgical kit of claim 2 , wherein the osteotomy implant is shaped to form an open channel for a stem implant.4. The osteotomy surgical kit of claim 3 , wherein the osteotomy implant is U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped.5. The osteotomy surgical kit of claim 4 , wherein the osteotomy guide includes a drill hole for guiding the osteotomy implant and intersecting the resection slot and wherein the osteotomy implant includes a protrusion configured to be received into a guiding hole drilled into the tibia through ...

Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods

A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. 1. A method for repairing a defect in soft tissue comprising:positioning a tissue repair device having an inserter and a cannula adjacent to the defect in the soft tissue;determining a depth of a distal end of the inserter to extend beyond a distal end of the cannula;positioning a depth limiter relative to the inserter and cannula to control the depth of the distal end of the inserter relative to the distal end of the cannula to the determined depth;extending the distal end of the inserter beyond the distal end of the cannula to the determined depth; andpassing the distal end of the inserter into the soft tissue from a first side of the defect to a second side of the soft tissue until at least a portion of the distal end of the inserter exits the second side of the soft tissue, wherein an anchor carried on the distal end of the inserter is passed from the first side of the defect to the second side of the soft tissue.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the soft tissue is a meniscus and the defect is a tear in the meniscus.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserter is a first inserter carrying a first anchor and a second inserter carrying a second anchor claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the first inserter is passed into the soft tissue from the first side of the defect to the second side of the soft tissue to carry the first anchor through the defect and wherein a distal end of the second inserter is passed into the soft tissue from the second side of the defect to the second side of the soft tissue to carry the second anchor through the defect.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising ...

BOILER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

There is a boiler comprising a body; a water cooling circuit having a water inlet and a steam outlet and the water cooling circuit comprises a first coiled portion. The boiler also has a heating element having a first terminal and a second terminal and the heating element comprises a second coiled portion. 1. A boiler comprising:a body;a water cooling circuit having a water inlet and a steam outlet and the water cooling circuit comprises a first coiled portion;a heating element having a first terminal and a second terminal and the heating element comprises a second coiled portion;wherein one of the heating element and the water cooling circuit are nested inside the other of the heating element and the water cooling circuit; andthe first coiled portion of the heating element and the second coiled portion of the water cooling circuit are positioned around one of the first terminal, the second terminal, the water inlet and the steam outlet; andat least the first coifed portion of the heating element and the second coiled portion of the water cooling circuit are embedded in the body.2. A boiler according to wherein the first coiled portion of the heating element is nested inside the second coiled portion of the water cooling circuit.3. A boiler according to wherein the first terminal claim 1 , the second terminal claim 1 , the water inlet and the steam outlet are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the boiler.4. A boiler according to wherein the longitudinal axes of the first coiled portion of the heating element and the second coiled portion of the water cooling circuit are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the boiler.5. A boiler according to wherein the water inlet of the water cooling circuit is positioned inside and concentric with the coiled portions of the heating element and the water cooling circuit.6. A boiler according to wherein the water inlet of the water cooling circuit is positioned inside and concentric with the coiled ...

SOFT TISSUE REPAIR DEVICE AND METHOD

A soft tissue repair device can include a housing having a handle, a deployment system having an actuation member, and an insertion system having an inserter and a slider. The slider can be coupled to the actuation member and movable relative to the inserter between deployed and retracted positions. First and second anchors can be carried on an external surface of the slider such that the anchors are spaced apart and portions of the anchors are coaxial with the slider and each other. A flexible strand can couple the anchors. The insertion system can cooperate with the deployment system to move the slider to the deployed position to deploy the first anchor upon activating the actuation member a first time, and to move the slider to the deployed position from the retracted position to deploy the second anchor upon actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time. 120.-. (canceled)21. A soft tissue repair device , comprising:a self-locking adjustable suture construct that includes a suture with a first free end that extends into the suture through a first aperture in the suture, along a first longitudinal passage in the suture, and out of the suture through a second aperture in the suture to form a first adjustable knotless loop;a first elongate flexible tube anchor having a first open end, a second open end, and a longitudinal bore extending through the first elongate flexible tube anchor from the first open end to the second open end, the first elongate flexible tube anchor received on the suture; anda carrying wire that extends into the longitudinal bore of the first elongate flexible tube anchor through the first open end of the first elongate flexible tube anchor, along a portion of the longitudinal bore of the first elongate flexible tube anchor, and out of the longitudinal bore of the first elongate flexible tube anchor through an opening in a side wall of the first elongate flexible tube anchor that is located between the first open end and the ...

MODULAR REAMER DRILL TIP CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

A reamer assembly, comprising a modular drill tip having a cutting edge proximate a first end, a pair of flexible arms extending from and proximate to a second end and a first through-hole positioned between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the first through-hole is configured to receive a guide wire during a reaming process; and a reamer shaft having a receiving end that is configured to receive and releasably hold in axial alignment thereto the pair of flexible arms, the reamer shaft having a second through-hole that is configured to receive the guide wire during the reaming process, wherein the first and second through-holes together create a common through-hole that is positioned along the longitudinal axis. 1. A reamer assembly , comprising:a modular drill tip having a cutting edge proximate a first end, a pair of flexible arms extending from and proximate to a second end and a first through-hole positioned between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the first through-hole is configured to receive a guide wire during a reaming process; anda reamer shaft having a receiving end that is configured to receive, and releasably engage in axial alignment thereto, the pair of flexible arms, the reamer shaft having a second through-hole that is configured to receive the guide wire during the reaming process, wherein the first and second through-holes together create a common through-hole that is positioned along the longitudinal axis.2. The reamer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the receiving end of the reamer shaft includes a pair of outer walls that extend upwardly from a base portion positioned substantially adjacent to the second through-hole.3. The reamer assembly of claim 2 , wherein the receiving end defines a dovetail opening that is configured to frictionally hold the pair of flexible arms against the pair of outer walls of the reamer shaft.4. The reamer assembly of claim 3 , wherein the dovetail opening is ...

Apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a bone

A flexible member for coupling tissue. The flexible member includes a tail and a self-locking construct. The tail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The tail defines a tail passageway proximate to the second end. The self-locking construct includes a first loop and an adjustable second loop. The second loop is slidably threaded through the tail passageway defined by the tail. The self-locking construct is configured such that passing the tail through the first loop so that the second loop extends into the first loop forms a tissue capture region defined by the self-locking construct. The tail passageway defined by the tail defines a locking member configured to secure the second loop to the first loop.

SOFT TISSUE REPAIR ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue. 118.-. (canceled)19. A method for repairing soft tissue , comprising:inserting a flexible elongated member through a tissue opening in a first shape, wherein a flexible strand coupled to the flexible elongated member extends back through the tissue opening to position a first free end of the flexible strand outside the tissue opening with a repair-promoting conduit coupled to the flexible strand situated between the flexible elongated member and the first free end of the flexible strand; andpulling on the first free end of the flexible strand to convert the flexible elongated member from the first shape to a second shape that is bulkier than the first shape for opposing back-out of the flexible elongated member from the tissue opening for securely lodging the flexible elongated member relative to a soft tissue adjacent the tissue opening.20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the flexible elongated member is tubular.21. The method of claim 19 , wherein the flexible elongated member retains the second shape after said pulling.22. The method of claim 19 , wherein the repair-promoting conduit is left in contact with the soft tissue for promoting biological flow through the repair-promoting conduit.23. The method of claim 19 , wherein the soft tissue is muscle.24. A method for repairing soft tissue claim 19 , comprising:inserting a flexible elongated member through a tissue opening in a first shape, wherein a flexible strand coupled to the flexible elongated member extends back through ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO A BONE

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. 118.-. (canceled)19. A method for placing an ACL in a femoral tunnel formed in a femur in a patient , the method comprising:delivering a fixation member through a femoral tunnel to a location outside the femur proximate a first opening in an outer surface of the femur, wherein a suture construct coupled to the fixation member includes a free end that passes through a portion of the fixation member and through a longitudinal passage in the suture construct to form an adjustable loop that extends back through the femoral tunnel alongside a segment of the free end of the suture construct, a portion of the adjustable loop additionally extending outside the femoral tunnel through a second opening in the outer surface of the femur;coupling a leading end of an ACL to the adjustable loop outside the femoral tunnel; andpulling on the free end of the suture construct so as to: advance the free end segment through the femoral tunnel in a direction toward the second opening in the outer surface of the femur, force the fixation member against bone around the first opening in the outer surface of the femur, reduce the size of the adjustable loop, and pull the leading end of the ACL into the femoral tunnel through the second opening in the outer surface of the femur.20. The method of claim 19 , wherein said coupling occurs while the portion of the adjustable loop is traversing a tibial tunnel so ...

VARIABLE PROSTHESIS

The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem. 1. (canceled)2. A method of implanting a prosthesis system in a patient , comprising:determining an anteversion angle of a natural bone relative to a pelvis of the patient;selecting an adapter having an adapter center axis and an adapter offset connection, wherein the adapter offset connection has an adapter connection center axis;selecting a head having a head center axis and an offset head connection, wherein the offset head connection has a head connection center axis;selecting a distance offset between the adapter connection center axis and the head connection center axis based on the determined anteversion angle; androtating the selected adapter relative to the selected head to achieve the selected distance offset between the adapter connection center axis and the head connection center axis.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein selecting the distance offset includes selecting a radial distance offset between the adapter connection center axis and the head connection center axis.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the prosthesis comprises a femoral prosthesis claim 2 , the natural bone comprises a natural femur claim 2 , and the selected head comprises a selected femoral head.5. The method of claim 2 , wherein the adapter offset connection includes a female locking taper.6. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:providing the adapter connection center axis ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING ANATOMICAL FEATURES

A method of coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes coupling first and second bones of the anatomy with a bone-tendon-bone implant. The bone-tendon-bone implant has a first bone end, a second bone end and a replacement tendon between the first and second bone ends. The first and second bone ends are positioned in corresponding first and second bores of the first and second bones. The first bone end is secured to the first bone with a first bone anchor. A second anchor coupled to the bone-tendon-bone implant is passed through and outside the second bore. The second anchor is coupled to an adjustable suture construct having two adjustable suture loops. Tensioning at least one of first and second ends of the adjustable suture construct tensions the replacement tendon and positions the first bone relative to the second bone. 120.-. (canceled)21. A bone fixation assembly , comprising:an orthopedic button; andan adjustable suture construct coupled to the orthopedic button, the adjustable suture construct comprised of a suture with a first suture portion passing through the orthopedic button from a first side of the orthopedic button to a second side of the orthopedic button and then back through the orthopedic button from the second side of the orthopedic button to the first side of the orthopedic button so as to form a first looped portion of the suture retained along the second side of the orthopedic button for coupling the adjustable suture construct to the orthopedic button, the suture further including a second suture portion passing through the orthopedic button from the first side of the orthopedic button to the second side of the orthopedic button and then back through the orthopedic button from the second side of the orthopedic button to the first side of the orthopedic button so as to form a second looped portion of the suture retained along the second side of the orthopedic button for coupling the adjustable suture ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO A BONE

A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. 118.-. (canceled)19. A bone fixation assembly , comprising:an adjustable suture construct that includes a suture with a first free and a second free end, the first free end passing a first time and in a first direction longitudinally through a first longitudinal passage in the suture to form a first adjustable loop, the first free end also passing a second time longitudinally through the first longitudinal passage in the first direction to form a second adjustable loop; anda first bone fixation member coupled to the adjustable suture construct.20. The bone fixation assembly of claim 19 , wherein the first bone fixation member is coupled to at least one of the first adjustable loop and the second adjustable loop.21. The bone fixation assembly of claim 20 , wherein the first bone fixation member is coupled to both the first adjustable loop and the second adjustable loop.22. The bone fixation assembly of claim 19 , wherein the first bone fixation member is coupled to the suture over the longitudinal passage in the suture.23. The bone fixation assembly of further comprising a second bone fixation member coupled to at least one of the first adjustable loop and the second adjustable loop.24. The bone fixation assembly of further comprising a second hone fixation member coupled both the first adjustable loop and the second adjustable loop.25. The bone fixation assembly of claim 19 , ...

Method And Apparatus For Soft Tissue Fixation

A tissue fixation apparatus can include a flexible construct and an elongated locking member. The flexible construct can include at least two adjustable loops and tensioning members. The two adjustable loops can be configured to pass through the first tissue, and to be spaced apart along an outer surface of the first tissue in a first direction. The tensioning members can extend from the two adjustable loops, and can be configured to reduce the two adjustable loops from a first size to a second size. The flexible construct can be attached to the second tissue by an anchor. The locking member can be configured to be received within the two adjustable loops at the first size, and to engage the two adjustable loops at the second size.

Flexible Anchors For Tissue Fixation

A method for securing an anchor to tissue includes positioning the anchor in an area of the tissue. The anchor can include a flexible first tubular member, a flexible second tubular member, and a first suture member. The first tubular member can include a first wall defining a first passage between first and second ends. The second tubular member can include a second wall defining a second passage between first and second ends. The first suture member can couple the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The first suture member can pass through the first wall and the first passage and the second wall and the second passage. The first tubular member and the second tubular member can engage each other and deform to form an anchoring mass upon tensioning the first suture member. 1. A method of securing an anchor to tissue , comprising:determining an area of the tissue to couple an anchor, wherein the anchor includes: (i) a flexible first tubular member including a first wall defining a first passage between first and second ends, (ii) a flexible second tubular member including a second wall defining a second passage between first and second ends, and (iii) a first suture member passing through the first wall and the first passage and the second wall and the second passage;positioning the anchor at a position relative to the area; andtensioning the first suture member until the first tubular member engages the second tubular member, and the first flexible tubular member and the second tubular member deform to form an anchoring mass.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein positioning the anchor relative to the area includes positioning the anchor in an aperture formed in the tissue.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein positioning the anchor in the aperture includes coupling an insertion instrument to at least one of the first tubular member or the second tubular member.4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the tissue is a bone and further ...