Abstract: The lacrimal probe 1 of the present invention comprising a tubular narrow holding member 2, and rods 3a, 3b which extend coaxially from both ends of the narrow holding member 2, being narrower than the narrow holding member 2. As a result, a lacrimal probe which is convenient to use, does not cause false ducts, and is difficult to bend, is obtained.

Abstract: To characterize the gait of a subject, a treadmill having a movable support surface is provided with multiple transducers mounted beneath the movable support surface. The subject performs locomotion on the movable surface. The computer accepts a series of signals from each transducer and identifies the occurrence of heel-strike and toe-off. The computer identifies the subject's activity as walking or as running. The computer identifies two non-contiguous groups of transducers that are measuring a force greater than zero associated with the two feet and calculates quantities related to the forces exerted by each foot during each phase of walking or running.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing a discontinuity in a bone. The apparatus generally comprises a bone plate with varying rigidity that includes a bridge portion configured to span the discontinuity and two anchor portions configured to contact the bone on opposite sides of the discontinuity. At least one anchor portion is an elongate structure having at least three apertures adapted to receive fasteners for affixing the elongate anchor portion to the bone. The minimum rigidity of the elongate anchor portion between the apertures second and third most distant from the bridge portion exceeds the minimum rigidity between the apertures first and second most distant from the bridge portion. In addition, the separation in the elongate anchor portion between the apertures first and second most distant from the bridge portion exceeds the separation between the apertures second and third most distant from the bridge portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for connecting first and second elongated spaced apart spinal rods to one another which includes a first connector having structure to engage a first spinal rod at a location along the length thereof and an elongated beam having an axis extending in a direction transverse to the first spinal rod, a second connector having structure to engage a second spinal rod at a location adjacent the first connector and including a reception portion projecting in a direction transverse to the second spinal rod and defining a channel for receiving the elongated beam of the first connector, and a locking member dimensioned and configured to engage the channel along the axis of the beam and secure the position of the beam with respect thereto.

Abstract: The clamping arrangement (1, 6) comprises a clamping body (6) and an implant pin (1) fastened therein. The clamping body (6) has a recess (7) for receiving the implant pin (1) and a slit (10), starting at the recess (7), by means of which two clamping jaws (8, 9) are formed which, when pressed together, cause the fastening of the implant pin (1). The slit (10) is arranged in such a way that its imagined extension contains the longitudinal axis of the implant pin (1). To reduce material fatigue and wear, either the outer surface of the implant pin (1) or the wall of the recess (7) have set-back areas (6.7, 6.8), which do not touch the surface respectively located opposite them. With suitable embodiment and arrangement, the set-back areas and the relief recesses (1.3, 1.4, 6.3, 6.4) can be created in the same step, in particular by means of a screw thread or several channels in the implant pin (1) or the recess (7).