Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring blood flow metrics using a patch of a flexible substrate configured to attach to an area of skin over a blood vessel. The patch includes a plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate to form a matrix and a row of photodetectors disposed on the substrate substantially in parallel with the rows of LEDs. The patch includes an optical signal interface configured to drive each light source and to input an intensity signal at one of the photodetectors. The intensity signals are used to determine AC and DC components corresponding to each optical path. AC to DC component ratios are calculated for each optical path and used to determine ratio-of-ratio values. At least a subset of the ratio-of-ratio values are used to determine a biological metric or a cross-sectional area of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A system, device and method for measuring markers for a periprosthetic joint infection in a sample of synovial fluid. A sensor reader device includes a vial receptacle for receiving a vial containing synovial fluid. A light source illuminates the vial and an optical sensor detects light scattered and/or absorbed by white blood cells in the fluid sample. An electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the light received at the optical sensor is detected. A white blood cell concentration is determined from the electrical signal value. The sensor reader device also includes one or more immunoassay strip receptacles. Immunoassay strips for other marker are inserted into the receptacles. Immunoassay optical sensors detect light generated by the immunoassay reaction on the immunoassay strip to determine the concentration of the marker. In example implementations, the device includes an immunoassay strip reader for leukocyte esterase and c-reactive protein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring blood flow metrics using a patch of a flexible substrate configured to attach to an area of skin over a blood vessel. The patch includes a plurality of light sources arranged on the substrate to form a matrix and a row of photodetectors disposed on the substrate substantially in parallel with the rows of LEDs. The patch includes an optical signal interface configured to drive each light source and to input an intensity signal at one of the photodetectors. The intensity signals are used to determine AC and DC components corresponding to each optical path. AC to DC component ratios are calculated for each optical path and used to determine ratio-of-ratio values. At least a subset of the ratio-of-ratio values are used to determine a biological metric or a cross-sectional area of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A system, device and method for measuring markers for a periprosthetic joint infection in a sample of synovial fluid. A sensor reader device includes a vial receptacle for receiving a vial containing synovial fluid. A light source illuminates the vial and an optical sensor detects light scattered and/or absorbed by white blood cells in the fluid sample. An electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the light received at the optical sensor is detected. A white blood cell concentration is determined from the electrical signal value. The sensor reader device also includes one or more immunoassay strip receptacles. Immunoassay strips for other marker are inserted into the receptacles. Immunoassay optical sensors detect light generated by the immunoassay reaction on the immunoassay strip to determine the concentration of the marker. In example implementations, the device includes an immunoassay strip reader for leukocyte esterase and c-reactive protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic medical instruments and procedures, and more particularly to implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological parameters. A device for providing in vivo diagnostics of infections in orthopedic implants having at least one signal processing device operatively coupled with sensors. The signal processing device is operable to receive the output signal from the sensors and transmit a signal corresponding with the output signal. The invention also relates to a method using the device of the invention for detecting infection associated with implants in a human or animal subject.

Abstract: This invention relates to diagnostic medical instruments and procedures, and more particularly to implantable devices and methods for monitoring physiological parameters. A device for providing in vivo diagnostics of infections in orthopedic implants having at least one signal processing device operatively coupled with sensors. The signal processing device is operable to receive the output signal from the sensors and transmit a signal corresponding with the output signal. The invention also relates to a method using the device of the invention for detecting infection associated with implants in a human or animal subject.

Abstract: To assist diagnosis of a post-operative condition related to an implanted medical device, such as an infection, inflammation, mechanical wear, and hemorrhaging, a monitoring device optically measures a concentration of a selected type of cells in a fluid surrounding the implanted medical device. The monitoring device comprises a light source and light sensor which are selected and calibrated, and placed in a relative spatial orientation with respect to each other, to detect light scattered by the selected type of cell in the fluid.

Abstract: An artificial bone generally includes a substantially continuous outer wall defining an inner cavity, an inner core disposed within at least a portion of the inner cavity, wherein the inner core includes a porous material having stiffness within a range of stiffness properties for mammalian cancellous bone and strength within a range of strength properties for mammalian cancellous bone, and a barrier layer disposed between the outer wall and the inner core to separate the outer wall from the porous material.

Abstract: An artificial bone generally includes a substantially continuous outer wall defining an inner cavity, an inner core disposed within at least a portion of the inner cavity, wherein the inner core includes a porous material having stiffness within a range of stiffness properties for mammalian cancellous bone and strength within a range of strength properties for mammalian cancellous bone, and a barrier layer disposed between the outer wall and the inner core to separate the outer wall from the porous material.

Abstract: An artificial bone generally includes an outer wall defining an inner cavity and an inner core disposed within at least a portion of the inner cavity, wherein the inner core includes a porous material having stiffness within a range of stiffness properties for mammalian cancellous bone and strength within a range of strength properties for mammalian cancellous bone.

Abstract: An artificial bone generally includes an outer wall defining an inner cavity and an inner core disposed within at least a portion of the inner cavity, wherein the inner core includes a porous material having stiffness within a range of stiffness properties for mammalian cancellous bone and strength within a range of strength properties for mammalian cancellous bone.

Abstract: A gunstock that is provided that includes a core, a unidirectional fiberglass layer, a decorative layer, a woven fiberglass layer, and a resin impregnating the layers. The core includes a forearm, a grip, and a buttstock. The unidirectional fiberglass layer is laid over the core. The decorative layer may be a fabric or a natural foliage that is laid over the unidirectional fiberglass. The woven fiberglass is a seamless sock that is woven directly over the decorative layer. Resin transfer molding is employed to impregnate the resin into the fiber. Once impregnated with the resin and cured, the fiberglass becomes transparent along with the resin such that the decorative layer can be seen through the fiberglass and resin composite. Composite crossbolts are also provided through the action area of the core. These crossbolts include fiberglass arms that extend along the sides of the core toward the butt of the stock. A method for constructing a gunstock as described above is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying cervical traction to a user (22) with a head halter (24) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame (24), a tensioner assembly (34), a cord (42), and a pulley (44). The frame has a generally straight section (28), a curved section (32), and a shoulder brace (30). The straight section has a head portion (68) extending behind the head of the user and a tail portion (70) extending behind at least a portion of the back of the user. The shoulder brace is coupled to the straight section at the end of the head portion opposite the connection to the curved section and is oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the straight section. The curved section generally forms a C-shape. The C-shape of the curved section opens toward the head of the user. The tensioner assembly is coupled to the end of the curved section opposite the attachment to the straight section. The tensioner assembly is also coupled to the halter through the cord.