Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for adjusting the orientation of a first external fixator support member relative to a second external fixator support member, wherein a plurality of adjustable struts connect the first and second external fixator support members. The method include providing a programmable tool, and storing, in a memory unit of the tool, instructions for adjusting the length of each of the plurality of adjustable struts to a desired length. The method further includes receiving identification information corresponding to a first adjustable strut and retrieving, from the memory unit, the instructions for adjusting the length of the first adjustable strut. The method also includes activating an actuator of the tool to adjust the length of the first adjustable strut according to the retrieved instructions. Various embodiments of the programmable tools are also included in the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of an external fixation connection rod having articulatable joints that can be attached to external supports, such as rings. In some embodiments, the fixation connection rod includes a telescopic rod and connecting mechanisms for coupling the joints of the connection rod to the external supports, and the connecting mechanisms are operable to substantially lock the orientation of the joints. In some other embodiments, the connection rod includes a housing having parallel axial bores defined therethrough and sleeves slidably disposed in the axial bores. Also included in the present disclosure are methods of maintaining the orientation of first and second fixator rings for immobilizing bone segments.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an external fixation strut for an external fixation device having a ball joints that can be attached to the outer or inner surface of the ring and locked to increase overall stability of the external fixation device. Some embodiments of the fixation strut include a first ball joint coupled to a first end portion of a strut housing, the strut housing having an axial bore defined therethrough. A second ball joint is coupled to a second end portion of a threaded elongated member. The threaded elongated member is threadably coupled to an adjustment mechanism, which is rotatably coupled to an upper end portion of an adjustment sleeve. The adjustment sleeve is slidably disposed in the axial bore of the strut housing, and is used to effect coarse strut length adjustments. Gradual strut adjustments are effected by translating the elongated member.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an external fixator ring that includes a central opening, inner and outer ring surfaces and upper and lower ring surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more apertures are defined in the inner or outer surface for receiving securing devices. The apertures in the inner or outer surface are adapted to provide rigid attachment for connection struts while allowing for a range of motion between the interconnected rings. In some other embodiments, the external fixator ring further comprises angled flanges extending radially from the inner or outer surface. The angle flanges each include a mounting surface, apertures are defined in the mounting surface of the angle flanges for receiving securing devices.

Abstract: An ice rink defines a predetermined shape and includes a source of black and/or white light for illuminating the surface of the rink. In one form, the rink includes a plurality of rectangular synthetic panels and a plurality of adjusting elements for forcing the panels tightly together and for compensating for changes in temperature. The panels also include a plurality of grooves and a plurality of metal splines which are dimensioned to fit into the grooves of adjacent panels to provide a smooth skating surface.

Abstract: A distraction apparatus for an external fixation device used to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during bone lengthening and angular deformity correction includes distractor mechanisms and pivotable spacers for connecting frame members of an external fixator, and wire and half pin fasteners. The interconnected distractor mechanisms, pivotable spacers and frame members form a rigid structure with rigidity which is maintained during adjustment of the distraction. For linear distraction, the distraction mechanism is a single screw assembly with a single-threaded rod and dual plastic nuts disposed either side of a metallic adjustment surface. After tightening down, the nuts may be synchronously co-rotated, advantageously using a tool such as a double wrench engaging on aligned faces of the nuts. This synchronous co-rotation causes linear displacement along the threaded rod, thereby enabling distraction.

Abstract: A fastener for wires or pins used with an external fixation device to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during linear or angular distraction thereof includes a fixation bolt with either a transverse asymmetrical shank bore, or a transversely slotted bolthead for providing multiple contact surfaces to secure the wires or pins, regardless of their diameters. Alternatively, the fastener can include a washer or a threaded washer-like member having nonparallel opposing planar surfaces with a transverse slot in one. The transverse slots in the bolthead, washer and/or threaded washer-like member preferably include multiple cavities so as to increase the number of surfaces for contacting the wires or pins.

Abstract: A wide-band high-frequency analog amplifier is provided in the signal path between an input cable connector and an integrated-circuit based cable equalizer. The amplifier is preferably a common base transistor amplifier. The amplifier serves multiple purposes, including providing additional gain to compensate for losses incurred in the equalizer, increasing return loss on the input line, and allowing different gain levels in the input stage and operating stages of the equalizer.

Abstract: A fastener for wires or pins used with an external fixation device to rigidly immobilize bone fragments during linear or angular distraction thereof includes a fixation bolt with either a transverse asymmetrical shank bore, or a transversely slotted bolthead for providing multiple contact surfaces to secure the wires or pins, regardless of their diameters. Alternatively, the fastener can include a washer or a threaded washer-like member having nonparallel opposing planar surfaces with a transverse slot in one. The transverse slots in the bolthead, washer and/or threaded washer-like member preferably include multiple cavities so as to increase the number of surfaces for contacting the wires or pins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic wire tensioner device having a piston and a rod slidably mounted within a cylinder. The wire is attached to the rod and the cylinder is placed so as to abut a stationary structure to which the tensioned wire is to be affixed. A pressurized gas is introduced into the cylinder to move the piston away from the structure so as to tension the wire to a predetermined tension.

Abstract: Equalizing amplifying circuitry for compensating frequency dependent losses occurring in a signal transmitted over a network such as a cable. The circuitry includes an equalizing network responsive to the signal transmitted over the cable, the equalizing circuitry having a predetermined frequency response characteristic. The output signal from the equalizing network is applied to an amplifier and an attenuator applies a portion of the amplifier output as a positive feedback signal to frequency response characteristic modifying circuitry to vary the amount of current passing through the equalizing circuitry as a function of the amplitude of the positive feedback signal to thereby effectively modify the frequency response characteristic of the equalizing circuitry.

Abstract: Multi-keying circuitry for inserting a plurality of keys into a background television signal where at least the keying signal processing circuitry is time shared by control circuitry to effect the key insertions. The control circuitry includes dual port rams and RAM-DAC's to facilitate the time share operation. Circuitry for effecting transitions between the keys either individually or in groups is disclosed as is circuitry for previewing the keys or the transitions thereto either individually or in groups.

Abstract: Improved video transition circuitry including circuitry for previewing transitions from an on-air event signal to a next event signal. The circuitry includes a program transition switch responsive to the on-air event and next event signals for outputting the on-air event signal; a preview transition switch respnsive to the on-air event and next event signals for outputting the next event signal; transition control circuitry for either (a) controlling the program transition switch to effect a predetermined transition at the output of the program transition switch from the on-air event signal to the next event signal or (b) controlling the preview transition switch to effect a preview of the predetermined transition at the output of the preview transition switch where the predetermined transition may be, for example, a dissolve, a wipe or a bordered wipe.

Abstract: A pre-adjustable device to which a medicant syringe may be attached for the filling of the syringe with medicant, to limit the extent of withdrawal of the syringe plunger during filling and thereby prevent inadvertent injection of an overdose of medicant. The device includes an overfill control, to allow for slight overfill of the syringe and subsequent expelling of the overfill medicant and entrapped air.