Abstract: A multi-component thumb joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between upper metacarpal and opposing lower proximal phalanx bones. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the metacarpal bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the proximal phalanx and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate and spherical shaped component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rongeur type bone and cartilage removal device incorporating a pistol shaped body exhibiting a forward extending barrel terminating in a powered saw drive including a plurality of blades. A passageway extends through an interior of the barrel and communicates the forward chain drive with a rearward positioned debris collection chamber. A power supply is incorporated into the body and, upon actuating a trigger, closes a circuit with the saw drive and a separate vacuum inducing drive in order to successively excise increments of bone for evacuation through the passageway and into the collection chamber.

Abstract: An induction motor or generator assembly for converting either of an electrical input or rotating work input to a mechanical/rotating work or electrical output. An outer annular arrayed component is rotatable in a first direction and includes a plurality of magnets arranged in a circumferentially extending and inwardly facing fashion according to a first perimeter array, the outer component further incorporating a rotating shaft projecting from a central location. An inner concentrically arrayed and reverse rotating component exhibits a plurality of outwardly facing and circumferentially spaced array of coil-subassemblies opposing the magnetic elements, such that a gap separates the coil-subassemblies from the magnets. The coil sub-assemblies each include a plurality of concentrically arrayed coils configured within a platform support of the inner component.

Abstract: An implant for assisting in providing a correct separation distance between overlapping superior and inferior articular processes, such as associated with succeeding lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5). The implant teaches a pocket defining body having an open rim profile of variable wall thickness, the implants being employed individually or in paired fashion between each laterally spaced pair of overlapping facet contact locations established between inwardly facing superior articular process facets associated with a first (lower) vertebra and opposing outwardly facing inferior articular process facets associated with a second (upper succeeding) vertebra. Use of the implant assists in providing correct lateral spacing between the superior and inferior processes, reducing or preventing pinching of the laterally extending nerve branches of the spinal nerve column.

Abstract: A structurally supporting pallet exhibiting a plurality of either individual or networked portions configured with or upon an upper base surface such that, upon placing a cargo load upon the body, it provides drainage or ventilation pathways extending to each of the four outer interconnecting edges of the body. In a first example, the cargo supporting surface is exhibited by a plurality of individual plateau defining portions, each of which exhibiting a plurality of perimeter defining and upwardly sloping edges extending from a base surface and merging into uppermost individual and coplanar defined plateaus. In a further example, a plurality of elongated recessed channels are configured in the base surface and extend between selected sides of the article. In each instance, the article includes a plastic coating which is configured into the desired pattern corresponding to the upper base surface. The plastic can include a grit entrained or textured surface to facilitate anti-slip properties.

Abstract: An assembly and associated method for constructing a three dimensional article, such as a pallet, including a first station for feeding a sheet material in blank form, a second a second station for receiving and incising the blank, a third station for receiving the incised blank and which successively creases and folds the blank into an assembled article, and a fourth operator station for controlling each of said first, second and third stations. Also disclosed is a conveyor for removing the assembled article from the third station and transferring to a plastic coating operation.

Abstract: A force attenuating helmet construction including a rigid layer generally conforming to the wearer's head. A plurality of force absorbing and reacting portions extend from locations of the rigid layer such that, in response to an impact event experienced by the helmet, the absorptive and reactive forces minimize impact forces transferred to the user's head and spine. The helmet can include inner and outer rigid layers, or shells, and which are spatially supported by a plurality of force attenuating components.

Abstract: An artificial and wear-resistant plug mounted to an existing bone associated with a joint structure and which includes a three dimensional and composite plasticized material. An end surface of an existing bone is reconditioned in preparation for engagement of the plug thereto and in order to define a reconditioned artificial wear surface. In a preferred application, a pair end mounted plugs are arranged in opposing fashion between first and second bones and respectively define a male receiving end and a female socket. A lubricant retaining and cartilage defining exterior layer is applied to one or both of opposing surfaces of the plugs.

Abstract: A brace for supporting an exterior surface of a damaged bone including a plurality of elongated members interconnected at each of intermediate overlapping and end-to-end locations. An additional pair of end disposed supports is pivotally interconnected to outermost of the elongated interconnected members. A pair of elongated ties seating through apertures formed in the end disposed supports. The brace is adapted to being placed in encircling fashion over the damaged bone, following which the ties are displaced relative to at least one of the end disposed supports in order to cause the elongated members to inter-extend in scissor-like fashion in order to tighten the brace against the bone and to apply a preferred degree of compressive and immobilizing force around the damaged exterior bone.

Abstract: A multi-component ankle joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper tibia bone and an opposing and lower talus bone. A first component is anchored into the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower talus reconditioned end surface of and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components. The spherical shaped component includes a multi-layer composition having a softer outer layer and at least one harder interior layer establishing an eccentric rotational interface therebetween.

Abstract: An artificial joint associated with an implant having a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face and collectively defining a joint location. A plasticized layer is applied to an end face of each bone and coacts in substantially frictional reducing fashion with an opposing end face of a further selected bone. The plasticized layer further includes at least a plurality of projecting contact locations, between which are defined a network of valleys for receiving, supporting, and distributing a lubricant across a surface area associated with the layer.

Abstract: An artificial joint associated with an implant having a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face, which collectively defines a joint location. At least one plasticized and three dimensional shaped disk, such as a hardened and sanitary plastic material, is seated within a selected end cavity associated with a first of the bones. The disk exhibits an exterior surface configuration mating with an opposing end face of the other bone and which is biased, such as by a pressurized and fluid-filled bladder seated against an underside of the disc, in a contacting fashion against the other bone to establish a continuous wear surface.

Abstract: A surgically implantable mesh for covering a tear or rupture in a lining associated with an interior body cavity. A mat shaped polymer body has top and bottom spaced apart surfaces which are communicable at intervals by an interior configuration defined in the body and which promotes tissue in-growth following implantation. An antibacterial additive is intermixed with the polymer in a viscous state prior to formation and can included at least one of silver, gold, copper, bronze, or ground bamboo fibers.

Abstract: A multi-component joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between a first bone and opposing second bone. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the first bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of at least one of radius and ulna bones and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate component is supported in articulating fashion between the first and second anchored components. A plurality of micro debris entrapment chamber subassemblies are incorporated into the components and communicate with at least one of the articulating surfaces for isolating and capturing debris resulting from joint wear.

Abstract: A multi-component hallux joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper metatarsal bone and an opposing lower proximal phalanx bone. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the metatarsal bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is likewise anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the proximal phalanx and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rongeur type bone and cartilage removal device incorporating first and second pivotally secured handles, the first handle terminating at a forward end in a first jaw exhibiting a plurality of extending teeth, with second handle terminating in a second jaw opposing the first jaw and exhibiting a continuous blade edge against which the teeth seats during pivotal motion of the jaws.

Abstract: A multi-component elbow joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper humerus bone and opposing lower radius and ulna bones. The assembly includes a first component anchored into the upper humerus reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower reconditioned bone end surface of at least one of the radius and ulna bones and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint assembly including a ball mounted atop a supporting stem, the stem adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned end of a femur bone, with the ball adapted to seat within an acetabulum socket of a pelvic bone. An intermediate component is mounted between the ball and stem, the intermediate component incorporating force absorbing and redirecting properties at an engagement interface between the ball and stem in response to impact forces generated upon the ball by the pelvic bone. The intermediate component can be constructed of a softer material than either the ball or stem, the intermediate component can further include a sleeve exhibiting a plurality of interior threads and facilitating mounting of an exteriorly threaded end location of the stem.

Abstract: A combination spacer insert and support for incorporating into a space defined between succeeding vertebrae. A first insert body is constructed of a composite material exhibiting at least one modulus of elasticity with a substantially cylindrical shape and is inserted within the space, such as established between a pair of previously non-consecutive vertebrae and corresponding to an absent vertebrae. An additional and exterior supported member engages locations associated with the (formerly) non-consecutive vertebrae and which, in combination with the insert body, provides a limited degree of mobility to the vertebrae.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a plurality of end looped ligaments to a bone by a combination clamp and bone screw. The clamp exhibits a tapered or non-linear three dimensional shape to accommodate the folded over ligament end-loop and can be constructed of a plastic or other suitable material, and includes a split location such as permitting the clamp to be forcibly manipulated in position around the looped end of the ligaments, following which they are snap-fit or tightened such that inner facing knurled patterns engage and inwardly compress the overlapping ligament bunches. The screw is pre-positioned during the initial folding of the ligament ends and is fixedly maintained about the inner looped end following installation of the clamp. The shaft portion of the screw can exhibit varying thread profiles, promoting the creation of gripping forces when installed within the user's bone.