Abstract: A method for structure inspection includes the steps of: selecting a structure; providing a vehicle having an imaging device; moving the vehicle in proximity of the structure; capturing two-dimensional images of surfaces of the structure with the imaging device; storing the two-dimensional images, wherein each image includes associated position information related to the surface; producing a three-dimensional virtual model from the stored two-dimensional images; displaying the three-dimensional virtual model on a user device; selecting a location on the display of the three-dimensional model; using the selected location to identify a corresponding one of the stored position information associated with at least one of the two-dimensional images; and displaying the at least one two-dimensional image on the user device.

Abstract: A method for structure inspection includes the steps of: selecting a structure; providing a vehicle having an imaging device; moving the vehicle in proximity of the structure; capturing two-dimensional images of surfaces of the structure with the imaging device; storing the two-dimensional images, wherein each image includes associated position information related to the surface; producing a three-dimensional virtual model from the stored two-dimensional images; displaying the three-dimensional virtual model on a user device; selecting a location on the display of the three-dimensional model; using the selected location to identify a corresponding one of the stored position information associated with at least one of the two-dimensional images; and displaying the at least one two-dimensional image on the user device.

Abstract: A femoral component of an artificial knee joint is configured with multiple different facets which are similar in size and shape for many different sizes, to simplify an associated method for forming a distal end of the femur to receive the femoral component. Jig embodiments are provided to form surfaces on a distal end of a femur to correspond with facets of the femoral component, with the same jig usable for femoral components of differing size. The femoral component includes medial and lateral condylar legs with a posterior facet of the femoral component exhibiting a negative angle relative to a central axis of the femur, to maximize contact and increase flexion of the artificial knee joint.

Abstract: A tibial component of an artificial knee joint is provided which cooperates with a femoral component to allow pivoting rotation of the artificial knee joint in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The tibial component includes a plate with a tapered dovetail rib thereon which allows an insert to be removably secured thereto to act as a meniscal structure for the tibial component. The insert has a proximal surface with left and right wells therein that include valleys to guide rotation of one condylar leg of a femoral component while holding a second condylar leg of the femoral component within the other one of the wells, allowing pivoting rotation in either direction. A nesting of the insert into a portion of the plate minimizes an overall height of the tibial component and minimizing tibial bone resection, while providing a greater resistance to shear forces upon the knee joint.

Abstract: A femoral component of an artificial knee joint is configured with multiple different facets which are similar in size and shape for many different sizes, to simplify an associated method for forming a distal end of the femur to receive the femoral component. Jig embodiments are provided to form surfaces on a distal end of a femur to correspond with facets of the femoral component, with the same jig usable for femoral components of differing size. The femoral component includes medial and lateral condylar legs with a posterior facet of the femoral component exhibiting a negative angle relative to a central axis of the femur, to maximize contact and increase flexion of the artificial knee joint.

Abstract: A tibial component of an artificial knee joint is provided which cooperates with a femoral component to allow pivoting rotation of the artificial knee joint in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The tibial component includes a plate with a tapered dovetail rib thereon which allows an insert to be removably secured thereto to act as a meniscal structure for the tibial component. The insert has a proximal surface with left and right wells therein that include valleys to guide rotation of one condylar leg of a femoral component while holding a second condylar leg of the femoral component within the other one of the wells, allowing pivoting rotation in either direction. A nesting of the insert into a portion of the plate minimizes an overall height of the tibial component and minimizing tibial bone resection, while providing a greater resistance to shear forces upon the knee joint.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint is provided featuring a liner with a deforming seal which quickly and easily seals a top bore in an acetabular cup of the artificial hip joint, such as to prevent the passage of fluid, wear debris or other material through the top bore in the acetabular cup. The acetabular cup is adapted to be secured to a hip bone and is generally hemispherical and sized to receive the generally hemispherical liner therein. The liner is secured to the acetabular cup by a locking ring which nests within both an acetabular groove in the annular cup and an annular seat in the liner. The liner provides a hemispherical bearing surface for a head at an upper end of a femur.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint is provided including a generally hemispherical acetabular cup with a generally hemispherical liner mated within the acetabular cup and with a locking ring to secure the liner within the acetabular cup. The acetabular cup is adapted to be secured within a hip bone. The liner includes a hemispherical inside surface for pivotably supporting a head at an upper end of a femur. The locking ring resides within an annular groove in the acetabular cup and an annular seat in the liner. The locking ring includes a captured end and a free end. The captured end includes a slot which cooperates with a post in the acetabular cup to slidably hold the captured end to the acetabular cup. The locking ring removably attaches the liner to the acetabular cup.