Abstract: A surface treatment process for stainless steel orthopedic implant devices and an orthopedic implant device surface treated in accordance with the disclosed process are disclosed. A rough ground or machined stainless steel part is shot blasted with stainless steel shot. The device is then shot blasted with glass beads having a nominal size of between one-tenth and one-half that of the stainless steel shot. Electropolishing and passivation follow the shot blasting steps. A part thus treated includes a heavily cold-worked outer layer that enhances the fatigue properties of the stainless steel orthopedic implant device.

Abstract: An instrument for locating a hole of an intramedullary nail includes an end with a sleeve to carry a pin. The sleeve is substantially translucent when subjected to x-ray visualization and the pin is opaque so that the pin can be aligned with the hole of the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: An irrigation system for arthroscopy of a joint includes a high pressure bleed valve assembly and a monitor check valve assembly to control fluid communication to the joint via suitable tubing for the purposes of directing fluid inflow, joint fluid pressure monitoring, and to assist with connection of the tubing for an arthroscope and cannula inserted into the joint. The high pressure bleed valve assembly is pressure responsive to direct fluid to the joint via alternative paths.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament includes a braided jacket with an unbraided core which is formed with a portion of the fibers of the braided jacket. This portion is isolated from the remaining braided jacket over a predetermined length of the prosthetic ligament.

Abstract: A composite implant prosthesis comprising a core constructed from a plurality of carbon fibers, a first casing formed from a braided sheath of carbon fibers and a second casing enclosing the core and first casing to define an outer surface contour for the composite implant prosthesis. The method for constructing the composite implant prosthesis includes the steps of pultruding the core from a polymer impregnated tow, braiding the first casing to the pultruded core and applying the second casing thereto. The pultruding and braiding steps are performed in a continuous process while the second casing is applied to a discrete element formed from the core.

Abstract: A femoral component for a hip prosthesis includes a proximal end shaped in an anatomic manner to form asymmetrical sides. In particular, a lateral side forms an acute angle with an anterior side and a medial side forms an arcuate surface.

Abstract: A nail device includes a plurality of segments fastened together by a resorbable bioadhesive such that the plurality of segments are gradually disassociated after the nail device is implanted into a bone. The disassociated segments exhibit less bending and torsional strength and stiffness than the fastened plurality of segments to reduce stress shielding for the bone.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament connection assembly includes a plug adapted to fit within an opening in a bone so that the prosthetic ligament in the opening will be secured to the bone via a uniform interface therebetween.

Abstract: A rasp tool comprises a handle and a cutter. The handle carries a releasable locking assembly to couple the cutter to the handle and the releasable locking assembly is compactly arranged at one end of the handle via a transversely extending flange which also acts as a spacer between the releasable locking assembly and the roughened outer surface of the cutter.

Abstract: The generator unit is of the type including a valve (14,114,214,314) for maintaining a residual pressure. The valve (14,114,214,314) comprises a closure element (32,132,232,332) urged by a spring (42,142,242,342) towards a seat (30,130,230,330). According to the invention, it also includes a temporary retaining member (50,152,252,352) holding off the force of the spring and responsive to at least the presence of brake fluid to release the spring (42,142,242,342). The invention and application may be utilized in hydraulic braking systems for motor vehicles.

Abstract: The brake has a sliding yoke (14) in the form of a closed framed structure surrounding the stationary support of the brake and straddling the disc, the outer part (52) of the yoke being connected to the inner part (51) by at least one axially extending elongated reinforcing member (62) arranged radially beyond the periphery of the disc (12), the outer part (52) of the yoke biasing the outer pad (34) at two zones (54, 56) located radially on both sides of the pressure center of the brake hydraulic motor (24).

Abstract: Quick assemblable master-cylinder and an assistance servo assembly. According to the invention, the master-cylinder (11) includes several lugs (12) while the end wall of the servo (14) is provided with a cut out (15a, 16a) similar in shape to the profile of a transverse section of the master-cylinder passing through said lugs.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a disc brake including a movable assembly. The brake includes a movable assembly (10) mounted to slide by two small columns (12, 14) on a fixed support (16). The small columns include a cylindrical sleeve and a screw. A locking element (66) is interposed between the sleeves and the heads (62) of the corresponding screws. The locking element has two forks (70) each engaging in a groove formed in each of the sleeves and also a resilient portion (74) which locks the locking element (66) onto said sleeves by interference with a portion of said sleeves located between said groove and the corresponding end of the sleeve, so as to make the locking element (66) completely secure and prevent rotation of the sleeves when the screws are screwed in. The brake may be utilized for the braking of motor vehicles.

Abstract: The actuating mechanism comprises a step-up transmission having an input member (8, 9) connected to an actuation control system (13) by means of a hydraulic distributor (12) controlling at least one double-acting hydraulic power-assistance motor, and an output member in the form of a disc-shaped body (6) rotating about an axle (5) in a box (1, 3), the body having a toothed sector (7) intermeshing directly with a pinion (8) of the input member (9) and forming, in the box, the piston means of the power-assistance motor.

Abstract: A master cylinder includes a housing (12) with a bore (14) receiving a pair of pistons (32, 34). A bearing (50) extends from the housing (12) to one of the pistons (32) to define a passage (65) communicating fluid to a pressure chamber (40). The bearing (50), the passage (65) and the pressure chamber (40) extend outwardly of the housing bore (14) to permit the length of the housing to be reduced.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a disc brake pad and a brake including such a pad.The disc brake pad (10) comprises two opposite sides (16, 18) including projections (24, 26) in which notches (28, 30) are formed, formed by a first part (32) and a second part (34) forming an acute angle (A) between them. The profile of the opposite sides (16, 18) is such that, for any point (P) of the second part (34), the distance between said point (P) and any part of the opposite side (16, 18), except the region of the notch (28, 30), is greater than a value (R) corresponding to the distance separating the apices of said two notches (28, 30) plus a predetermined value. The required profile of the sides is obtained by means of a portion (44) connecting said second part (34) and the corresponding side (16, 18) of the pad (10). Application to motor vehicle braking.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly for a master cylinder includes a housing with a surface adapted to interface with the reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly comprises a first part made from a lightweight plastic material and a second part made from a metallic material. The second part is adapted to fit on the surface while attachment of the reservoir assembly to the housing is provided for by the second part.

Abstract: The rotary distributor for high output flows comprises a first distribution circuit (26) which includes passages of variable cross-section, such as (60a, 61a) or (60b, 61b), in parallel, and two working pressure outlets (37, 39) connected to the two chambers of the assistance cylinder (45), and a second circuit (26A) for operation at high pressures, independent of the pressure outlets.

Abstract: A distribution apparatus of the invention comprises a distribution circuit whose passages of variable section are formed by the partial overlapping of holes of circular contour cut in a distribution element and longitudinal grooves cut in another distribution element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical control by cable (10) sliding axially in a flexible sheath (12), equipped with an automatic adjustment device (40) for varying the length of the sheath as a function of the clearances appearing in the control, and of which one end (28) is connected to a receiving member (30) provided with elastic return means (36).