Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the speed of a plurality of DC motors, comprises a device for supplying voltage to one of the plurality of DC motors, first selector for selecting one of the DC motors to be connected to the device for supplying voltage, second selector for selecting a desired speed for the selected DC motor, a device for producing a feedback signal representative of an electrical current drawn by the selected DC motor and a controller for: (i) producing a reference voltage in response to the first and second selectors (ii) producing a load voltage in response to the feedback signal and (iii) outputting a control signal which is the sum of the reference voltage and the load voltage to the device for supplying voltage so that the selected DC motor is operated at the desired speed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes the combination of a distally, side-supported inner drive shaft carrying on its end an abrading element, a fixed outer tubular member surrounding the inner shaft and providing at a bearing region the distal support for the inner shaft. A distal extension of the tubular supporting member provides a sheath for a portion of the abrading element and a vacuum passage communicating proximally from the region of the abrading element, past the bearing region, to a proximal vacuum connection, whereby during driving of the shaft and drawing of suction through the connection, particles dislodged by the driven, side-supported abrading element may be drawn past the bearing region and out of the instrument.

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgical instrument consists of an outer stationary member having a distal aperture, the wall of the outer member defining a first cutting edge at the aperture; an internal movable member disposed within the outer member, adapted to be power driven and having a second cutting edge arranged to move toward and closely past the first cutting edge in rapid, repetitive fashion to sever tissue. The instrument further includes a table extension provided at the aperture, projecting outwardly from the general contour of the body of the outer stationary member. The table extension is constructed and arranged to engage tissue against which the operator urges the instrument, in a manner to improve the repetitive cutting action.

Abstract: A single-motor surgical system for operating a set of different surgical devices having different operational limits, consisting of a handpiece containing the motor and adapted to alternately receive a proximal portion of each of the surgical devices, each device having an indicator on its proximal portion that denotes its operational limit, the handpiece including an automatic sensor for sensing the indicator, and controls responsive to the sensor to automatically establish the operational limit of the motor in accordance with the respective surgical device received by the handpiece.

Abstract: An optical system and method is disclosed for substantially correcting an image transmitted through at least one gradient index lens for chromatic aberration by means of a homogeneous lens affixed thereto. In preferred embodiments, at least one of the gradient index lenses is a relay lens. The length of the relay lens is varied about an integral number of half periods and the homogeneous lens has a positive or negative curvature, depending upon the nature of the correction required. A method of determining the curvature of the homogeneous lens and the length of the relay lens for the desired degree of correction is also claimed.

Abstract: Cutting-suctioning instrument having an elongated support and first and second, opposed distal jaws, at least one of which is pivotable about a transverse axis and adapted to be closed by an actuator, and a suction throat defined between proximal portions of the two jaws. Preferably, a sliding inner tube, which defines the suction passage, serves as actuator to move the pivotable jaw. As a cutter for meniscal cartilage, a hollow tube defining a tissue-fragment transport, suction passage is arranged to communicate through the open throat with the region between the jaws to receive cut tissue while suction is associated with the proximal end of the instrument for enabling tissue to be drawn from between the jaws, through the throat and then through the transport passage while the instrument remains in situ for repeated cutting. Preferred embodiments of the instrument are especially useful in arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: An optical system comprising at least two gradient index lenses further includes spacer means of substantially homogenous substance affixed therebetween to provide increased light throughput by substantial maximization of the optical invariant of the system.

Abstract: Remote-cutting instrument formed by an inner tube rotating within an outer tube, in which an initial cutting point where portions of the tubes first come together during a cutting cycle is defined at the distal extremity of the sides of the tubes and cutting edges extend from this initial point longitudinally along the sides of the tubes. The coacting side edges of the tubes diverge in the proximal direction. There are end cutting edges of circular form, defining cusp-shaped points.

Abstract: A surgical instrument useful in joint surgery for instance closed surgery of the knee. When in the form of a rotary vacuum shaver it comprises an external stationary tube having a side-facing, axially extending shaving port and an internal rotary blade capable of rotating at a slow speed, of the order of 200 rpm or below. Radial bearing portions at both proximal and distal ends radially support the blade in shearing relation to the external tube. A vacuum conduit draws fluid and articles to be shaved into the shaving port, and draws discrete shavings through the instrument, while the blade is driven at shearing speeds.