Abstract: A digital depth gauge apparatus is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in, or surface of, an object using a variable-resistance sensor. The apparatus comprises an elongated reader body that includes a distal end and a proximal end having a longitudinal axis and a user interface including a display and at least one actuator that controls operation of at least one of the display and the apparatus. The apparatus includes a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader body, the probe including a tip for locating a distal surface of the object. The reader body proximal end is configured to abut an other surface of the object. An electrical resistance-based sensor is provided to determine an extension distance of the probe from the body.

Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.

Abstract: An instrument that measures the depth of an open or closed hole in a bone or other tissue electronically, provides a rotatable display of information relating to the depth. The surgical depth gauge comprises a probe insertable into the hole that measures a depth that is communicated to the rotatable display. The display may be rotatable in one, two, or three dimensions, and may be implemented as a wired or wireless display. A locking mechanism may be provided to lock the display in a particular orientation best suited for a particular situation.

Abstract: A digital depth gauge apparatus is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in, or surface of, an object using a variable-resistance sensor. The apparatus comprises an elongated reader body that includes a distal end and a proximal end having a longitudinal axis and a user interface including a display and at least one actuator that controls operation of at least one of the display and the apparatus. The apparatus includes a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader body, the probe including a tip for locating a distal surface of the object. The reader body proximal end is configured to abut an other surface of the object. An electrical resistance-based sensor is provided to determine an extension distance of the probe from the body.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.

Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.

Abstract: An electronic calipers is provided with an adjustable digital display. In an embodiment the calipers includes an elongated body and a display member that pivots or rotates relative to the elongated body. The display member may include a base member, which is coupled with the elongated body for translational movement along at least a portion of a length of the elongated body, and a display coupled with the base member for pivotal movement between a first orientation and a second orientation. In other embodiments, the calipers includes a display portion that rotates on the body portion through an angle of about 360°. In some embodiments the display portion may be a generally annular-shaped member that rotates and/or translates on the elongated body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the depth of a hole with a first edge and a second edge, comprising positioning a distal end of a first member of a measuring instrument against a first surface in which the first edge is formed. Then, positioning a distal end of a second member against a second surface in which the second edge is formed, the first member and the second member being movably connected; and finally, measuring an electronic signal that represents the distance between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the depth of a hole with a first edge and a second edge, comprising positioning a distal end of a first member of a measuring instrument against a first surface in which the first edge is formed. Then, positioning a distal end of a second member against a second surface in which the second edge is formed, the first member and the second member being movably connected; and finally, measuring an electronic signal that represents the distance between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone or other tissue electronically, and for providing a convenient display of information relating to the depth. The surgical depth gauge comprises a probe insertable into the hole with an indented hook for positioning the distal end of the probe against a distal surface of the bone, and a reciprocating member slidably connected to the probe and positionable against a proximal surface of the bone. The probe cooperates with a sensor in an electronic circuit connected to the reciprocating member to produce an electronic signal that changes with the distance between the first surface and the second surface. The electronic circuit comprises a power source and a display. The instrument is robust to contamination and sterilization, and is designed for use by both left and right-handed surgeons.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.

Abstract: An electronic calipers is provided with an adjustable digital display. In an embodiment the calipers includes an elongated body and a display member that pivots or rotates relative to the elongated body. The display member may include a base member, which is coupled with the elongated body for translational movement along at least a portion of a length of the elongated body, and a display coupled with the base member for pivotal movement between a first orientation and a second orientation. In other embodiments, the calipers includes a display portion that rotates on the body portion through an angle of about 360°. In some embodiments the display portion may be a generally annular-shaped member that rotates and/or translates on the elongated body.

Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for connecting two blood vessels or other tubular organs in end-to-end fashion and a stent therefor including a central portion that may be expanded, nipples at opposite ends of the central portion and a lumen passing through the central portion and the nipples. The nipples may be of different cross-sectional sizes or funnel-shaped to enable the stent to be used in attaching two vessels or organs of different diameters.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.