Abstract: An osteo-integrated implant utilizes a metal seal formed on the outer diameter of the implant components spaced axially from the annular seat or junction of the components. The sealing surface of one component is machined on the internal diameter of a counter-bored cylindrical member extending over the junction to engage the outer diameter of the other component. The mating surface is formed on the outer diameter and is machined such that an interference fit exists between the two surfaces when the abutment is fully seated in the implant. The design allows for both radial and axial micro motion without compromise to the sealing effectiveness.

Abstract: An implant abutment system uses a combination of an implant anchor, an abutment having a plurality of connection features for connecting to the implant, and a locking pin for locking the abutment into the implant. The implant anchor includes an axial bore on a superior end having inner surface features matching outer surface features of the inferior end of the abutment. The cooperative operation of these features prevents abutment rotation once the abutment is positioned within the implant and also provides indexability for angled abutments. Such anti-rotation features are accomplished with matching splines and flutes machined on the cooperative surfaces between the abutment exterior and the implant bore inner surface. The invention also provides a retention feature for locking the abutment into the implant consisting of a resilient segmented end having a retention surface positioned to match a cooperatively formed surface in the implant bore.

Abstract: An implantable module for use with a prosthetic joint that utilizes a bellows and a rotating seal for encapsulating the articulating members of the implant. This invention is comprised of flexible metallic bellows which serve the same function as the presently used boot, which includes containing a lubricant to decrease the wear to the articulating surfaces and preventing the lubricant or wear debris from escaping into the surrounding tissues. The implant module has the novel feature of maintaining the articulating bearing surfaces in proper alignment by utilizing a spring force from the metallic bellows to augment the function of the tendons, ligaments, and muscles that have been surgically traumatized and to prevent exposure of the articulating surfaces to excessive expansion, compression, or rotational forces.

Abstract: An abutment for use in connecting a prosthesis to an implant member is provided with an opening in the rear wall thereof within which a pinion gear is mounted in a suitable rotational seal. The pinion gear is provided with a drive socket accessible from the exterior of the abutment such that the pinion gear may be rotated with an appropriate tool. The pinion gear is mated to a bevel gear formed on an annular flange of a retaining screw such that rotation of the pinion gear by the appropriate tool results in proportional rotation of the bevel gear. The retaining screw has a threaded portion and which engages an internally threaded portion of the implant member or of the abutment.

Abstract: A threaded connection for medical implants utilizes root and crest interfnce profile, such that the major and minor diameters of the thread profile on the male and female members of the connection are selected such that the minor diameter of one member is larger than the major diameter of the other, such that an interference condition is created along the helical path of the thread. This interference condition increases the radial stability of the connection and increases the torque required to loosen the connection when made up.

Abstract: An improved thread profile for use in medical implants utilizes a negative o slightly positive load flank inclination to minimize radial separation of the threaded connection by increasing the radial force required to overcome the surface and interference resistance to relative motion between the made-up abutting load faces of the connector threads.

Abstract: A threaded connection for use in medical implant surgery which utilizes a read profile which includes a load flank, a stab flank, a root intermediate the stab flank and load flank, and a crest intermediate the load flank and stab flank. The distance, measured paraxially, which the screw moves one complete revolution of the connection, is the lead of the thread. In the invention, the lead varies for either the male or female member of the connector such that the load flank, effectively, is moved away from axial interference with the cooperative member as the thread is "made up" or engaged. Accordingly, the load flank interface along the length of the connection is stressed, rather than having the load flank interface stressed predominately at the end turns of the thread, as often occurs under loading of the thread. In this manner, the stress loading of the thread is spread over the multiple turns of the thread, and pre-load is not lost by the yielding of the end turn.

Abstract: A connection for components in a medical implant assembly utilizes a tapered mating surface on each component with cylindrical splines and flutes formed on each mating surface such that the surfaces are complementary to the extent that the splines of one surface are received in the flutes of the adjacent surface. Each surface is continuous with no discontinuity which would act as a stress raiser or enhance concentration of stress in one locale. The complementary surfaces are urged into registry by a screw connection coaxially through the surfaces.

Abstract: An improved rotary blowout preventer having a rotary housing rotably mounted within an outer housing and carrying an annular packer assembly hydraulically actuated by fluid circulated through the outer housing by hydraulic pumps. An annular adapter is detachably and reattachably connected to an upper rim of the rotary housing. The adapter has a tubular, elastomeric sleeve detachably and reattachably connected thereto that depends within the rotary housing adjacent the packer assembly. A drill pipe is received within the sleeve and is sealably engaged thereby when the packer assembly is urged inwardly by the circulated hydraulic fluid. The sleeve protects the packer assembly from wear and is easily replaced with other sleeves of like configuration. The sleeve has a plurality of rigid grippers seated therein which extend flush with an inner surface thereof for gripping the drill pipe to facilitate concomitant rotation of the sleeve and rotary housing therewith.

Abstract: An improved rotary blowout preventer having a rotary housing rotably mounted within an outer housing and carrying an annular packer assembly hydraulically actuated by fluid circulated through the outer housing by hydraulic pumps. An annular adapter is detachably and reattachably connected to an upper rim of the rotary housing. The adapter has a tubular, elastomeric sleeve detachably and reattachably connected thereto that depends within the rotary housing adjacent the packer assembly. A drill pipe is received within the sleeve and is sealably engaged thereby when the packer assembly is urged inwardly by the circulated hydraulic fluid. The sleeve protects the packer assembly from wear and is easily replaced with other sleeves of like configuration. The sleeve has a plurality of rigid grippers seated therein which extend flush with an inner surface thereof for gripping the drill pipe to facilitate concomitant rotation of the sleeve and rotary housing therewith.

Abstract: An improved rotary blowout preventer having a rotary housing rotably mounted within an outer housing and carrying an annular packer assembly hydraulically actuated by fluid circulated through the outer housing by hydraulic pumps. An annular adapter is detachably and reattachably connected to an upper rim of the rotary housing. The adapter has a tubular, elastomeric sleeve detachably and reattachably connected thereto that depends within the rotary housing adjacent the packer assembly. A drill pipe is received within the sleeve and is sealably engaged thereby when the packer assembly is urged inwardly by the circulated hydraulic fluid. The sleeve protects the packer assembly from wear and is easily replaced with other sleeves of like configuration. The sleeve has a plurality of rigid grippers seated therein which extend flush with an inner surface thereof for gripping the drill pipe to facilitate concomitant rotation of the sleeve and rotary housing therewith.

Abstract: An improved rotary blowout preventer having a rotary housing rotably mounted within an outer housing and carrying an annular packer assembly hydraulically actuated by fluid circulated through the outer housing by hydraulic pumps. An annular adapter is detachably and reattachably connected to an upper rim of the rotary housing. The adapter has a tubular, elastomeric sleeve detachably and reattachably connected thereto that depends within the rotary housing adjacent the packer assembly. A drill pipe is received within the sleeve and is sealably engaged thereby when the packer assembly is urged inwardly by the circulated hydraulic fluid. The sleeve protects the packer assembly from wear and is easily replaced with other sleeves of like configuration. The sleeve has a plurality of rigid grippers seated therein which extend flush with an inner surface thereof for gripping the drill pipe to facilitate concomitant rotation of the sleeve and rotary housing therewith.