Abstract: A single-handed meniscal biter instrument for probing and resecting meniscal tissue. The instrument includes a main body configured to be held by one hand and a cutting mechanism coupled to the main body and configured to be operable by the same hand while held. The instrument also includes an extendable probe coupled to the main body, wherein the probe is configured to be independently operable by the same hand while being held.

Abstract: The Intramedullary Nail System including Tang-deployment Screw with Male Interface includes a nail for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the femur and a lag screw for insertion through the nail, into the femoral head of the femur. The nail is held within the intramedullary canal of the femur, affixed internally by the lag screw and tangs, without the use of screws that penetrate the surface of the bone, and without requiring significant x-ray exposure. For nails of small diameter, a coupler, with two female ends, allows the diameter of the male/female interface between the driver and the actuator, which in turn extends the tangs, to be increased. This increase is possible because the lower section of the nail, where the talons are stored prior to extension, is of a larger diameter than the remainder of the nail.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for an arthroplasty in a long bone and a methods for achieving a press fit of the metaphyseal element of the prosthesis into a metaphysis of the long bone and the extraction of the prosthesis when indicated. The prosthesis includes a metaphyseal element attached at a proximal end of a stem, the metaphyseal element of the prosthesis is configured to optimize placement of bone marrow about, and in some embodiments, within the metaphyseal element to achieve a press-fit in the metaphysis of the long bone. The prosthesis also includes one or more apertures formed in the joint base member of the prosthesis. Preferably each slot includes a frangible wall which is readily penetrated to accommodate passage of an osteotome of other tool to break the metaphyseal element free from bony in-growth that occurs against the metaphyseal element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for an arthroplasty in a long bone and a methods for achieving a press fit of the metaphyseal element of the prosthesis into a metaphysis of the long bone and the extraction of the prosthesis when indicated. The prosthesis includes a metaphyseal element attached at a proximal end of a stem, the metaphyseal element of the prosthesis is configured to optimize placement of bone marrow about, and in some embodiments, within the metaphyseal element to achieve a press-fit in the metaphysis of the long bone. The prosthesis also includes one or more apertures formed in the joint base member of the prosthesis. Preferably each slot includes a frangible wall which is readily penetrated to accommodate passage of an osteotome of other tool to break the metaphyseal element free from bony in-growth that occurs against the metaphyseal element.

Abstract: The disclosed device solves the problem of fixation of a fractured humerus, or other long bone, by allowing a surgeon to first fix the proximal end of the implant and set the fracture, followed by fixation of the distal end without the use of screws.

Abstract: The Intramedullary Nail System with Tang Fixation includes a nail for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the femur and a lag screw for insertion through the nail, into the femoral head of the femur. The nail is affixed to the inside of the femur using only extendable tangs that extend into the bone. Similarly, the lag screw is secured to the inside of the femur and femoral head using only threads and extendable tangs. Thus, the nail is held within the intramedullary canal of the femur, affixed internally by the lag screw and tangs, without the use of screws that penetrate the surface of the bone, and without requiring significant x-ray exposure.

Abstract: A logic circuit that can reconfigure its functions in a nonvolatile manner and a single-electron transistor to be used in the logic circuits are provided. The logic circuit has a single-electron spin transistor that includes: a source; a drain; an island that is provided between the source and the drain, and has tunnel junctions between the island and the source and drain; and a gate that is capacitively coupled to the island. In this logic circuit, at least one of the source, the drain, and the island includes a ferromagnetic material having a variable magnetization direction.

Abstract: This device addresses the treatment of femoral neck trauma which includes basilar, mid-cervical and sub-cap fractures. The assembly has a lag screw assembly, side plate, compression screw and cortical screw, which are implantable. A syringe adaptor instrument delivers ortho-biologic material to the fracture site through the lag screw assembly. The lag screw assembly utilizes a cannulated screw with external threads and deployable tangs to anchor into the femoral head and is implanted in such a manner as to have the lag screw threads and tangs located on the opposite side of the fracture from the side plate. The distal shaft of the lag screw interfaces with the side plate in a manner which allows axial translation only.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, an outsole defining a ground engaging surface, and a sole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The sole includes an energy return system having a first rigid plate, a second rigid plate spaced a predetermined distance from the first rigid plate, and at least one separating element disposed therebetween to maintain the spacing between the plates.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, an outsole defining a ground engaging surface, and a sole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The sole includes an energy return system having a first rigid plate, a second rigid plate spaced a predetermined distance from the first rigid plate, and at least one separating element disposed therebetween to maintain the spacing between the plates.

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surgical fastener assembly includes an anchor that has a first externally threaded portion disposed in the first bone portion and a second portion which is at least partially disposed in the second bone portion. At least one pin is operably associated with the first portion of the anchor such that when the pin is in a retracted position the pin is disposed within the anchor and when the pin is in an extended position at least a portion of the pin extends outward from the anchor. An actuator is disposed within the anchor and is operably coupled with the at least one pin. A guide is adapted to be fixedly secured to the second bone portion and includes a sleeve. The second portion of the anchor is received within the sleeve. A fastener is provided that has a head portion and an externally threaded shank portion.

Abstract: A canine training device protects a helper's hand and arm while training a dog to bite and hold the arm of a human. The canine training device includes a sleeve which fits over the helper's arm and is shaped to correspond to the shape of the helper's forearm and hand. A bite bar is secured to an exterior surface of the sleeve and has a substantially wedge-shaped cross-section. A cover is arranged over the sleeve and the bite bar for grasping by the dog. The training device also includes a separate upper arm guard which is secured to the arm of the helper and covers the upper arm from the shoulder to the elbow. The bite bar is preferably adjustable on the sleeve to achieve different presentation angles for different wearers. The training device provides improved comfort and improved responsiveness due to the contoured shape of the training device sleeve.

Abstract: A fracture alignment and retention device includes a plurality of spanning bars which are spaced about the extremity of the patient having a fractured long bone. Preferably, the spanning bars are located circumferentially about the extremity. At least three spanning bars are held in approximately 90 degree offset positions with respect to each other by two straps encircling the extremity. The straps are secured in place by a VELCRO-type fastener or other securing devices. Each spanning bar includes at least two pressure pads which are placed on the extremity on opposite sides of the fracture. Each pressure pad includes a threaded shaft which is threadably mounted at a central portion in a fixed bushing engaged in a slot defined in an uppermost surface of the spanning bar. One end of the shaft includes a knob and the opposite end is mounted on the pressure pad for causing movement of the pressure pad toward or away from the extremity in an axial direction along the shaft without rotation of the pressure pad.

Abstract: An intramedullary rod system includes a guide rod and a tubular hollow intramedullary rod having an interior surface shaped, at least in a portion, complementary to that of the guide rod. The guide rod is first inserted through the medullary canal and then removed after sliding the tubular intramedullary rod over the guide rod. The guide rod is then aligned outside of the leg parallel to the hollow intramedullary rod for engagement at a distal end by bifurcated prongs with a drill bolt with which bifurcated prongs of the hollow intramedullary rod is simultaneously engaged. Screw holes are thereby aligned between the guide rod and the intramedullary rod at the distal end of the bone without the use of targeting. The hollow intramedullary rod is aligned with the guide rod by a lateral guide for accurate insertion through the guide rod of screws at the distal end of the hollow intramedullary rod.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe sole is provided which includes a strip made of an elastic material disposed between an outer sole portion and an upper sole portion of the sole of a shoe. The strip extends from the outer heel area of the shoe to the border of the large toe area of the shoe. The strip forms a rocker bottom which cradles the first metatarsal head of the foot of the wearer. The roll point of the rocker bottom is disposed in a range of from the toe break of the wearer to approximately 2.5 centimeters behind the toe break of the wearer.

Abstract: A power grip insert attachable to a handled instrument or to a user's hand, with one side contoured to accommodate the handle shank to be gripped, and an opposing side contoured in accordance with the musculature of hand palm. The palmar surface area includes dished areas for supporting the thenar and hypothenar eminences, and another depressed area into which the finger tips fit when clenching the instrument handle and grip insert together in the fist. Yet another contoured edge surface permits the thumb to close in cooperation with the fingers and effect a power grip around both the instrument handle and the grip insert.