Abstract: The invention pertains to medical devices for anchoring a suture engaged with soft tissue to a bone, the devices including tissue fastening medical devices, bone anchor medical devices, bone anchor driving tools and impactor tools, and procedures for using the same.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for attaching tissue to bone. Particularly, the invention relates to bone anchors for receiving (or being pre-loaded with) sutures for connecting to soft tissue that is to be attached to bone, including tools for implanting the bone anchors and facilitating the attachment of soft tissue to bone via the bone anchors and procedures for using the same.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, cubital tunnel release, and tarsal tunnel release. The apparatus includes a retrograde knife and a guide tool for guiding the knife and a scope during surgery. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicators showing the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator for preventing re-use of a single use device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reattaching the opposed ends of a member, such as a tendon, ligament or bone, during preparing and healing of the member using a surgical repair device that can be securely attached to the member and then safely guided through tortuous anatomy for reattachment and repair. The repair device further includes structural means so as to secure opposed ends of the member against separation during healing. Devices for aiding in the positioning of the surgical repair device are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reattaching the opposed ends of a member, such as a tendon, ligament or bone, during preparing and healing of the member using a surgical repair device that can be securely attached to the member and then safely guided through tortuous anatomy for reattachment and repair. The repair device further includes structural means so as to secure opposed ends of the member against separation during healing. Devices for aiding in the positioning of the surgical repair device are provided.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for delivering an article formed of a shape memory alloy to a surgical implantation site.

Abstract: The invention pertains to medical devices for anchoring a suture engaged with soft tissue to a bone, the devices including one or more of tissue fastening medical devices, bone anchor medical devices, bone anchor driving tools, implantation tools, and impactor tools, and procedures for using the same.

Abstract: The invention pertains to medical devices for anchoring a suture engaged with soft tissue to a bone, the devices including tissue fastening medical devices, bone anchor medical devices, bone anchor driving tools and impactor tools, and procedures for using the same.

Abstract: A simulated butt hinge assembly comprises an artificial knuckle-pintle-finial butt hinge attached to an L-shaped plate structure. The artificial butt hinge comprises spaced knuckle simulating grooves in a one-piece cylindrical member with finials formed at opposite ends of the cylindrical member, the grooves simulating separate knuckles. The L-shaped plate structure has one plate extending from the artificial hinge assembly and a second plate which is clamped between a flange of a snap type hidden articulating hinge and a movable panel. The articulating hinge has a second flange secured to a frame to rotatably secure the panel to the frame. The artificial hinge protrudes from the part of the panel to simulate a butt hinge. Other embodiments are disclosed including a multiple separate knuckles in an artificial hinge.

Abstract: An injection molding machine control device where mold element separation distance is measured and integrated as a function of time while moldable material is being introduced in the mold cavity between the mold elements. When the integral value reaches a preselected value, the mold injection pressure is changed and the moldable material is allowed to cure within the cavity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the process stability of an injection molding machine having a reciprocating screw engaged in the plasticating of a moldable material in preparation to its being introduced into the mold cavity. The invention involves the measurement of the duration of the operation of the screw engaged in the plasticating of the moldable material and includes the analysis of this duration over a period of time thus providing the supervisor with the necessary information to determine whether the machine/process is meeting or deviating from the desired operating requirements.

Abstract: An improved technique for use with a molding apparatus having a pair of separable mold elements and forming a mold cavity therebetween which includes a means for opening and closing the mold elements and a means for introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity at a first pressure and for exerting a second pressure on the moldable material as it cures in the cavity has been developed. The technique involves measuring the separating distance of the mold elements while the moldable material is being introduced into the cavity and integrating the separation distance as a function of time. When the integral value reaches a preselected value, the mold injection pressure is changed and the moldable material is allowed to cure within the cavity.

Abstract: A molding machine having a pair of separable mold elements forming a mold cavity therebetween is arranged for separation along a part-line. Means is provided for controlling the molded product which comprises means for measuring the separation of the mold elements resulting from the introduction of the moldable material into the mold cavity. Means is provided for detecting a predetermined separation of the mold elements, and means is provided for changing the pressure from the first pressure to the second pressure in response to the detection. The separation measuring means is arranged to measure the separation of the mold elements following changing the pressure. Means is provided for sensing when the separation of the mold elements stops increasing and for determining whether the cessation occurs within a predetermined cessation window. Means is provided to generate a signal if the cessation is not within the window to indicate that the cycle has exceeded the product limit.

Abstract: A method of operating an injection molding machine having a pair of separable mold elements forming a mold cavity therebetween with means for opening and closing the mold elements with means for introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity at a first pressure and for exerting a second pressure on the moldable material as it cures in the cavity. The method controls the molded product and comprises the steps of closing the mold elements and introducing a moldable material into the mold cavity. The separation of the mold elements is measured during the injection of the moldable material and a predetermined separation of the mold elements is detected. Upon detecting the predetermined separation the pressure is changed from the first pressure to the second pressure and the separation of the mold elements is continued. Measurement of mold element separation is continued and the cessation of the increase in the separation of the mold elements is detected.