Abstract: A motor system includes a motor having a rotor with a plurality of magnetic poles disposed adjacent a plurality of stator elements. Motion of the rotor is responsive to a change in magnetic flux from the stator elements. A generator comprising one or more coils and/or pickups is configured to generate electromagnetic signals responsive to the motion of the rotor, the change in flux from the stator elements, or both. A controller is configured to generate power from the signals, for operating a processor with memory. The processor and memory are configured to receive the signals, determine a count of cycles and/or direction changes of the motor based on the signals, and store the count in the memory.

Abstract: A method of constructing an electric linear displacement motor for use in a testing device includes providing a stator having as stator housing with internal coils and a through bore extending from a first end of the stator housing to the second end of the housing. First and second end supports are connected to the first and second ends of the stator housing. An armature having magnets retained therein is inserted into the stator housing such of the armature is supported by the first end support and the second end support. A plurality of set screws are inserted into threaded openings proximate both the first end and the second end of the housing. The set screws then support and retain the armature such that there is an annular gap between the armature and the coils.

Abstract: A testing machine for testing a test specimen includes an actuator assembly configured to be coupled to the test specimen; and a computing device configured to control the actuator assembly, the computing device including a graphical user interface that renders at least a visual representation or a simulated visual representation of at least a parameter of the component or the component changing in accordance with changes of the actual corresponding component on the testing machine.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism with a plurality of sub-mechanisms that generate relative motions between the portions of orthopedic devices, such as spinal disc implants. The sub-mechanisms are configured to be nested so as to place the sub-mechanism with the highest required performance closest to the specimen.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator including a holder assembly and a slide table is disclosed. The holder assembly is configured to hold a test specimen to supply test loads. In the embodiment shown, the slide table is coupled to the holder assembly and includes a plurality of translation plates movable along a plurality of axis. As shown, the plurality of translation plates include a first translation plate movable along a first axis and a second translation plate movable along a second axis generally transverse to the first axis. In illustrated embodiments, an adjustable screw lock is configured to provide a positive lock to restrict movement or stroke of the first or second translation plates along the first or second axis. As disclosed, movement of the first or second translation plates is biased via a spring assembly for example to simulate the effect of soft tissue.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with an integral central manifold that provides internal routing of pressurized hydraulic fluid, compressed air, or electrical power to the actuators of the orthopedic simulator. The integral manifold is structurally coupled to support elements and resist and transfer bending and shear forces to the support elements.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with an orthopedic simulator having at least one test station with a specimen container for containing a fluid bath, such as bovine fluid. A fluid level sensor is positioned to sense the level of fluid in the fluid bath and generate a fluid level signal. A fill controller is coupled to the fluid level sensor. The fill controller controls filling of the fluid bath with liquid, such as distilled water, as a function of the fluid level signal to restore and maintain the concentration of the bath.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of a plurality of baths of test stations that are configured to contain a sample under test within a specimen bath. The temperature control arrangement includes fluid circulation tubing that carries temperature control fluid to the baths to control the temperature of the baths through heat exchange.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a plurality of test stations for each holding a test specimen. A plurality of load actuators are provided, with a respective load actuator for each of the test stations. The load actuators are substantially frictionless and configured to apply loads to the test specimens at the test stations.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator, such as a spinal implant wear test machine, is provided with a specimen containment module that may be removed from the machine as a unit. The releasable attachability of the specimen containment module permits remote specimen installation and reduces environmental contamination.

Abstract: A transmission for torque transfer with axial compliance and a test machine employing the transmission has a flexible connector that provides high torsional stiffness and high axial compliance while inducing no frictional forces. The transmission includes an axial portion allowed to translate freely along its axis due to a high axial compliance of the transmission while the transmission simultaneously facilitates rigid torque transfer.

Abstract: A system and method to expand capabilities of simulation and durability testing of a specimen under test utilizing a virtual signal that is generated by combining the actual measured signal from a transducer with a supplemental or simulated signal created by a function based on position, load or another known or measurable parameter. This virtual signal may then be inserted into a control loop to adapt the system to this new, calculated or combined signal.

Abstract: A system and method to expand capabilities of simulation and durability testing of a specimen under test utilizing a virtual signal that is generated by combining the actual measured signal from a transducer with a supplemental or simulated signal created by a function based on position, load or another known or measurable parameter. This virtual signal may then be inserted into a control loop to adapt the system to this new, calculated or combined signal.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a slide table assembly that is configurable to be selectively operable in a plurality of operational modes. The modes may include a free-floating mode, a positive axis lock mode, and a shear plane loading mode.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism configured to apply motions and forces to a test specimen, such as a spinal implant, and a controller configured to control the mechanism to selectively apply the motions and forces in accordance with sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal curves.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of a plurality of baths of test stations that are configured to contain a sample under test within a specimen bath. The temperature control arrangement includes fluid circulation tubing that carries temperature control fluid to the baths to control the temperature of the baths through heat exchange.