Abstract: A device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of the tissue. A controlled delivery or extraction system is also disclosed for the transfer of material from the device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring skin temperatures at predetermined locations on the body of a human or an animal. One embodiment includes a platform with a grid including holes on which the user stands. Under the grid is a movable array of light sensors and temperature sensors. The foot position is determined from the output of the light sensors. The temperatures at predetermined locations on the skin surface are determined by the signals obtained from the temperature sensors. Additional vital health information may be obtained by other sensors on the apparatus. The data may be stored for future retrieval, or transmitted to a remote location for off-site monitoring. Alternative embodiments include sensor blankets or wraps whereby temperature sensors monitor skin temperature for areas of pressure on the blanket or areas covered by the wrap.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: A foot support device for use on the foot of a human being includes a foot cradle. The foot cradle has a rear portion and a hinged forefoot support portion. The hinged forefoot support portion may be set at a rocker angle which is the most beneficial for the patient. The foot support device is attached to the foot and lower leg of the wearer with binders.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring skin temperatures at predetermined locations on the body of a human or an animal. One embodiment includes a platform with a grid including holes on which the user stands. Under the grid is a movable array of light sensors and temperature sensors. The foot position is determined from the output of the light sensors. The temperatures at predetermined locations on the skin surface are determined by the signals obtained from the temperature sensors. Additional vital health information may be obtained by other sensors on the apparatus. The data may be stored for future retrieval, or transmitted to a remote location for off-site monitoring. Alternative embodiments include sensor blankets or wraps whereby temperature sensors monitor skin temperature for areas of pressure on the blanket or areas covered by the wrap.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 has a probe 22 disposed within a housing 12. A distal end 18 of the probe 22 is adapted to contact a surface of the articular cartilage and a proximal end 26 of the probe 22 is disposed within the housing 12. The apparatus 10 also includes a mass 28 disposed within the housing 12 at a position spaced from the proximal end 26 of the probe 22, and an accelerator 30 coupled to the mass 28 and configured to accelerate the mass 28 to a predetermined velocity. The mass 28, when accelerated to the predetermined velocity, creates a force that is applied to the proximal end 26 of the probe 22, thereby transmitting the predetermined force through the distal end 24 of the probe 22 to the cartilage. The mechanical response of the cartilage to the application of the force applied by the distal end 24 of the probe 22 is detected and used to assess the biomechanical condition of the cartilage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring items of vital health information including temperature of the plantar aspects of the foot of the human, body weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, blood glucose level and blood oxygen level. The apparatus includes a platform on which the user stands. Included on the platform are a set of heat sensitive signal generating devices. The temperature at predetermined locations on the plantar aspects of the human foot are determined by the signals obtained from the individual heat sensitive, signal generating probes. Other items of vital health information may be obtained by other sensors on the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.

Abstract: An articular cartilage evaluator for determining the Index of Structural Integrity of articular cartilage. This computer-based system measures deformation or reaction force of articular cartilage through closed loop control of a testing tip and allows the measurement of peak force, stress relaxation behavior or creep behavior in vivo and in situ. This evaluator also allows the calculation of the tissue's material properties. A calibrator is also provided for calibrating the evaluator and attaching and removing a replaceable tip assembly.

Abstract: An arthroscopic cartilage evaluator for determining the Index of Structural Integrity of articular cartilage. This computer-based system measures deformation or reaction force of articular cartilage and processes that information for closed loop control of a testing tip and allows the measurement of stress relaxation behavior or creep behavior in vivo and in situ. This evaluator also allows the calculation of the tissue's material properties.