Abstract: An orthopedic instrument or inserter arranged and configured to insert, position (e.g., align), and remove, if necessary, an orthopedic implant (e.g., a femoral stem or implant). In one embodiment, the inserter and femoral stem are configured to enable the inserter to be quickly and easily coupled to the femoral stem via, for example, a quick-connect, non-threaded connection. Moreover, in one or more preferred embodiments, the inserter is configured to be angularly adjustable relative to the femoral stem. For example, the angular position of the inserter may be adjusted relative to the position of the femoral stem to accommodate different patient anatomy and/or various surgical approaches. In one embodiment, the inserter includes a ball-shaped head portion for coupling to a cavity formed in the femoral stem.

Abstract: An orthopedic broach is disclosed. The orthopedic broach includes a cutting tip and a broach handle. The broach handle includes a lever, a spring, and a latch. The lever is movably coupled to the handle and to an end of the spring. The latch is movably coupled to the handle and the opposite end of the spring. In use, the lever is movable from an opened position, where the latch is positioned in a released position, so that the cutting tip can be inserted into the handle, to a closed position where the latch is moved to an engaged position wherein the cutting tip is securely coupled to the latch, and thus the handle. The handle includes a spring stop to prevent the spring from further deflection to prevent the latch from moving to the released position and thus prevent decoupling of the cutting tip when excessive forces are applied.

Abstract: Provided are molds, comprising non-metal base portions and protective optical layers that cover and shield these base portions from laser ablation. For example, a protective optical layer may reflect a laser beam used for ablating the mold. Methods of forming these protective optical layers on non-metal base portions are also provided. In some embodiments, this protective optical layer is the outermost layer exposed to the environment. Alternatively, the protective optical layer may be covered by a release layer. The release layer may be retained or removed during laser ablation. In some embodiments, light emitted by a mold during laser ablation is analyzed to determine performance of its protective optical layer. This feedback may be used to control the laser ablation such as to control orientation of the laser beam relative to the mold.

Abstract: A suction cup attachment method for flexible materials with a flexible cup member, a stem member, a flexible flange member. The cup member forms a standard suction cup. The stem member is integrally and centrally attached on one end to the underside of the flexible cup member. The stem member is integrally and centrally attached at the opposite end to the flexible flange member. The flexible flange member includes a plurality of apertures for allowing adhesive material to flow through the flexible flange member to mate a first flexible panel member to a second flexible panel member. An alternate embodiment includes the stem member being threaded and having no flange member.

Abstract: Provided are molds, comprising non-metal base portions and protective optical layers that cover and shield these base portions from laser ablation. For example, a protective optical layer may reflect a laser beam used for ablating the mold. Methods of forming these protective optical layers on non-metal base portions are also provided. In some embodiments, this protective optical layer is the outermost layer exposed to the environment. Alternatively, the protective optical layer may be covered by a release layer. The release layer may be retained or removed during laser ablation. In some embodiments, light emitted by a mold during laser ablation is analyzed to determine performance of its protective optical layer. This feedback may be used to control the laser ablation such as to control orientation of the laser beam relative to the mold.

Abstract: Provided are methods for cleaning processing tools from residue using laser ablation. Also provided are processing tools comprising non-metal base portions and protective optical layers that cover and shield these base portions from laser ablation. For example, a protective optical layer may reflect a laser beam used for ablating the tool. Methods of forming these protective optical layers on non-metal base portions are also provided. In some embodiments, this protective optical layer is the outermost layer exposed to the environment. Alternatively, the protective optical layer may be covered by a release layer. The release layer may be retained or removed during laser ablation. In some embodiments, light emitted by a processing tool during laser ablation is analyzed to determine performance of its protective optical layer. This feedback may be used to control the laser ablation such as to control orientation of the laser beam relative to the processing tool.

Abstract: Provided are methods for cleaning processing tools from residue using laser ablation. Also provided are processing tools comprising non-metal base portions and protective optical layers that cover and shield these base portions from laser ablation. For example, a protective optical layer may reflect a laser beam used for ablating the tool. Methods of forming these protective optical layers on non-metal base portions are also provided. In some embodiments, this protective optical layer is the outermost layer exposed to the environment. Alternatively, the protective optical layer may be covered by a release layer. The release layer may be retained or removed during laser ablation. In some embodiments, light emitted by a processing tool during laser ablation is analyzed to determine performance of its protective optical layer. This feedback may be used to control the laser ablation such as to control orientation of the laser beam relative to the processing tool.

Abstract: A shape memory structure includes a plurality of bases directly attached to a composite structure and arranged along a first line at a first edge of the composite structure. A plurality of buckle-shaped shape memory structures are attached to corresponding ones of the plurality of bases, such that first ends of the plurality of buckle-shaped shape memory structures are raised relative to the composite structure. Second ends of the plurality of buckle-shaped shape memory structures are directly attached to the composite structure along a second line at a second edge of the composite structure, the second edge being opposite the first edge. When activated, the shape memory structure changes from a buckled shape to an original shape to cause the composite structure to assume a deployed shape; when deactivated, the shape memory structure to resumes a buckled shape and the composite structure an undeployed shape.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a shape of a composite structure. A shape memory structure associated with the composite structure is activated. The shape memory structure changes from a buckled shape to an original shape and causes the composite structure to change from an undeployed shape to a deployed shape. The shape memory structure is deactivated. The shape memory structure changes from the original shape to the buckled shape in response to a load from the composite structure and causes the composite structure to change from the deployed shape to the undeployed shape.

Abstract: A retractor includes a first wall extending from the base. The first wall has a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The first wall includes at least a portion of a longitudinal cavity. A rotatable shaft includes an outer surface that defines a groove. At least a portion of the shaft is disposed in the longitudinal cavity. A blade is disposed for movement along the longitudinal cavity. A post is connected with the blade and is disposed with the groove such that rotation of the shaft causes axial translation of the blade relative to the first wall between a first orientation and a second orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for reattaching a longitudinal anatomical feature to an other anatomical feature comprising: a first repair device (1710) having at least first (1711) and second (1712) filaments, each having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first needle (1715) attached to the first ends of the first and second filaments and a second needle (1716) attached to the second ends of the first and second filaments; a catheter (101) comprising a tube having a lumen; a funnel member (103) having a smaller longitudinal end for placement adjacent an entry to an anatomical passageway and a larger longitudinal end.

Abstract: A retractor includes a first wall extending from the base. The first wall has a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end. The first wall includes at least a portion of a longitudinal cavity. A rotatable shaft includes an outer surface that defines a groove. At least a portion of the shaft is disposed in the longitudinal cavity. A blade is disposed for movement along the longitudinal cavity. A post is connected with the blade and is disposed with the groove such that rotation of the shaft causes axial translation of the blade relative to the first wall between a first orientation and a second orientation. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus for reattaching anatomical members, such as tendons, ligaments, 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 to secure opposed ends of the member against separation during healing. Devices for aiding in the positioning of the surgical repair device also are provided, such as a crimp connector holder tool for holding the crimp connector during threading therethrough of two sutures attached to two tendon stumps for bringing the two stumps into abutment and crimping them in place.

Abstract: A surgical tool assembly typically includes a drive unit and a surgical tool. The drive unit includes a female drive recess for receiving the proximal end of the surgical tool. A guard is disposed in front of the drive recess and acts as a filter to limit the possible surgical tools that may be mated with the drive unit. The guard includes a non-circular filter opening with a minimum cross dimension that is larger than a minimum cross dimension of the drive recess, but smaller than the maximum cross dimension of the drive recess. Proper surgical tools include a non-round keying section that is configured to fit through the guard opening in at least one orientation. The guard is spaced sufficiently forward relative to the drive recess so that only properly keyed surgical tools may be mated with the drive recess.

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: Systems and methods for conducting a virtual test market are disclosed. A system may include a virtual launch component, a transaction component, and a marketing simulation component. The components of the system may be used in combination to obtain, and analyze marketing data relating to a new product offering at a substantially reduced cost and resource level as compared to conventional techniques. The systems and methods disclosed may also be used to perform scenario analyses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a virtual test market are disclosed. A system may include a virtual launch component, a transaction component, and a marketing simulation component. The components of the system may be used in combination to obtain, and analyze marketing data relating to a new product offering at a substantially reduced cost and resource level as compared to conventional techniques. The systems and methods disclosed may also be used to perform scenario analyses.