Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for performing remote system administration upon a standalone computer system, using a controlling computer system. A remote communication sequence is started. The remote communication sequence is used to initiate a Hyper-Media Managed Object (HMMO) request to a computer destination address. Communications between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system is established by decoding the computer destination address. A diagnostic software application program on the standalone computer system is initiated using the established communication between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system.

Abstract: A method for servicing computers using diagnostics programs to capture and report comprehensive configuration information to customer service via email.

Abstract: An ultra-rugged biometric integrated circuit sensor and method for constructing the same is provided. The sensor comprises a sensing area and a control electronics area, and, as result of its construction, the sensor has a topology whereby the sensing area is elevated with respect to the control electronics area. In other words, a depression is created on the sensor surface that allows the control electronics to escape damaging impacts by external forces. According to one embodiment, the sensing area and control electronics area are structures such there is no overlap between either area, except where the sensing area is electrically coupled to the control electronics. According to another embodiment, the sensor further comprises a electric static discharge structure that creates a least resistant path to ground. The electric static discharge structure further protects the control electronics from high voltage surges encountered in normal operation.

Abstract: A blade plate, as well as instruments and methods for securing the blade plate to a bone to reduce a bone fracture. The blade plate includes a plate portion and a blade portion extending at an angle relative to the plate portion. The plate portion includes a plurality of holes for receipt of bone screws for securing the blade plate to the bone about the bone fracture. A strut screw, inserted through a hole in the plate portion, spans the angle between the plate and blade portions, and threadingly engages a hole in the blade portion to slightly draw the plate and blade portions together to compress and support the bone fracture. A pair of top screws are inserted through holes in the plate portion at angles with respect to the strut screw on either side of the strut screw. Additionally, the blade plate is designed to closely conform to the surface of the bone to minimize the gap between the bone and the blade plate.

Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available.

Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for performing remote system administration upon a standalone computer system, using a controlling computer system. A remote communication sequence is started. The remote communication sequence is used to initiate an HTTP request to a computer destination address. Communications between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system is established by decoding the computer destination address. A diagnostic application on the standalone computer system is initiated using the established communication between the controlling computer system and the standalone computer system.

Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available. The meniscal component includes a mechanism for preventing lift off of the meniscal component from the tibial component, while allowing rotation of the meniscal component relative to the tibial component.

Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bone plate is coupled to a bone having an enlarged head at one end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The bone plate includes an elongate portion a flared portion and an intermediate portion. The elongate portion is attachable to the bone shaft using a plurality of bone screws. The elongate portion generally defines a longitudinal axis. The flared portion is attachable to the bone head using at least one bone screw. The intermediate portion interconnects the elongate portion and the flared portion. The intermediate portion is structured and arranged to allow the elongate portion and the flared portion to move relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal, axis when the elongate portion and the flared portion are attached to the bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bone plate is coupled to a bone having an enlarged head at one end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The bone plate includes an elongate portion, a flared portion and an intermediate portion. The elongate portion is attachable to the bone shaft using a plurality of bone screws. The elongate portion generally defines a longitudinal axis. The flared portion is attachable to the bone head using at least one bone screw. The intermediate portion interconnects the elongate portion and the flared portion. The intermediate portion is structured and arranged to allow the elongate portion and the flared portion to move relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis when the elongate portion and the flared portion are attached to the bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bone plate is coupled to a bone having an enlarged head at one end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The bone plate includes an elongate portion, a flared portion and an intermediate portion. The elongate portion is attachable to the bone shaft using a plurality of bone screws. The elongate portion generally defines a longitudinal axis. The flared portion is attachable to the bone head using at least one bone screw. The intermediate portion interconnects the elongate portion and the flared portion. The intermediate portion is structured and arranged to allow the elongate portion and the flared portion to move relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis when the elongate portion and the flared portion are attached to the bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic reamer includes an elongate shaft and a cutting head attached to an end of the shaft. The cutting head has a diameter which is larger than the shaft. The cutting head has a radial perimeter and an axial cutting face with a plurality of cutting teeth. The cutting head has at least one visualization groove which extends radially inward from the radial perimeter. The at least one visualization groove allows a surgeon to visualize the cut bone during surgery.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an external fixator assembly for externally fixating and stabilizing a bone. The external fixator assembly includes a frame member; a bone piercing member insertable into the bone; and a clamp. The clamp includes a body with a slot, a hole, and a threaded opening therein. The threaded opening is in communication with the slot. The bone piercing member is received within the hole. The frame member is disposed within the slot. The clamp further includes a set screw in the threaded opening. The set screw is engaged with the frame member and holds the frame member within the slot.

Abstract: The transport carrier of this invention is configured for use with an external fixator having a hexagonal rod. The carrier includes a threaded sleeve which accommodates the hexagonal rod of the fixator. A compressible ball collet and retaining nut are carried by the sleeve and serve to lock the sleeve into position on the rod in a known manner. A clamp is carried by the sleeve and rotationally fixed relative to the rod by a key and key way, yet may shift along the sleeve. The clamp is configured to connect to one or more bone pins using a ball collet and retaining nut to fix the clamp to the pin. The bone pins connect to a bone fragment such that as the clamp shifts along the sleeve, the bone fragment is transported between two portions of a bone. An internally threaded sleeve is carried by the externally threaded sleeve and engages the clamp. Upon rotation of the internally threaded sleeve, the clamp and externally threaded sleeve move longitudinally along the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopaedic apparatus 10 for at least one of removing and driving an elongated fixation member 12 having an enlarged head 22. The orthopaedic apparatus 10 includes a hollow, elongated body 14 having an open end 26 for receiving the enlarged head 22 therein. The body 14 further has a deflectable portion 28 at the open end. A shaft 16 is disposed within the body, and has a distal end 34 disposed substantially adjacent to the body open end. The distal end 34 has an exterior configuration which is adapted to mate with the enlarged head. The deflectable portion is configured to impart a radially inward force around the enlarged head and the shaft is configured to impart an axial compression force on the enlarged head, thereby locking the elongated fixation member relative to the orthopaedic apparatus.

Abstract: A fracture fixation system comprising an elongated inner member 20 and a hollow barrel 14 adapted to receive the inner member 20. The barrel 14 includes an integral protrusion portion 15 for mating with a corresponding recess 24 on the inner member 20. The protrusion portion 15 is selectively removable by separation from the barrel 14, so that if the protrusion 15 is not removed, the protrusion 15 and corresponding recess 24 prevent rotation between the barrel 14 and the inner member 20, or alternatively, if the protrusion 15 is removed, this allows rotation between the inner member 20 and the barrel 14.

Abstract: A sagittal approximator for clamping engagement with an open back hook for urging a spinal rod into seating engagement with said hook. The sagittal approximator includes an integral fixed handle and jaw. A shiftable handle is pivotally connected to the fixed handle. A shiftable jaw is pivotally connected to the fixed handle adjacent the fixed jaw. The pivotal handle and jaw are pivotally interconnected such that as the pivotal handle is shifted, the pivotal jaw shifts accordingly. The fixed handle includes a threaded channel and longitudinal guide rib. A spinal rod engagement head is slidably carried by the fixed handle and jaw and includes a spinal rod seat which with contact with the spinal rod produces a balanced seating load on the rod. A threaded pusher rod is carried by the channel which when rotated longitudinally shifts the head relative to the fixed handle.