Abstract: A vision system is supported by an articulated support frame having at least one proximal frame member coupled to an attachment device and a pair of distal frame members that retain optical devices in fixed mutual parallelism between optical axes of the optical devices and mounting axes of the distal frame members. A number of joints are mechanically interposed between the frame members that define respective axes of rotation about which the frame members are relatively moveable. The joints afford motion of the distal frame members through spatial trajectories over which the mounting axes diverge from mutual parallelism. A bridge device immobilizes the distal frame members on their trajectories in a binocular viewing configuration in which the mounting axis are parallel.

Abstract: A cable tensioning apparatus and method are provided for positioning and tensioning a surgical cable to skeletal tissue or to implants. The invention is most applicable for securing surgical cable and/or orthopedic implants to bone in orthopedic surgery. A linearly translated drive rod attached to cable is driven by a friction drive to create tension on the surgical cable.

Abstract: A cable tensioning apparatus and method are provided for positioning and tensioning a surgical cable to skeletal tissue or to implants. The invention is most applicable for securing surgical cable and/or orthopedic implants to bone in orthopedic surgery. A linearly translated drive rod attached to cable is driven by a friction drive to create tension on the surgical cable.

Abstract: A cable tensioning apparatus and method are provided for positioning and tensioning a surgical cable to skeletal tissue or to implants. The invention is most applicable for securing surgical cable and/or orthopedic implants to bone in orthopedic surgery. A linearly translated drive rod attached to cable is driven by a friction drive to create tension on the surgical cable.

Abstract: A cable tensioning apparatus and method are provided for positioning and tensioning a surgical cable to skeletal tissue or to implants. The invention is most applicable for securing surgical cable and/or orthopedic implants to bone in orthopedic surgery. A linearly translated drive rod attached to cable is driven by a friction drive to create tension on the surgical cable.

Abstract: A switching mechanism in an optical device for switching an optical component between defined positions. A retainer plate, which captures the optical component in a housing, includes detents for maintaining the optical component in a defined position, as well as a mechanical interference portion between detents for resisting the movement of the optical component between defined positions.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting two monocular devices to form a binocular device. A method of collimating the monocular devices, so that the binocular device is collimated.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for reducing a hip fracture utilizing a minimally invasive procedure which does not require incision of the quadriceps. A femoral implant in accordance with the present invention achieves intramedullary fixation as well as fixation into the femoral head to allow for the compression needed for a femoral fracture to heal. To position the femoral implant of the present invention, an incision is made along the greater trochanter. Because the greater trochanter is not circumferentially covered with muscles, the incision can be made and the wound developed through the skin and fascia to expose the greater trochanter, without incising muscle, including, e.g., the quadriceps. After exposing the greater trochanter, novel instruments of the present invention are utilized to prepare a cavity in the femur extending from the greater trochanter into the femoral head and further extending from the greater trochanter into the intramedullary canal of the femur.

Abstract: A bone clamp having a ratchet mechanism including ratchet teeth having rounded peaks with curved valleys therebetween and a curved pawl having a curvature similar to the valleys spanning the peaks of the ratchet teeth. The ratchet mechanism of the current invention distributes the interaction forces between the ratchet teeth and the pawl and therefore is resistive to shear stresses which could otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A switching mechanism in an optical device for switching an optical component between defined positions. A retainer plate, which captures the optical component in a housing, includes detents for maintaining the optical component in a defined position, as well as a mechanical interference portion between detents for resisting the movement of the optical component between defined positions.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for use in a monocular night vision device for electronically controlling a plurality of components within the device, the device having an objective lens assembly for receiving low intensity light, a variable gain image intensifier tube having a user adjustable variable gain controller external to the tube for adjusting the light intensity level of a visible output image, a single eyepiece lens assembly for viewing the output image from the image intensifier assembly; and a non-metallic housing comprising an upper housing for receiving the objective lens assembly, image intensifier assembly, and eyepiece lens assembly, and a lower housing containing a battery cavity for receiving batteries to power the device. The housing aligns the objective lens assembly with the image intensifier assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly along an optical axis wherein the upper and lower housing are coupled to one another along the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for providing user adjustable variable gain for a night vision device which utilizes an image intensifier tube, wherein the image intensifier tube has a given life expectancy, the image intensifier tube is subjected to factory calibration for providing an optimum output during operation, wherein the calibration undesirably differs from tube to tube and is adjustable by variable control means coupled to the tube, whereby when one tube is substituted for another the difference in calibration causes non-optimum performance, the method including the steps of: determining minimum and maximum gain limits associated with the optimum output of the night vision device; factory calibrating gain limiting means according to the determined minimum and maximum gain limits, wherein the gain limiting means are associated with the image intensifier tube and for limiting the variable control means; and, tethering the gain limiting means to the image intensifier tube.

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 self-reaming intramedullary nail and method for using the same are disclosed. Nail 10 includes a rotatable reaming head 30 mounted to the distal end 24 of the cannulated nail body 20. A detachable drive shaft 40 connects reaming head 30 through nail body 20 to a conventional rotational drill device 8. Reaming head 30 and drive shaft 40 have longitudinal bores 31, 41 that when connected form a passage for receiving a guide wire 6.

Abstract: A night sight for a missile launcher has an objective lens with a field of view of at least 22 degrees. The output image of the objective lens is intensified by a variable gain light intensifier tube and the output of the intensifier is viewed through an eyepiece. A reticle pattern etched on a glass substrate and filled with titanium dioxide is illuminated by adjustable brightness LED's positioned at points on the periphery of the substrate. The reticle is disposed between the light intensifier and the eyepiece and substantially duplicates the function of reticles used in daysights.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail system and method for providing the capability of creating intramedullary nails of any desired length by a combination of a small number of base nail members adapted to be joined to any one of a variety of hollow extension nail members. Any selected extension nail member may be axially connected to any selected base nail member in order to prevent axial separation of the members. Additionally, each extension nail member is provided with transverse openings adapted to receive a bone screw to secure the intramedullary nail within the bone to be repaird. The extension nail member is infinitely rotationally adjustable about the axis of the base nail member in order to enable the fixation of the extension member with any desired degree of anteversion prior to final assembly of the base nail member with the extension nail member.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail is disclosed having a tubular elongated body that includes a proximal head portion, an intermediate portion and a distal end portion. The intermediate portion has a longitudinal slot along one side thereof, a groove coextensive with a portion of the slot, and three other grooves spaced about the circumference of the body. This construction provides more desirable flexibility and allows improved revascularization about the nail. The nail is formed of a rod material and the slot and grooves are machined therein to the desired depth and shape.