Abstract: A system for intramedullary preparations comprises a directional reamer including a flexible drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft. The system further includes a means of displacing the distal end of the flexible drive shaft and deflecting the cutting head to selectively shape a medullary canal in a bone. A follower sleeve is also include in the system and has a proximal end and a distal end in the form of a collar, with the follower sleeve being configured to accept the flexible drive shaft. The system additionally includes a reaming plunger that extends through the follower sleeve and is positioned adjacent to the flexible drive shaft such that the reaming plunger engages the collar of the follower sleeve to deflect the cutting head.

Abstract: A system for intramedullary preparations comprises a directional reamer including a flexible drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a cutting head operably connected to the distal end of the flexible drive shaft. The system further includes a means of displacing the distal end of the flexible drive shaft and deflecting the cutting head to selectively shape a medullary canal in a bone. A follower sleeve is also include in the system and has a proximal end and a distal end in the form of a collar, with the follower sleeve being configured to accept the flexible drive shaft. The system additionally includes a reaming plunger that extends through the follower sleeve and is positioned adjacent to the flexible drive shaft such that the reaming plunger engages the collar of the follower sleeve to deflect the cutting head.

Abstract: A three-dimensional micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) capacitive bending and axial strain sensor capacitor is described. Two independent comb structures, incorporating suspended polysilicon interdigitated fingers, are fabricated simultaneously on a substrate that can displace independently of each other while attached to a substrate undergoing bending or axial deformation. A change in spacing between the interdigitated fingers will output a change in capacitance of the sensor and is the primary mode of operation of the device. On the bottom and to the end of each comb structure, a glass pad is attached to the comb structure to allow for ample surface area for affixing the sensor to a substrate. During fabrication, tethers are used to connect each comb structure to maintain equal spacing between the fingers before attachment to the substrate. After attachment, the tethers are broken to allow independent movement of each comb structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) capacitive bending and axial strain sensor capacitor is described. Two independent comb structures, incorporating suspended polysilicon interdigitated fingers, are fabricated simultaneously on a substrate that can displace independently of each other while attached to a substrate undergoing bending or axial deformation. A change in spacing between the interdigitated fingers will output a change in capacitance of the sensor and is the primary mode of operation of the device. On the bottom and to the end of each comb structure, a glass pad is attached to the comb structure to allow for ample surface area for affixing the sensor to a substrate. During fabrication, tethers are used to connect each comb structure to maintain equal spacing between the fingers before attachment to the substrate. After attachment, the tethers are broken to allow independent movement of each comb structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) capacitive bending and axial strain sensor capacitor is described. Two independent comb structures, incorporating suspended polysilicon interdigitated fingers, are fabricated simultaneously on a substrate that can displace independently of each other while attached to a substrate undergoing bending or axial deformation. A change in spacing between the interdigitated fingers will output a change in capacitance of the sensor and is the primary mode of operation of the device. On the bottom and to the end of each comb structure, a glass pad is attached to the comb structure to allow for ample surface area for affixing the sensor to a substrate. During fabrication, tethers are used to connect each comb structure to maintain equal spacing between the fingers before attachment to the substrate. After attachment, the tethers are broken to allow independent movement of each comb structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) capacitive bending and axial strain sensor capacitor is described. Two independent comb structures, incorporating suspended polysilicon interdigitated fingers, are fabricated simultaneously on a substrate that can displace independently of each other while attached to a substrate undergoing bending or axial deformation. A change in spacing between the interdigitated fingers will output a change in capacitance of the sensor and is the primary mode of operation of the device. On the bottom and to the end of each comb structure, a glass pad is attached to the comb structure to allow for ample surface area for affixing the sensor to a substrate. During fabrication, tethers are used to connect each comb structure to maintain equal spacing between the fingers before attachment to the substrate. After attachment, the tethers are broken to allow independent movement of each comb structure.