Abstract: Disclosed is a torque-transmitting coupling assembly and method, as well as flexible surgical reamers having such assemblies. The reamers employ a fitting with radially flexible member, e.g., a split collet or a super-elastic collar that receives an elongated tubular shaft of super-elastic alloy. A compression sleeve is applied to the collet, in one embodiment, while the collar is located within a counter-bore of the fitting in another embodiment. Relative motion between the shaft, fitting and collet (or collar) induces a super-elastic activation in the shaft to form the desired coupling.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second screws adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated ligament with a first end connected to the first screw and the second end operatively connected with the second screw. The ligament is made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have ductile inelastic properties at body temperature and is capable of continuous plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. In a preferred embodiment the second pedicle screw includes a bearing for receiving the ligament in a slideably engageable relationship. The device further includes optional first and second dampening members surrounding the ligament for restraining the spinal column during flexion and extension. Other preferred devices and kits containing such devices are also described.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second anchors adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated bridge with first and second ends operatively connected to the first and second anchors, respectively. The bridge contains an implantable ligament made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have inelastic properties at body temperature, wherein the bridge is capable of continuous plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. In a preferred embodiment the device further includes a dampening member surrounding the ligament, which may be a wire, tube or band. In another preferred embodiment the device includes rigid rod members each correspondingly retained with either end of the ligament, and independently attached to the vertebral bodies with anchors.

Abstract: A surgical ratchet assembly includes a handle, a driver, a ratcheting mechanism and a locking mechanism. The driver is received within the handle in a rotatable relationship with respect thereto. The ratcheting mechanism is interposed between the handle and the driver. Unlocking of the locking mechanism enables ready disassembly of the assembly for cleaning and component sterilization. A superelastic biasing means is used. The cap reverser further prevents rotation beyond the depressions therein.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for permitting a mobile terminal having multiple, heterogeneous network connections (e.g., multiple wired or wireless transceivers of various types) to set up and maintain virtual connections over multiple networks to either the same or to multiple destinations. The mobile terminal can “load-share” traffic, i.e., it can distribute segments of traffic over a full set of heterogeneous networks, significantly improving the reliability and availability of communications. In a first embodiment, a mobile terminal is configured with multiple radio frequency (RF) transceivers. Operating system software is provided for dynamically establishing and maintaining traffic flow for user applications over multiple communications paths, and for automatically adapting to variations in the networking environment, application traffic flow requirements, end user preferences, or mobility.

Abstract: The surgical reamer has a hollow dome with apertures spaced apart arranged in arcs extending from an apex of the dome to the base portion of the dome, and removable teeth positioned in the apertures. Each cutting tooth has a flange that is aligned flush with the external surface of the dome, and a raised cutting edge extending above the flange and the external surface of the dome, and an interior passageway communicating between the outside and inside of the dome. In one embodiment, a base plate is removably secured on the base portion of the dome to provide closure of the central cavity of the dome.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer for surgical use includes (a) a substantially hemispherical dome defining an equatorial plane, and (b) a reamer spindle interface structure fixedly attached to the inside of the dome so as to substantially inset the interface structure within the dome. This insetting of the interface structure helps minimize the size of an assembly of the reamer and a reamer spindle when performing minimally invasive joint surgery.

Abstract: A low insertion profile surgical reamer for cutting a bone socket comprises a cutting structure. The cutting structure is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The structure has a static profile area upon insertion of the reamer into the bone socket and a dynamic profile area generated upon rotation, both profile areas lying transverse to the axis. The static profile area is substantially smaller than the dynamic profile area. The reamer includes centrally located holes, allowing it to be fixed to a tool holder.

Abstract: A document containing security images which enable original documents to be distinguished from copies of the originals. The document may include an image having a hidden conductive trace and contact points. The document can be verified as being an original by applying a voltage to a plurality of probes in contact with the contact points.

Abstract: An adjustable reamer spindle is provided to aid the surgeon in controlling the instrument. The reamer spindle is easily disassembled for cleaning. The spindle has a repositionable handle, a locking ring, and an elastic device. The elastic device biases against a handle locking mechanism that locks the repositionable handle at angular positions about an axis of the spindle. The elastic device further biases a locking ring into a locked position. The locking ring aids in holding the reamer spindle together. Removal of the locking ring against an elastic bias of the elastic means unfastens an end of the assembly in order to facilitate disassembly and/or cleaning. Adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle enables the palm/grip of each hand to be changed in order to provide maximum control in different orientations.

Abstract: A communication system providing telephony communication across combined circuit switched and packet switched networks, such as a telephone network and the Internet, which are connectable to terminals, such as telephones and computers, for selective communication therebetween. The communication system includes an authorization and account control object in the packet switched network, multiple gateways between the circuit switched and packet switched networks providing controlled connectivity between those networks, and an information retrieval object in the packet switched network, wherein the authorization and account control object maintains a substantially real time record of user accounts and usage, and the information and retrieval object provides substantially real time retrieval of selected information from the authorization and account control object.

Abstract: A bone plate(s) of complex form is provided, particularly suited to tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy and a distal femoral osteotomy. The bone plate has a main longitudinal axis, a bone-contacting bottom side (not shown) and a top side with at least three sets of overlapping holes which communicate through the plate from the top to the bottom side. The sets of overlapping holes define threaded apertures having multifaceted surfaces. When applied to a bone, two sets of such overlapping holes are located so as to lie on opposite sides of an osteotomy site and on the tibial plate; a third is aligned at approximately 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis. The configuration of this complex bone plate vary, depending on the physiology of the patient. An object of the invention is to provide an orthopaedic surgeon greater flexibility of choice in that a threaded peg providing secure fixing can be positioned at any interval along the bone plate, including at its extreme ends or on its elbow.

Abstract: The invention is a depth gauge having standard components and improved in that a flexible shaft is mated to the tip. A probe is attached to the shaft. The flexible shaft allows for full angular adjustment for various directional approaches to the hole. The tip of the probe can be formed into a shape that conforms with a mating part through which the hole is measured. The probe is manufactured from a superelastic nickel titanium <<NITINOL>> alloy which has greater flexibility and elasticity than typical spring steels so that it doesn't permanently deform when the flexible shaft is bent. The nickel titanium probe also extends from the tip of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the tip so it extends straight into the hole being measured even when the guide is off axis. The nickel titanium probe can be attached in several different ways to the depth gauge. For example, a setscrew could be used or a crimp.

Abstract: A low insertion profile surgical reamer for cutting a bone socket comprises a cutting structure. The cutting structure is rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The structure has a static profile area upon insertion of the reamer into the bone socket and a dynamic profile area generated upon rotation, both profile areas lying transverse to the axis. The static profile area is substantially smaller than the dynamic profile area. The reamer includes centrally located holes (18), allowing it to be fixed to a tool holder.

Abstract: Multiple streams of data are streamed to a user's terminal with images from different cameras. Low resolution thumbnail images tell the user what image streams are available. A focus stream provides high resolution images from a selected camera. A user can switch the focus stream to another stream by clicking on the associated thumbnail. The users can also be provided with a thumbnail of panoramic image. Other data streams sent to the user can contain (a) audio data, (b) interactivity markup data which describes regions of the image which provide interactivity opportunities such as hotspots, (c) presentation markup data which defines how data is presented on the user's screen, (d) a telemetry data stream which can be used for various statistical data. One data stream contains a low quality base image for each data stream which can be enhanced to form a high resolution focus image.

Abstract: The invention is a depth gauge having standard components and improved in that a flexible shaft is mated to the tip. A probe is attached to the shaft. The flexible shaft allows for full angular adjustment for various directional approaches to the hole. The tip of the probe can be formed into a shape that conforms with a mating part through which the hole is measured. The probe is manufactured from a superelastic nickel titanium <<NITINOL>> alloy which has greater flexibility and elasticity than typical spring steels so that it doesn't permanently deform when the flexible shaft is bent. The nickel titanium probe also extends from the tip of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the tip so it extends straight into the hole being measured even when the guide is off axis. The nickel titanium probe can be attached in several different ways to the depth gauge. For example, a setscrew could be used or a crimp.

Abstract: Multiple streams of data are streamed to a user's terminal with images from different cameras. Low resolution thumbnail images tell the user what image streams are available. A focus stream provides high resolution images from a selected camera. A user can switch the focus stream to another stream by clicking on the associated thumbnail. An intelligent buffer is provided which anticipates the commands that will be issued by a user. Unused bandwidth is utilized to transmit data to the intelligent buffer to prepare to execute the anticipated commands. The data so accumulated is used to execute commands without any significant (or with less) latency. Data concerning a user and data concerning the operation of the system is gathered and added to a data base of user actions. Reports concerning the usage are later prepared.

Abstract: Multiple streams of data are streamed to a user's terminal with images from different cameras. Low resolution thumbnail images tell the user what image streams are available. A focus stream provides high resolution images from a selected camera. A user can switch the focus stream to another stream by clicking on the associated thumbnail. The users can also be provided with a thumbnail of panoramic image. Other data streams sent to the user can contain (a) audio data, (b) interactivity markup data which describes regions of the image which provide interactivity opportunities such as hotspots, (c) presentation markup data which defines how data is presented on the user's screen, (d) a telemetry data stream which can be used for various statistical data. One data stream contains a low quality base image for each data stream which can be enhanced to forma high resolution focus image.

Abstract: A method of reserving resources in an internet is disclosed. The method provides an improved process for use in relation to large scale shared-tree multicast environments since its use results in a reduction in path state in the routers (A-E, R1-R6) in the internet. The method involves the sending of path characteristics upstream from receivers (H1-H7) to senders (H1-H7), the routers in between combining path characteristics from different sources downstream of them. Reservations are subsequently made on the basis of the combined path characteristic data, the nature of the sender's traffic and the end-to-end quality of service required by the sender.