Abstract: A method is for setting at least one predetermined distance between a machine tool (10) and a metallic or non-metallic electrically conductive workpiece (12) according to which a capacitive and/or inductive sensor (16) fixed to the machine tool (10) while facing the workpiece (12). The machine tool (10) is displaced with constant speed toward the workpiece (12) by means of a drive device, and a sensor signal is output at predetermined time intervals by means of a data processing unit (24). The sensor signal has a characteristic quantity that continuously changes in a non-linear manner according to the distance of the machine tool (10) from the workpiece (12). The data processing unit (24) compares each read out value of the characteristic quantity with a comparative value read out before at a predetermined number of time intervals and calculates the difference between the values that are compared with one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting at least one predetermined distance between a machine tool (10) and a metallic or non-metallic electrically conductive workpiece (12) according to which a capacitive and/or inductive sensor (16) fixed to the machine tool (10) while facing the workpiece (12). The machine tool (10) is displaced with constant speed toward the workpiece (12) by means of a drive device, and a sensor signal is output at predetermined time intervals by means of a data processing unit (24). The sensor signal has a characteristic quantity that continuously changes in a non-linear manner according to the distance of the machine tool (10) from the workpiece (12). The invention provides that the data processing unit (24) compares each read out value of the characteristic quantity with a comparative value read out before at a predetermined number of time intervals and calculates the difference between the values that are compared with one another.

Abstract: A modular implant system includes a set of anatomically-designed diaphyseal fitting and filling modular implant components and collars. The diaphyseal component connects with a selected intramedullary stem and with a selected collar component. The collar component connects to another implant component such as a modular articular component, a segmental component or an intercalary component. The diaphyseal component has a tapered porous surface that is received with a tapered bore in the bone diaphysis that is prepared to match the size and shape of the tapered porous surface. The collar component has a porous surface for tissue ingrowth, such as the periosteum, to seal the intramedullary canal. The diaphyseal implant is easy to insert and remove, does not bind before fully seating to prevent stress shielding, and eliminates the long lever arm created when fixation occurs only at the tip of the stem, and should eliminate related stem loosening.

Abstract: A modular implant system includes a set of anatomically-designed diaphyseal fitting and filling modular implant components and adapters for connection to another implant component such as a modular articular component, a segmental component or an intercalary component. The other end of each diaphyseal component is a tapered porous surface. The tapered porous surface is received with a tapered bore in the bone diaphysis that is prepared to match the size and shape of the tapered porous surface. The diaphyseal implant is easy to insert and remove, does not bind before fully seating, and is designed to prevent stress shielding. The diaphyseal sleeve eliminates the long lever arm created when fixation occurs only at the tip of the stem, and should therefore eliminate related stem loosening.

Abstract: A modular implant system allows a surgeon to secure an implant assembly to thee diaphysis of a long bone. The system includes a set of anatomically-designed diaphyseal fitting modular implant components. One end of each diaphyseal implant component is a Morse taper post for connection to another implant component such as a modular articular component, a segmental component or an intercalary component. The other end of each diaphyseal component is a tapered porous surface. In some sizes, the tapered porous surface includes a plurality of steps. The tapered porous surface is received with a tapered bore in the bone diaphysis that is prepared to match the size and shape of the tapered porous surface. The diaphyseal implant is easy to insert and remove, does not bind before fully seating, is designed to prevent stress shielding and provides the surgeon with a host of stem options with its modularity.

Abstract: A resistance training and massage apparatus simultaneously provides resistance training and massage. A vibrating strap is formed into a loop to extend around a body portion of a user. The strap is displaceable as the user exerts a pulling force on the strap. A motor is coupled to the strap and displaceable along with the strap as the user exerts a pulling force on the strap. The motor imparts vibration to the strap. Resistance means is coupled to the motor for elastically resisting displacement of the motor and the strap, and providing a resistance force to the pulling force exerted by the user.