Abstract: A current operational health of a Telephone Network Switch (TNS) is determined by selectively using only certain parameters. These selected parameters, both internal and external to the TNS, are those that most influence the operational health. The operational health of the TNS is projected into the future in order to forecast the TNS performance. Not only can a current or future deviation be determined, but also a source of the deviation is identified allowing for a focused preventative maintenance effort.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus includes a first and second inserter each having a handle and a shaft secured to and extending away from the handle. A collar is secured to the distal end of the shafts. The first inserter has an elongated blade secured to and extending away from the collar and the shaft. The second inserter has an elongated blunt member secured to and extending away from the collar and the shaft. The surgical apparatus includes a sleeve member having a head sized to be grasped by the fingers of the user and having a hollow cannula extending away from the head. An aperture is formed in the head to correspond with the channel in the hollow cannula. The blade of the first inserter is positioned through the channel with the head abutting the collar. The blade extends beyond the distal end of the cannula and is inserted through the skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia of a patient at a preselected location proximate an articulate joint.

Abstract: An arthroscope is constructed with a flattened thin cross-section as viewed from its distal end. The sheath of the arthroscope as viewed normal a plane intersecting the occular lens and the instrument channel is offset at a central housing which contains the entry to the instrument channel. The occular lens is vertically remote from the entry to the instrument channel.

Abstract: An arthroscope is constructed within a sheath having a cross-sectional configuration generally rectilinear, but with the longer sides slightly arcuate. The dimension of the sheath along the minor axis of its cross-section is as small as possible to accommodate the systems, e.g., lens, irrigation, instrument channel, included in the instrument. The radius of curvature of the arcuate sides is selected to approximately match the contours of the joint bones of interest, e.g., the femoral condyles and the tibial plateaus.