Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the pressure-based determining of a product parameter in a freeze dryer, in particular a product temperature. At a point in time tSTART, a closing element as an intermediate valve between an ice chamber and a drying chamber of the freeze dryer is closed. Then, during a pressure rise occurring due to the sublimation pressure values (P1, P2, . . . ) are measured in the drying chamber. At a point in time tEND then the closing element is opened. From the measured pressure values (P1, P2, . . . ) an approximation of a product parameter, in particular a product temperature TAPPROX, is determined. The point in time tEND is determined specifically for the measured pressure values (P1, P2, . . . ) such that the time span for which the closing element is closed depends on the determined pressure values and such that the time span is variable during a drying process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freeze-dryer product sensor (1). The freeze-dryer product sensor (1) comprises a transducer (13) for sensing a product parameter and an RFID unit (14). In a storage unit (28) of the RFID unit (14) at least one characteristic parameter (29) specific to the freeze-dryer product sensor (1) is stored. According to the invention the freeze-dryer product sensor (1) comprises only one single antenna unit (3), which leads to a reduced effort in constructing the freeze-dryer product sensor (1). The inventive freeze-dryer product sensor may be employed in a drying vessel. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a freeze-dryer product sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freeze-dryer product sensor (1). The freeze-dryer product sensor (1) comprises a transducer (13) for sensing a product parameter and an RFID unit (14). In a storage unit (28) of the RFID unit (14) at least one characteristic parameter (29) specific to the freeze-dryer product sensor (1) is stored. According to the invention the freeze-dryer product sensor (1) comprises only one single antenna unit (3), which leads to a reduced effort in constructing the freeze-dryer product sensor (1). The inventive freeze-dryer product sensor may be employed in a drying vessel. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a freeze-dryer product sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the pressure-based determining of a product parameter in a freeze dryer, in particular a product temperature. In a method of this type at a point in time tSTART a closing element as an intermediate valve between an ice chamber and a drying chamber of the freeze dryer is closed. Then, during a pressure rise occurring due to the sublimation pressure values (P1, P2, . . . ) are measured in the drying chamber. At a point in time tEND then the closing element is opened. From the measured pressure values (P1, P2, . . . ) an approximation of a product parameter, in particular a product temperature TAPPROX, is determined. According to the invention the point in time tEND is determined specifically for the measured pressure values (P1, P2, . . . ) such that the time span for which the closing element is closed and the pressure rising occurs depends on the determined pressure values and such that the time span is variable during a drying process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a uni-compartmental knee joint prosthesis (1) which includes a tibial component (2) and a femoral component (3). The tibial component (2) has a fixation portion (10) adapted to be fixed to an upper end of a prepared tibia (T) in a patient, and a bearing portion (30) presenting an articulation surface (32) formed from a ceramic material, wherein the bearing portion (30) is adapted for movement relative to the fixation portion (10). The femoral component (3) is adapted to be fixed to a lower end of a prepared femur (F) in a patient, and comprises a body portion (50) presenting an articulation surface (56) formed from a ceramic material for engagement with the articulation surface (32) of the tibial component (2). The articulation surfaces (32, 56) of the tibial and femoral components are adapted for essentially congruent engagement over a full range of movement of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis having a tibial component and a femoral component. The tibial component includes a fixation portion fixed to an upper end of a prepared tibia and a ceramic bearing portion presenting articulation surface(s). The femoral component is fixed to a lower end of a prepared femur and comprises a ceramic body portion presenting articulation surface(s). The respective articulation surfaces of the tibial and femoral components are configured for essentially congruent engagement over a full range of movement of the prosthesis, and the bearing portion of the tibial component is adapted for movement relative to the fixation portion. Also disclosed is an apparatus and a method for finishing articulation surfaces of ceramic components of a knee joint prosthesis, including the steps of combining the ceramic bearing portion and the ceramic body portion, and imparting relative movement to the bearing portion and/or the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a uni-compartmental knee joint prosthesis (1) which includes a tibial component (2) and a femoral component (3). The tibial component (2) has a fixation portion (10) adapted to be fixed to an upper end of a prepared tibia (T) in a patient, and a bearing portion (30) presenting an articulation surface (32) formed from a ceramic material, wherein the bearing portion (30) is adapted for movement relative to the fixation portion (10). The femoral component (3) is adapted to be fixed to a lower end of a prepared femur (F) in a patient, and comprises a body portion (50) presenting an articulation surface (56) formed from a ceramic material for engagement with the articulation surface (32) of the tibial component (2). The articulation surfaces (32, 56) of the tibial and femoral components are adapted for essentially congruent engagement over a full range of movement of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis having a tibial component and a femoral component. The tibial component includes a fixation portion fixed to an upper end of a prepared tibia and a ceramic bearing portion presenting articulation surface(s). The femoral component is fixed to a lower end of a prepared femur and comprises a ceramic body portion presenting articulation surface(s). The respective articulation surfaces of the tibial and femoral components are configured for essentially congruent engagement over a full range of movement of the prosthesis, and the bearing portion of the tibial component is adapted for movement relative to the fixation portion. Also disclosed is an apparatus and a method for finishing articulation surfaces of ceramic components of a knee joint prosthesis, including the steps of combining the ceramic bearing portion and the ceramic body portion, and imparting relative movement to the bearing portion and/or the body portion.