Abstract: A Data Over Cable Interface Specification (DOCSIS) node includes a first DOCSIS port and a second DOCSIS port. The node also includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) ports. A plurality of client devices can be coupled to the RF ports. A RF switching network is coupled between the first DOCSIS port and the second DOCSIS port, and the plurality of RF ports. One or more control circuits can switch the RF switching network between at least a first state and a second state. The switching of the RF switching network allows the one or more control circuits to identify which client devices are coupled to which RF ports of the node.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a pair of anchoring members having a plurality of barb-like projections extending outwardly therefrom. The anchoring members are joined by a flexible linking member which connects the ends of the anchoring members opposite one another. Such a device can be fabricated by insert molding of the appropriate members together.

Abstract: A mold for fabricating a device for repairing torn tissue or muscle such as the meniscus of the knee is provided. The mold includes a mold cavity adapted to receive molten material. The mold cavity has an inlet channel, a first portion, a second portion, and a first channel extending between the first and second portions. The inlet channel communicates with the first and second portions and is spaced from the first channel such that the molten material must flow from the inlet channel through the first portion or second portion before communicating with the first channel. The first channel is dimensioned to receive a first component such that the flow of molten material from the first and/or second portions into the first channel is substantially prevented when the first component is received in the first channel.

Abstract: This application provides a novel unitary bone implant having at least one rigid, mineralized bone segment, which may be machined to include threads, grooves, a driver head, perforations, a recess, or a symmetric shape, and a flexible, demineralized segment, which may also be machined to any desired shape prior to demineralization, or after demineralization. The disclosed implant has wide orthopedic applicability, including but not limited to repair or replacement of ligaments, tendons, and joints and for inducing vertebral fusions and fractured bone repair.

Abstract: In-situ bromination of aromatic azoles using ppm levels of one or more brominating agents prior to forming a film on a metal surface in an aqueous system and treating deposited unexpectedly effective in improving the chlorine resistance and the corrosion inhibition of the bromine treated aromatic azoles.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel unitary bone implant having at least one rigid, mineralized bone segment, which may be machined to include threads, grooves, a driver head, a recess or a symmetric or asymmetric shape, and a flexible, demineralized segment, which may also be machined to any desired shape prior to demineralization, or after demineralization. The implant of this invention has wide orthopedic applicability, including for repair or replacement of ligaments, tendons and joints.

Abstract: Soft tissue is secured to bone with a surgical fastener having expandable legs. The surgical fastener is implanted into a predrilled hole in the bone and the legs are expanded by pulling a slidable pin with a flared distal end. The pin includes a breakaway notch and fins. The fastener may be fabricated from resorbable material and may be implanted arthroscopically.

Abstract: Soft tissue is secured to bone with a surgical fastener having expandable legs. The surgical fastener is implanted into a predrilled hole in the bone and the legs are expanded by pulling a slidable pin with a flared distal end. The pin includes a breakaway notch. The fastener may be fabricated from resorbable material and may be implanted arthroscopically.

Abstract: An instrument for applying an orthopedic fastener activated by a setting pin includes a member for abutting the fastener, a member for grasping the setting pin, and means for moving said members relative to each other. The instrument may be used endoscopically in conjunction with a cannula. An endoscopic drilling member is provided for deployment through the cannula to create a hole for emplacement of the fastener into bone or hard tissue.

Abstract: An instrument for applying an orthopedic fastener activated by a setting pin includes a member for abutting the fastener, a member for grasping the setting pin, and means for moving said members relative to each other. The instrument may be used endoscopically in conjunction with a cannula. An endoscopic drilling member is provided for deployment through the cannula to create a hole for emplacement of the fastener into bone or hard tissue.

Abstract: A biocompatible osteosynthesis plate operable for being enhanced in a substantially secured relation to a plurality of adjacent bone portions is provided. The biocompatible osteosynthesis plate includes an elongated section having a top face and a bottom face, at least one fastener opening disposed between the top face and the bottom face, and means disposed upon elongated section to permit the formation of additional fastener openings therethrough during a surgical procedure. The osteosynthesis plate is in a first configuration at a first thermochemical state and is operable to be converted to a second thermochemical state so that it may be deformed prior to fixation. The osteosynthesis plate may further include means disposed upon the elongated section for enhancing structural rigidity, which may be provided as one or more raised surfaces, or rails, disposed upon the top face of the osteosynthesis plate.

Abstract: A self-inserting absorbable orthopedic fixation device having a bioabsorbable fastening body portion for fastening body tissue, and having bone penetrating elements such as hard, pointed tips for penetrating bone or hard tissue fixed thereto. The pointed tips may be fabricated from metals or ceramics. The fixation device may be in the form of staples, pins, screws, and the like.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a rivet for insertion into a predrilled bore hole in bone, and a setting pin which extends through an axial aperture in the rivet. Preferably the setting pin has barbed legs which are radially expandable to frictionally engage the walls of the bore hole to secure the anchor therein. The setting pin includes a suture accommodating aperture, surface, and/or slot. In one embodiment, a snap-fitting detent and notch are engageable with each other to form an escapement mechanism to position the setting pin at discrete positions within the axial aperture of the rivet.

Abstract: An implant assist apparatus is disclosed for implanting material such as a suture in tissue to reapproximate or reinforce the tissue. A cannula is provided having a hollow body and an open proximal and distal end. Point means is detachably fixed to the open proximal end of the cannula for penetrating tissue. A method of implanting the material in tissue for reapproximating or reinforcing the tissue with the implant assist apparatus is also disclosed whereby a length of the implant material is attached to a guide wire for partial containment within the cannula. The cannula with detachable point is passed into the tissue at an entry point remote from one side of the defect and out an exit point on the opposite side remote from the defect such that the distal end of the hollow body extends from the entry point and a proximal end extends from the exit point.

Abstract: A composition for effecting bone repair is provided which includes biocompatible particles dispersed in a matrix.

Abstract: The suture anchor installation system comprises a suture anchor assembly engaged with a suture anchor insertion tool. The suture anchor assembly features a two-piece suture anchor for insertion into a pre-drilled hole in a bone and at least one suture having at least one surgical needle affixed thereto. The two-piece suture anchor comprises a setting pin slidably engaged within an engagement member having barbed legs expandable in response to proximal movement of the setting pin. The suture anchor insertion tool includes a body portion and a distally extending shaft portion. An annular region of the distal end of the shaft portion engages the legs of the suture anchor engagement member. A channel in the shaft portion aligns with a channel in the body portion to accomodate the suture. Needle-retaining assemblies located on the body portion of the suture anchor insertion tool engage the surgical needle or needles attached to the suture.

Abstract: First and second telephone handsets or headsets are used to form a continuity test set providing voice communication. The telephone handsets are modified to connect the transmitter and receiver elements in series with test leads and current-limiting resistors. Connectors are provided at the ends of the test leads, and one of said handsets is provided with a battery to establish a loop current. LEDs are disposed in selected test leads to provide a visual indication of the flow of loop current, which is established when the connectors are attached to common conductors at the remote ends of a multi-conductor cable or conduit.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament assembly includes a nonaugmented prosthetic ligament for permanently replacing a natural ligament spanning first and second body members, such as the femur and tibia, and a bone screw adapted for tensioning the prosthetic ligament during implantation. The prosthetic ligament includes a load bearing member intertwined into a plain braid from a plurality of biocompatible, high strength, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene yarns. Each yarn includes at least fifty fibers and has a tensile strength greater than or equal to about 100,000 psi. The load bearing member has a gage section and a loop at each end thereof for anchoring the load bearing member to the body members. The load bearing member is preloaded to remove slack therefrom. The load bearing member may be used alone or may be formed into a hollow braid having a core disposed within the hollow portion of the braid to permit radiographic visualization of the prosthetic ligament.