Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of a vehicle; a recommended gear stage determine device for determining a recommended gear stage of an automatic transmission based on the vehicle speed and road situation; an upper limit gear stage set device for setting an upper limit gear stage on the basis of the recommended gear stage; and a shift device for changing the speed at the upper limit gear stage. The recommended gear stage determine device includes a suppress device for suppressing the number of determinations of the recommended gear stage at a corner.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicular powertrain including an internal combustion engine, an automatic transmission having a plurality of selectable gear ratios, and a controller in communication with the internal combustion engine, the transmission, and an accelerator pedal, include determining a driver requested wheel torque based on position of the accelerator pedal, and determining a vehicle speed ratio changing threshold based on the driver requested wheel torque. In one embodiment, the system and method determine a value indicative of current barometric pressure, determine a current gear ratio, and modify the driver requested wheel torque based on the current barometric pressure and the current gear ratio to determine a compensated wheel torque. The compensated wheel torque is used to determining the ratio changing threshold. Offset values are included to adjust for barometric pressure variation, transmission oil temperature, and to prevent gear hunting or excessive ratio changing.

Abstract: An improved exercise bar for performing chin-up and pull-up exercises. According to a preferred embodiment, the exercise bar comprises an elongate member having a first upper arcuate portion extending along the length thereof and an angled portion extending downwardly therefrom. A third portion extends from the second angled portion and is preferably oriented such that, in use, the same is in generally perpendicular orientation with level ground. The first arcuate portion is designed to support the phalanx bones of the fingers, whereas the second angled portion supports the bones and muscles located in the palmar sections of the hands. The third portion supports the distal-most ends of the wrist bones. The exercise bar may be mountable upon a wall or may be formed as part of a free-standing apparatus. The exercise bar may further be formed to have a generally arcuate shape for the performance of wide-grip pull-up exercises, or may further include an attachment mechanism for use in lat pull-down exercises.

Abstract: A jogging exerciser includes two a base having an upright, two handles connected to two friction wheels at opposite sides on the upright, a locating pin for fixing the handles to the upright to stop the handles from turning with the friction wheels, a crank revolvably supported on the upright, a driving wheel turned with the crank, a flywheel coupled to the driving wheel, and two parallel sliding bars slidably supported on a rack at the rear side of the base and having pivoted to both ends of the crank.

Abstract: An exercise machine for low impact exercise of a person. The machine has a base and a support post extending from the rearward end of the base. Two leg members divergently extend generally downward from a first forward facing pivot point for pivoting about a first axis perpendicular to the support post. A planar foot support is on each leg member and extends forward from the support post. Two arm members divergently extend generally upward from a second forward facing pivot for pivoting about a second axis parallel to the first axis. A handle is on each arm member. The arm members are pivotally joined to the leg members and the second axis slides vertically in engagement with the support post.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle includes a frame having a pedal assembly mounted thereon. The pedal assembly is interlinked with an electric motor, a fan blade type wheel and a reciprocable handle bar assembly whereby the motor automatically rotates the pedal crank assembly and reciprocates the handle bars to provide a light, assisted workout to a physically challenged person.

Abstract: Boxing exercise apparatus has an adjustable frame that can selectively adjustably support different types of punching bags in optimum position to be struck with the hands and/or feet of a person or persons using the apparatus. In particular, the frame is releasably attachable to a conventional treadmill for simultaneous use of the boxing exercise apparatus and the treadmill. In one form of the invention, the frame is capable of being free-standing independently of use with a treadmill, and in another form the frame relies upon its attachment to a treadmill to support it in an operative upright position.

Abstract: A leg press machine includes a movement arm including a footboard and a pair of links pivotally mounting the footboard to a frame for movement by an exerciser's feet. A resistance arm is mounted to the fame and connected by a link to one of said pair of links. One or more free weight plates are mounted to the resistance arm which provides a predetermined resistance to the movement arm. The frame has a rack for mounting weight plates at a height at the level of the waist-chest area of the exerciser to facilitate movement of the weight plates between the rack and resistance arm. A prop is provided on the frame for holding the weight arm in the raised position to facilitate entry to and exit from the machine.

Abstract: Exercisers are disclosed which include a flexible stretchable loop which is configured to receive both a hand or foot of the person exercising, and which is covered with a stretchable textile which is stretchable therewith. The stretchable loop closely conforms to and grips either the hand or foot of the person when the person is exercising, and is attached to extension spring which has a spring force which permits it to be stretched by the muscle force of a person when the hand or foot of the person is received in the loop so as to extend to a length which exceeds at least 100% of its length at rest, and preferably 200-300% of its length at rest. A variety of exercise routines are made possible by the exercisers of the invention and are disclosed for exercising the thigh, hip joint, groin, arms, stomach, back and/or gluteal muscles.

Abstract: An exerciser including a base frame with a seat pad. A leg support is pivotally inward foldably connected with two ends of a bottom face of the base frame. The leg support has a front arch section, a rear horizontal section and a vertical section. Two ends of a rear side of the base frame are respectively disposed with two adjustment seats for adjusting an angle. The other end of the adjustment seat is fixedly connected with each end of a handle. So, the base frame can be swung, lifted and lowered. The angle of the handle can be freely adjusted via the adjustment seat. Therefore, the position of the handle can be adjusted in accordance with various conditions for the user with the user's body stably presses on the seat pad and the base frame. The resilient section creates a resistant force when pushing and pulling the handle to achieve an exercising effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating the abdominal muscles and effectively loading them during exercise is disclosed. The device supports the user's body in a position which allows for trunk flexion; however, it forces the user's knee flexor and hip extensor muscles to contract, relaxing the hip flexor muscle, and isolating the abdominal muscles. Consequently, the only muscles exercised during the trunk flexion are the abdominal muscles.

Abstract: An exercise equipment prophylactic covering system, for use in preventing bodily contact with exercise equipment, and thereby preventing contact with bodily fluids from previous users of said exercise equipment. The system includes a seat cover, a single open ended tubular cover, a double open ended tubular cover, and a bicycle handle bar cover. The seat cover is preferably used on any type of seat, said cover attaching over the top of the seat back. The double open ended tubular cover is preferably used on any bar which does not have an open end or forms a continuous part of an exercise machine, such as the handle bars on step machines and the like. The single open ended tubular cover is preferably used on any equipment which provides an open ended handgrip, such as a pull down bar, dumbbells, barbells, and the like. The bicycle handle bar cover secures over the handle bars of a spinning bicycle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a container having a plurality of side panels, a floor panel having corner sections, and a side panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel includes a web having a perimeter, an edging attached to the perimeter forming a pocket, and a frame having two ends. Each side panel has a first side and at least two lateral sides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a pad wherein a rotatable forming screen which has a generally cylindrical surface and at least one outwardly projecting nob is employed. The nob is positioned on the forming screen whereby the nob is circumscribed by the material, e.g., cellulosic fluff, deposited on the forming screen to form the pad. The pad is transferred from the forming screen to a moveable transfer surface. The transfer surface may be either flat or round and moves at a velocity which is at least as great as the velocity of the forming screen. The nob located on the forming screen includes a thrust surface disposed on a trailing edge of the nob. The thrust surface imparts a compressive force on the pad during the release of the pad from the forming screen. The compressive force is at least partially directed towards the transfer surface and thereby assists in the release and transfer of the pad. A vacuum may also be used to attract the pad to the transfer surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: A method using retardant to inhibit solidification of slurried fly ash particles that were collected on a collection surface. The slurried particles are transported in a pipeline to a collection or disposal site during or after the addition of the retardant to the slurry. The retardant can be a dispersant, a deflocculant, a scale inhibitor or a sequestering agent such as a phosphate, organic phosphate, polymer, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The concentration of potentially toxic hexavalent chromium, {Cr(VI)}, in chromium-bearing soils/materials existing in the form of soils, sludges, sediments, fill, industrial wastes, or other materials is decreased by applying and mixing a single reducing agent, ascorbic acid, to effect chemical reduction of Cr(VI) to a less toxic valence state. Ascorbic acid is added at ambient temperature in aqueous solution or slurry form and mixed with Cr(VI)-bearing soils/materials in amounts based on test results of representative samples of the material to be treated. Ascorbic acid may also be added in a dry form if sufficient moisture is present in the soils/materials to allow for dissolution of the ascorbic acid and reaction with the Cr(VI) in the material. The percentage reduction of the Cr(VI) concentration is greater and is achieved more rapidly than previously reported using other organic chemical reducing agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brachytherapy seed delivery system which includes a seed cartridge including a central channel, a plurality of brachytherapy seeds disposed within the central channel and a plurality of absorbable, dimensionally stable spacers disposed within the central channel, wherein the absorbable, dimensionally stable spacers are interspersed between the brachytherapy seeds. The present invention is further directed to a method of loading a brachytherapy seed delivery system including the steps of: providing a seed cartridge including a central channel; placing at least two brachytherapy seeds into the central channel of the seed cartridge; placing at least one absorbable, dimensionally stable spacer in the central channel between the brachytherapy seeds; connecting the brachytherapy seed cartridge to a brachytherapy needle including a cannula; and forcing the seeds out of the brachytherapy seed cartridge into the cannula.

Abstract: A device to reduce flatulence includes a shaft with at least one axial groove in its outer surface. The shaft is enlarged and rounded at the insertion end. This enlarged end is inserted beyond the sphincter muscle. The muscle then closes in on shaft itself, but the grooves provides a path for the continual relief of gas pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence with urethral hypermobility with a support harness adapted to fit over the superior edge of the pubic bone of a patient, left or right of the pubis symphysis, a sling adapted to rest against the anterior vaginal wall or submucosally at the level just below the urethrovesical junction, and vaginal shaft connecting the sling to the support harness and adapted to position the sling causing stabilization and support of the urethrovesical junction.

Abstract: Medical devices that have a novel mechanical trap(s) on the distal end of a shaft that is used for the removal of material from the body. Further an expandable channel is included to entrap the material that aid with removal or obliteration of tissue or foreign bodies is disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical system for use in endoscopic surgery including an endosurgical instrument having an elongated shaft and an end-effector operably mounted to a distal end of the shaft. A video endoscope device includes an elongated telescope portion containing a distal viewing face, and a coupling device couples the instrument to the endoscope device. This coupling substantially maintains the relative position of the elongated shaft adjacent the telescope portion such that the endoscope viewing face is rearward of the distal end effector to view the distal end-effector from a position along the shaft. A handle portion is provided operably coupled to the coupling device in a manner enabling the distal end-effector and the viewing face to be manually positioned as a single unit during endoscopic surgery. The handle portion is further configured to manually operate the end-effector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for lifting the abdominal wall for laparoscopy, whereby the device can be inserted into the abdominal cavity through an opening in the abdominal wall, having an instrument shaft, which is provided at its distal end region with at least one, preferably two limbs disposed parallel to the axis of the instrument shaft and the can be folded open laterally to the shaft axis. The invention is distinguished by the limbs being joined to the instrument shaft via a folding mechanism, which rotates the limbs at an angle ranging up to 180°.

Abstract: A dispersed-type testing/measuring system provides for example a simplified terminal unit to be installed at a patient's home. The dispersed-type testing/measuring system has a central controlling unit (20) and a plurality of terminal units 30 each accessible to the central controlling unit via a communication line (15). Each terminal unit (30) includes a crude data collecting portion (40), and a data transmitting means 45 for sending the data collected by the crude data collecting portion 40 to the central controlling unit (20). The central controlling unit 20 includes a measurement data calculating means (210) for generating measurement data by making calculation on the crude data sent from each terminal unit (30).

Abstract: A home medical supervision and monitoring system with computer-controlled base station provides medical supervision of an individual and controls medical monitoring, environmental, and safety devices. Modular electronic components, a real-time operating system and multilevel application software provide decision-making choices to inform a monitoring service or the like if a medical crisis is occurring or an adverse environmental or safety condition exists. Subsystems include medical monitoring devices to control and monitor specific medical conditions. If a crisis is detected, predefined physician instructions are implemented. A daily medical supervision subsystem records messages to be played back at preset intervals to supervise the individual's daily medical, safety or environmental activities under control of application software. A personal distress call subsystem can contact a monitoring service by pushing a distress button or by voice activating a communication circuit via a speaker telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a reference baseline of individual patient status for use in an automated collection and analysis patient care system is described. A set of collected measures is retrieved from a medical device adapted to be implanted in a patient. The collected device measures set includes individual measures which each relate to patient information recorded by the medical device adapted to be implanted during an initial time period. The collected device measures set is received from the medical device adapted to be implanted over a communications link which is interfaced to a network server. The collected device measures set is stored into a patient care record for the individual patient within a database server organized to store one or more patient care records. The collected device measures set is processed into a set of reference measures. Each reference measure is representative of at least one of measured or derived patient information.

Abstract: Patient monitoring apparatus for use in an environment which includes a plurality of sensors. The apparatus provides collection and display of patient data signals collected from a medical patient using the sensors, including periods when the patient is being transported. The apparatus comprises a portable monitor coupled to a plurality of distinct data acquisition modules, which are coupled to the sensors. The modules includes cartridges, which detachably mount to the portable monitor, and pods which are positioned independent of the monitor. The pods reduce the number of cables extending between the patient's bed and the portable monitor by combining signals from many sensors into a single output signal. The modules collect patient data in analog form from the sensors and provide digital data signals to the monitor. The portable monitor includes: a display device for displaying the patient data, and storage for the patient data. The portable monitor may be coupled to a docking station.

Abstract: A system records use of a structure deployed in operative association with heart tissue in a patient. An image controller generates an image of the structure while in use in the patient. An input receives data including information identifying the patient. An output processes the image in association with the data as a patient-specific, data base record for storage, retrieval, or manipulation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for tracking a target mark with a diagnosis apparatus, in particular an ultrasound therapy apparatus coupled to a therapy apparatus, in particular to an ultrasound therapy apparatus. A target mark control as a control unit separate from the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is installed to acquire the relative position of the transmitter/receiver head to the sound source of the ultrasound therapy apparatus as well as different zoom regions of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and/or a change of position of the represented ultrasound picture, and to track a target mark represented on a monitor so that this target mark always designates the position of the focus of the sound source.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for insertion in the blood vessel of a patient for ultrasonically imaging the vessel wall. The catheter includes a tubular element and an internally housed drive cable for effective circumferential scan about the catheter of an ultrasonic generating means. Both the tubular element and the drive cable are of a size and flexibility sufficient to permit their introduction into the vessel and subsequent advancement through the vessel to the location of the vessel wall where imaging is desired.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the subject, the ultrasonic waves reflected within the subject are received to obtain received signals, and an image is produced in accordance with the received signals thus obtained, and particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of guiding a puncture needle to be introduced into the subject. Of a scanning area formed with a number of scanning lines scanned by ultrasonic waves, within the subject, a first area including a part or a whole of a passage of a puncture needle is scanned with a scanning density higher than that of a second area, excepting the first area, of said scanning area. The ultrosound transmit-receive portion sets up the first area based on the location of the puncture needle tip as sensed by received vibrations therefrom.

Abstract: A process for selective graphic representation and/or evaluation of the Doppler spectrum of objects limitedly resistant to sonic intensity, for example biological organs and tissues, by an ultrasonic process wherein an examination area is acoustically irradiated, nonlinear oscillations are produced in the examination area by irradiated ultrasonic waves and the signal is evaluated by an ultrasonic converter. Also, a circuit for carrying out the above process is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging method and system subdivide the transmit aperture into two or more subapertures, each subaperture having at least four adjacent transducer elements. The subapertures are phased differently with respect to one another to selectively reduce either fundamental components or harmonic components of echoes from tissue. These techniques can be used to improve contrast agent harmonic imaging as well as tissue harmonic imaging, depending upon the phase shift selected.

Abstract: A method for determining, through an interposing medium, the mechanical properties of a solid having a surface, including transmitting a first ultrasonic wave along a transmission path from a first location through the interposing medium, along the surface and from the surface through the interposing medium to a second location; measuring the travel time of the first wave along the transmission path; measuring the thickness of the interposing medium; measuring the acoustic velocity of the interposing medium; and calculating the acoustic velocity in the solid based on the distance between the locations, the thickness of the interposing medium and the acoustic velocity in the interposing medium.

Abstract: A system and method for accumulating ultrasound information from a region of interest during a storage period are disclosed. The accumulated ultrasound information is then processed during a post-storage operation to provide a number of various and selectable analysis and display modes. Ultrasound echo signal data comprising, for example, a complete set of raw RF signal samples (or the quadrature signals I & Q) are accumulated in a cinescan memory during a storage period for multiple range positions along one or more scan lines covering a region of interest. Line interleaving and multi-line acquisition techniques may be employed in data accumulation. The accumulated echo signal data is processed during a post-storage operation to provide a number of various and selectable analysis and display modes. During the post-storage playback operation, any known signal processing and data manipulation techniques, which have conventionally been carried out in real-time during a scanning session, may be employed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for stimulating and/or monitoring hemodynamic activity, such as blood flow, in a penis. The method of the present invention comprises the coupling of an ultrasound source to the outer surface of the penis and transmitting ultrasound energy into the penis at a sufficient frequency and intensity to increase hemodynamic activity. An apparatus is also provided for practicing the method of the present invention. The apparatus provides for position adjustment of the ultrasound transducers during the circumferential expansion of the penis resulting from increased hemodynamic activity.

Abstract: A transducer (10) is controlled by a beam former (20) to transmit ultrasound pulses in multiple transmit focal zones (Z1-Z3) along at least two axes (A1 and A2). The beam former (20) causes the transducer (10) to transmit a first transmit pulse along one axis (A1) and to transmit a second transmit pulse along another axis (A2) before the echo pulse from the first transmit pulse is received by the transducer in order to decrease frame rates.

Abstract: A sensor mounted on the distal end of an intra-corporeal catheter detects pressure applied thereto. The sensor includes a chip that is deformable in accordance with pressure applied thereto, strain gauges mounted on the chip, a sensing plate, a projection, a cap and a tube. A cover covers the chip, the sensing plate, the projection and the cap and gives a smooth tapered shape to the catheter's distal end. The projection and the cap transmit pressure applied to the catheter's distal end to the sensing plate and tilt the sensing plate in accordance with the pressure. The strain gauges issue detection signals according to the degree and the direction of the tilting. The pressure applied to the catheter's distal end is detected based on the issued signals.

Abstract: A body implantable pressure sensor attached to an endocardial lead for implantation in a heart chamber or cardiac blood vessel for sensing blood pressure and providing blood pressure signals to an implanted or external hemodynamic monitor and/or therapy delivery device and method of fabrication thereof. A pressure sensor module is formed of an elongated receptacle having an elongated receptacle cavity for receiving a calibrated, micro-machined pressure transducer having a pressure responsive element. The receptacle cavity is covered by a diaphragm disposed alongside the lead body and in parallel with the lead axis. The receptacle cavity is filled with a incompressible oil for transferring pressure forces that are applied to the diaphragm to the pressure transducer. The oil is introduced through a fill port, and the fill port is sealed after the oil is introduced to prevent leakage of the oil from the receptacle cavity and to complete the hermetic sealing of the receptacle cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for measuring skin blood flow includes apparatus (12) for applying a predetermined temperature gradient to a portion of skin, thereby to change the temperature thereat from a first temperature to a second temperature; a single temperature sensing element (14) for measuring a temperature at a selected location near the portion of skin; a control apparatus (20) for operating the apparatus (12) for applying a predetermined temperature gradient, and further for operating the temperature sensing element (14) in first and second operative modes; in the first mode the temperature sensing element (14) measuring a first reference temperature at the selected location, and in the second mode the temperature sensing element (14) being operable to measure a second temperature at the selected location; wherein the second mode, the control apparatus (20) operates the apparatus (12) for applying a predetermined temperature gradient so as to maintain the predetermined gradient between the first and second tempe

Abstract: The alkane profile, comprising the alveolar gradients of n-alkanes in breath having 4 to 20 carbons, is determined for the diagnosis of disease in mammals, including humans.

Abstract: An allergen testing pick for receipt in the open top end of a vial of allergen and including a neck for close fit with the top end of such vial. The pick includes a stem depending downwardly from such neck and is formed with a plurality of sharp tines. A device may be provided for receiving the vials and may be in the form of a plurality of individual modules releasably coupled together.

Abstract: The inner eye of a surgical patient is illuminated by incorporating an optical fiber in a ring configuration imbedded into or attached to a contact lens. The viewing surface of the lens if planar to optimize the surgeon's view. The opposite surface of the lens is curved to conform to the patient's eye. A solution conduit irrigates the eye. The apparatus is easily positioned and easily directed. The apparatus also is sufficiently inexpensive to be disposable.

Abstract: A universal biopsy system is provided for performing percutaneous medical procedures. The biopsy system includes a cannula assembly removably coupled to a handle. The releasable coupling structures of the handle and the cannula assembly allow for rotational displacement of the cannula assembly using the handle, as well as the application of an axially directed force, either toward or away from the patient.

Abstract: An automatic biopsy device includes a needle formed by a cannula and a stylet which is sliding axially inside the cannula and which is equipped with a cavity for receiving a sample of the organ to be examined. The device includes a first moving element and a second moving element mounted slidingly inside a box-like covering and aimed at being fastened respectively to a proximal end of the stylet and to a proximal end of the cannula of the needle. The first moving element and the second moving element are fastened by flexible means to a first cam and to a second cam, respectively. The cams rotate, independently one from the other, about a transversal axis of the covering. A first loading lever and a second loading lever, are pivoted to the covering and drive to rotate, the first cam and the second cam, respectively, against elastic means, so as to move to a loading position the first moving element and the second moving element.

Abstract: A process and a device for measuring and locating the apex of a root canal of a tooth, by measuring, between a rasp forming an electrode inserted in the root canal and a second electrode disposed in the mouth, the variations of time constants of resistances and capacitances encountered in the canal, includes applying to the terminals of the electrodes a continuous current signal or a square signal of current of predetermined frequency for repeating the measurements and carrying out at the terminals of the electrodes at least two measurements for a given alternation so that a radiometric computation of the measurements can be obtained which result represents a distance separating the distal end of the rasp from the apex.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device which may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in a treatment session includes an “Oscillation Zone” range of motion feature that permits the machine to be operated in such a manner that the patient's knee is flexed and his leg extended through a critical or working range of motion more frequently than through the non-critical range of motion, or the remainder of the range of motion of the device, so as to increase the portion of time of a treatment session that is spent in the working range of motion. A preferred embodiment of the device allows the patient's knee to be flexed, extended and held in certain positions a predetermined number of times per cycle, so as to provide a treatment regimen which replicates the holding and stretching one might receive through physical therapy conducted by a therapist or a physician.

Abstract: A therapeutic device which may be used in providing physical therapy for a patient's knee by moving the patient's leg through a plurality of cycles of motion in a treatment session. The device includes a “Fast Back” range of motion feature that permits the machine to be operated at more than one speed or rate per cycle, wherein the patient's knee may pass through a critical or working range of motion at a first rate, and through a non-critical or non-working range of motion at a second rate, so as to increase the portion of time of a treatment session that is spent in the working of the range of motion, as compared to conventional CPM machines.

Abstract: A back scratcher including an elongated slender stem having a handle disposed at a first end thereof and a scratching head disposed at a second end of said stem. The stem includes a substantially arcuate form, the handle and the scratching head being oriented at an obtuse angle one to another thereby. The scratching head has bristles extending laterally therefrom. The handle has an elongated handle portion extending in either direction from the first end and a plane defined by said stem whereby, when the handle is grasped with one hand portion placed against the palm of the user and a finger is positioned along the other handle portion and the stem is placed over the shoulder or around the waist, the bristles are aligned to engage the back of the user. The stem is preferably further defined by a substantially uniform radius in a side view thereof and planar in a front view thereof.

Abstract: An automatic ankle clamp for use with an extramedullary alignment device includes a cradle having a triggering device movably mounted thereon. A pair of clamp arms are resiliently mounted for movement on the triggering device between an open position and a closed position. A latch device interconnects the clamp arms and the cradle for retaining the clamp arms in the open position and for simultaneously releasing the clamp arms to the closed position in response to movement of the triggering device relative to the cradle. The clamp is attachable to an extramedullary alignment device such that urging the cradle and triggering device into engagement with a patient's ankle, automatically and simultaneously releases the clamp arms to grip the patient's ankle. A base is mounted on the cradle for calibrated medial/lateral adjustment of the clamp relative to the extramedullary alignment device.