Abstract: A joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same for providing structural and dampening support to damaged subchondral bone adjacent to a body joint are disclosed. The joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same are applicable to many parts of the joint as any area with cartilage disease has an adjoining subchondral component.

Abstract: An implant for repairing an articular cartilage defect site including an implant fixation portion with an upper segment and at least one bone interfacing segment and a top articulating portion with an articulating surface and an engagement surface. The upper segment includes a supporting plate with a first locking mechanism segment. The engagement surface includes a second locking mechanism segment. The first locking mechanism segment with at least two channels is structured to couple to the second locking mechanism segment with at least two protrusions. The at least one bone interfacing segment structured for insertion into the articular cartilage defect site. An implant including an implant fixation portion, a top articulating portion, and a locking mechanism with a first locking segment coupled to the upper segment and a second locking segment coupled to the at least one engagement surface and structured to couple to the first locking segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for modifying the surface morphology of a medical device. The modified surface has, among other advantageous properties, an improved capacity for sorption or conjugation of a variety of bioactive agents, the addition of which will turn the medical device into a localized drug delivery system.

Abstract: This prosthesis (1) includes two plates and an intermediate damping core (4) placed between both of these plates, this core (4) comprising a first shell (6) and a flexible element placed between this first shell (6) and a part for receiving the core. The first shell (6) and the first receiving part include means (18, 26) for guiding their mutual movement for bringing them closer or moving them away from each other. According to the invention, the receiving part includes a cavity intended to snugly receive the flexible element. The cavity being delimited by a first peripheral wall and by a bottom wall. The first peripheral wall having an external peripheral face; and the first shell (6) has a second peripheral wall forming an internal face. The internal face, when the first shell (6) and the receiving part are in their assembling condition, coming into close proximity to said external peripheral face and being able to slide along the latter.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, a substantially hollow center, and a single vertical aperture. The single vertical aperture extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, has a size and shape predetermined to maximize the surface area of the top surface and the bottom surface available proximate the anterior and posterior portions while maximizing both radiographic visualization and access to the substantially hollow center, and defines a transverse rim. The body may be non-metallic and may form one component of a composite implant; the other component is a metal plate disposed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the body.

Abstract: The embodiments provide provides devices, instruments, and associated methods for treating joint pain. A joint is evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging to detect any defects in the subchondral bone. For example, using T2-weighted MRI images, bone marrow lesions or edemas can be identified, and using T1-weighted MRI images, associated regions of sclerotic bone adjacent to the bone marrow lesion can be identified. The treatment method may involve introducing a bone void filler material at the site to address the bone marrow lesion or edema, and/or drilling and inserting an implant to address the sclerotic bone, bone marrow lesion or edema, and insufficiency or stress fractures. An access path is mapped to a location in the subchondral region where the insufficiency fracture resides. The access path attempts to preserve an articular surface of the joint. A reinforcing member that stabilizes the insufficiency fracture is then implanted via the access path.

Abstract: A multi-component elbow joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper humerus bone and opposing lower radius and ulna bones. The assembly includes a first component anchored into the upper humerus reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower reconditioned bone end surface of at least one of the radius and ulna bones and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: Implantable devices for the surgical treatment of bone, and particularly to a bone defect at a joint region, and even more particularly at the subchondral bone level of the joint region, are disclosed. The implantable devices may be formed of a bone material, and configured to serve the dual functions of providing mechanical strength and structural integrity to the area to be treated, while also facilitating the dispersal of a flowable material in the same area. Associated delivery tools are also provided.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a femoral knee replacement component that includes an articular surface, a first interior surface, and a second interior surface, wherein the first and second interior surfaces run substantially parallel to each other. In some cases, the articular surface includes an anterior condylar extension that is configured to replace an anterior articular cartilage of a femur such that the anterior extension is configured to terminate adjacent to a proximal limit of the anterior articular cartilage of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed.

Abstract: A talus surface implant has an arc shaped body with a top side interfacing to the tibia and a bottom side having at least one post for interfacing with holes in the talus and a plurality of spikes for interfacing with the surface of the talus. Preferably the implant is double arc shaped.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for performing arthroscopic evaluations and procedures in and near the hip joint are provided. An arthroscopic assisted arthroplasty system is useful in the treatment of arthritic hip conditions, conserving healthy tissue, and limiting iatrogenic injury associated with traditional surgical exposures. A guide wire system employing retrograde and antegrade reamers along the femoral neck is useful in anatomic placement of instrumentation without formal hip dislocation. Fluoroscopy and computer assisted navigation enhance the system, methods, and apparatus. Acetabular and femoral collapsible prosthetic forms are useful in arthroscopic assisted placement. The devices, systems, and methods are effective to assist an operating surgeon in the addressing mild to moderate arthritic conditions of the femoral head and acetabulum where tissue conservation and surgical exposure morbidities should be limited.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide for orthopaedic replacement of the hip while substantially preserving muscles and soft tissues around the hip joint resulting in reduced healing time and decreased risk of dislocation following the procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, an intramedullary rod 1502 is inserted longitudinally into the femur. A prosthetic femoral neck 3102 is then inserted from a point along the side of the patient's body and into the side of the femur and through a pre-existing lateral bore in the intramedullary rod 1502 and through the remainder of the femur to join the prosthetic femoral head 1102. The methods and apparatus include structures and techniques for fixing the prosthetic femoral neck 3102 in relation to the intramedullary rod 1502.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint assembly including a ball mounted atop a supporting stem, the stem adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned end of a femur bone, with the ball adapted to seat within an acetabulum socket of a pelvic bone. An intermediate component is mounted between the ball and stem, the intermediate component incorporating force absorbing and redirecting properties at an engagement interface between the ball and stem in response to impact forces generated upon the ball by the pelvic bone. The intermediate component can be constructed of a softer material than either the ball or stem, the intermediate component can further include a sleeve exhibiting a plurality of interior threads and facilitating mounting of an exteriorly threaded end location of the stem.

Abstract: Bone tissue biomimetic materials, biomimetic constructs that can be formed with the materials, and methods for forming the materials and constructs are described. The bone tissue biomimetic materials include electrospun nanofibers formed of polymers that are conjugated with peptides that include acidic amino acid residues. The materials can incorporate high levels of mineralization so as to provide mechanical strength and promote osteogenesis and/or osteoconductivity on/in the bone tissue biomimetic materials. The materials and constructs can be utilized in forming tissue engineered structures for in vitro and in vivo use. Macroscopic bone tissue biomimetic scaffolds formed from the materials can be seeded with osteogenic cells and utilized to develop bone graft materials that can exhibit strength and osteoconductivity similar to the native bone and that exhibit uniform distribution of nutrients in the scaffolds.

Abstract: Described herein is a positioning tool having an elongate portion for carrying a medical implant. Also described is a method of positioning a medical implant using an elongate positioning tool. One form of the method includes positioning a medical implant on a distal portion of an elongate positioning tool, inserting the positioning tool with the implant thereon into a body cavity manipulating the positioning tool to position the implant into contact with tissue at an attachment location, attaching the implant to surrounding tissue at the attachment location, separating the implant from the positioning tool, and withdrawing the positioning tool from the body. In a preferred embodiment, the position of the implant is visually confirmed using an endoscope before the implant is attached to surrounding tissue. In one embodiment, the implant is a satiation device and the body cavity is the esophagus and/or stomach.

Abstract: An inexpensive small-sized screen printing machine having low redundancy and high production efficiency and applicable to a dual conveying-type component mounting machine. A pair of substrate supporting tables juxtaposed in a specific direction is provided. Screen printing is alternately performed by a single print executing section in a common area which can be shared by the two substrate supporting tables. In doing so, when one substrate supporting table located at a print position among the pair of substrate supporting tables starts exiting the print position, the other substrate supporting table starts entry to the print position.

Abstract: It concerns a prosthetic device for lower limb of a uses having a leg component, a foot component having a foot shell defining a first cavity within said foot shell and a coves component covering said leg component, said leg, foot and cover components being water compatible. The cover component is formed by an hollow flexible self-carrying sleeve defining a cavity within the sleeve around the leg component, the foot shell comprising a hole on its inner side, overlapping the sleeve on at least one centimetre and presenting an aperture below the sleeve to provide air communication between the cavity and the exterior. The cover component comprises in its upper part, a longitudinal slot, so that the water drains naturally from the first and second cavities.

Abstract: The instant invention is related to methods and means for interacting with and controlling and/or regulating things—from appliances to environments, from potential mates to proprietors, and just about everything in between. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for exposing (i.e. bridging) data and services offered by low power, low duty cycle transducers (e.g. sensors and actuators) in a standardized format over existing and established home networking technologies. A transducer access point is a functional component that serves as a proxy for health devices and sensors that are off/asleep the majority of the time to conserver power (e.g. battery life). The transducer access point may be implemented as a stand alone device or embedded within a computing device such as a home PC.

Abstract: A status controlling system, a computer system, and a status detecting method thereof are disclosed. The status controlling system is used in the computer system. A main control module is used for indicating a shutdown status or an active status by a first level of an active-shutdown indicating interface. The status controlling system includes a basic input output system and an embedded control module. The basic input output system is used for indicating whether the computer system is in a sleep status by a second level of a system controlling interface, wherein when the computer system is in the sleep status, the basic input output system changes the second level. The embedded control module determines whether the computer system is in the shutdown or the active status by the first level and in the sleep status by the second level.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of machines and at least a first assembly; the plurality of machines comprises at least a first machine and a second machine; the first assembly is associated with the first and second machines and is arranged to provide a first auxiliary function to the first and second machines; control is carried out by at least a first and a second controllers; the first and the second controllers are associated respectively to the first and second machines and are arranged to control a main function of each of the first and the second machines; the first and the second controllers are associated with the first assembly and are arranged to control an auxillary function of the first assembly; the first and the second controllers maintain a dialog between each other to assure that only one controller controls the first assembly at a time.

Abstract: A HEMS (200) connects to a plurality of devices furnished to a consumer's residence, and performs control relating to power management of the plurality of devices. The HEMS (200) is provided with a controller (240) for transmitting control information for the purpose of respective control of the plurality of devices, respectively to the plurality of devices on the basis of a predetermined cycle. The controller (240) classifies the plurality of devices into a plurality of groups, transmitting the control information to devices respectively classified into the plurality of groups, at different timing for each group.

Abstract: A user control interface (1), the interface comprising a host module (2) and a first user module (3), the first user module arranged to provide to the user at least one input and/or output functionality in relation to equipment external to the interface, the host module and the first user module are operatively detachably connectable, and the first user module arranged to allow a second user module (4) to be operatively connected thereto, the first module arranged to provide signal communication between the host module and the second user module, and the host module arranged to provide a connection for enabling communication externally of the interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fitness device comprising a display having plurality of lights that are configured for illumination as fitness intervals are achieved by a user. The fitness device is interchangeable with plural wearable articles. This functional fitness device allows a user to track their steps while at work, shopping, an evening out, or anytime one is on the move, even when it is interchanged between different wearable articles.

Abstract: A device (1) for measuring muscular capacity. The device includes removable fastening device (12) for fastening the device to the athlete or to the moved weight (3; 2). An autonomous electrical power supply means (15), and a display (11) are provided. A three-axis accelerometer (14) delivers a sequence of accelerations (a(t)) along the axis of movement of the weight. The sequence includes at least 100 measurements per second over a duration between 1 and 10 seconds. A data processing device (16) determines, at the end of the test, on the basis of the sequence of accelerations, at least one quantity representative of the muscular capacity of the athlete and displays this quantity on the display (11).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for preventing replay attacks for mobile promotions associated with gaming devices. Upon the occurrence of a promotion winning event such as a designated outcome of a game played on the gaming device the user, via a software application accessible to their mobile device, forwards images of the event to a server over a network. The server determines entitlement to the promotion and analyses data associated with the images and mobile device location and time to confirm that the event is new promotion winning event. Upon such confirmation an entitlement to the promotion is awarded to the user. The foregoing prevents unscrupulous users from logging multiple claims for the same promotion winning event.

Abstract: A music playing system is provided. The system includes a control module, an acquiring module, and a playing module. The control module controls the electronic device to enter a predetermined playing mode in response to a first input operation received by the input unit. The acquiring module acquires the name of each song and the start position and end position of the predetermined segment associated with the acquired name of the song from the table when in the predetermined playing mode. The playing module plays the predetermined segment of each song based on the start position and end position of predetermined segment associated with the acquired name of the song. An electronic device and a music playing method are also provided.

Abstract: A sound generator device includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire biological information on a subject user, an estimation unit configured to estimate, based on the biological information, a mind and body state relating to sleep of the subject user. The sound generator also includes a sound generator configured to output a sound signal based on a plurality of control patterns stored in advance and a sound generator control unit configured to select, based on the estimated mind and body state, at least one control pattern among the plurality of control patterns. The sound generator outputs the sound signal based on the at least one control pattern.

Abstract: A robot system according to one aspect of an embodiment includes a robot and a control unit. The robot performs multi-axis operations based on instructions on the operations from the control unit. The control unit causes a power source to supply power to a partially fabricated item that includes a movable member that is able to be controlled by receiving power, and instructs the robot to perform an operation of attaching a predetermined member to the partially fabricated item while controlling the movable member.

Abstract: An imaging device and a first terminal device are provided for plural work areas. Image data sets, capturing time data sets, and imaging unit identifiers transmitted by the imaging device are associated with each other in an image database. A control unit of a second terminal device displays progress display area of each work process performed for producing a product in a layout on a display, and displays progress in each progress display area in accordance with contents of a progress database. Also, the control unit of the second terminal device specifies a progress display area on the display corresponding to a data set from an input unit, specifies image data sets corresponding to the specified progress display area by referring to contents of the progress database and a correspondence database, reads the specified image data sets from the image database, and displays images represented by the image data sets.

Abstract: A numerical controller obtains a necessary moving distance for the completion of movement in each interpolation period, based on a moving distance for each block and the input ratio of a distance by which movement is completed in each interpolation period to the moving distance for each block. If the obtained moving distance is shorter than the moving distance for each interpolation period based on an initially set feed speed, the feed speed is changed to a speed for moving the moving distance in each interpolation period.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a user (e.g., picker or picking agent) may retrieve an item from an inventory location and place the item into a tote. The systems described herein detect the item when it is added to or removed from the tote.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a user (e.g., picker or picking agent) may retrieve an item from an inventory location and place the item into a tote. The systems described herein detect the item when it is added to or removed from the tote.

Abstract: A transporting device for transporting substrate of liquid crystal display and using method thereof are provided. The transporting device comprises a fixing arm, at least two forks mounted on the fixing arm, laser emitting devices respectively mounted on the forks that are used to carry two ends of the substrate, laser sensors mounted on the fixing arm and corresponding to the laser emitting devices, a processor mounted on the fixing arm and connected to the laser sensors, and air damping devices mounted below the forks that are used to carry two ends of the substrate. The droop amount and the vibration of the fork can be measured when the transporting device is carrying a substrate, and it can be determined whether the droop amount and the vibration are abnormal. If they are abnormal, the laser emitting device will be started up to alleviate the vibration of the fork.

Abstract: A substrate transfer robot includes a hand and a controller. The hand includes at least one detector configured to detect an arrangement state of a substrate in a substrate storage. The controller is configured to control the at least one detector to detect the arrangement state of the substrate in the substrate storage with the hand inclined in plan view toward a rotation center of the substrate transfer robot relative to a substrate storage center line. The substrate storage center line is in a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the substrate storage.

Abstract: A substrate transfer robot includes a hand to approach a substrate storage on which a substrate is placed, and to hold the substrate. An arm moves the hand. A controller controls a position and orientation of the hand. When in plan view, a substrate holding center at a time when the hand is holding the substrate is adjacent to the substrate storage and is at an access start position at a predetermined distance from the substrate storage, the substrate holding center reaches a substrate placement position in the substrate storage with a hand center line inclined toward an access straight line and with the hand holding center overlapping the access straight line. The hand center line is oriented from a base to a distal end of the hand. The access straight line is perpendicular to a front surface of the substrate storage and associated with the hand approaching the substrate storage.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a user (e.g., picker or picking agent) may retrieve an item from an inventory location and place the item into a tote. The systems described herein detect the item when it is added to or removed from the tote.

Abstract: An inventory control device, such as an electronic toolbox, monitors the identity of battery packs that are mounted in the device and used to provide electrical power to the device. The device retrieves a unique identifier for each battery pack, and monitors the operation of each battery pack. The monitored data can be logged into memory for future use, communicated to a user of the inventory control device, and/or used to predict the future performance or replacement date for a battery pack. The monitored data can also be communicated across a communication network to an inventory control server that monitors the operation and performance of battery packs throughout an electronic tools control system including multiple toolboxes. The server can further track the operation and locations of battery packs through all of the toolboxes.

Abstract: An order fulfillment method and order fulfillment system includes picking items from inventory according to orders for the items and placing the picked items into picked receptacles. The picked receptacles are forwarded to an unloading station where an identifier of each item is identified at the unloading stating and the identifier of the item married with the transport receptacle into which the item is placed. The transport receptacles are tracked from the unloading station according to the identifier of the item in that transport receptacle and movement of the transport receptacle. This may be accomplished by unloading items to a sorter having sorter locations. Each of the locations has a unique machine location identification. Items are placed from the picked receptacles to the sorter at one of the locations and an item identification is referenced with the machine location identification of the location at which that item is placed on the sorter.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, media and code for applying a mailing label are provided. The apparatus may include a mail receipt conveyor; a mail registration station that is configured to receive from the mail receipt conveyor a mail item that includes on an exterior surface of an envelope a printed message indicating that a customer name appearing on the mail item does not correspond to an address on the mail item; an imaging device that is configured to capture a delivery error segment of the surface; a processor device that is configured to identify an electronic mail address that corresponds to a customer name in the addressee segment of the surface; and a transmitter device that is configured to transmit to the email address an electronic form for electronically receiving a different address.

Abstract: Method for monitoring and controlling a loading rate of a transport section with one or several individually speed-controlled consecutive partial sections (T1, T2, T3) in a filling line, including detecting a container loading over a certain region at an incoming region (E1) of the transport section; simulating a container flow in real time using the detected container loading in the incoming region of the transport section and a transport speed, the simulation including: entering the detected value for the container loading into a shift register (SR1); and synchronizing a shift register clock with the transport speed, so that the shift register content (DW0, DW1, . . . ) represents the container loading on the transport section.

Abstract: A portable self medication management system and method comprising at least a plurality of receptacles, a scanner, a display screen, a housing for a compact electronic box, a compact electronic box and a processor to acquire medication information from a medication container, determine whether the medication information exists in a first database, if the medication information does not exist in the first database, associate the medication information with a location information comprising a receptacle and store the medication information and the location information in the first database, indicate the location information, and confirm placement of the medication container in the associated receptacle, notify a user to administer the medication held in the medication container, and request the user to scan the medication container of the notified medication, detect retrieval of an incorrect medication container from the plurality of receptacles, and issue a warning of the detection, and provide instructions fo

Abstract: Systems and methods for vending devices having ad-watching as consideration are described. In some implementations, a vending apparatus includes a dispensing portion operable to dispense a product (e.g. electricity) to a user; a communication portion operable to provide a communicable content (e.g. an advertisement) to the user; and a control system operatively coupled to the dispensing portion and the communication portion. The control system receives a signal indicative of a consent by the user to receive or review the communicable content at least partially in exchange for the product, and after receipt of the signal, causes the communication portion to provide the communicable content to the user and causes the dispensing portion to dispense the product to the user. In further implementations, the apparatus may include a monitoring system operable to determine whether the user is receiving or reviewing the communicable content.

Abstract: Modular components form a robotic assembly. the mod-components include modules and tools, each have a set of functions and capabilities, are rapidly configured-reconfigured to function cooperatively, creating a configurable robotic assemblage. Each mod-component incorporates a standardized connector mating with any other standardized connector in an interchangeable manner providing mechanical stability, power, and signals therebetween. Each mod-component incorporates a processor, data storage for mod-component identity, status, and programmable functionality, and for responding to commands. Storage is reprogrammed while the robot is operational, altering both commands and responses. After interconnection, inter-module power and communication are established and each modular component identifies itself and its functionality, thereby providing “plug and play” configuration.

Abstract: A method and a system of integrating anew robot into a work environment are provided. A controller receives a signal indicating a presence of a new robot in the work environment. The controller then establishes a negotiation channel between the controller and the new robot and begins to negotiate with the new robot a set of robotic functions controllable by the controller. Based on a comparison between a set of function attributes the new robot and interface attributes of the controller, the controller generates a new robot user interface for controlling the set of robotic functions of the new robot.

Abstract: A robot to bolt down a series of nut bolts in a joint circular flange connection of a wind turbine, which robot comprises at least two wheels and a drive to transport the robot along the series of nut bolts and a tool to bolt down a nut bolt with a predefined torque and a position sensor to position the tool above the nut bolt to be bolted down and a robot control system to control the tightening process and document parameters relevant for the stability of each bolted down nut bolt.

Abstract: An intelligent mobile robot having a robot base controller and an onboard navigation system that, in response to receiving a job assignment specifying a job location that is associated with one or more job operations, activates the onboard navigation system to automatically determine a path the mobile robot should use to drive to the job location, automatically determines that using an initially-selected path could cause the mobile robot to run into stationary or non-stationary obstacles, such as people or other mobile robots, in the physical environment, automatically determines a new path to avoid the stationary and non-stationary obstacles, and automatically drives the mobile robot to the job location using the new path, thereby avoiding contact or collisions with those obstacles. After the mobile robot arrives at the job location, it automatically performs said one or more job operations associated with that job location.

Abstract: A master device is provided to a master slave apparatus in which a hand mechanism opens/closes to grip a target object and a slave mechanism performs a task on a target article. The master device includes a hand manipulation mechanism for manipulating the hand mechanism. A person remotely manipulates the slave mechanism by a master mechanism and the hand manipulation mechanism manipulates to cause the hand mechanism to perform the task. In the hand manipulation mechanism, a hand manipulation portion having a pair of open/close manipulation portions manipulated by the person moves forward/backward on a slider, the pair of open/close manipulation portions is opened/closed to change the angle therebetween so that the hand mechanism is opened/closed. A master hand control device transmits, to the slave mechanism, motion information used for manipulating the hand mechanism based on a position of the hand manipulation portion relative to the slider or the angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing functionality of an interface to control orientations of a camera on a device are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving an input on an interface indicating a command for an orientation of a camera on a robotic device, and the interface may be provided on a device remote from the robotic device. An indicator may be provided on the interface representing a location of the input, and the indicator may be representative of the command for the orientation of the camera on the robotic device. The method may also include determining that the location of the input on the interface is within a distance threshold to a pre-set location on the interface, and repositioning the indicator on the interface to be at the pre-set location.