Abstract: An orthopedic implant apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a body, said body having a generally cylindrical shape and comprising a first material, a flat bottom surface, a concave upper surface disposed opposite said bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis disposed through the center of said body; a cylindrical bore, said bore disposed along said longitudinal axis through said top surface of said body; cylindrical plug, said plug comprising a second material and disposed within said bore of said body; and at least one stem, said at least one stem connected to said bottom surface of said body.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a body, said body having a generally cylindrical shape and comprising a first material, a flat bottom surface, a concave upper surface disposed opposite said bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis disposed through the center of said body; a cylindrical bore, said bore disposed along said longitudinal axis through said top surface of said body; a cylindrical plug, said plug comprising a second material and disposed within said bore of said body; and at least one stem, said at least one stem connected to said bottom surface of said body.

Abstract: A method and a device for replacing radioulnar joint are disclosed. The method may include inserting a distal stem into a distal part of the ulna bone, and inserting a proximal stem into the proximal part of the ulna bone. In addition, the method may include inserting a stem insertion part located at a proximal end of a mobile locker into the cylindrical-shaped opening of the proximal stem. The method further includes twisting the mobile locker so that the first semicircle-shaped opening and the second semicircle-shaped opening are aligned such that a spherical cavity is formed between the mobile locker, and inserting a mobile globe into the spherical cavity.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant component of an intervertebral implant includes an outer surface for engaging an adjacent vertebra and an inner surface. A keel extends from the outer surface and is designed to be disposed in a slot provided in the adjacent vertebra. This keel extends in a plane which is non-perpendicular to the outer surface; and preferably there are two of the keels extending from the outer surface which are preferably offset laterally from one another. In another embodiment, an anterior shelf is provided at an anterior end of the outer surface, and this anterior shelf extends vertically away from the inner surface in order to help prevent bone growth from the adjacent vertebra towards the inner surface. Further in accordance with disclosed embodiments, various materials, shapes and forms of construction of the component and/or keel provide various benefits.

Abstract: Methods of implanting a prosthesis to repair a joint include displacing a first bone from the joint formed by an intersection between the first bone and a second bone. An end portion of the first bone is resected to define a resected end. A concavity is formed into the resected end using a shaping tool. The bone is compacted to form a support layer lining the concavity. The prosthesis is implanted in the concavity against the support layer without attaching the prosthesis to the support layer. The joint is reformed with the prosthesis such that the prosthesis remains unattached to the support layer and the first and second bones articulate about the prosthesis.

Abstract: A deformable prosthetic member, including an acetabular shell, can be formed of appropriate materials to engage a liner. The deformable member can include one or more feature to deform and engage a second member, such as a liner, in a selected position. A plurality of deformable features allows for a plurality of possible positions for the second member.

Abstract: A modular humeral head resurfacing implant including a head, an anchoring stem, and a modular extended articulation flange. The head includes an exterior hemispherical articulating surface defining a terminating rim, an interior concave surface opposite to the exterior articulating surface, and a first coupling mechanism proximate to the terminating rim. The anchoring stem is coupled to the interior concave surface and extends along a stem axis that extends through an axial center of the head. The articulation flange includes a second coupling mechanism configured to cooperate with the first coupling mechanism to fasten the articulation flange to the head and an outer articulating surface that is curved along substantially its entire length and is substantially flush with the exterior hemispherical articulating surface when the articulation flange is fastened to the head.

Abstract: A modular joint prosthesis includes a nail for insertion into a bone marrow canal, the nail having a nail neck. A neck piece has a proximal end, a middle shaft portion defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal end with a conical pin to which a slip-on joint ball can be attached. The proximal end of the neck piece has a helmet-shaped receiving head that includes an insertion opening for insertion of the nail neck or a module connector, a slot extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and corresponding recesses positioned on either side of the slot and extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The corresponding recesses receive a tensioning means which, in a tensioned state, clampingly fixes the nail neck or the module connector in the receiving head by frictional engagement in a jaw-like manner by application of tightening torque sufficient to prevent axial displacement and rotation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (e.g., reverse total shoulder arthroplasty). In one specific example, a glenoid component used to resurface the scapula may be provided. Of note, unlike traditional total shoulder arthroplasty the glenoid component in a reverse shoulder is convex rather than concave; it acts as a physical stop to prevent the superior migration of the humeral head—a typical occurrence in patients suffering from rotator cuff tear arthropathy (CTA).

Abstract: A multi-component thumb joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between upper metacarpal and opposing lower proximal phalanx bones. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the metacarpal bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the proximal phalanx and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate and spherical shaped component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a first member adapted to be implanted to bond and having a substantially rigid first contact surface; and a second member adapted to be implanted to bone and having a substantially rigid second contact surface which bears against the first contact surface so as to transfer load from one member to the other while allowing relative motion between the two members; At least one of the first and second contact surfaces is adapted to have resilient properties when placed under load.

Abstract: An implant system that includes a concave spherical-segment-shaped socket part and a corresponding convex spherical-segment-shaped joint part is provided. The joint part rests in the socket part, wherein at least three support elements that describe a spherical triangle or a spherical polygon are arranged on the surface of the joint part or on the surface of the socket part.

Abstract: An acetabular cup includes an articular insert (1) having a substantially semi-spherical articular cavity (1c), and a spherical head (2) engaged in the articular cavity (1c). A retaining device (10a) opposes the axial release (4) of the spherical head (2) from the articular cavity (1c) of the articular insert (1). For example, the retaining device can take the form of a back-tapered segment (10a) of the articular insert (1). The spherical head (2) is factory mounted in the articular insert (1), by temporarily heating the articular insert (1) and performing sterilization after assembly. In this way, the spherical head (2) retention capacity in the articular insert (1) is increased substantially in order to reduce the risk of luxation.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis for mounting in a first bone and presenting a prosthetic joint surface for engaging an opposing joint surface of a second bone, the joint prosthesis comprising: a sleeve which is adapted for partial disposition in an opening formed in the first bone; a center adapter which is adapted for disposition within the sleeve; and a prosthetic joint surface mounted to the center adapter; wherein the disposition of the center adapter is adjustable, both longitudinally and rotationally, relative to the sleeve, so that the disposition of the prosthetic joint surface is adjustable, both longitudinally and rotationally, relative to the opposing joint surface of the second bone.

Abstract: A joint implant assembly including a spherical shaped component adapted to securing to an end of a first joint defining bone and a recess shaped component adapted to securing to an end of a second joint defining bone. Each of the components establishes an opposing wear surface, at which microscopic sized particles build up over time resulting from prolonged use of the joint. At least one of the spherical and recess shaped components exhibits a plurality of interior entrapment chambers, each of which including a narrow-most entranceway location communicating with the wear surface. The entrapment chambers further exhibit outwardly widening capture profiles extending within the associated component for securing volumes of the microscopic particles away from a zone defined between the wear surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis device comprises a head configured to fit within a cup. The cup includes a concave cup surface defined by at least one radius of curvature RC. The head includes a convex head surface defined by at least one radius of curvature RH. The convex head surface is configured to engage the concave cup surface. The convex head surface provides an articulation zone where the head surface engages the cup surface. RC differs from RH in the articulation zone by a first amount. The convex head surface also provide a peripheral zone outside of the articulation zone. RC differs from RH in the peripheral zone by a second amount that is greater than the first amount. The peripheral zone generally extends over an area subtended by a minimum angle having a vertex at a center of the head.

Abstract: Total joint replacements for implants include a first member configured to attach to a first bone, a second member configured to reside in an adjacent second bone and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to (i) lock the first and second members in alignment for full extension or other defined stabilized configuration and (ii) unlock to allow the first and second members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending.

Abstract: A modular hip joint prosthesis system has an intermediate element which has an inner cone for receiving a prosthesis neck and an outer cone, a joint hall head which is embodied as a plug head having an inner cone associated with the outer cone of the intermediate element, and a bipolar joint socket in which an inlay is received in the outer shell in a freely moving manner and which has a ball receiver which is associated with the joint ball head, configured, such that said joint ball head can be received in a movable manner. A premounted joint prosthesis system part for a modular joint prosthesis system and a sterile article are also provided.

Abstract: Regarding semi-constrained artificial ball (head) and socket (cup) joints such as the hip or shoulder joint, which allow for certain numbers of degrees of rotation along three independent axes. For example, one embodiment creates at least two axes of rotation through a super-spherical space carved out of the inner surface of the cup, with a cup-cable connecting two points along the super-spherical space, and a perpendicular head-cable looping around the head and the cup-cable within the super-spherical space, and with the head-cable residing in a groove. Another embodiment creates two axes of rotation through a combination of a 1) swivel with lever and/or 2) cable attached to a circular track (with the knob or ring around cable facing inward or outward), both of which have the center of the head as the center of rotation. The third axis may be created by a horizontal swivel and by wiggle room.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly method of use. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to a forward flexion force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force and a forward flexion force.

Abstract: The invention reduces wear in total joint articulations by modifications of the shape of either component of the kinematic pair, so as to result in an annular surface contact between the two components. Fluid trapped between the two components within the inner contour of the annular contact area is pressurized under load due to elastic deformation of the components and exuded out through inter-articular gap over the surface of contact, aiding in lubrication and reducing the wear. Reduced to practice for a total hip joint with UHMWPE-metal pair, the wear rate tested in a hip joint simulator up to five million cycles was reduced by factor seven to fifteen compared to conventionally shaped components.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint member includes: a generally concave cup with an outer surface that is bone-implantable, the cup including a first indexing feature; a concave insert disposed inside the cup, the insert comprising a rigid material and including a concave interior defining a nominal surface, the interior including a cantilevered flange defined by an undercut in the insert, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface which protrudes inward relative to the nominal surface, the insert including a second indexing feature. The first and second indexing features engage each other so as to retain the insert in a fixed angular orientation relative to the cup.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a joint replacement device, including a fixed socket including an inner surface and an outer surface supporting a ball, an articulating socket including an inner surface and an outer surface the inner surface in contact with the ball and a stem component attached to the outer surface of the articulating socket. The inner surface of the articulating socket articulates with the ball and the outer surface of the articulating socket can articulate with the inner surface of the fixed socket.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a reverse shoulder assembly method of use. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to a forward flexion force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force. In one example, a reverse shoulder assembly of the present invention may be provided such that the reverse shoulder assembly alters the abduction force created by a patient's deltoid to an external rotation force and a forward flexion force.

Abstract: A hip implant assembly including a spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem. An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in a maximum inserting condition, over an exterior reconditioned surface of the femur and upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway formed within the femur. A cup shaped support seats the ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion via a flexible and resilient ligament which extends from the ball and is received within a recess passageway of the cup. The cup also includes a mounting surface with a central projecting portion which is in turn resistively fitted within an undercut defined recess formed in the ilium bone in communication with a base surface of the reconditioned acetabulum socket.

Abstract: An implant system that includes a concave spherical-segment-shaped socket part and a corresponding convex spherical-segment-shaped joint part is provided. The joint part rests in the socket part, wherein at least three support elements that describe a spherical triangle or a spherical polygon are arranged on the surface of the joint part or on the surface of the socket part.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load.

Abstract: An instrument for use in a joint replacement procedure comprises a head part which corresponds to the head of an orthopaedic joint component, in which the head part has a bore formed in it, and a connector for connecting the head part to a stem part of the orthopaedic joint component, which is intended for location in the intramedullary cavity of a bone. The connector can be fitted into the bore in the head part in one of a plurality of angular orientations. It comprises a body part and a trigger which can be moved relative to the body part between an unlocked position in which the connector can be moved relative to the head part between different ones of the plurality of angular orientations and a locked position in which the connector is restrained against such movement.

Abstract: A prosthesis has prosthetic components principally comprising metallic materials, in which a portion of an articular interface between respective components is a metallic-nonmetallic interface. At least a portion of the articular surface of a femoral head may include a ceramic material defining an articulation zone, such as at a polar region of the femoral head, so that the ceramic articulates with a metallic acetabular liner. The area covered by the ceramic may be engineered to optimize the contact conditions between the femoral head and the acetabular liner, such as by providing two clearances therebetween. A relatively smaller, polar articulation clearance is defined by the gap between the ceramic coating and the metallic acetabular liner. A relatively larger, equatorial non-articulation clearance between the femoral head and the acetabular liner is defined by the gap between the portion of the femoral head not covered by the ceramic coating.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load.

Abstract: An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adaptor. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adaptor to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant device designed to protect against debris-related dysfunction when implanted in a living body, the device including: (a) a ball-and-socket prosthesis having: a ball component having a first articulating surface, and a socket component having a second articulating surface, the socket component adapted to receive the ball component, to form an articulating region disposed directly between the surfaces, whereby the first surface is adapted to move in a relative motion with respect to the second surface; (b) a sealing arrangement, associated with the prosthesis, having a sealing member including a sealing face disposed substantially opposite, and abutting a portion of the first articulating surface, to form a sealing region adapted to obstruct a discharge of debris particles disposed directly between the articulating surfaces, from the prosthesis, via the sealing region, and (c) a chamber, associated with the prosthesis, and adapted to receive and contain the debris particles.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint includes: (a) a femoral member comprising rigid material with a convex, wear-resistant femoral contact surface including a convex ridge; (b) a tibial assembly including: (i) at least one cup comprising rigid material with a body and a rim substantially thicker than the body defining a wear-resistant cup contact surface; (ii) a rigid base; and (iii) a spring support interconnecting the cup and the base, the spring support elastically deflectable permitting controlled pivoting of the at least one cup; (c) wherein the cup contact surface bears against the femoral contact surface, transferring axial and lateral loads between the cup and femoral member, while allowing pivoting between the cup and femoral member; and (d) wherein the at least one cup allows the rim to deform elastically, permitting the cup contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the femoral contact surface, when the knee joint is loaded.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis device comprises a head configured to fit within a cup and in one embodiment includes a first member for attachment to a first bone in a joint and including a first articulation surface portion defined by a first radius of curvature and a second member for attachment to a second bone in the joint and including a second articulation surface portion defined by a second radius of curvature and a third articulation surface defined by a third radius of curvature, wherein each of the second radius of curvature and the third radius of curvature has a length that is different from the length of the first radius of curvature by less than 0.05 millimeters and wherein the origin of the second radius of curvature is not coincident with the origin of the third radius of curvature.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load.

Abstract: An artificial joint associated with an implant including a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face, and which collectively defines a joint location. At least one plasticized layer is applied to one of, or both, the end faces in a coacting and substantially frictional reducing fashion. A lubricating plastic is defined upon an exposed face of the bladder. The plasticized layers may include a fluid receiving and inflatable bladder for filling a three dimensional area associated with the joint location. A curable/settable fluidic material can be injected into the bladder and which includes at least one of an epoxy, a urethane, a gelatin and a two-part hardener. The bones each further include an artificial implant constructed from at least one of a plasticized and a metallic material.

Abstract: A joint part (1) has a porous portion (2) that is defined by a multiplicity of solid regions where material is present and a remaining multiplicity of pore regions where material is absent, the locations of at least most of the multiplicity of solid regions being defined by one or more mathematical functions. The nature of the porous portion can be varied systematically by changing one or more constants in the mathematical functions and the part is made by a process of solid freeform fabrication.

Abstract: A ball and socket assembly including a ball component with a notch formed therein. The socket is a one-piece structure including an opening sized to receive the ball component.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) a first member comprising rigid material including a wear-resistant, concave cup surface; and (b) a second member comprising rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) one of the surfaces includes: (i) an annular first flange defining a protruding wear-resistant first contact rim at or near an apex of the member; and (ii) an annular second flange defining a protruding wear-resistant second contact rim, at or near an outer periphery of the member; (d) the first and second contact rims bear directly against the contact surface, so as to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (e) the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the surface of the opposite member, when the joint is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: A joint replacement prosthesis and procedure reduce the number of steps to complete a joint replacement. The joint replacement prosthesis comprises a ball and socket unit that fixes the ball in the socket prior to surgery. The unit is coupled to a bone structure in the patient and is coupled with a prosthesis that is fixed to another bone of the patient, such as a femoral implant fixed in a femur and providing a coupling at the end of a neck portion that is easily fit into a femoral head and acetabulum unit. A tether may be used to retain the ball in the socket and/or the ball may be retained by extension in the socket that do not restrict patient motion.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) a bone-implantable first member comprising a rigid material and including a body having an annular flange extending outward at a first end thereof, the first end of the body and the flange cooperatively defining a wear-resistant concave first contact surface having a protruding rim and a recessed central portion; and (b) a bone-implantable second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant convex second contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact surfaces bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one of the members to the other, while allowing pivoting motion between the two members; (d) wherein the flange is shaped so as to deform elastically and permit the first contact surface to conform to the second contact surface when the joint is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis for replacing a joint connection, wherein like magnetic fields from the condyle 10, socket 12 and joint collar 14 overlap in such a way that the repulsive forces generate a suspended state of the condyle 10 in the bearing and the damping effect is maximized. The invention is also directed to a method for replacing a bone junction in a mammal, wherein the prosthesis is fastened to the articular bone and repulsive forces generate a levitated state of the condyle 10 under load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for precipitating mono or multiple layers of a mixture of organophosphoric acids of the general formula I (A) Y—B—OPO3H2 ??(IA) or of organophosphonic acids of the general formula I (B) Y—B—PO3H2 ??(IB) and the salts thereof, wherein Y and B are defined in the specification. According to the invention, precipitation occurs on substrate surfaces of pure or mixed oxides, nitrides or carbides of metals and semiconductors, in particular as surfaces of sensor platforms, implants and medical accessory devices. The invention also relates to the use thereof as part of coated sensor platforms, implants and medical accessory devices.

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint prosthesis which is intended for the replacement of damaged or diseased joints of the human or animal body comprises a first component with a rounded head portion and a second component which comprises a hollow cup for receiving the head portion of the first component. The radius of curvature of one or both of the bearing surfaces changes varies that the bearing surface has a spherical portion at the pole and a space between the bearing surfaces which increases in size towards the lip of the cup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a prosthesis. At least a portion of the prosthesis is made from a ceramic that is treated with ion implantation, which causes a controllable, bilateral compressive stress of the ceramic. A diamond-like-coating (DLC) can be coated on the ceramic and in the same chamber as the ion implantation. After treating by ion implantation and coating with DLC, the ceramic will be strengthened and have a low coefficient of friction and thereby be made much less likely to fracture under load.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gel article comprising two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel article is made from gel compositions having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning and other uses.

Abstract: Soft, tear resistant gel, gel composites and gel articles for various uses formed from one or a mixture of two or more block copolymers with or without one or more selected other polymers and additives in combination with one or more selected plasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom.