615 results about "Artificial joints" patented technology

Artificial limbs and joints which behave like a biological limbs and joints employ a synthetic actuator which consume negligible power when exerting zero force, consume negligible power when outputting force at constant length (isometric) and while performing dissipative, nonconservative work, are capable of independently engaging flexion and extension tendon-like, series springs, are capable of independently varying joint position and stiffness, and exploit series elasticity for mechanical power amplification.

An artificial spinal joint, consisting of a flexible or rigid member or a pair of moveably-joined, flexible or rigid segments, is formed into a spring-like shape, whose distal ends have feet with slots through which screws can be inserted to attach the artificial joint to vertebra whose facets (joints) are non-functional. The artificial spinal joint is able to prevent subluxation of the spine, while retaining the mobility of the spine and permitting angular deflection of the vertebra above and below a non-functional spinal joint. A jig is used to position tools and make passageways for screws to attach the artificial spinal joint to the vertebra or its pedicles or facets in a minimally invasive procedure. The rigid members or segments are bio-compatible and may be made of titanium, a titanium alloy, tantalum, medical grade stainless steel or carbon fibers in a matrix of a rigid, durable plastic. The flexible members or segments may be made of spring steel coated with a durable, bio-compatible material, small diameter carbon fibers in a flexible, durable plastic matrix, or a single shape or dual shape, superelastic memory metal. The feet, made of any of the rigid or flexible materials described above, may also be moveably attached to the proximal ends of the members or segments. Having the feet moveably attached to the segments facilitates insertion of the artificial spinal joint into the body by folding the feet parallel to the axis of the segments during insertion, and then unfolding the feet for attachment to the vertebra or its pedicles or facets. The artificial spinal joint may be inserted and attached to vertebra whose facets are non-functional in minimally invasive, moderately invasive or conventional surgical procedures.

There are provided an artificial joint device that can realize an artificial limb enabling twisting motion without a drive source, and when with the drive source, reduce the size and costs of the device, and a parallel linkage that can realize the device. The linkage connects a foot portion and a mounting plate spaced from each other. A fixed link has one end fixed to the plate, and the other end connected to the foot portion via a ball joint, making the angle of the fixed link relative to the foot portion changeable in any direction. Expansible links extend between the foot portion and the plate in an expansible / contractible manner and each have opposite ends connected to the plate and the foot portion via respective upper and lower ball joints, making respective angles thereof relative to the foot portion and the plate changeable in any direction.

The present invention is directed to novel contact sensors. The contact sensors of the invention include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. If desired, the sensors can be formed of the same polymeric material as the bearing that is being examined. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. In one particular embodiment, the sensors can be used to examine dynamic wear characteristics of artificial joint bearings such as artificial knee, hip, or shoulder bearings.

A ball and socket joint for implanting in the body is provided wherein the socket portion of the joint can have various orientations with respect to the patient's anatomy, and the orientation used for a particular patient can be selected and / or changed in situ, that is, during or after implantation of the joint. In addition, the configuration of the joint, e.g., constrained versus semi-constrained, as well as the materials making up the socket portion of the joint, e.g., plastic versus metal, can be selected and / or changed in situ. The questions raised in reexamination request Nos. 90 / 004,732, filed Aug. 26, 1997 and 90 / 005,596, filed Jun. 22, 1999, have been considered and the results are reflected in this reissue.