Mts Systems Corporation

Harold F Fahrendorff

Bradley Dean Schulz

Paul J Leska, Sr

Dennis J Willis

An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism with a plurality of sub-mechanisms that generate relative motions between the portions of orthopedic devices, such as spinal disc implants. The sub-mechanisms are configured to be nested so as to place the sub-mechanism with the highest required performance closest to the specimen.

Mechanism arrangement for orthopedic simulator

An orthopedic simulator including a holder assembly and a slide table is disclosed. The holder assembly is configured to hold a test specimen to supply test loads. In the embodiment shown, the slide table is coupled to the holder assembly and includes a plurality of translation plates movable along a plurality of axis. As shown, the plurality of translation plates include a first translation plate movable along a first axis and a second translation plate movable along a second axis generally transverse to the first axis. In illustrated embodiments, an adjustable screw lock is configured to provide a positive lock to restrict movement or stroke of the first or second translation plates along the first or second axis. As disclosed, movement of the first or second translation plates is biased via a spring assembly for example to simulate the effect of soft tissue.

Orthopedic simulator with a multi-axis slide table assembly

An orthopedic simulator is provided with an integral central manifold that provides internal routing of pressurized hydraulic fluid, compressed air, or electrical power to the actuators of the orthopedic simulator. The integral manifold is structurally coupled to support elements and resist and transfer bending and shear forces to the support elements.

Integrated central manifold for orthopedic simulator

An orthopedic simulator is provided with an orthopedic simulator having at least one test station with a specimen container for containing a fluid bath, such as bovine fluid. A fluid level sensor is positioned to sense the level of fluid in the fluid bath and generate a fluid level signal. A fill controller is coupled to the fluid level sensor. The fill controller controls filling of the fluid bath with liquid, such as distilled water, as a function of the fluid level signal to restore and maintain the concentration of the bath.

Orthopedic simulator with fluid concentration maintenance arrangement for controlling fluid concentration of specimen baths

An orthopedic simulator is provided with a temperature control arrangement for controlling the temperature of a plurality of baths of test stations that are configured to contain a sample under test within a specimen bath. The temperature control arrangement includes fluid circulation tubing that carries temperature control fluid to the baths to control the temperature of the baths through heat exchange.

Orthopedic simulator with temperature controller arrangement for controlling temperature of specimen baths

An orthopedic simulator is provided with a plurality of test stations for each holding a test specimen. A plurality of load actuators are provided, with a respective load actuator for each of the test stations. The load actuators are substantially frictionless and configured to apply loads to the test specimens at the test stations.

Orthopedic simulator with integral load actuators

An orthopedic simulator, such as a spinal implant wear test machine, is provided with a specimen containment module that may be removed from the machine as a unit. The releasable attachability of the specimen containment module permits remote specimen installation and reduces environmental contamination.

Specimen containment module for orthopedic simulator

A transmission for torque transfer with axial compliance and a test machine employing the transmission has a flexible connector that provides high torsional stiffness and high axial compliance while inducing no frictional forces. The transmission includes an axial portion allowed to translate freely along its axis due to a high axial compliance of the transmission while the transmission simultaneously facilitates rigid torque transfer.

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Golden Valley, MN, United States of America

Harold F Fahrendorff