1. A resistance temperature sensor, comprising:
a first temperature sensor element; and
a second temperature sensor element; wherein:
said first temperature sensor element has a first measuring path and said second temperature sensor element has a second measuring path;
said first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate;
said substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c);
a projection of said first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of said second measuring path on the expansion directions (c);
said first andor said second temperature sensor element comprise at least one thin film coating, which is applied on said substrate; and
said thin film coating forms a thin film resistance.
2. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said first or said second measuring path extends on said substrate such that said first measuring path experiences a different thermal expansion than said second measuring path due to the anisotropic thermal expansion of said substrate.
3. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said first measuring path extends at least sectionally along an expansion direction (a) of said substrate, which has a different thermal expansion than an expansion direction (c) along said second measuring path.
4. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said substrate has a first expansion direction (a), in which one thermal expansion occurs; and
said substrate has a second expansion direction (c), in which another thermal expansion occurs.
5. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said substrate comprises an anisotropic, crystalline material.
6. A resistance temperature sensor, comprising: a first temperature sensor element; and a second temperature sensor element; wherein: said first temperature sensor element has a first measuring path and said second temperature sensor element has a second measuring path; said first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate; said substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c); a projection of said first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of said second measuring path on the expansion directions (c), wherein:
at least a first and a second pair of electrical contacts are provided, by means of which said contacts, said first andor said second measuring path is contactable.
7. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
said first and said second measuring paths are predetermined, respectively, by said first and said second pairs of electrical contacts.
8. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
said electrical contacts are arranged on said substrate in such a manner that said first measuring path experiences a different thermal expansion than said second measuring path.
9. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
said electrical contacts are provided, on essentially opposite ends of at least one of said measuring paths, especially at least one thin film coating.
10. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
said contacts contact a single thin film coating applied on said substrate.
11. The resistance temperature sensor as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
said contacts contact different thin film coatings on said substrate; and
said thin film coatings being separated from one another.
12. A measuring device for determining an ambient temperature at a measuring point and having a resistance temperature sensor, comprising: a first temperature sensor element; and a second temperature sensor element; wherein: said first temperature sensor element has a first measuring path and said second temperature sensor element has a second measuring path; said first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate; said substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c); a projection of said first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of said second measuring path on the expansion directions (c), wherein:
the resistance measurements of the first and the second measuring paths serve for diagnosis of the resistance temperature sensor or of the measuring device.
13. A measuring device for determining an ambient temperature at a measuring point and having a resistance temperature sensor, comprising: a first temperature sensor element; and a second temperature sensor element; wherein: said first temperature sensor element has a first measuring path and said second temperature sensor element has a second measuring path; said first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate; said substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c); a projection of said first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of said second measuring path on the expansion directions (c), wherein:
the measuring device has a controlevaluation unit, which serves to compare measured resistances of the first and second measuring paths with one another.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. A bone plate defining a longitudinal axis and comprising:
an upper surface;
a lower surface;
a first hole for engaging a head of a first bone anchor configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the first bone anchor along a first axis; and
a second hole spaced apart from the first hole along the longitudinal axis, the second hole for engaging a head of a second bone anchor configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the second bone anchor along a second axis;
wherein, the first hole and the second hole are configured such that the first axis and the second axis define a single plane and intersect at a point below the lower surface.
2. The bone plate of claim 1, further comprising a third hole for engaging a head of a third bone anchor, the third hole configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the third bone anchor along a third axis, wherein the third hole is located between the first and second holes and the third axis lies at an angle relative to the plane defined by the first and second axes.
3. The bone plate of claim 2, wherein the first, second, and third holes are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the bone plate.
4. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second holes is partially threaded and partially non-threaded.
5. The bone plate of claim 4, wherein the at least one partially threaded hole has a non-threaded upper region, a threaded middle region, and a non-threaded lower region.
6. The bone plate of claim 5, wherein the upper region has, in a direction from the upper surface to the lower surface, a curved or spherical inward taper.
7. The bone plate of claim 5, wherein the middle region has, in a direction from the upper surface to the lower surface, a conical inward taper.
8. The bone plate of claim 7, wherein the middle region tapers at angle of 5\xb0 to 15\xb0.
9. The bone plate of claim 5, wherein the lower region has, from top to bottom, a conical outward taper.
10. The bone plate of claim 5, wherein the middle region has an diameter smaller than those of the upper region and lower region.
11. The bone plate of claim 4, wherein the first and second holes are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the bone plate.
12. The bone plate of claim 9, wherein the lower region tapers outwardly at angle of 35\xb0 to 55\u2032.
13. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the first and second holes are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the bone plate.
14. The bone plate of claim 1, further comprising a first bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the first bone anchor engaging the first hole, and a second bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, and a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the second bone anchor engaging the second hole, wherein the shaft of the second bone anchor contacts the shaft of the first bone anchor proximate the point below the lower surface so as to form a truss.
15. The bone plate of claim 14, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor contacts the shaft of the first bone anchor.
16. The bone plate of claim 14, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor contacts the tip of the first bone anchor.
17. The bone plate of claim 1, further comprising a first bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the first bone anchor engaging the first hole, and a second bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one an end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip, the head of the second bone anchor engaging the second hole, wherein the shaft of the second bone anchor is adjacent to the shaft of the first bone anchor proximate the point below the lower surface so as to form a truss.
18. The bone plate of claim 17, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor is adjacent to the shaft of the first bone anchor.
19. The bone plate of claim 17, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor is adjacent to the tip of the first bone anchor.
20. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the plane defined by the first and second axes lies at an angle relative to a plane bisecting the bone plate along the longitudinal axis.
21. The bone plate of claim 20, wherein the angle is between about 3\xb0 and about 6\xb0.
22. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the first and second holes are configured such that the first and second axes define an acute angle at the point of intersection.
23. The bone plate of claim 22, wherein the first and second holes are configured such that the first and second axes define an angle of between about 30\xb0 and about 45\xb0 at the point of intersection.
24. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the bone plate.
25. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the second axis forms a substantially acute angle with the lower surface of the bone plate.
26. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second holes is threaded to engage a threaded head of a bone anchor.
27. The bone plate of claim 26, wherein at least one of the first and second holes is conically tapered from the upper surface to the lower surface.
28. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second holes is dimensioned and configured for an end of a bone anchor to be press fit therein.
29. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein at least one of the bone anchors is a bone screw.
30. The bone plate of claim 1, further comprising at least one combination hole for receiving a bone screw, the combination hole having a first portion and a second portion, wherein
the first portion defines a substantially circular outer periphery defining a first center point; and
the second portion defines an elongated outer periphery that defines a second center point, wherein the elongated outer periphery is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate, and the second portion overlaps the first portion.
31. The bone plate of claim 30, wherein a plurality of threads are disposed on the first portion.
32. The bone plate of claim 31, wherein the plurality of threads threadably engage the head of a bone screw.
33. The bone plate of claim 21, wherein the second portion is configured and dimensioned to engage a substantially spherical head of a bone screw.
34. The bone plate of claim 30, wherein at least a portion of the combination hole is countersunk on both the upper surface and the lower surface.
35. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bone plate varies in thickness along the longitudinal axis.
36. The bone plate of claim 1, wherein the bone plate further comprises a first end, a second end, wherein the first end is dimensioned and configured to substantially match a contour of a portion of bone.
37. The bone plate of claim 36, wherein the first end includes a hook having an edge for securing to bone tissue and the edge is located beneath the lower surface.
38. The bone plate of claim 37 wherein the edge of the hook is defined by two spaced apart talons.
39. The bone plate of claim 37, wherein the hook is integral with the bone plate.
40. The bone plate of claim 1, further comprising at least one combinational hole for receiving a bone screw, the combination hole having a first portion and a second portion, wherein
the first portion defining a substantially circular outer periphery defining a first center point;
the second portion defining a substantially circular outer periphery defining a second center point, and the second portion overlaps the first portion.
41. The bone plate of claim 40, wherein a plurality of threads are disposed on each of the first and second portions.
42. The bone plate of claim 40, wherein a plurality of threads are disposed on only one portion of the first and second portions.
43. The bone plate of claim 41, wherein the two portions are threaded in the same direction.
44. The bone plate of claim 41, wherein the two portions are threaded in directions opposite from each other.
45. The bone plate of claim 41, wherein the threads have, in a direction from the upper surface to the lower surface, a conical inward taper.
46. The bone plate of claim 41, wherein the each threaded portion is formed over an angle of about 190\xb0 to about 270\xb0.
47. A bone plating system comprising:
a first bone anchor having a shaft with two opposed ends, including a tip at one end of the shaft and a threaded head at the opposite end of the shaft;
a second bone anchor having a shaft with two opposed ends, including a tip at one end of the shaft and a threaded head at the opposite end of the shaft; and
a plate defining a longitudinal axis and comprising:
an upper surface;
a lower surface;
a first threaded hole for receiving the threaded head of the first bone anchor, the fist threaded hole having an orientation axis; and
a second threaded hole for receiving the threaded head of the second bone anchor, the second hole having an orientation axis;
wherein the first threaded hole and the second threaded hole are oriented such that the orientation axes of the first and second threaded holes intersect at a point beneath the lower surface of the plate and the first bone anchor is configured and adapted to engage the first threaded hole, and the second bone anchor is configured and adapted to engage the second threaded hole to form a truss.
48. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein the first and second threaded holes are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.
49. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein the first and second threaded holes are positioned on the longitudinal axis of the bone plate.
50. The bone plating system of claim 47, further comprising a third bone anchor having a shaft with two opposed ends, including a tip at one end of the shaft and a threaded head at the opposite end of the shaft, wherein the plate includes a third threaded hole for receiving the threaded head of the third bone anchor, the third threaded hole having an orientation axis, and the orientation axis of the third threaded hole lies at an angle relative to a plane defined by the orientation axes of the first and second threaded holes.
51. The bone plating system of claim 50, wherein the third threaded hole is located between the first and second threaded holes.
52. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein the shaft of the second bone anchor is dimensioned to contact the shaft of the first bone anchor proximate the point below the lower surface.
53. The bone plating system of claim 52, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor contacts the shaft of the first bone anchor.
54. The bone plating system of claim 52, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor contacts the tip of the first bone anchor.
55. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein the shaft of the second bone anchor is dimensioned, such that the shaft is adjacent the shaft of the first bone anchor proximate the point below the lower surface.
56. The bone plating system of claim 55, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor is adjacent the shaft of the first bone anchor.
57. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein a plane defined by the orientation axes of the first and second bone threaded holes lies at an angle relative to a plane bisecting the bone plate along the longitudinal axis.
58. The bone plating system of claim 57, wherein the angle is between about 3\xb0 and about 6\xb0.
59. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein the first and second threaded holes are configured such that the orientation axes define an acute angle at the point of intersection.
60. The bone plating system of claim 58, wherein the orientation axes of the first and second threaded holes define an angle of between about 30\xb0 and about 45\xb0 at the point of intersection.
61. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein at least one of the threaded holes is conically tapered from the upper surface to the lower surface.
62. The bone plating system of claim 47, further comprising at least one combination hole for receiving a bone screw, the combination hole having a first portion and a second portion, wherein:
the first portion defines a substantially circular outer periphery that defines a first center point; and
the second portion defines an elongated outer periphery that defines a second center point, wherein the elongated outer periphery is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate, and the second portion overlaps the first portion.
63. The bone plating system of claim 62, wherein a plurality of threads are disposed on the first portion.
64. The bone plating system of claim 63, wherein the plurality of threads threadably engage the head of a bone screw.
65. The bone plating system of claim 62, wherein the second portion is configured and dimensioned to engage a substantially spherical head of a bone screw.
66. The bone plating system of claim 62, wherein at least a portion of the combination hole is countersunk on both the upper surface and the lower surface.
67. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein at least a portion of the bone plate varies in thickness along the longitudinal axis.
68. The bone plating system of claim 47, wherein at least one of the first and second bone anchors is a bone screw.
69. The bone plating system of claim 68, wherein the bone screw has a through bore defining a continuous channel from an upper surface of the head of the bone screw plate through the shaft of the bone screw.
70. The bone plate of claim 47, wherein the bone plate further comprises a first end, a second end, wherein the first end is dimensioned and configured to substantially match a contour of a portion of bone.
71. The bone plate of claim 47, wherein the first end includes a hook having an edge for securing to bone tissue, and the edge is located beneath the lower surface.
72. The bone plate of claim 71, wherein the edge of the hook is defined by two spaced apart talons.
73. The bone plate of claim 71, wherein the hook is integral with the bone plate.
74. A bone fixation system comprising:
a first bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one end and a head at the other end of the shaft opposite the tip;
a second bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one end and a head at the other end of the shaft opposite the tip;
a bone plate comprising:
an upper surface;
a lower surface;
a first hole for engaging the head of the first bone anchor; and
a second hole spaced apart from the first hole, the second hole for engaging the head of the second bone anchor; and
wherein, the first hole and the second hole are configured so as to associate the second bone anchor with the first bone anchor so as to form a truss.
75. The bone anchor of claim 74, wherein the second bone anchor is dimensioned and configured such that the shaft of the second bone anchor contacts the shaft of the first bone anchor.
76. The bone anchor of claim 75, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor contacts the shaft of the first bone anchor.
77. The bone anchor of the claim 75, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor is adjacent the shaft of the first bone anchor.
78. A bone plate comprising:
an upper surface;
a lower surface;
a first section having a first longitudinal axis;
a second section having a second longitudinal axis, the second section connected to the first section such that the an included angle is defined between the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis;
a first hole for engaging a head of a first bone anchor configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the first bone anchor along a first axis; and
a second hole spaced apart from the first hole for engaging a head of a second bone anchor, the second hole configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the second bone anchor along a second axis;
wherein the first hole and the second hole are configured such that the first axis and the second axis define a single plane and intersect at a point below the lower surface.
79. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the first section and the second section are integral made from a single piece of material.
80. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the first and second holes are both located in the second section.
81. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the first section is longer than the second section.
82. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the included angle between the first and second longitudinal axes is obtuse.
83. The bone plate of claim 82, wherein the included angle is about 150\xb0 to about 155\xb0.
84. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the included angle between the first and second longitudinal axes is acute.
85. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the included angle is about 85\xb0 to about 95\xb0.
86. The bone plate of claim 85, wherein the second section is connected to the first section such that the bone plate is substantially L-shaped.
87. The bone plate of claim 85, wherein the second section is connected to the first section such that the bone plate is substantially T-shaped.
88. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the second section is connected to the first section such that the second section lies in a plane different from that of the first section.
89. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the bone plate further comprises a transition section connecting the first section to the second section, the transition section having a third longitudinal axis, the transition section connecting the second section to the first section such that the third longitudinal axis defines a first included angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis and a second included angle with respect to the second longitudinal axis.
90. The bone plate of claim 89, wherein at least one of the first and second included angles is substantially acute.
91. The bone plate of claim 89, wherein at least one of the first and second included angles is substantially obtuse.
92. The bone plate of claim 89, wherein the upper surface of the transition section is substantially S-shaped.
93. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the second section along the second longitudinal axis defines a radius of curvature.
94. The bone plate of claim 78, further comprising a first bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the first bone anchor engaging the first hole, and a second bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with and a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the second bone anchor engaging the second hole, wherein the shaft of the second bone anchor contacts the shaft of the first bone anchor proximate the point below the lower surface.
95. The bone plate of claim 94, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor contacts the shaft of the first bone anchor.
96. The bone plate of claim 94, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor contacts the tip of the first bone anchor.
97. The bone plate of claim 78, further comprising a first bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the first bone anchor engaging the first hole, and a second bone anchor having a shaft with two opposing ends, with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the second bone anchor engaging the second hole, wherein the shaft of the second bone anchor is adjacent to the shaft of the first bone anchor proximate the point below the lower surface.
98. The bone plate of claim 97, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor is adjacent to the shaft of the first bone anchor.
99. The bone plate of claim 97, wherein the tip of the second bone anchor is adjacent to the tip of the first bone anchor.
100. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the first and second hole are both located in the same section.
101. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the first and second hole are configured such that the first and second central axes define an acute angle at the point of intersection.
102. The bone plate of claim 78, comprising at least a third hole for engaging a head of a third bone anchor, the third hole configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the third anchor along a third axis.
103. The bone plate of claim 102, wherein the third axis intersects at least one of the first and second axes.
104. The bone plate of claim 102, comprising:
a first bone anchor having a shaft with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the first bone anchor engaging the first hole;
a second bone anchor having a shaft with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the second bone anchor engaging the second hole;
a third bone anchor having a shaft with a tip at one end of the shaft and a head located opposite the tip at the opposite end of the shaft, the head of the third bone anchor engaging the third hole; and
wherein the shaft of the third bone anchor contacts at least one of shafts of the first and second bone anchors to form a truss.
105. The bone plate of claim 104, wherein the tip of the third bone anchor contacts at least one of the shafts of the first and second bone anchors to form a truss.
106. The bone plate of claim 104, wherein the third hole is located in a section of the bone plate different from that of the first and second holes.
107. The bone plate of claim 102, further comprising a transition section connecting the first section to the second section, the second section in a plane different from that of the first section, the third hole located in the transition section.
108. The bone plate of claim 102, wherein at least one of the first, second and third holes is threaded to engage a threaded head of a bone fastener.
109. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein at least one of the first and second holes is threaded to engage a threaded head of a bone fastener.
110. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the first and second holes are configured such that the first and second axes define an acute angle at the point of intersection.
111. The bone plate of claim 110, wherein the first and second holes are configured such that the first and second axes define an angle of between about 30\xb0 and about 45\xb0 at the point of intersection.
112. The bone plate of claim 78, wherein the plane defined by the first and second central axes lies at an angle relative to a plane bisecting the bone plate along the first longitudinal axis.
113. The bone plate of claim 112, wherein the angle is between about 3\xb0 and about 6\xb0.
114. A method of reducing a bone fracture zone defined by a first bone segment, a second bone segment, and a gap therebetween, the method comprising the steps of:
affixing a bone plate across the gap of the fracture zone, the bone plate defining a longitudinal axis and comprising:
an upper surface;
a lower surface; and
a threaded hole configured for threaded locked engagement with a threaded head of a bone screw having a shaft such that the shaft of the bone screw is fixed along an axis;
engaging a bone screw having a shaft and a threaded head in the threaded hole of the bone plate so as to form a threaded locked engagement between the shaft and the bone plate, with the shaft fixed along the axis at such an angle relative to the lower surface that the shaft spans across the fracture zone and reduces the gap between the first and second bone segments.