Patent ID: 6503249
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in securing a first member to a second member, wherein said second member is hidden from visual observation within a third member comprising:A. a first member, said first member having a first receiver and at least one connector receiving means for receiving a connector, B. a guide member, said guide member having one of a second receiver or a transmitter and carrying said connector; C. electronics for positioning and orienting said guide member relative to said first member connector receiving means, said device having; (a) a direct current magnetic field transmitter; (b) at least one magnetic field receiver for receiving said transmitted direct current magnetic fields; (c) power means for supplying direct current electrical signals to said magnetic field transmitter to create said transmitted direct current magnetic fields; (d) receiver electronics for measuring, and converting out-put signals from said magnetic field receiver into position and orientation measurements, (e) programmed computer, said programmed computer having a visual display member, said output signals from said receiver electronics being converted into position and orientation measurements and visually displayed on said computer visual display member, whereby the relative position and orientation of said first member connector receiving means relative to said guide member is determined.