Abstract: An apparatus for implementing an improved spinal fusion cage have a centrally-located fixation screwhole of diameter minimized to accommodate a variable-angle, intervertebral, cannulated fixation screw is disclosed. The system includes a rigid connection between the spinal fusion cage to the shaft of the fixation screw, and a variable angle drill targeting device for directing the fixation screw through the on-visually acquirable, centrally-located fixation screwhole without X-ray or other imaging guidance.

Abstract: Ports for accessing vessels within a patient include passageways that can guide needles or other access devices directly into the vessels. The ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient. Some ports may be used in the creation and use of vascular access buttonholes.

Abstract: A method of securing an access port to a vessel can include positioning an access port adjacent to a wall of the vessel. The access port can include an implantation passageway and a guidance passageway that is connected to the implantation passageway. The implantation passageway can be open, during the positioning of the access port, at a position proximal to a location at which the implantation passageway and the guidance passageway are connected. The method can further include forming an opening in the wall of the vessel via instruments that extend through the implantation passageway. The method can include securing the access port to the vessel such that the implantation passageway is in fluid communication with an interior of the vessel via the opening in the wall of the vessel. The method can also include sealing the implantation passageway at the position proximal to the guidance passageway.

Abstract: Lighting for use with in conjunction with a surgical apparatus is disclosed. The light sources can be used in a sterile environment without compromising the sterile nature of that environment.

Abstract: In certain systems disclosed herein, one or more of a first vascular access port and a second vascular access port can be selected by a customer. Each of the first and second vascular access ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient, and each can include a base configured to be attached to a vessel, a body that extends away from the base, and a guidance passageway that extends through the body and the base and includes a funnel region. A maximum height defined by the base and body of the second vascular access port can be greater than a maximum height defined by the base and body of the first vascular access port.

Abstract: Ports for accessing a vessels within a patient include passageways that can guide needles or other access devices directly into the vessels. The ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient. Some ports may be used in the creation and use of vascular access buttonholes.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing an improved spinal fusion cage have a centrally-located fixation screwhole of diameter minimized to accommodate a variable-angle, intervertebral, cannulated fixation screw is disclosed. The system includes a rigid connection between the spinal fusion cage to the shaft of the fixation screw, and a variable angle drill targeting device for directing the fixation screw through the on-visually acquirable, centrally-located fixation screwhole without X-ray or other imaging guidance.

Abstract: Ports for accessing a vessels within a patient include passageways that can guide needles or other access devices directly into the vessels. The ports can be implanted subcutaneously within a patient. Some ports may be used in the creation and use of vascular access buttonholes.

Abstract: A system for implementing an improved spinal fusion cage having a centrally-located fixation screwhole of diameter minimized to accommodate a variable-angle, intervertebral, cannulated fixation screw is disclosed. The system includes a rigid connection between the spinal fusion cage to the shaft of the fixation screw, and a variable angle drill targeting device for directing the fixation screw through the non-visually acquirable, centrally-located fixation screwhole without X-ray or other imaging guidance.

Abstract: A method of parking a running vehicle includes measuring a length of a parked vehicle that is proximate to a desired parking location, and estimating the width of the parked vehicle based on a regression equation. The running vehicle is parked based on the estimated width.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized A-B-A triblock copolymer resin and/or an A-B diblock copolymer resin into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form the gelatinous elastomer in-situ while simultaneously polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate to form polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to melt the styrene-portion of the A-B-A triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the A-B-A triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The combination has a marbled appearance. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink. Another advantage of in situ gel-foam is that the gel component provides higher support factors compared to the base foam alone.

Abstract: A method of parking a running vehicle includes measuring a length of a parked vehicle that is proximate to a desired parking location, and estimating the width of the parked vehicle based on a regression equation. The running vehicle is parked based on the estimated width.

Abstract: A system and method of obtaining customer feedback uses an application that directs a survey instrument to be received by a customer's own phone or network enabled device. The service provider performs a service or provides a sale and asks the customer to participate in a survey. To increase the likelihood that the customer will participate, the service provider explains that the survey will be sent to the customer's phone. The service provider places a call to initiate an automated survey which is directed to the customer's phone. The data collected is stored and retrievable through a cloud based administrative portal where the service provider client is able to utilize the data collected. In one embodiment, the process is automated and is initiated when the service provider calls or signs in and enters the customer information in an application which sends the survey instrument to the customer.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: A method of assessing an area for parking a vehicle includes ultrasonically scanning the area to obtain ultrasonic data, radar scanning the area to obtain radar data, and determining whether to park the vehicle in the area based on both the ultrasonic data and the radar data.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: An accessory platform for fishing rods, light bars, flag masts and similar accessories often used on small boats and watercraft is secured to a mooring cleat by means of an underslung clamping bar having a transversely positioned anchor finger or fork. The anchor finger is positioned to penetrate the arch between cleat legs. The clamping bar is then raised against the cleat arch bight by rotation of a suspension screw.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and propagating a plurality of plasma armatures along electrodes. In particular embodiments, the electrodes are flush mounted to the surface and the plasma armatures are formed and propagated at a high frequency and velocity.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A vascular access device within an external environment may include a body and a septum at least partially housed within the body, a gas chamber housed within the body and the septum, and a vent adjacent the body capable of facilitating gas transfer between the gas chamber and the external environment. A method of venting a gas chamber within a medical device includes transferring gas between the gas chamber and an external environment of the device through a vent that is adjacent the body of the device.