Abstract: A shaving blade assembly pre-form comprising a blade frame comprising transverse connecting strips; a plurality of blades welded to the blade frame that span the transverse connecting strips along a length of the frame; and a disposable tie disposed parallel to the plurality of blades and across said transverse connecting strips.

Abstract: Classifying kits useful in separating gold, other precious metals, gems, collectable rocks, fossils, and archaeological artifacts from earth material. Classifying sieves and other parts of the classifying kits herein are configured to be used within a bucket and can readily be removable therefrom. Depending on the parts used and the goals of a user, the kits herein can be used with dry sifting methods or with water.

Abstract: A method of forming a functional razor cartridge for repeated shaving comprises rapid prototyping a housing of a razor cartridge. The housing has a front wall, a rear wall and opposing side walls disposed transverse to and between said front and rear walls. The method further comprises loading a metal insert with one or more elongate blade assemblies and disposing the metal insert in the housing such that the one or more blade assemblies extend between the opposing side walls of the housing.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed. The CMOS chip may comprise a laser, a microlens, a turning mirror, and an optical bench, and may generate an optical signal utilizing the laser, focus the optical signal utilizing the microlens, and reflect the optical signal at an angle defined by the turning mirror. The reflected optical signal may be transmitted into the photonically enabled CMOS chip, which may comprise a non-reciprocal polarization rotator, comprising a latching faraday rotator. The CMOS chip may comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator, which may comprise a half-wave plate comprising birefringent materials operably coupled to the optical bench. The turning mirror may be integrated in the optical bench and may reflect the optical signal to transmit through a lid operably coupled to the optical bench.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites.

Abstract: A corner block adjustment mechanism for an ISO container. The adjustment mechanism includes a selectively rotatable cam for moving a corner block between an extended position and a retracted position. The adjustment mechanism also includes a locking mechanism for selectively locking the corner block in the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A method of forming a functional razor cartridge for repeated shaving comprises rapid prototyping a housing of a razor cartridge. The housing has a front wall, a rear wall and opposing side walls disposed transverse to and between said front and rear walls. The method further comprises loading a metal insert with one or more elongate blade assemblies and disposing the metal insert in the housing such that the one or more blade assemblies extend between the opposing side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A transceiver comprising a CMOS chip and a plurality of semiconductor lasers coupled with the CMOS chip may be operable to communicate optical source signals from the plurality of semiconductor lasers into the CMOS chip. The source signals may be used to generate first optical signals that may be transmitted from the CMOS chip to optical fibers. Second optical signals may be received from the optical fibers and converted to electrical signals for use by the CMOS chip. The optical source signals may be communicated from the semiconductor lasers into the CMOS chip via optical fibers in to a top surface and the first optical signals may be communicated out of a top surface of the CMOS chip. The first optical signals may be communicated from the CMOS chip via optical couplers, which may comprise grating couplers.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for creating an operative corridor to the spine are described. The instruments include, for example, a retractor assembly with at least one retractor blade that may be releasably coupled to a bone anchors via a hoop shim. The hoop shim includes a shim portion that may slidably engage the retractor blade and a hoop portion extending from the shim portion that includes an aperture that receives the bone anchor. The hoop portion may have an unlocked configuration that allows passage of the bone anchor and a locked position which prevents passage of the bone anchor to releasably couple the hoop shim to the bone anchor. The hoop shim may be configured to couple to the bone anchor such that the hoop shim may angulate relative to the bone anchor.

Abstract: Classifying kits useful in separating gold, other precious metals, gems, collectable rocks, fossils, and archaeological artifacts from earth material. Classifying sieves and other parts of the classifying kits herein are configured to be used within a bucket and can readily be removable therefrom. Depending on the parts used and the goals of a user, the kits herein can be used with dry sifting methods or with water.

Abstract: A fiber optic illumination device suitable for use in medical procedures and other application requiring the delivery of light to limited access locations is disclosed. The illumination device defines a proximal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than the diameter of the optical fiber and a distal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than diameter of the optical fiber. An integral light communication path is defined between the proximal terminal structure and the distal terminal structure. A method of manufacturing the fiber optic illumination device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a light source assembly for coupling to a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed. The light source assembly may comprise a laser, a microlens, a turning mirror, and an optical bench, and may generate an optical signal utilizing the laser, focus the optical signal utilizing the microlens, and reflect the optical signal at an angle defined by the turning mirror. The reflected optical signal may be transmitted out of the assembly to grating couplers in the photonically enabled CMOS chip. The assembly may comprise a non-reciprocal polarization rotator, comprising a latching faraday rotator. The assembly may comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator, which may comprise a half-wave plate comprising birefringent materials operably coupled to the optical bench. The turning mirror may be integrated in the optical bench and may reflect the optical signal to transmit through a lid operably coupled to the optical bench.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for creating an operative corridor to the spine and performing a spinal fusion. The instruments including, for example, a retractor assembly with a plurality of retractor blades, at least two pedicle screws, and a connecting rod. The retractor blades are coupled to the pedicle screws such that the operative corridor is registered to known anatomical landmarks aiding the surgeon with intraoperative orientation and anatomy identification. The retractor blades may be coupled to the pedicle screws via a polyaxial connection such that the angle of the operative corridor may be adjusted while maintaining the registration to the landmarks. Rod receivers may be attached to the pedicle screws after the disc space is operated on to minimize encumbrances on the working space within the operative corridor. A connecting rod is subsequently locked to the receivers to fix the spinal segment.

Abstract: An approach for generating location stamps in response to a request from a device is presented. A location stamping platform receives a request from a device for one or more location stamps. The location stamping platform then processes and/or facilitates a processing of a hierarchy of one or more policies to determine one or more candidate location stamps in response to the request.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods generally aimed at surgery. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a system and related methods for performing surgical procedures and assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a multi-core fiber connector are disclosed and may include communicating optical signals in a fiber comprising a multi-core. The connectors may comprise dimensions to fit one or more of: SC, LC, FC, or MU connectors. The optical signals may be collimated utilizing a lens in the connectors, and may comprise a graded-index (GRIN) lens or a ball lens. The connectors may comprise a ferrule assembly that encompasses an end of the optical fiber and is at least partially within a stem assembly. The ferrule assembly may comprise zirconia and the stem assembly may comprise stainless steel. The lens may be fixed adjacent to the ferrule assembly utilizing a stainless steel tube. The collimated optical signals may be communicated to a receiving lens that may focus the collimated optical signals onto a plurality of optical cores in a receiving optical fiber.

Abstract: A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.