Abstract: A rod reducer instrument is configured to be secured to a fixation element and to force a rod into engagement with the fixation element. The rod reducer instrument can have a pliers to secure the rod reducer to the fixation element and a threaded shaft with a handle and a pusher member. The pliers can form a threaded channel that engages the threaded shaft and directs a movement of the shaft. The threaded shaft can translate a rotational movement at the handle into a linear movement at the pusher member and in this way force a rod into engagement with a fixation element.

Abstract: A sensing system includes integrated sensor locating capability. Sensors can transmit spread spectrum encoded data pulses which are received at mobile nodes. Based on time of arrival information and known locations of the mobile nodes, locations of the sensors can be determined.

Abstract: A technique for reducing memory usage during signal processing includes storing least significant portions of a plurality of intermediate results in a first memory. Most significant portions of a subset the plurality of intermediate results are stored in a second memory having a smaller length than the first memory. A data linkage is maintained between the most significant portions and corresponding least significant portions.

Abstract: A rod reducer instrument is configured to be secured to a fixation element and to force a rod into engagement with the fixation element. The rod reducer instrument can have a pliers to secure the rod reducer to the fixation element and a threaded shaft with a handle and a pusher member. The pliers can form a threaded channel that engages the threaded shaft and directs a movement of the shaft. The threaded shaft can translate a rotational movement at the handle into a linear movement at the pusher member and in this way force a rod into engagement with a fixation element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a spread spectrum signal is described. Signals can be detected using correlation techniques. When a signal is detected, declaring of signal presence is inhibited for offsets of signal parameters from the parameters of the detected signal, where the offset corresponds to a known sidelobe of the spreading code. This helps to reduce false detections caused by sidelobes of the spreading code.

Abstract: A rod-fastener combination device for spinal stabilization is provided. The device combines a rod and a spinal fastener in a single unit, which allows the rod to move relative to the fastener prior to its being fixed in place, e.g. with a set screw.