Abstract: A vertebral implant is provided that includes a distraction member having a first end configured to pivotally couple to a first cut portion of a vertebra and a second end configured to mate with a base member configured to couple to a second cut portion of the vertebra. The distraction member can move relative to the base member to create a force effective to adjust a distance between the first and second cut portions of the vertebra.

Abstract: A medical system and surgical instrument adapter are provided. The medical system comprises a surgical instrument carrying a distal tool configured for performing a medical procedure on a patient, an adapter having a clam-shell configuration configured for removably receiving a proximal end of the surgical instrument, and a drive unit configured for being coupled to the adapter to control the movement of the surgical instrument within at least one degree-of-freedom. The surgical instrument adapter may comprise a base portion configured for receiving a proximal end of the surgical instrument, and a clam-shell that pivots relative to the base portion between a first position that encloses the proximal end of the surgical instrument within the base portion and a second position that allows the proximal end of the surgical instrument to be removed from the base portion.

Abstract: A medical system and an integrated drape assembly for a medical system is provided. The medical system comprises a surgical instrument that carries a distal tool configured for performing a medical procedure on a patient, a drive unit configured for controlling the movement of the surgical instrument within at least one degree-of-freedom, a coupling mechanism through which the surgical instrument is operably coupled to the drive unit, and an integrated drape assembly having a drape insert through which the coupling mechanism is coupled to the surgical instrument, a sterile drape covering the coupling mechanism. The drape assembly may comprise a coupling element mounted within the drape insert. The coupling element may be configured for coupling a driver element of the medical system to a driven element of the medical system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used to position and hold the plate against bone while inserting drills, taps, awls, and other bone preparation devices through the guide device. The guide device can also be configured to allow fasteners to be inserted therethrough and into bone to attach the plate to bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used to position and hold the plate against bone while inserting drills, taps, awls, and other bone preparation devices through the guide device. The guide device can also be configured to allow fasteners to be inserted therethrough and into bone to attach the plate to bone.

Abstract: A rod connector for joining a first rod and a second rod includes bore holes that are offset and/or non-parallel to each other. The rod connector provides an offset or non-parallel connection between the rods that allows for the rods to match the contour of a patient's body without requiring bending of the rods. The rod connector may include a first bore hole for receiving the first spinal rod and a second bore hole for receiving the second spinal rod that is adjustable relative to the first bore hole to adjust the position and/or orientation of the second spinal rod relative to the first spinal rod. The rod connector may comprise a first housing component defining the first bore hole and a second housing component that is movable relative to the first housing component and defining the second bore hole.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for delivering a viscous material to a surgical site in a patient while keeping the clinician outside the fluoroscopy field.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.