Abstract: An expandable spinal implant comprises a body having a hollow interior, a proximal end and a distal end, the body supporting an endplate movable relative to the body in a first direction away from said body. An actuatable expansion mechanism, supported within the hollow interior is coupled to the body and the movable endplate to move the movable endplate relative to the body. The expansion mechanism comprises a rotatable drive gear and a rotatable follower supported spaced from the drive gear, and a transmission belt rotatively coupling the drive gear and the follower to transfer rotative motion from the drive gear to the follower upon actuation of the expansion mechanism. The transmission belt is formed in a continuous loop extending in an oblong shape around the drive gear and the follower and has an inward curve on one side of the loop between said drive gear and the follower.

Abstract: A steerable expandable spinal implant comprises a body and a movable endplate. The implant including an actuatable expansion mechanism coupled to the body, the expansion mechanism comprising a rotatable drive gear and a follower spindle coupled by a transmission belt. The drive gear is rotatable in a first direction to rotate the body about an axis adjacent a body proximal end, and in a second opposite direction to actuate the expansion mechanism to move the endplate away from the body and expand the spinal implant. A brake shoe is rotatably supported by the body adjacent the proximal end, the brake shoe being operable in a first mode to allow the body to rotate about the axis, and in the second mode to constrain movement of the body relative to brake shoe thereby allowing actuation of the expansion mechanism to move the endplate away from the body and expand the implant.

Abstract: A strain sensor assembly is configured to detect one or more of forces applied to a structure having a recess. The strain sensor can include at least a pair of opposed strain gauge members that extend from the support member. Each strain gauge member defines a support portion carried by the support member and a biasing portion. The support portion includes at least one strain gauge sensor. The biasing portion is configured to bias against a wall of the recess of the structure when the strain sensor assembly is disposed in the recess. The strain sensor assembly is configured such that the at least a pair of strain gauge members form an interference fit with the wall of the recess when the strain sensor assembly is inserted in the recess.

Abstract: A strain sensor assembly is configured to detect one or more of forces applied to a structure having a recess. The strain sensor can include at least a pair of opposed strain gauge members that extend from the support member. Each strain gauge member defines a support portion carried by the support member and a biasing portion. The support portion includes at least one strain gauge sensor. The biasing portion is configured to bias against a wall of the recess of the structure when the strain sensor assembly is disposed in the recess. The strain sensor assembly is configured such that the at least a pair of strain gauge members form an interference fit with the wall of the recess when the strain sensor assembly is inserted in the recess.

Abstract: A top drive assembly may comprise a drive motor that provides rotational torque to a drill string for driving the drill string into the earth. A sensor and a transmitter may be located on a section of the drill string or on a device that can be incorporated into a drill string. The sensor may take measurements of the drill string that is rotating during the drilling operation. If the sensor is located near the top drive assembly, the sensor may take measurements of an upper portion of the rotating drill string during the drilling operation. The transmitter may wirelessly transmit the sensor information in real-time to a coordinator or main radio. The transmitter may also be located near the top drive assembly and during the drilling operation, may transmit from the rotating drill string while located in a position above the earth's surface.

Abstract: A top drive assembly may comprise a drive motor that provides rotational torque to a drill string for driving the drill string into the earth. A sensor and a transmitter may be located on a section of the drill string or on a device that can be incorporated into a drill string. The sensor may take measurements of the drill string that is rotating during the drilling operation. If the sensor is located near the top drive assembly, the sensor may take measurements of an upper portion of the rotating drill string during the drilling operation. The transmitter may wirelessly transmit the sensor information in real-time to a coordinator or main radio. The transmitter may also be located near the top drive assembly and during the drilling operation, may transmit from the rotating drill string while located in a position above the earth's surface.