Abstract: A device and method for arranging a housing in a specified position relative to a reference object. For positioning and/or aligning a housing with respect to a reference object, a detachable positioning element is constructed on the housing. The positioning element comprises at least one stop element that is brought into contact with the reference object. The positioning element also comprises a carrier arm that connects the housing and the stop element, wherein the connection of the carrier arm to the housing is designed as a fracture point. After mounting the housing in the desired position, the positioning element is separated from the housing.

Abstract: A sensor includes a coil arranged in a housing. The coil is electrically connected to a printed circuit board, which is likewise arranged in the housing. Sensor terminals are arranged at the printed circuit board on a side of the housing opposite the coil. The coil has at least two contacts running asymmetrically to a coil axis, which are connected to the printed circuit board. A method of assembling the sensor is also provided.

Abstract: For positioning and/or aligning a housing with respect to a reference object, a detachable positioning means is constructed on the housing. The positioning means comprises at least one stop element that is brought into contact with the reference object. After mounting the housing in the desired position, the positioning means is separated from the housing.

Abstract: A housing for connection to an electrical line (14), especially a bus line, with at least one first housing part (2a) and one second housing part (2b), with at least one locking system 6 for locking the first housing part (2a) with the second housing part (2b) in a common locking position, whereby a contact device (15) for making electrical contact with the line (14) is assigned to the first housing part (2a) and whereby at least one line bed (16) for guiding the line (14) is formed in the second housing part (2b). The line bed (16) is made—at least partially—in a line bed carrier (17), and the contact device (15) and the line bed carrier (17) can be turned such that the orientation of the line path can be adjusted with respect to the housing (2).

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration to increase the size of the working channel along the length of the working channel while minimizing trauma to skin and tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a surgical space in a patient are provided. A retractor provides a portal or working path for access to a working space location in the patient. The retractor transmits and emits light from a light delivery system to illuminate the working channel and surgical space.

Abstract: An electronic module (1) for connection of sensors or actuators to a bus line, with an electronic unit, with several jacks (3) for connection of electrical lines (4), and with one jack (5) and one plug (6) for connection of two bus lines (7). The electronic module (1) is especially well suited for use in the hygiene or foodstuffs fields since there is at least one mounting foot (9) for mounting of the electronic module (1) on a support surface (10) and that the housing (2) is made such that the edge area (14) of the housing bottom (12) is further from the support surface (10) than is the area of the housing by the mounting foot (9).

Abstract: A housing for connection to an electrical line (14), especially a bus line, with at least one first housing part (2a) and one second housing part (2b), with at least one locking system 6 for locking the first housing part (2a) with the second housing part (2b) in a common locking position, whereby a contact device (15) for making electrical contact with the line (14) is assigned to the first housing part (2a) and whereby at least one line bed (16) for guiding the line (14) is formed in the second housing part (2b). The line bed (16) is made—at least partially—in a line bed carrier (17), and the contact device (15) and the line bed carrier (17) can be turned such that the orientation of the line path can be adjusted with respect to the housing (2).

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration to increase the size of the working channel along the length of the working channel while minimizing trauma to skin and tissue.

Abstract: Access to a greater area of surgical site with minimally invasive procedure is obtained by using two sets of sequentially placed tissue dilators oriented with their axes in a plane parallel to the spinal axis and a final non-circular dilator encompassing the two sets, followed by a non-circular tubular retractor providing a working channel extending longitudinally of the spine.

Abstract: Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.