Abstract: A bone distractor assembly configured to distract first and second bone segments on opposite sides of a bone gap is provided. In one embodiment the distractor assembly includes a distractor having a first coupler and a second coupler, a first footplate releasably coupled to the first coupler, a second footplate releasably coupled to the second coupler, and a locking mechanism releasably coupling the first and second footplates to the first and second couplers. The first and second footplates releasably are each configured to attach to bone. The locking mechanism includes a tube, wherein removal of the tube releases the first and second footplates from the first and second couplers.

Abstract: A bone distractor assembly configured to distract first and second bone segments on opposite sides of a bone gap is provided. In one embodiment the distractor assembly includes a distractor having a first coupler and a second coupler, a first footplate releasably coupled to the first coupler, a second footplate releasably coupled to the second coupler, and a locking mechanism releasably coupling the first and second footplates to the first and second couplers. The first and second footplates releasably are each configured to attach to bone. The locking mechanism includes a tube, wherein removal of the tube releases the first and second footplates from the first and second couplers.

Abstract: A bone distractor assembly configured to distract first and second bone segments on opposite sides of a bone gap is provided. In one embodiment the distractor assembly includes a distractor having a first coupler and a second coupler, a first footplate releasably coupled to the first coupler, a second footplate releasably coupled to the second coupler, and a locking mechanism releasably coupling the first and second footplates to the first and second couplers. The first and second footplates releasably are each configured to attach to bone. The locking mechanism includes a tube, wherein removal of the tube releases the first and second footplates from the first and second couplers.

Abstract: A bone distractor assembly configured to distract first and second bone segments on opposite sides of a bone gap is provided. In one embodiment the distractor assembly includes a distractor having a first coupler and a second coupler, a first footplate releasably coupled to the first coupler, a second footplate releasably coupled to the second coupler, and a locking mechanism releasably coupling the first and second footplates to the first and second couplers. The first and second footplates releasably are each configured to attach to bone. The locking mechanism includes a tube, wherein removal of the tube releases the first and second footplates from the first and second couplers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system for the modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes first and second footplates attached to an orthopedic device. The second footplate is attached to the zygoma, with the first footplate being mechanically coupled to the maxilla. This mechanical coupling is achieved either through attachment directly to the maxilla or by attachment to a construct wired to the patient's teeth. The orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, allows for modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. The entire system can advantageously be placed intra-orally within a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the device does not increase in length upon activation. In another preferred embodiment, the second footplate is offset, allowing the actuator to be placed under the zygoma. Methods for using this novel orthopedic system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system in which the part of a device that attaches to the bone is detachable from the rest of the device. The system includes a proximal bone anchor, associated proximal fastener, a distal bone anchor, and associated distal fastener. The bone anchors are affixed to the bone on opposing sides of the bone repair site, which may be an osteotomy. The fasteners serve to releasably mechanically couple the orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, to the bone anchors. In a preferred embodiment, the bone anchors are made from a resorbable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system for the modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes first and second footplates attached to an orthopedic device. The second footplate is attached to the zygoma, with the first footplate being mechanically coupled to the maxilla. This mechanical coupling is achieved either through attachment directly to the maxilla or by attachment to a construct wired to the patient's teeth. The orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, allows for modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. The entire system can advantageously be placed intra-orally within a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the device does not increase in length upon activation. In another preferred embodiment, the second footplate is offset, allowing the actuator to be placed under the zygoma. Methods for using this novel orthopedic system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system in which the part of a device that attaches to the bone is detachable from the rest of the device. The system includes a proximal bone anchor, associated proximal fastener, a distal bone anchor, and associated distal fastener. The bone anchors are affixed to the bone on opposing sides of the bone repair site, which may be an osteotomy. The fasteners serve to releasably mechanically couple the orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, to the bone anchors. In a preferred embodiment, the bone anchors are made from a resorbable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system in which the part of the device that attaches to the bone is detachable from the parts of the device which provide the bone stabilization, distraction, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a proximal bone plate and associated proximal fastener, and a distal bone plate and associated distal fastener. The bone plates are affixed to the bone on opposing sides of the bone repair site, which may be an osteotomy. The fasteners serve to mechanically couple the orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, through the bone plates, to the bone. The fasteners are releasably mechanically coupled to the bone plates. This releasability permits the distractor and fasteners to be removed after the orthopedic procedure is complete, leaving only the bone plates in the patient. The bone plates may be made with a low profile, such that they may be left permanently in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system for the modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes proximal and distal footplates attached to an orthopedic device. The distal footplate is attached to the zygoma, with the proximal footplate being mechanically coupled to the maxilla. This mechanical coupling is achieved either through attachment directly to the maxilla or by attachment to a construct which is then wired to the patient's teeth. The orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, allows for modification of the distance between the maxilla and zygoma. The entire system can advantageously be placed intra-orally within a patient. In a preferred embodiment, the footplates are also detachable from the orthopedic device and are composed of a bioresorbable material, such that they will be absorbed by the patient's body. Methods for using this novel orthopedic system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved orthopedic system in which the part of the device that attaches to the bone is detachable from the parts of the device which provide the bone stabilization, distraction, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a proximal bone plate and associated proximal fastener, and a distal bone plate and associated distal fastener. The bone plates are affixed to the bone on opposing sides of the bone repair site, which may be an osteotomy. The fasteners serve to mechanically couple the orthopedic device, which may be a distractor, through the bone plates, to the bone. The fasteners are releasably mechanically coupled to the bone plates. This releasability permits the distractor and fasteners to be removed after the orthopedic procedure is complete, leaving only the bone plates in the patient. The bone plates may be made with a low profile, such that they may be left permanently in the patient.

Abstract: A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like.

Abstract: A mobile support unit such as an IV stand or the like coupled to a mobile hospital bed, gurney or wheelchair by a latch mechanism which provides hands free operation thereby avoiding the need for a nurse or care provider to manually manipulate the latch to secure the units together for tandem transport. Further, the latch mechanism according to this invention includes a clutch which prevents relative movement of the IV stand or support unit with respect to the hospital bed during transport up to a specific adjustable torque level thereby avoiding the problem of the IV stand or support unit swinging freely relative to the bed during movement. Further, the clutch permits movement of the IV stand or support unit through an arc relative to the bed when a specified force is applied as required by the nurse or care provider to reposition the IV stand or support unit relative to the bed and provide increased access to the patient or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for brewing a coffee beverage from coffee grounds and hot water includes a housing and a base member within the housing. The base member incorporates a generally horizontal porous surface. A brewing cylinder is located within the housing and is located above and generally axially aligned with the porous surface of the base member. The brewing cylinder is movable from a first position in which the bottom of the brewing cylinder is sealingly engaged with the base member and surrounds at least a portion of the porous surface and a second position in which the brewing cylinder is separated from the base member. A mixing channel has a first end communicating with the interior of the brewing cylinder.