Abstract: A balanced armature apparatus is disclosed that includes dual transducers for generating sound waves in response to electric audio signals. The dual transducers include a motor assembly coupled to a diaphragm. A housing defines an interior chamber and the motor assembly and the diaphragm are positioned within the interior chamber. A pair of acoustic output ports is located in a respective end of the housing. A low pass acoustic filter is in communication with one of the acoustic output ports that is operable to attenuate a predetermined range of frequencies from an audio signal produced by one of the diaphragms.

Abstract: A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting a rotary input into counter-rotating outputs is disclosed herein. An exemplary apparatus for performing the method includes a planetary gear set having a sun gear rotatable by a rotary input, a plurality of planet gears in meshed engagement with the sun gear, a carrier coupling the plurality of planet gears together, and a ring gear encircling and in meshed engagement with the plurality of planet gears. The exemplary apparatus also includes a first shaft member coupled to the carrier for transmitting motion in a first rotational direction. The exemplary apparatus also includes a second shaft member coupled to the ring gear for transmitting motion in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The first shaft member at least partially encircles the second shaft member.

Abstract: A turbocharger system comprises a first relatively small high-pressure (HP) turbocharger (1) and a second relatively large low pressure (LP) turbocharger (2). The turbine (6) of the LP turbocharger (2) is connected in series downstream of the turbine (4) of the HP turbocharger (1) in a first exhaust gas passage (11). An exhaust bypass flow passage (12) provides a bypass flow path around the HP turbine (4). A rotary valve (8) is located at a junction of the bypass flow passage (12) and a first exhaust gas flow passage (11). The rotary valve (8) comprises a valve rotor (19) which is rotatable to selectively permit or block flow to the LP turbine (6) from either the first exhaust gas passage (11) or the bypass gas passage (12). The rotary valve (8) is operated to at least partially restrict flow to the LP turbine to generate a braking back pressure.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application is directed to: shaping a neck support to conform to a neck of a patient while the neck is configured with a desired lordosis of a cervical spine of the patient, performing a surgical procedure on the cervical spine of the patient based on the desired lordosis, and during or after the surgical procedure, holding the neck of the patient in the neck support to configure the neck with this desired lordosis, and pivoting the neck cradle about two or more different pivot axes as the neck is held to evaluate two or more different ranges of motion of the cervical spine of the patient.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacers, tools for implanting intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The tools include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means includes a plate extendible from the housing. In one specific embodiment the plate defines a groove which is disposed around a fastener attached to the housing so that the plate is slideable relative to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for guiding a surgical implant to a bone anchor during surgery. The apparatus includes a bone anchor extender releasably attachable to the bone anchor wherein the bone anchor extender clips onto a head portion of the bone anchor to assist in guiding the surgical implant to the bone anchor.

Abstract: A force diffusion hook includes a hook element and a connecting member receiving portion for receiving a connecting member to stabilize a spinal column segment. The hook element defines a receptacle for receiving a bony portion. A force diffusion member extends along the receptacle between the hook element and the bony portion. The force diffusion member is deformable to distribute load between the bony portion and the hook element.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and instruments for implant insertion through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include an implant inserter, and the devices include a spinal fusion implant engageable by the implant inserter. The implant provides bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted into the disc space from a postero-lateral approach.

Abstract: Pedicle screws are secured in two columns, one along each side of the spine. Cross support rods have ends connected to pedicle screw heads. A longitudinally extending rod is supported on the cross supports and recessed in the cavity created by removal of portions of spinous processes, providing a reduced profile of the installed construct. Several types of cross supports are shown such as: arms from the screws inward to rings or yokes connecting the longitudinal rod; cross rods with ends connected to the screws and having centrally-located yokes for the longitudinal rod; cross rods with articulating longitudinal rod portions fixed or swiveled to them. These cross rods may have end portions angled posterior toward anterior to accommodate lateral positioned pedicle screws, but shorter cross rods without angled end portions enable medialized pedicle screw orientation.

Abstract: Devices, instruments, systems and techniques for guiding an implant to a location adjacent a bone anchor include a guide member with a connecting portion and a guiding portion. The connecting portion is adjacent the bone anchor, and the guiding portion extends proximally from the connecting portion and is adapted guide an implant therealong toward the bone anchor. The guiding portion is flexible to facilitate manipulation and implant placement in the patient's body.

Abstract: A spinal surgical system includes at least two extenders extending proximally from respective ones of first and second anchors engaged to the spinal column. A connecting member is positionable between the at least two extenders such that the connecting member extends between the at least two extenders. The connecting member is movable distally along the at least two extenders and engageable to the first and second anchors.

Abstract: Tools and methods for spinal fusion are provided. The tool is configured to cut openings into first and second vertebrae to receive a spinal implant between the vertebrae. The tool includes a proximal handle connected to an elongate shaft that extends to a distal end. The distal end includes a first non-cutting portion through which the shaft extends, a cutting portion fixed to the shaft to rotate with rotation of the shaft, and a second non-cutting portion fixed to the cutting portion.