Abstract: A system and method for scanning, sorting, repairing and packaging hardwood flooring pieces is provided. The system provides a scanning section, a sorting section, an assessment section and a packaging section. The scanning section identifies problematic pieces. The sorting section automatically sorts and completes rows of hardwood flooring pieces. The assessment section filters and repairs identified pieces and the packaging section packages rows of hardwood flooring pieces. The use of manpower may be limited to certain tasks only, such as the analysis of the identified boards, the repairing or the packaging. An algorithm is tracking each of the pieces of the system and may thus manage the optimal functioning of the system. A method for scanning, sorting, assessing and packaging hardwood flooring pieces is further provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring spinal instability through the use of a distractor arm assembly having segments pivotal with respect to each other and movable through the movement of a pivotal collar assembly along a centrally positioned jackscrew.

Abstract: A vertebral drill bit for forming a pathway through a pedicle into a vertebral body. The vertebral drill bit includes a cutting shank having a generally uniform diameter, an attachment head at one end of the cutting shank and a tip at the other end of the cutting shank. Also included is a point at which the diameter of the cutting shank at the second end begins to get smaller to form the tip. A flute is formed in the cutting shank and extends from the end to the tip. An edge of the flute from the first end to proximate the point is sharp for cutting, while edges of the flute from the point to the tip are rounded.