Abstract: Methods, tools and systems for full characterization of thin and ultra-thin layers employed in advanced semiconductor device structures are disclosed.

Abstract: Expandable docking stations for docking an expandable valve can include a valve seat, one or more sealing portions, and one or more retaining portions. The valve seat can be unexpandable or substantially unexpandable beyond a deployed size. The one or more sealing portions are connected to the valve seat and extend radially outward of the valve seat. The one or more sealing portions are constructed to expand outward of the valve seat and provide a seal over a range of sizes. The one or more retaining portions are connected to the one or more sealing portions. The one or more retaining portions are configured to retain the docking station at a deployed position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of undulators, methods of fabricating undulators, and systems incorporating undulators are described. Certain embodiments provide a compact, electromagnetic undulator. The undulator may comprise a substrate and one or more electromagnets, which may be formed on the substrate. Certain embodiments have a period not greater than about 5 mm. The undulator may be operatively coupled with a particle accelerator to provide a free electron laser system.

Abstract: A structure includes multiple electromagnets with sub-100 micrometer feature size. Each electromagnet includes a substrate defining multiple filled trenches with conductive fillers, a first isolation layer disposed over the conductive fillers such that a portion of each conductive filler is exposed by the first isolation layer, a core disposed over the first isolation layer, and a second isolation layer covering the core. The second isolation layer has a top surface, and winding interconnects extend from a plane defined by the top surface of the second isolation layer to the conductive fillers such that each winding interconnect contacts one of the conductive fillers on a portion exposed by the first isolation layer. A conductive layer includes upper connectors to electrically connect winding interconnects positioned on opposite sides of the core. The trenches, winding interconnects, and upper connectors are electrically connected to form windings around the core.

Abstract: Various embodiments of undulators, methods of fabricating undulators, and systems incorporating undulators are described. Certain embodiments provide a compact, electromagnetic undulator. The undulator may comprise a substrate and one or more electromagnets, which may be formed on the substrate. Certain embodiments have a period not greater than about 5 mm. The undulator may be operatively coupled with a particle accelerator to provide a free electron laser system.

Abstract: An impact resistant tool or tool bit holder has an active end for driving a fastener and a shanking end for securing to a power tool. The active end includes a body with a bore to receive the shank and a pocket to receive a damping mechanism. The shank includes an end to engage the bore in the body, and a pocket to receive the damping mechanism. The shank is received in the bore in the body for limited rotation with respect to the body. A damping mechanism is positioned in the pockets to provide damping between the body and the shank during torque loading.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a spinal stabilization rod useful for connecting a set of bone fasteners that can anchor a spinal stabilization system onto vertebral bodies. The spinal stabilization rod comprises rigid sections for coupling with bone fastener assemblies engaged in vertebrae and a flexible band for coupling the rigid sections. A bumper may be disposed around the rod to encase the flexible band. The spinal stabilization system may include a dampener.

Abstract: An impact resistant tool or tool bit holder has an active end for driving a fastener and a shanking end for securing to a power tool. The active end includes a body with a bore to receive the shank and a pocket to receive a damping mechanism. The shank includes an end to engage the bore in the body, and a pocket to receive the damping mechanism. The shank is received in the bore in the body for limited rotation with respect to the body. A damping mechanism is positioned in the pockets to provide damping between the body and the shank during torque loading.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an interspinous dynamic stabilization system that can uniquely address the dynamic stabilization of a spinal segment and facet joint concurrently and that can be useful for drug delivery applications. The interspinous dynamic stabilization system comprises a relatively rigid casing and relies on the anisotropic expansion feature of specially manufactured hydrogels contained in the casing to resist and control the extension of the spine. In a surgical procedure, the casing is attached to adjacent spinous processes laterally or in an anterior-posterior direction. Dehydrated hydrogels are then inserted inside the casing, perhaps one by one in a minimally invasive manner. Upon absorption of fluid, the hydrogels swell axially in the preferred direction, eventually lifting the superior spinous process. As the casing is attached to the spinous processes, the interspinous dynamic stabilization system can also have enhanced stability against torsional and lateral bending.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to devices, systems, and/or methods for delivery (e.g., controlled delivery) of a pharmaceutical to a subject's spine. For example, the disclosure relates to implants that provide both a mechanical function and a pharmacological function. According to some embodiments, a spinal implant may comprise a rigid spinal implant body having one or more recesses, one or more layers in each of the one or more recesses, each of the one or more layers comprising a biocompatible material and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compound; and at least one biocompatible cap in each of the one or more recesses. An implant may further comprise biocompatible barriers interspersed between the layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions, devices, systems, and methods for inhibiting an inflammatory response (e.g., an inflammatory response associated with spinal surgery). For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure may reduce and/or eliminate an inflammatory response associated with friction between a soft tissue and an implant and/or between a soft tissue and a hard tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide an anisotropic spinal stabilization rod useful for connecting a set of bone fasteners that can anchor a spinal stabilization system onto vertebral bodies. The anisotropic spinal stabilization rod comprises a linear body made of a composite material with fibers selectively oriented in one or more directions to approximate a range of motion of a healthy spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an implantable device having a bioresorbable outer layer and a bioactive inner core. The outer layer can be porous, allowing material to pass through and bond with bones. After placement, the outer layer will dissolve into the body over time. The bioactivity, bonding ability, and mechanical properties can be manipulated in many ways. The size, shape, and number of the implantable device may vary, depending upon needs and applications. The implantable device can be introduced into the articulating joint with minimal invasion to act as both a cushion and a load-bearing device, alleviating pain associated with degenerative facet joints, eliminating the need for fusion/fixation procedures, and preserving/restoring the natural function of articulating surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a biocompatible substance useful for repairing a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). The biocompatible substance can be made from two or more biocompatible polymeric hydrogels via physical cross-linking. The biocompatible substance thus made exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phenomenon and undergoes volume and stage changes with temperature in the range of 25° C.-34° C. The biocompatible substance can be in liquid injectable form at room temperature, can cure within the human body without damaging living tissues, does not release toxic monomers during surgery, and, once cured, has optimum mechanical properties that match those of a human cancellous bone. It can be used alone in minimally invasive procedures or in combination with other spine treatments.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an implantable device for the closure and/or repair of a spinal defect (e.g., posterior annular defects) and/or preventing recurring herniation. An implantable medical device, in some embodiments, may be coated or impregnated with a releasable pharmaceutical compound. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to compositions that include one or more pharmaceutical compounds. In addition, some embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods for making and using compositions and medical implants. A spinal implant may include, for example, a scaffold having a substantially planar surface; and a plurality of tails, each of which has a first end that is attached to the scaffold and a second end that is configured and arranged to be threaded through a respective perforation in a vertical body, wherein the scaffold comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent.