Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to a method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc via anterior or anterior lateral implantation. Other surgical approaches for implanting the prosthetic disc may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device for positioning and immobilizing at least two adjacent vertebrae. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to spinous process fusion devices that distract and immobilize the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer and stabilization implant includes a plate having sockets configured for retaining a fastener passable through the socket and into an adjacent vertebral body. One or more connecting projections extend from a side of the plate, to mate with projections extending from a spacer body. A plurality of teeth project from at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the spacer body, and a chamber is formed through the spacer body to enable bone fusion between the vertebrae. The combined plate and spacer may be inserted to lie completely within the intervertebral space, or a portion of the plate may overlie a vertebral body.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer for therapeutic treatment of a patient includes at least one link sized and dimensioned to fit within an intervertebral space in the patient, and is configured to maintain a separation of two adjacent vertebrae for a period of time. A rigid guiding object, which may be a tool or a successive link, is insertable into the patient, to guide other links into the patient using an MIS approach. A pivot is connected between successive links, or between a guide tool and a link, configured to limit a relative range of angular orientation between the link and the guiding tool, or successive links. Multiple links are so joined to form a chain pushable by the last link, and pullable by the first link, to form a chain which may be formed into a curved configuration corresponding to the patient's intervertebral space.

Abstract: Improved spinal instruments are provided. In particular, the present application relates to an improved rongeur that allows for multiple bites of bone to be performed in a patient before removing the rongeur from the patient. The rongeur includes a lower shaft and an upper shaft slidable relative to the lower shaft. The lower shaft and upper shaft form a jaw mechanism that can take multiple bites of bone, which can be deposited in a storage cavity formed in the upper shaft. To assist in removing the bone from within the storage cavity, an internal plunger mechanism can be provided that is actuated by a finger hold. In addition, at least portions of the upper shaft are detachable from the lower shaft such that the upper shaft can be thoroughly cleaned and re-used if desired.

Abstract: A surgical device and method for the retracting, maneuvering, and re-positioning of tissue and/or a body organ during endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures. The surgical apparatus comprises at least one separable grasping device with a detachable head, and an exteriorly-operated handle mechanism, or puppet handle. The disclosed device enables a physician, using a plurality of lengths of sutures simultaneously connected to (a) stems of the exteriorly exposed puppet handle and (b) the detachable head, positioned at clasping points on the organ, to rearrange the orientation of tissue or the organ for better accessibility, analysis, and/or exposure to accompanying surgical instruments in situ. The method presented minimizes the number of bodily incisions required to perform surgery by means of endoscope or laparoscopic equipment.

Abstract: Dual port static random access memory (SRAM) bitcell structures with improve symmetry in access transistors physical placement are provided. The bitcell structures may include, for example, two pairs of parallel pull-down transistors. The bitcell structures may also include pass-gate transistors PGLA and PGRA forming a first port, and pass-gate transistors PGLB and PGRB forming a second port. The pass-gate transistors PGLA and PGLB may be adjacent one another and a first side of the bitcell structure, and pass-gate transistors PGRA and PGRB may be adjacent one another and a second side of the bitcell structure. Each of the pass-gate transistors PGLA and PGLB may be connected with one of the pull-down transistors of one of the pairs of parallel pull-down transistors. Similarly, each of the pass-gate transistors PGRA and PGRB may be connected with one of the pull-down transistors of the other pair of parallel pull-down transistors.

Abstract: Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer and one or more inserts or members coupled to the spacer. The inserts or members may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device for positioning and immobilizing at least two adjacent vertebrae. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to spinous process fusion devices that distract and immobilize the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to a method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc via anterior or anterior lateral implantation. Other surgical approaches for implanting the prosthetic disc may also be used.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine and methods for inserting said discs. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that are implanted using a transforaminal approach, methods thereof, and apparatus thereof.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. The implant further includes a second endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having first and second side rails positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second arcuate slots on opposing sides of the second surface. A plate connecting the first and second endplates is also provided.

Abstract: A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to power tools, particularly to a portable, multifunction saw and uses thereof (e.g., for household, commercial (e.g., for use in window removal and replacement) and medical (e.g. for bone cutting) applications), and more particularly to a multifunctional saw with a protective blade guard configured to cover the entire blade.

Abstract: A control system of an engine is provided. The control system includes an inlet sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an engine inlet air temperature and an intake manifold sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an engine intake manifold air temperature. The control system includes a control module communicably coupled to the inlet sensor and the intake manifold sensor. The control module is configured to determine the engine inlet air temperature and the engine intake manifold air temperature. The control module is configured to determine an initial de-rate value based on a predetermined relationship between the engine inlet air temperature and the engine intake manifold air temperature. The control module is configured to determine a pre-stored de-rate modifier corresponding to an engine speed. The control module is configured to determine a final de-rate value based on the initial de-rate value and the pre-stored de-rate modifier.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to intramedullary nails that can include a keel configured for rotational stabilization and/or a multi-sectioned rod configured to apply compression to a fracture.

Abstract: A method includes designating a cell mismatch parameter of a memory cell including a plurality of transistors and an initial value of a transistor mismatch parameter for each of the plurality of transistors. A critical current sensitivity parameter is determined for each of the plurality of transistors based on the transistor mismatch parameters in a computing apparatus. The cell mismatch parameter is distributed across the plurality of transistors in the computing apparatus to update the individual transistor mismatch parameters for each of the plurality of transistors based on the critical current sensitivity parameters and the cell mismatch parameter. The memory cell is simulated based on the individual transistor mismatch parameters to generate a simulation result.