Abstract: A user-operated system for interactive vehicle door opening and closing. The system detects vehicle position (gravity) and external force (such as wind) and provides an assistive force in effortlessly opening or closing the door. In some embodiments, the system provides a fail safe mode of operation in case of power failure and/or limit stops to minimize or prevent damage to external objects in the event the door is inadvertently brought into contact with the external object.

Abstract: A user or assistant operated device for elevation and forward thrusting of the jaw for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. The device includes a base configured to contact a torso of a wearer, a chin support configured to contact a jaw of the wearer, and a jack extending between the base and the chin support. In this regard, the jack is length adjustable and configured to elevate the chin support relative to the base such that the jaw is thrust forward relative to the torso.

Abstract: A user-operated system for interactive vehicle door opening and closing. The system detects vehicle position (gravity) and external force (such as wind) and provides an assistive force in effortlessly opening or closing the door. In some embodiments, the system provides a fail safe mode of operation in case of power failure and/or limit stops to minimize or prevent damage to external objects in the event the door is inadvertently brought into contact with the external object.

Abstract: A patient-controlled device for inhibiting intraoperative dental pain is disclosed. The device includes a removable tooth clamp, an actuator unit, and a control box. The actuator defines unit includes a vibratory actuator and a coupling device for coupling the vibratory actuator to the tooth clamp. The control box is electrically connected to the vibratory actuator and includes at least one controller. In this regard, the removable tooth clamp is configured to be attached to at least one tooth of a patient, and upon final assembly, the controller initiates oscillation of the tooth clamp via the vibratory actuator and vibrates the tooth/teeth to inhibit intraoperative dental pain.

Abstract: Methods for fusion inside a forward widely tapering human disc space. A stabilizing/guiding system is driven into and against the disc space. The device is further stabilized by spreading and gripping means inside both vertebral end plates. Rod retaining members hold calibrated rod units whose adapted tips perform reaming and threading of the disc space. Subsequently, the tapered cage or implant can be inserted by a free-hand method under direct vision into the prepared and tapered bed. Rod unit divergent angulation is set to match that of the disc space as well as the implants so they obtain optimal distributed purchase of vertebral bone. In one embodiment, inserts are confluent with parallel medial walls rather than their long axes, increasing torsional or lateral translational stability and simplifying placement of additional bone chips. No tubular guide means are required.

Abstract: Systems and methods for painting a surface are disclosed. The method includes securing a track relative to a surface to be painted. A traveling control unit is mounted to the track. The spray head is suspended from the traveling control unit and in front of the surface to be painted. The spray head is moved relative to the surface by moving the traveling control unit along the track to move the spray head along a first painting axis and moving the spray head relative to the control unit along a second painting axis. A painting plan for a design to be painted is executed by emitting a spray of paint from the spray head at various coordinates. An image of the surface can be scanned and overlayed with a virtual representation of the design for evaluation prior to painting.

Abstract: A novel device and method for fusions inside a forward widely tapering human disc space. A stabilizing/guiding system is driven into and against the disc space. The device is further stabilized by spreading and gripping means inside both vertebral end plates. Rod retaining members hold calibrated rod units whose adapted tips perform reaming and threading of the disc space. Subsequently, the tapered cage or implant can be inserted by a free-hand method under direct vision into the prepared and tapered bed. Rod unit divergent angulation is preferably set to match that of the disc space as well as the implants so they obtain optimal distributed purchase of vertebral bone. In one embodiment, inserts are confluent with parallel medial walls rather than their long axes, increasing torsional or lateral translational stability and simplifying placement of additional bone chips. No tubular guide means are required.

Abstract: An implantable dorsal spinous process spacer device including an implant body having a central portion, opposed superior legs, and opposed inferior legs. The central portion defines a lateral passage extending between, and exteriorly open to, left and right sides thereof. Optional cushions are affixed to opposite faces of the central portion, within receiving zones defined thereby. The implant body is attached to adjacent spinous processes. The implanted device spreads apart the posterior vertebral structures relieving a variety of disabling spine problems that have resulted from degenerative disc collapse. A narrow non-absorbable woven band, strap or plurality of suture filaments is passed around the two spinous processes, crossing through a lateral passage provided in the implant, stabilizing the spinal segment.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the engagement reliability of a clipless pedal system is disclosed. Briefly, a magnetic material is positioned near the critical engagement point on the pedal. A ferrous material is added to the front edge of the cleat, such that this edge of the cleat is attracted toward the magnetic material, thereby simplifying the engagement process. In certain embodiments, the magnetic material is placed on a biasing element, such that it has an operative and stowed position. In other embodiments, the magnetic material is fixed in location.

Abstract: A user or assistant operated device for elevation and forward thrusting of the jaw for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. The device includes a base configured to contact a torso of a wearer, a chin support configured to contact a jaw of the wearer, and a jack extending between the base and the chin support. In this regard, the jack is length adjustable and configured to elevate the chin support relative to the base such that the jaw is thrust forward relative to the torso.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis is described. The joint prosthesis includes a polymeric membrane defining opposing first and second ends and a graft surface opposite a bearing surface, and mesh backings attached to the membrane. In particular, a first mesh backing portion attached along the first end of the membrane on the graft surface, and a second mesh backing portion attached along the second end of the membrane on the graft surface. In this regard, the first and second mesh backing portions are configured for attachment to respective opposing bony surfaces of a body joint such that the membrane folds between the surfaces of the body joint and defines an articulation surface along the bearing surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A user-operated system for interactive vehicle door opening and closing. The system detects vehicle position (gravity) and external force (such as wind) and provides an assistive force in effortlessly opening or closing the door. In some embodiments, the system provides a fail safe mode of operation in case of power failure and/or limit stops to minimize or prevent damage to external objects in the event the door is inadvertently brought into contact with the external object.

Abstract: A disk drive includes recording media having one or more recording surfaces, one or more transducer heads positionable relative to the recording surfaces by an actuator operating within a head position servo loop, and a data transfer driver. A preamplifier in the data transfer driver includes one or more head interfaces, each head interface for controlling a transducer head for read and write operations, and a mode controller for controlling each head interface based on configuration information for selectively (i) reading data from at least one recording surface, (ii) writing data to at least one recording surface, and (iii) simultaneously reading data (such as a reference pattern) from at least one recording surface and writing data (such as servo patterns) to at least one recording surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for repairing a collapsed space within vertical bodies. The apparatus includes an introducer (20) including an elongate member having proximal, distal ends, and defining a longitudinal bore. The elongate member includes a threaded portion adjacent the distal end, being configured for insertion into vertebral bodies to facilitate mounting of the elongate member to the vertebral bodies, and a catheter at least partially positioned within the longitudinal bore of the elongate members of the introducer (20). The catheter includes a catheter body member having proximal, and distal ends, an inflation lumen extending along at least a portion of the catheter body, and an expandable membrane adjacent the distal end of the catheter body member in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The expandable membrane is extendable beyond the distal end of the introducer (20), and positioned between the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinal disc nucleus comprising a hydrogel core surrounded by a constraining jacket. The hydrogel core is configured to expand from a dehydrated state to a hydrated state. In the dehydrated state, the hydrogel core has a shape selected to facilitate implantation through an anulus opening. Further, in the hydrated state, the hydrogel core has a shape corresponding generally to a portion of a nucleus cavity, the hydrated shape being different from the dehydrated shape. Upon hydration, the hydrogel core transitions from the dehydrated shape to the hydrated shape.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that distracts and maintains the distracted position of adjacent vertebral bodies during a surgical procedure within a vertebral disc space. The distraction device includes a first and second plate, each of which includes at least one extension member for removably attaching to a vertebral body. The distraction device further includes a locking member for locking the first plate with respect to the second plate across a vertebral disc space and a cam mechanism for effecting relative movement of the first and second plates. Each extension member includes at least one bore for receiving a bone screw. The first and second plates are preferably crescent shaped and coupled together by a pin member. The first and second plates are rigidly locked together in a distracted position by a threaded locking screw. A method of distracting a space between vertebral body portions and a method of using a distraction device during implantation of a fusion implant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic spinal disc nucleus comprising a hydrogel core surrounded by a constraining jacket. The hydrogel core is configured to expand from a dehydrated state to a hydrated state. In the dehydrated state, the hydrogel core has a shape selected to facilitate implantation through an anulus opening. Further, in the hydrated state, the hydrogel core has a shape corresponding generally to a portion of a nucleus cavity, the hydrated shape being different from the dehydrated shape. Upon hydration, the hydrogel core transitions from the dehydrated shape to the hydrated shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an anchoring device and system for stabilizing adjacent vertebral joints. The anchoring device includes an anchoring plate adapted to be secured to at least one vertebral disc having a central portion, extended ends portions and at least one lateral extension. The central portion includes an anchoring nut for fastening the anchoring plate to a vertebral implant and the end portions include anchoring screws for fastening the anchoring plate to the at least one vertebral disc. The vertebral implant is preferably a threaded fusion cage, wherein the anchoring nut is rotatably fixed to both the anchoring plate and the threaded fusion cage. The anchoring device preferably includes the central portion and each extended end portion having at least one locking tab for rotatably locking the anchoring nut and anchoring screws.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an anchoring device and system for stabilizing adjacent vertebral joints. The anchoring device includes an anchoring plate adapted to be secured to at least one vertebral disc having a central portion, extended ends portions and at least one lateral extension. The central portion includes an anchoring nut for fastening the anchoring plate to a vertebral implant and the end portions include anchoring screws for fastening the anchoring plate to the at least one vertebral disc. The vertebral implant is preferably a threaded fusion cage, wherein the anchoring nut is rotatably fixed to both the anchoring plate and the threaded fusion cage. The anchoring device preferably includes the central portion and each extended end portion having at least one locking tab for rotatably locking the anchoring nut and anchoring screws.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical forceps for joining tissue on opposed sides of an incision including a pair of extension members, wherein each extension member includes tissue engaging projections at a distal end thereof and are dimensioned and adapted to engage tissue on respective opposed sides of the incision. A central member is disposed between the extension members and defines a longitudinal axis. The central member includes a foot glide disposed at a distal end of the central member, wherein the foot glide defines a retaining surface dimensioned to retain tissue within the incision. The extension members are adapted for movement relative to the central member whereby movement of the extension members toward the central member causes the tissue engaging projections to engage and draw the tissue on the opposed sides of the incision toward each other in a general approximated relation. Also disclosed is a method of approximating tissue on opposed sides of an opening.