Abstract: An adsorbent system including an enclosure having a cavity defining a humidity-controlled environment and a body having or defining a channel therein. The body is coupled to the enclosure such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an ambient environment and a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment. The system further includes an adsorbent material in the channel, wherein the channel and adsorbent material are configured such that inlet fluid flowing from the first end to the second end through the channel is flowable over at least a portion of the adsorbent material, and such that outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end is directly flowable over a majority of the portion of the adsorbent material that is flowable over by the inlet fluid, The system further includes a valve system positioned at or adjacent to or in fluid communication with the first end of the channel.

Abstract: An adsorbent system including an enclosure having a cavity defining a humidity-controlled environment and a body having or defining a channel therein. The body is coupled to the enclosure such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with an ambient environment and a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with the humidity-controlled environment. The system further includes an adsorbent material in the channel, wherein the channel and adsorbent material are configured such that inlet fluid flowing from the first end to the second end through the channel is flowable over at least a portion of the adsorbent material, and such that outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end is directly flowable over a majority of the portion of the adsorbent material that is flowable over by the inlet fluid, The system further includes a valve system positioned at or adjacent to or in fluid communication with the first end of the channel.

Abstract: An adsorbent system including a body having or defining a channel therein, wherein the body is configured to be coupled to a humidity-controlled environment such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with the ambient environment and such that a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with said humidity-controlled environment. The system further includes an adsorbent material in the channel, wherein the channel and adsorbent material are configured such that inlet fluid flowing from the first end to the second end through the channel is flowable over the adsorbent material, and such that outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end is flowable over a majority of the adsorbent material that is flowable over by the inlet fluid. The system also includes a valve system positioned at or adjacent to or in fluid communication with the first end of the channel.

Abstract: An adsorbent system including a body having or defining a channel therein, wherein the body is configured to be coupled to a humidity-controlled environment such that a first end of the channel is in selective fluid communication with the ambient environment and such that a second end of the channel is in fluid communication with said humidity-controlled environment. The system further includes an adsorbent material in the channel, wherein the channel and adsorbent material are configured such that inlet fluid flowing from the first end to the second end through the channel is flowable over the adsorbent material, and such that outlet fluid flowing from the second end to the first end is flowable over a majority of the adsorbent material that is flowable over by the inlet fluid. The system also includes a valve system positioned at or adjacent to or in fluid communication with the first end of the channel.

Abstract: A skull pin assembly for a head fixation device that allows for effective imaging with limited artifact is disclosed. The skull pin assembly comprises two components, a tip and a housing. The conical-shaped tip component engages the skull at a point and is configured to fit within the bore of the substantially cylindrical non-conductive housing component. The conical skull pin tip can be comprised of a material that causes limited artifact in medical imaging procedures. The conical skull pin tip can taper away from the point engaging the skull at a first angle and can seamlessly transition into a conical-shaped surface of the housing component. In one embodiment, a third surface of the housing component can also be tapered to meet the first surface of the tip component at the identical first angle of tapering.

Abstract: Head fixation devices and methods of fixating heads of patients for surgical procedures. The head fixation devices generally respectively comprise a skull clamp, a skull clamp arc assembly movable relative to the skull clamp, and a plurality of skull pins operable to engage and fixate heads of patients during neurosurgical and cervical spine procedures. The skull clamp can comprise a single skull pin on each end of the clamp. The two skull pins apply substantially equal compressive forces to the head of a patient. The skull clamp arc assembly, and an arc skull pin thereof, is pivotable to engage and disengage the patient's head for additional fixation support of the head.

Abstract: A skull pin, a method to assemble the skull pin, and a method to operate the skull pin contemplate a skull pin having a housing defining a recess; a force sensing component, a battery, an electrical component, and a skull pin tip received within the recess, wherein the force sensing component and the battery are electrically connected to the electrical component; the skull pin tip fitting over the force sensing component, wherein the force sensing component provides an output related to the level of force applied to the skull pin tip; and wherein the skull pin tip is secured to the housing by a bearing.

Abstract: Head fixation devices and methods of fixating heads of patients for surgical procedures. The head fixation devices generally respectively comprise a skull clamp, a skull clamp arc assembly movable relative to the skull clamp, and a plurality of skull pins operable to engage and fixate heads of patients during neurosurgical and cervical spine procedures. The skull clamp can comprise a single skull pin on each end of the clamp. The two skull pins apply substantially equal compressive forces to the head of a patient. The skull clamp arc assembly, and an arc skull pin thereof, is pivotable to engage and disengage the patient's head for additional fixation support of the head.

Abstract: A head support system that has a fixation arc system that is adjustable both vertically and horizontally and is mounted to a patient support structure. The fixation arc system is positionable adjacent to, and provides lateral support for, the patient's head. A pin support is connected to, and extends from the fixation arc system. A pin is adjustably mounted to the pin support and contacts the patient's head to provide a lateral fixation thereof. The pin has a centerline that is rotatable about two axes of motion substantially perpendicular to the pin centerline.

Abstract: Head fixation devices and methods of fixating heads of patients for surgical procedures. The head fixation devices generally respectively comprise a skull clamp, a skull clamp arc assembly movable relative to the skull clamp, and a plurality of skull pins operable to engage and fixate heads of patients during neurosurgical and cervical spine procedures. The skull clamp can comprise a single skull pin on each end of the clamp. The two skull pins apply substantially equal compressive forces to the head of a patient. The skull clamp arc assembly, and an arc skull pin thereof, is pivotable to engage and disengage the patient's head for additional fixation support of the head.

Abstract: A head support base unit enables enhanced capability for positioning the head of a patient at the end of a medical table, by incorporating into the handle assembly thereof an additional degree of freedom, namely rotatability along the longitudinal axis of the handle. More specifically, a pair of axially opposed, spring-biased ratchets are housed within the handle, to permit or prevent axial rotation of one end of the handle relative to the other. This enhanced flexibility an maneuverability is achieved without any added complexity, and without requiring any additional space. These advantages are further magnified if an additional like handle assembly is connected to the first handle assembly, with a link interconnected therebetween, because composite angles and off-axis positioning of the patient can be readily accommodated.

Abstract: A radiolucent halo-type retractor (20) having a radiolucent curvilinear fixed member (32) connected to a radiolucent curvilinear movable member (34). Each of the fixed and movable members has a radiolucent male coupling (44, 46) projecting outward from a convex surface (40, 42) to receive a female coupling of a retractor arm. The ends (60, 68) of the movable member are separated by a distance less than a distance separating the ends (56, 64) of the fixed member. Radiolucent starburst connectors (58, 62) are disposed on first ends of the fixed and movable members to secure the fixed and movable members at a desired angular orientation. Radiolucent starburst connectors (66, 70) are also disposed on second ends of the fixed and movable members to secure the fixed and movable members at a desired angular orientation. A pin (72) rotatably connects the first ends. A locking shaft (76) rotatably connects the second ends and is operable to lock the fixed and movable members in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A head support system for use with a patient support. The head support system has a support structure with a crossbar extending transverse to, and connected to, the patient support. A head support device is removably mountable to a portion of the support structure exclusive of the crossbar and provides a static support for the patient's head. A head stabilization device is removably mountable to the crossbar of the support structure and stabilizes the patient's head.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device includes a threaded stud having an open-ended axial slot to straddle a rod of a vertebral support, and a bracket which is rotatable on the stud. A vertebra bone screw passes through an opening in a distal end of the bracket. The stud and bracket are locked in position relative to the rod by a nut. An insert within the slot bears against the rod and prevents the stud from being deformed by the force of the nut on the stud segments. The bracket can be rotated around the stud; and the stud can be rotated around and slid along the rod, to afford great adjustability and ease of attachment.