Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and using improved retaining drivers and screws. An undercut feature of the bone screw allows a corresponding selectively protruding retaining feature of the driver engage the undercut feature to retain the bone screw on the driver until selectively released.

Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer includes a first endplate surface located on a first side of the spacer and adapted to contact a vertebral endplate surface of a first vertebral body, a second endplate surface located on a second, opposed, side of the spacer and adapted to contact a vertebral endplate surface of a second, opposed, vertebral body and an expansion mechanism adapted to selectively apply a distracting force between the first endplate surface and the second endplate surface, whereby actuation of the expansion mechanism causes the spacer to transition between a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded fusion configuration. The spacer also includes one or more of a deformable surface, a porosity to promote bone on-growth or through-growth, a stiffness substantially equivalent to cortical bone, and structure distributing loads through the spacer substantially without transferring the loads through higher-stiffness structures.

Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: Orthopedic plates (including anterior cervical plates), plate systems, and methods of use allow orthopedic screws to be placed with full visualization. This allows screw placement without use of specialized locating instruments or pins. The new plates are introduced to the surgical wound after the screws are placed and are secured by a press or interference fit. Because the screws are placed before the plates are introduced, the screws function as attachment points for distraction implements. The new plates and plate systems obviate the need to achieve a particular position and angulation of screws. The screws allow more angulation, and plate eyes adjust to screw position. Plate eyes translate to match the effective plate size to the screw placement, thereby allowing each plate to fit multiple screw spacings. Plates are adapted to adjust to bone remodeling or subsidence. Screw eyes can slide to maintain graft contact and compression.

Abstract: A mechanical bearing includes a hard bearing element and a support element affixed to the hard bearing element, with a joining element between the hard bearing element and the support element, the joining element being more flexible than the hard bearing element and the support element.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to an apparatus including a first member having a first bearing surface formed from a hard material (e.g., a diamond-based material, such as a polycrystalline diamond material), and a second member coupled to an input shaft to translate (e.g., rotate, slide, etc.) with respect to the first member. The second member has a second bearing surface formed from a hard material, and the second bearing surface is to bear against the first bearing surface. In embodiments of the disclosure, the first and second members can be for devices including, but not necessarily limited to: solenoids, generators and/or motors (e.g., out-runner radial flux generators, axial flux generators, radial flux generators/motors, roller vane motors, etc.), gearboxes, rotary data swivels, digital actuators, filters (e.g., inner rotating filters), valves (e.g., proportional valves), sensors (e.g., pressure differential sensors), and so forth.

Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: A flow diverter including a bypass element to divert at least a first portion of drilling fluid from a drill string to the borehole annulus. The first portion of fluid, or bypass flow, may be provided to the borehole annulus to clear cuttings generated by a drill bit of a BHA. The remaining fluid flow, or BHA flow, may be expelled through the bottom of the BHA. The fluid discharged through the BHA may enter the annulus and flow upward with the fluid flow diverted through the flow diverter to aid in clearing cuttings. The flow diverter also includes a choke housing disposed concentrically within a drill collar and containing a plurality of chokes to regulate bypass flow. An actuation system may be coupled to the flow diverter to control opening/closing of the chokes and to measure flow rate of the first portion of fluid and/or the remaining fluid.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer includes a first endplate surface located on a first side of the spacer and adapted to contact a vertebral endplate surface of a first vertebral body, a second endplate surface located on a second, opposed, side of the spacer and adapted to contact a vertebral endplate surface of a second, opposed, vertebral body and an expansion mechanism adapted to selectively apply a distracting force between the first endplate surface and the second endplate surface, whereby actuation of the expansion mechanism causes the spacer to transition between a compressed insertion configuration to an expanded fusion configuration. The spacer also includes one or more of a deformable surface, a porosity to promote bone on-growth or through-growth, a stiffness substantially equivalent to cortical bone, and structure distributing loads through the spacer substantially without transferring the loads through higher-stiffness structures.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to an apparatus including a first member having a first bearing surface formed from a hard material (e.g., a diamond-based material, such as a polycrystalline diamond material), and a second member coupled to an input shaft to translate (e.g., rotate, slide, etc.) with respect to the first member. The second member has a second bearing surface formed from a hard material, and the second bearing surface is to bear against the first bearing surface. In embodiments of the disclosure, the first and second members can be for devices including, but not necessarily limited to: solenoids, generators and/or motors (e.g., out-runner radial flux generators, axial flux generators, radial flux generators/motors, roller vane motors, etc.), gearboxes, rotary data swivels, digital actuators, filters (e.g., inner rotating filters), valves (e.g., proportional valves), sensors (e.g., pressure differential sensors), and so forth.

Abstract: A mechanical bearing includes a hard bearing element and a support element affixed to the hard bearing element, with a joining element between the hard bearing element and the support element, the joining element being more flexible than the hard bearing element and the support element.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to an apparatus including a first member having a first bearing surface formed from a hard material (e.g., a diamond-based material, such as a polycrystalline diamond material), and a second member coupled to an input shaft to translate (e.g., rotate, slide, etc.) with respect to the first member. The second member has a second bearing surface formed from a hard material, and the second bearing surface is to bear against the first bearing surface. In embodiments of the disclosure, the first and second members can be for devices including, but not necessarily limited to: solenoids, generators and/or motors (e.g., out-runner radial flux generators, axial flux generators, radial flux generators/motors, roller vane motors, etc.), gearboxes, rotary data swivels, digital actuators, filters (e.g., inner rotating filters), valves (e.g., proportional valves), sensors (e.g., pressure differential sensors), and so forth.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can relate to an apparatus including a first member having a first bearing surface formed from a hard material (e.g., a diamond-based material, such as a polycrystalline diamond material), and a second member coupled to an input shaft to translate (e.g., rotate, slide, etc.) with respect to the first member. The second member has a second bearing surface formed from a hard material, and the second bearing surface is to bear against the first bearing surface. In embodiments of the disclosure, the first and second members can be for devices including, but not necessarily limited to: solenoids, generators and/or motors (e.g., out-runner radial flux generators, axial flux generators, radial flux generators/motors, roller vane motors, etc.), gearboxes, rotary data swivels, digital actuators, filters (e.g., inner rotating filters), valves (e.g., proportional valves), sensors (e.g., pressure differential sensors), and so forth.

Abstract: A flow diverter including a bypass element to divert at least a first portion of drilling fluid from a drill string to the borehole annulus. The first portion of fluid, or bypass flow, may be provided to the borehole annulus to clear cuttings generated by a drill bit of a BHA. The remaining fluid flow, or BHA flow, may be expelled through the bottom of the BHA. The fluid discharged through the BHA may enter the annulus and flow upward with the fluid flow diverted through the flow diverter to aid in clearing cuttings. The flow diverter also includes a choke housing disposed concentrically within a drill collar and containing a plurality of chokes to regulate bypass flow. An actuation system may be coupled to the flow diverter to control opening/closing of the chokes and to measure flow rate of the first portion of fluid and/or the remaining fluid.

Abstract: A magnetometer includes a sensor housing having an internal bore formed therethrough and a magnetic field sensor disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing. The magnetic field sensor is fixedly mounted within the internal bore of the sensor housing. A magnetic flux concentrating block is disposed proximate to an end of the at least one magnetic field sensor. An electronics unit is disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing and is operatively and communicatively connected to the magnetic field sensor. The electronics unit is configured to receive a signal from the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: Downhole drilling often requires passing drilling fluid containing water mixed with mud through a downhole drill pipe. Such drill pipe may comprise cavities therein for working units such as motors, generators, solenoids and the like. It may be desirable to lubricate and cool such working units with water from the drilling fluid, however, mud particulate may damage such devices. The present invention comprises various embodiments of a dynamic seal assembly designed to allow fluid communication between a cavity and a fluid flow while blocking certain particulate matter within the fluid flow from entering the cavity. The fluid communication may occur through and the particulate matter may be blocked by a defined clearance between two complementary surfaces that are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly in a downhole tool, the assembly including a first tubular member, a second tubular member coupled to the first tubular member, and an anchoring block disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The anchoring block includes a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a central bore formed therethrough, a contact crown, in which at least one annular flow channel is formed between the contact crown and the body, and a contact ring configured to engage at least a portion of the first tubular member.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: A magnetometer includes a sensor housing having an internal bore formed therethrough and a magnetic field sensor disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing. The magnetic field sensor is fixedly mounted within the internal bore of the sensor housing. A magnetic flux concentrating block is disposed proximate to an end of the at least one magnetic field sensor. An electronics unit is disposed within the internal bore of the sensor housing and is operatively and communicatively connected to the magnetic field sensor. The electronics unit is configured to receive a signal from the magnetic field sensor.