Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. Methods for treating a bone comprising: creating a cavity in the bone; inserting a containment jacket into the cavity; inserting a balloon into the containment jacket; inflating the balloon; and introducing a filler material into the containment jacket with isolation of the balloon from the filler material.

Abstract: A tissue removal device including customizable tips and method of use thereof. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft having a removable tip attached to the outer shaft and a rotatable inner shaft extending through the outer shaft and having a rotatable cutting portion extending from the inner shaft. Disc material may be cut and removed from a surgical area using an auger-like and/or suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue away from the surgical area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, a device for delivering a bone filler material comprising: a housing having a throughbore; a plunger comprising a shaft having external threads, wherein the plunger is configured for advancement through the throughbore of the housing; and a threaded receiving member configured to releasably engage the plunger. Methods for removing an instrument from a vertebral body comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the instrument, wherein a distal end of the instrument is disposed in a cavity in the vertebral body, wherein the cavity contains a filler material; and removing the instrument from the vertebral body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, a device for delivering a bone filler material comprising: a housing having a throughbore; a plunger comprising a shaft having external threads, wherein the plunger is configured for advancement through the throughbore of the housing; and a threaded receiving member configured to releasably engage the plunger. Methods for removing an instrument from a vertebral body comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the instrument, wherein a distal end of the instrument is disposed in a cavity in the vertebral body, wherein the cavity contains a filler material; and removing the instrument from the vertebral body.

Abstract: A shelf stable, confectionary food product having a core and a confectionary coating. The core is formed from dehydrated crumbs, such as dehydrated cake crumbs sweetened with sugar, and a shortening-based matrix comprising shortening and water. When the dehydrated crumbs are combined with the shortening-based matrix, the crumbs rehydrate. The food product has a shelf life at room temperature of more than one month, such as more than 3 months, or more than 6 months, or up to 9 months.

Abstract: Generally, example systems and methods for measuring aeration level of a liquid may involve measuring the pressure at two points in the liquid reservoir. The aeration level of the liquid in the liquid reservoir may be calculated based on the pressure differential between the two points in the liquid reservoir. Optionally, the aeration level of the liquid may be compared to a threshold value of the liquid aeration level, and a machine action may be commanded if the aeration level exceeds the threshold value. Example machine actions may include warning the operator. In addition, data relating to the level of aeration of the liquid may be stored, along with other machine parameters, and the data correlated for analysis and machine diagnostics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, a device for delivering a bone filler material comprising: a housing having a throughbore; a plunger comprising a shaft having external threads, wherein the plunger is configured for advancement through the throughbore of the housing; and a threaded receiving member configured to releasably engage the plunger. Methods for removing an instrument from a vertebral body comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the instrument, wherein a distal end of the instrument is disposed in a cavity in the vertebral body, wherein the cavity contains a filler material; and removing the instrument from the vertebral body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, a device for delivering a bone filler material comprising: a housing having a throughbore; a plunger comprising a shaft having external threads, wherein the plunger is configured for advancement through the throughbore of the housing; and a threaded receiving member configured to releasably engage the plunger. Methods for removing an instrument from a vertebral body comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the instrument, wherein a distal end of the instrument is disposed in a cavity in the vertebral body, wherein the cavity contains a filler material; and removing the instrument from the vertebral body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, a device for delivering a bone filler material comprising: a housing having a throughbore; a plunger comprising a shaft having external threads, wherein the plunger is configured for advancement through the throughbore of the housing; and a threaded receiving member configured to releasably engage the plunger. Methods for removing an instrument from a vertebral body comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the instrument, wherein a distal end of the instrument is disposed in a cavity in the vertebral body, wherein the cavity contains a filler material; and removing the instrument from the vertebral body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating bones, including, in one or more embodiments, methods and apparatus for treatment of vertebral fractures that include a containment assembly for cement containment and/or a balloon assembly for maintaining vertebral height. Methods for treating a bone comprising: creating a cavity in the bone; inserting a containment jacket into the cavity; inserting a balloon into the containment jacket; inflating the balloon; and introducing a filler material into the containment jacket with isolation of the balloon from the filler material.

Abstract: A medical valve device for use in selectively establishing a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a body defining a passage from a first port to a second port. The valve defines a first fluid volume when both medical implements are connected thereto, and a second, smaller volume when one of the implements is disconnected, thereby causing a positive flow of fluid from the valve to the second medical implement when the first implement is disconnected.