Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing adjacent bones for fusion, and for inserting implants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the instruments include paddles for spacing the adjacent bones a predetermined distance and a cutting edge to create a channel between the adjacent bones to receive a fusion implant. In another embodiment, the instruments include a bone cutting instrument, a rasp, and an implant inserting tool. The instruments and methods are particularly advantageous for preparing a spinal fusion implant site.

Abstract: A low voltage level shifter circuit with an embedded latch, implemented on a signal line having thereon low voltage signals. There is included a low voltage level shifter circuit configured to receive a low voltage input signal from a first portion of the signal line and output a higher voltage output signal on a second portion of the signal line. A latching circuit is also included, and is configured to latch the low voltage input signal from the first portion of the signal line.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a camera-back display and a status display provided within the camera-back display. The status display displays one or more status information items of said image capturing device. A user is able to turn the status display on and off and can change the position of the status display within the camera-back display.

Abstract: A surgical instrument suitable for use in an implant procedure is disclosed. A surgical instrument of the invention can be particularly advantageous for use in grasping, holding and placement of implants in an intervertebral disc space. In a typical embodiment, the surgical instrument has a grasping region to hold the implant, and an impact head for receiving a force in order to insert the implant.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that induced RRO is coherent, i.e., the RRO has a large degree of repeatability from track to track. The present invention is a zero acceleration profile (compensation) process that targets CRRO (Coherent RRO). A process of the present invention represents a considerable reduction in the factory calibration time compared to other compensation techniques currently used. The reduction in time is attributed to the fact that CRRO can be computed by averaging position error signals (PES) over multiple tracks as opposed to total RRO which is computed by averaging over multiple revolutions on the same track.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for more accurate track following. Control circuitry rotates a data storage surface containing thousands of annular tracks. A “measured” subset of the tracks is selected so as to be interspersed with an “unmeasured” subset. The calibration profile is derived based on position error signals each obtained by reading from the measured subset and not from the unmeasured subset. Data from the unmeasured subset of tracks is ignored, in generating and/or updating the profile.

Abstract: A spinal implant is described in this disclosure. The implant includes first and second pieces separated by a controlled break location. Spinal implant kits having multiple spinal implant pieces derived from a common source also are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument suitable for use in an implant procedure is disclosed. A surgical instrument of the invention can be particularly advantageous for use in grasping, holding and placement of implants in an intervertebral disc space. In a typical embodiment, the surgical instrument has a grasping region to hold the implant, and an impact head for receiving a force in order to insert the implant.

Abstract: The disclosure provides implants, instruments and methods for bone fusion procedures. In some embodiments, the implants are particularly advantageous for use between opposing vertebral bodies to facilitate stabilization or arthrodesis of an intervertebral joint. The implants include, at least, a support component that provides structural support during fusion. In a typical embodiment, the implants also include a growth component. A growth component provides an environment conducive to new bone growth between the bones being fused. Several unique configurations to enhance fusion, instruments for insertion and methods for insertion are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wide format color digital print engine, and in particular to a drum-based large format digital ink jet print engine having a vertically articulated carriage portion which carries both the print heads and an imaging array, adjustable saber angles for print heads, a novel service station, and an extremely robust weight-bearing carriage architecture. In particular, the present invention provides a highly manufacturable print engine benefiting from a discrete few controlled mounting locations so that accurate mounting of the cooperating sub-assemblies allow a very stable carriage assembly for driving said carriage laterally with respect to a printing medium coupled to the exterior of a drum.

Abstract: A radio frequency ablation apparatus having an application wand which is articulating and self-locking in a selected configuration. The wand has a handle having a thumb wheel apparatus. A threaded bore extends coaxially through the thumb wheel. A threaded tube received in the threaded bore translates a wire which extends to the distal end of the wand. At the distal end of the wand, the wire passes over a bendable section in the wand. Pushing or pulling the wire bends the distal tip through a range of angles on both sides of a neutral linear position. The distal tip remains self-locked in a selected position when the thumb screw is not turned.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for preparing adjacent bones for fusion, and for inserting implants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the instruments include paddles for spacing the adjacent bones a predetermined distance and a cutting edge to create a channel between the adjacent bones to receive a fusion implant. In another embodiment, the instruments include a bone cutting instrument, a rasp, and an implant inserting tool. The instruments and methods are particularly advantageous for preparing a spinal fusion implant site.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor memory having a plurality of memory units. The memory includes a plurality of read write drive (RWD) lines horizontally and/or vertically twisted such that the RWD lines are shared between the plurality of memory units. A plurality of columns is included in each of the plurality of memory units. Each of the plurality of columns is adapted to access the plurality of RWD lines through asymmetrical addressing.

Abstract: A constraining ring increases the modulus of an interconnect substrate to maintain flatness of the substrate. The constraining ring is made of materials selected to match the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate to that of the constraining ring. Circuit components including capacitors and resistors are formed on the constraining ring to provide enhanced electrical properties without adding to the size of the device.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory in accordance with the present invention includes a data path including a plurality of hierarchical stages, each stage including a bit data rate which is different from the other stages. At least two prefetch circuits are disposed between the stages. The at least two prefetch circuits include at least two latches for receiving data bits and storing the data bits until a next stage in the hierarchy is capable of receiving the data bits. The at least two prefetch circuits are coupled between stages such that an overall data rate per stage between stages are substantially equal. Control signals control the at least two latches such that prefetch circuits maintain the overall data rate between the stages.

Abstract: A method of making a low inductance conductive via in a laminated substrate by providing a first conductive layer. A first dielectric layer is formed on the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed on the first dielectric layer. A first conductive path is formed in the first conductive layer extending along a first route between a first node and a second node. A first conductive blind-via is connected to the first conductive path at the second node, with the first-blind via being formed in the first dielectric layer at the second node. Lastly, a second conductive path is formed in the second conductive layer that is connected to the first blind via. The second conductive path extends between a third node and the first blind via along a second route. The second route corresponds identically to at least a portion of the first route.

Abstract: A constraining ring increases the modulus of an interconnect substrate to maintain flatness of the substrate. The constraining ring is made of materials selected to match the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate to that of the constraining ring. Circuit components including capacitors and resistors are formed on the constraining ring to provide enhanced electrical properties without adding to the size of the device.

Abstract: A constraining ring increases the modulus of an interconnect substrate to maintain flatness of the substrate. The constraining ring is made of materials selected to match the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate to that of the constraining ring. Circuit components including capacitors and resistors are formed on the constraining ring to provide enhanced electrical properties without adding to the size of the device.

Abstract: A parking brake operating mechanism having a brake apply pedal arm module and a housing module pivotally mounted on a vehicle. The housing contains a linearly movable toothed rack operatively connected to one end of the pedal arm for movements by that arm and operatively connected at its other end to a front brake cable which is operatively connected to one or more vehicle parking brakes to be tensioned for parking brake application, a pawl member having a pawl tooth selectively engaged with a tooth of the rack to lock the rack in a brake applied position, and a pawl release mechanism which when activated moves the pawl tooth out of engagement with the rack tooth, permitting the rack and the pedal arm to be returned to the parking brake released position by the brake apply tension in the brake cable.

Abstract: A method for determining a fiducial misregistration of conductive layers of a laminated substrate by providing a plurality of alternatingly disposed dielectric layers and conductive layers. A predetermined area of resistive material is formed as part of at least one conductive layer. Each predetermined area of resistive material is formed at a same corresponding location in each respective conductive layer, and each predetermined area of resistive material has a first end and a second end. A through-via is formed and connected to each predetermined area of resistive material between the first and second ends of each respective predetermined area. A total resistance is determined between the first end and the second end of each predetermined area of resistive material. A first fractional resistance is determined between the first end of each predetermined area of resistive material and the through-via.