Abstract: The invention includes a system and methods for performing surgery on a spinal disc. The system includes an implantable bone plate with an access port to accommodate a bone cutting device, a spinal repair device insertable through the access port of the bone plate configured to occupy a surgically-formed vertebral channel from an anterior surface of the host vertebral body to a site central to an end plate of the host vertebral body, a trajectory control sleeve engageable to the bone plate to direct the trajectory of a cutting device, and a cutting device engageable within the trajectory control sleeve. Methods are directed to forming a vertebral channel and restoring the vertebral body and disc with devices that both repair the bone and the disc.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and methods for performing surgery on a spinal disc. The system includes an implantable bone plate with an access port to accommodate a bone cutting device, a spinal repair device insertable through the access port of the bone plate configured to occupy a surgically-formed vertebral channel from an anterior surface of the host vertebral body to a site central to an end plate of the host vertebral body, a trajectory control sleeve engageable to the bone plate to direct the trajectory of a cutting device, and a cutting device engageable within the trajectory control sleeve. Methods are directed to forming a vertebral channel and restoring the vertebral body and disc with devices that both repair the bone and the disc.

Abstract: An earphone projects sound into an ear having an acoustic meatus, a tragus, an intertragic notch, an anti-tragus and a canal. The earphone includes a base that is positioned proximate an outer surface of the tragus and anti-tragus when the earphone is mounted to the ear. A speaker housing at least partially contacts the acoustic meatus of the ear and includes a speaker cover positioned proximate the canal when the earphone is mounted to the ear. First and second tragus lobes extend from the base generally toward the speaker housing. The first and second tragus lobes are spaced from and positioned on generally opposite lateral sides of the speaker housing. The anti-tragus being held between the first tragus lobe and the base when the earphone is mounted to the ear and the tragus being held between the second tragus lobe and the base when the earphone is mounted to the ear.

Abstract: A damped hinge module is disclosed and includes a first member, a second member and a torsion spring. The second member is rotationally movable relative to the first member between a first position and a second position. The second member being received at least in part within the first member. The torsion spring is located internally with respect to the first member and biases the second member toward the first position relative to the first member. The spring has a preload with the second member in the first position relative to the first member.

Abstract: A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and/or adjustment of curvature of the vertebrae and prior to the excision of disc and/or end plate tissue through the bone plate. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty. The plate may be permanently implanted, such as when a fusion between the attached vertebral bodies is desired, but it need not be permanently implanted.

Abstract: A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and adjustment of curvature of the vertebrae and prior to the excision of disc and/or end plate tissue through the bone plate. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for making an access channel through a vertebral body to access a site of neural compression, decompressing it, and repairing the channel to restore vertebral integrity. System elements include an implantable vertebral plate, a guidance device for orienting bone cutting tools and controlling the path of a cutting tool, a bone cutting tool to make a channel in the vertebral body, a tool for opening or partially-resecting the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, a tool for retrieving a herniated disc, an implantable device with osteogenic material to fill the access channel, and a retention device that lockably-engages the bone plate to retain it in position after insertion. System elements may be included in a surgery to decompress an individual nerve root, the spinal cord, or the cauda equina when compressed, for example, by any of a herniated disc, an osteophyte, a thickened ligament arising from degenerative changes within the spine, a hematoma, or a tumor.

Abstract: A device has a closed position and at least first and second open positions. The device includes a base. A hinge assembly is engaged with the base. The hinge assembly has first and second axes. A hinged portion is engaged with the hinge assembly. The hinged portion is individually pivotable with respect to the base about each of the first and second axes of the hinge assembly. Pivoting of the hinged portion about the first axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the first open position. Relative pivoting of the hinged portion about the second axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the second open position.

Abstract: A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and/or adjustment of curvature of the vertebrae and prior to the excision of disc and/or end plate tissue through the bone plate. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty. The plate may be permanently implanted, such as when a fusion between the attached vertebral bodies is desired, but it need not be permanently implanted.

Abstract: A computing environment or system is disclosed for use by a homeowner for real-time, on-line scheduling of a visit by technician or repairman to diagnose and, if authorized by the user, repair a home appliance such as a refrigerator or washing machine. The system is desirably accessible over the Internet by a customer using a Web browser wherein an interactive screen prompts the user and suggests product information and a nature of the problem. The system desirably obtains and provides to the user a schedule of available appointments for a manufacturer's factory service based on the product and customer information and location of the product. Where factory service is not available in the locality of the user, the system obtains and provides one or more local manufacturer authorized service providers. After selection of a service provider by the user, available appointments are provided. The user selects and confirms one of the appointments.

Abstract: An earphone projects sound into an ear having an acoustic meatus, a tragus, an intertragic notch, an anti-tragus and a canal. The earphone includes a base that is positioned proximate an outer surface of the tragus and anti-tragus when the earphone is mounted to the ear. A speaker housing at least partially contacts the acoustic meatus of the ear and includes a speaker cover positioned proximate the canal when the earphone is mounted to the ear. First and second tragus lobes extend from the base generally toward the speaker housing. The first and second tragus lobes are spaced from and positioned on generally opposite lateral sides of the speaker housing. The anti-tragus being held between the first tragus lobe and the base when the earphone is mounted to the ear and the tragus being held between the second tragus lobe and the base when the earphone is mounted to the ear.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and methods for performing surgery on a spinal disc. The system includes an implantable bone plate with an access port to accommodate a bone cutting device, a spinal repair device insertable through the access port of the bone plate configured to occupy a surgically-formed vertebral channel from an anterior surface of the host vertebral body to a site central to an end plate of the host vertebral body, a trajectory control sleeve engageable to the bone plate to direct the trajectory of a cutting device, and a cutting device engageable within the trajectory control sleeve. Methods are directed to forming a vertebral channel and restoring the vertebral body and disc with devices that both repair the bone and the disc.

Abstract: A damped hinge module is disclosed and includes a first member, a second member and a torsion spring. The second member is rotationally movable relative to the first member between a first position and a second position. The second member being received at least in part within the first member. The torsion spring is located internally with respect to the first member and biases the second member toward the first position relative to the first member. The spring has a preload with the second member in the first position relative to the first member.

Abstract: A removably insertable surgical apparatus is configured for insertion between adjacent vertebrae during spinal surgery and adjusted in-situ to produce varying degrees of distraction, neural-decompression, lordotic, kyphotic and/or scoliotic adjustment in the spine.

Abstract: A retractor system and associated method are provided to manage soft tissue around a spinal surgical field. The system includes a hollow retractor with proximal and a distal apertures and an internal circumferential surface connecting the apertures, the surface and the apertures defining an operating volume and the area of the distal aperture defining an operating field. The system may further include other elements such as a handling tool to facilitate placement and removal of the retractor, a bone cutting tool, a trajectory control sleeve to guide the bone cutting tool, and/or an implantable bone plate upon which to position the retractor. A method for spinal surgery, particular from an anterior approach, includes positioning the retractor at a surgical site, and performing a medical procedure through the operating volume provided by the retractor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for making an access channel through a vertebral body to access a site of neural compression, decompressing it, and repairing the channel to restore vertebral integrity. System elements include an implantable vertebral plate, a guidance device for orienting bone cutting tools and controlling the path of a cutting tool, a bone cutting tool to make a channel in the vertebral body, a tool for opening or partially-resecting the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine, a tool for retrieving a herniated disc, an implantable device with osteogenic material to fill the access channel, and a retention device that lockably-engages the bone plate to retain it in position after insertion. System elements may be included in a surgery to decompress an individual nerve root, the spinal cord, or the cauda equina when compressed, for example, by any of a herniated disc, an osteophyte, a thickened ligament arising from degenerative changes within the spine, a hematoma, or a tumor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and methods for retracting soft tissue during spinal repair or reconstruction procedures, particularly procedures within intervertebral sites of degenerated discs and associated neural compression. A retractor system includes an implantable bone plate, two or more retractor blades, the bone plate and retractor blades being mutually engageable; and a mechanism to adjust the retractor blade relative to the bone plate. In some embodiments, the retractor system may be applied to span more than one intervertebral space. An implanted retractor system provides an aperture for a clear operating field, and protects collateral tissue. A method for retracting soft tissue to facilitate spinal surgery includes securing a bone plate to adjacent vertebral bodies, engaging one or more retractor blades to the bone plate; and adjusting the angular position of the retractor blade relative to the bone plate so as to retract tissue lying external to the bone plate.

Abstract: A system for performing surgical repair of the spine includes a distractor and a permanently implanted bone plate system. A surgical repair methodology is also disclosed that employs an implanted bone plate system with a substantially void internal volume which is attached to adjacent vertebrae subsequent to the distraction and adjustment of curvature of said vertebrae and prior to the excision of end plate tissue there-through. The device further facilitates the subsequent delivery of an interbody repair device for the purpose of either fusion or dynamic stabilization, such as by disc arthroplasty.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of pear tree ‘Pyrus communis L’ and which is denominated varietally as ‘LOWRY RED’ and which produces an attractively colored red pear which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately after September 18 under the ecological conditions prevailing near Phoenix, Oreg.