Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical positioning assembly that is used to place a spinal implant device or the like within an intervertebral space or the like of a patient and associated surgical methods. Advantageously, the surgical positioning assembly allows access to the implantation site to be gained along a first axis, with the implant device subsequently being placed along a second axis that is disposed at an angle or substantially perpendicular to the first axis via the actuation of the surgical positioning assembly. Thus, for example, a surgeon may use an anterior or posterior approach to place an implant device laterally, or vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical device for securing two bony structures together, including: a handle; an elongated stem coupled to the handle; a housing coupled to the elongated stem; a bolt driving assembly disposed at least partially within the housing, wherein the bolt driving assembly is operable for selectively retaining a bolt and driving it through the two bony structures; and a bridge member coupled to the elongated stem, wherein the bridge member is selectively extensible from/retractable to the elongated stem and is operable for selectively retaining a first washer that is configured and positioned to selectively receive the bolt after it is driven through the two bony structures. The surgical device also includes a first actuation mechanism coupled to the elongated stem, wherein the first actuation mechanism is operable for actuating the bolt driving assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to dynamic/wet testing of a milking machine (i.e. during extraction of milk from at least one animal). A proposed testing arrangement includes a number of sensors(111, 112, 113, 114, 121, 122, 123, 124, 2, 21, 22, 23, 24, 3, 31, 32, 33, 34, 4, 41, 42, 43, 44, 5, 6), which are adapted to register a vacuum pressure at a respective test point in at least one fluid conduit of the milking machine. An analysis unit (A) of the testing arrangement determines at least one pressure difference between the vacuum pressures registered in at least two of the test points being positioned on a respective side of at least one component in the milking machine with respect to a fluid flow through the at least one component to establish a vacuum drop over this component. The unit (A) compares the vacuum drop with a threshold value to conclude whether or not a test condition is fulfilled. A notification is generated with respect to any component for which the condition not is fulfilled.

Abstract: The present invention provides an articulating TLIF inserter device operable for placing, positioning, and inserting a spinal implant into an intervertebral space with minimum tissue disruption and maximum inline impaction forces, including: an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis; an ergonomic handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongate shaft; an articulating joint mechanism disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft; and an inserter piece coupled to the articulating joint mechanism, wherein the inserter piece is operable for selectively retaining the spinal implant, and wherein the articulating joint mechanism is operable for selectively actuating the inserter piece between one or more substantially off-axis configurations and a substantially on-axis configuration with respect to the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A total disc replacement (TDR) system for use in the spine and related methods, involving a first anchor plate having a first surface for engaging a first vertebra and a second surface including a semi-cylindrical surface, a second anchor plate having a first surface for engaging a second vertebra and a second surface including a semi-cylindrical surface, a pair of intradiscal liners, each having a first semi-cylindrical surface for engaging with said anchor plates and a second semi-cylindrical surface for engaging with an intradiscal element, and an intradiscal element including a first articular surface having a generally arcuate cross-section for articulating with said first intradiscal liner, and a second articular surface having a generally arcuate cross-section for articulating with said second intradiscal liner.

Abstract: The cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention is elegant in its design and effective in its performance, and utilizes a plate with holes that each incorporate a locking lip structure and locking screws that each incorporate a head portion having petal structures that are outwardly biased prior to insertion via an internally-disposed c-ring or the like. Advantageously, the lead-in torque of each of the locking screws is less than the lead-out torque of each of the locking screws. Thus, reverse threading or backing out is prevented. Alternatively, the cervical plate locking mechanism of the present invention utilizes a locking plate having petal structures that are inwardly biased prior to insertion of the head portion of the locking screws via an externally-disposed c-ring or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that allows a cleaning utensil to be stored and transported with a cleaning container and to be easily removed to clean desired surfaces as needed. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus has a ring assembly that can be attached to a cleaning container and a receptacle for the cleaning utensil. The ring assembly can be a solid ring constructed of the same material as the receptacle for the cleaning utensil. The ring assembly can also be a strap, a clip, or any other material that allows the receptacle to be attached to the fluid container. In some embodiments of the present invention, the receptacle can be a box, a clip, a clamp, or any other holder to attach the cleaning utensil to the fluid container. Other embodiments of the present invention do not require a ring assembly. In such embodiments, the cleaning utensil can be detachably connected to the fluid container with a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A vertebral stabilization device operable for stabilizing and/or decompressing a portion of the spine, including: a first frame member; a second frame member; a first connector member engaged to the first frame member for securing the first frame member to a first structure of the spine; and a second connector member engaged to the second frame member for securing the second frame member to a second structure of the spine; wherein the first frame member and the second frame member are in a telescoping relationship with each other. The first and second structures of the spine may include spinous processes, laminae, sacral structures, or any other suitable structures. Preferably, the first connector member and the second connector member are substantially arcuate in shape, and may face towards each other, away from each other, or in the same direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel electrical probe that stores probe-specific information. A probe implemented in accordance with the invention includes a processor, memory, and a communications interface. Probe-specific information such as a probe identifier and/or calibration parameters that affect the true value of a measurement are stored in the probe memory. The probe-specific information may be retrieved by the processor from the probe memory via the communications interface.

Abstract: A novel capacitive sensor assembly that utilizes a flex circuit for amplification of capacitively sensed signals and for separating the power, ground, and measurement signals is presented. The use of a flex circuit in the capacitive probe assembly allows implementation of multiple capacitive sensors for respectively capacitively coupling multiple signals from respective multiple test points of a circuit under test. The invention integrates the sensor plate, amplifier, and return wiring for each capacitive sensor all onto one flex circuit.