Abstract: A retractor system and related methods for use in spinal surgery procedures, including but not limited to fusing or repairing damaged or deteriorated intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies in the lower lumbar levels. The retractor system includes a plurality of blade assemblies coupled to a handle assembly, wherein each of the blade assemblies may be independently adjusted (e.g. length blade and/or blade angulation and/or blade rotation relative to the handle assembly) to provide unprecedented customization of an operative corridor extending to the surgical target site of the patient such that any number of spinal surgery procedures may be undertaken by a surgeon, including but not limited to spinal fusion procedures at the L5-S1 disc space.

Abstract: An antenna comprising a layer of conductor having an edge, and a slot in the layer of conductor wherein conductor is absent, the slot having first and second opposing longitudinal ends and being opened to the edge at the first longitudinal end and not open to the edge at the second longitudinal end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a monopole extending substantially along an axis that may be vertical. However, the monopole may have a loop portion that deviates from the axis. Further, the apparatus includes multiple conductive elements, each having a substantially linear first segment that is coupled to the monopole. The first segments may be coplanar and/or perpendicular to the axis. Each of the conductive elements may further include a second segment that is substantially parallel to the axis. One or more of these segments may be connected to a ground potential. Also, the conductive elements may each include a third segment having a loop pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a monopole extending substantially along an axis that may be vertical. However, the monopole may have a loop portion that deviates from the axis. Further, the apparatus includes multiple conductive elements, each having a substantially linear first segment that is coupled to the monopole. The first segments may be coplanar and/or perpendicular to the axis. Each of the conductive elements may further include a second segment that is substantially parallel to the axis. One or more of these segments may be connected to a ground potential. Also, the conductive elements may each include a third segment having a loop pattern.

Abstract: A compact, aesthetically pleasing, multi-band antenna for use in conjunction with communication systems used in automotive applications, comprising a radiating element capable of operating in several frequency bands in combination with an electrically short reflector to provide superior gain characteristics while shielding the interior of the automobile from exposure to high levels of radiated signals.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible antenna comprising a plurality of strands of a nickel-titanium alloy, mountable on a base assembly of an antenna system, for transmitting signals from and receiving signals to said antenna. In one embodiment, the strands of nickel-titanium alloy may be configured as one or more selected from the group consisting of 7×1 and 9×3. A mast stud in the base assembly may be used for receiving a signal cable for communication with the antenna element. The assembly may also include a printed circuit board. A sleeve may be mounted over at least a portion of the antenna element and a radome mounted over at least a portion of the antenna element and the base assembly.

Abstract: A method for RF grounding glass mounted antennas to metal automotive frames comprising the steps of (1) providing an RF grounding path on said glass from the antenna mounting location to an edge of said glass located proximate to said metal frame, wherein said path is provided prior to installation of said glass into said metal automotive frame; (2) providing a first RF grounding contact from said antenna to said RF path; and (3) providing a second RF grounding contact of said RF path to said metal frame upon installation of said glass in said metal frame.

Abstract: A compact, aesthetically pleasing, multi-band antenna for use in conjunction with communication systems used in automotive applications, comprising a radiating element capable of operating in several frequency bands in combination with an electrically short reflector to provide superior gain characteristics while shielding the interior of the automobile from exposure to high levels of radiated signals.

Abstract: A method for RF grounding glass mounted antennas to metal automotive frames comprising the steps of (1) providing an RF grounding path on said glass from the antenna mounting location to an edge of said glass located proximate to said metal frame, wherein said path is provided prior to installation of said glass into said metal automotive frame; (2) providing a first RF grounding contact from said antenna to said RF path; and (3) providing a second RF grounding contact of said RF path to said metal frame upon installation of said glass in said metal frame.

Abstract: A GPS receiver (1) has an antenna (3) mounted directly on a first side (4) of a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) substrate 2. Electrical conductors interconnect the antenna (3) with an RF processing system (11,12) and a digital processing system (10, 14, 15, 16) mounted directly on a second side (5) of the PCB substrate (2). A position connector (17) is disposed on one side of the PCB substrate (2) and provides power, ground, and direct electrical access of processed GPS signals for an external system such as a mobile vehicle system.