Abstract: Electrical connector systems and methods create an electrical connection between a flexible circuit (FC) and a metal terminal of another connector. A reliable electrical connection is achieved with a low-cost tin contact plating, by an automatic FC to metal terminal wiping action with contact force, during the connector to FC assembly process. The connector to FC assembly process is also well suited for automated robotic assembly, which can save costs compared to manual assembly/installation.

Abstract: A rail launch mechanism and method for launching a payload is configured to release payload lugs of a payload from a platform. A rack for launching a payload includes multiple rails that separately engage lugs in the respective payload of the rails, and a force actuator for launching the payload by accelerating the payload along the rails, causing the lugs to separate from the respective rails. A launching system for launching the payload from the platform may include a rail, at least one payload release shoe that carries a payload lug along the rail, and a force actuator for accelerating the payload release shoe such that inertia of the payload causes the payload lug to be released from the payload release shoe.

Abstract: An ingress/egress arrangement for a machine comprises an operator cabin and a walkway system outside the operator cabin. The operator cabin can include a plurality of posts, including first post and a second post, and a door rotatably coupled to the first post so as to be movable between at a fully open position and at a fully closed position. An opening in the operator cabin between the first post and the second post defines a first operator ingress/egress point. The walkway system provides operator access to inside the operator cabin via the door and the opening, and provides operator access to outside the operator cabin. The door, in the fully open position, can restrict operator access toward a front of the machine and can allow operator access simultaneously to the walkway system and a second operator ingress/egress point.

Abstract: An ingress/egress arrangement for a machine comprises an operator cabin and a walkway system outside the operator cabin. The operator cabin can include a plurality of posts, including first post and a second post, and a door rotatably coupled to the first post so as to be movable between at a fully open position and at a fully closed position. An opening in the operator cabin between the first post and the second post defines a first operator ingress/egress point. The walkway system provides operator access to inside the operator cabin via the door and the opening, and provides operator access to outside the operator cabin. The door, in the fully open position, can restrict operator access toward a front of the machine and can allow operator access simultaneously to the walkway system and a second operator ingress/egress point.

Abstract: A rail launch mechanism and method for launching a payload is configured to release payload lugs of a payload from a platform. A rack for launching a payload includes multiple rails that separately engage lugs in the respective payload of the rails, and a force actuator for launching the payload by accelerating the payload along the rails, causing the lugs to separate from the respective rails. A launching system for launching the payload from the platform may include a rail, at least one payload release shoe that carries a payload lug along the rail, and a force actuator for accelerating the payload release shoe such that inertia of the payload causes the payload lug to be released from the payload release shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refurbished cylinder roller and a process for refurbishing cylinder rollers for use in printing machines. More particularly, the present invention also relates to a process for refurbishing metallic gravure cylinder rollers by replacing the worn outer plating layers with an extruded and thermally cured electrically conductive polymer material, and thereafter electroplating new outer plating layers thereon, the new plating layers including a new printing image formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refurbished cylinder roller and a process for refurbishing cylinder rollers for use in printing machines. More particularly, the present invention also relates to a process for refurbishing metallic gravure cylinder rollers by replacing the worn outer plating layers with an extruded and thermally cured electrically conductive polymer material, and thereafter electroplating new outer plating layers thereon, the new plating layers including a new printing image formed therein.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral plate is attached on one end of the shaft. The plate has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral plate is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the teeth on the shaft. The sliding bar has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to automatically engage and prevent screws from backing out of the holes.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped increases the height of the device. The upper section and lower section each includes a clamping flange. The clamping flange on the upper section engages the vertebral body above the implant and the clamping flange on the lower section engages the vertebral body below the implant. The distractor has a pair of clamping flanges on an end wall wherein one of the pair engages the vertebral body above the implant and the other engages the vertebral body below the implant. The clamping flanges provide a clamping action between adjacent vertebral bodies to restore alignment and stabilize the vertebral segments.

Abstract: A spinal implant for stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae having a damaged disc therebetween is assembled in situ. An elongated tool is used to insert a flat U-shaped distractor in the disc space through a low profile incision with both legs of the U-shaped distractor contacting both end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The tool is rotated 90 degrees rotating the distractor 90 degrees so that each leg of the distractor contacts one end plate of the adjacent vertebrae, respectively, to restore intervertebral space. An elliptical bone tray is slid along the tool to seat within the U-shaped distractor. The tool is removed and a retainer replaces it to lock the bone tray and the distractor together. A screw is used to lock the bone tray to the distraction device, the screw slides down the cannula which is the tool inserted over the rod that the distraction implant is attached to.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion in the intervertebral space is formed as a hollow cage, wedge shaped in profile, with a lesser height leading end for a low profile entry. The cage has two open sides with a plurality of angled teeth along opposite longitudinal edges for engaging the end plates of adjacent vertebrae when the cage is rotated into position. One portion of the angled teeth are angled toward an end of the cage and another portion of the angled teeth are angled away from that end to provide a lock preventing the cage from migrating ventrally or dorsally from the spine. Upon rotation, the leading end has a greater height than the trailing end.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion between adjacent vertebrae for promoting fusion of the vertebrae is a wedge shaped body with upper and lower plates separated by pyramidal sides with one large end and one small end enclosing the body. The upper and lower plates have elongated openings oriented perpendicularly to each other to form an internal labyrinth. The upper and lower openings are to be filled with thin layers of bone graft material to promote rapid ingrowth of living tissue.

Abstract: A spinal implant for insertion in the intervertebral space is formed as a hollow cage, wedge shaped in profile, with a lesser height leading end for a low profile entry. The cage has two open sides with a plurality of angled teeth along opposite longitudinal edges for engaging the end plates of adjacent vertebrae when the cage is rotated into position. One portion of the angled teeth is angled toward an end of the cage and another portion of the angled teeth is angled away from that end to provide a lock preventing the cage from migrating ventrally or dorsally from the spine. Upon rotation, the leading end has a greater height than the trailing end. Opposing side walls of the cage include recesses to facilitate rotation of the cage and minimize stress on adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped increases the height of the device. The upper section and lower section each includes a clamping flange. The clamping flange on the upper section engages the vertebral body above the implant and the clamping flange on the lower section engages the vertebral body below the implant. The distractor has a pair of clamping flanges on an end wall wherein one of the pair engages the vertebral body above the implant and the other engages the vertebral body below the implant. The clamping flanges provide a clamping action between adjacent vertebral bodies to restore alignment and stabilize the vertebral segments.

Abstract: A radio network having more than one radio node is disclosed having a cell broadcast system configured to broadcast network policies. The network includes a first group of radio nodes configured to receive the broadcast network policies. The first group of radio nodes is configured to both receive and send the network policies. A second group of radios receives the network policies from the first group of radios.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral plate is attached on one end of the shaft. The plate has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral plate is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the teeth on the shaft. The sliding bar has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to automatically engage and prevent screws from backing out of the holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refurbished cylinder roller and a process for refurbishing cylinder rollers for use in printing machines. More particularly, the present invention also relates to a process for refurbishing metallic gravure cylinder rollers by replacing the worn outer plating layers with an extruded and thermally cured electrically conductive polymer material, and thereafter electroplating new outer plating layers thereon, the new plating layers including a new printing image formed therein.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant for implantation between adjacent vertebrae is formed in the approximate shape of a hollow cube. The device has an upper section and a lower section separated by a distractor all of which are relatively movable. The sidewalls of the upper section and the lower section terminate in inclined planes so that the sections move away from each other as the wedge shaped distractor increases the height of the device.

Abstract: A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral plate is attached on one end of the shaft. The plate has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral plate is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the teeth on the shaft. The lateral sliding plate has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to automatically engage and prevent screws from backing out of the holes.

Abstract: A bone plate for use in anterior cervical spinal fixation has interlocking components to prevent dislodgement of the plate due to anatomical forces. The plate is formed in the shape of a block letter C and the exposed surface is smooth to prevent trauma to internal body tissue. The plate spans the intervertebral space with each end attached to an adjacent vertebrae by bone screws threadably engaged with the bone. The distal ends of the bone screws The plate has a screw lock in each end for preventing the locking screws from backing out.