Abstract: Methods and devices for stabilizing spinal anatomical structures. Some example methods may include introducing a curved segment of an elongate fastener placement rod adjacent to a bone, providing a fastener at the leading end of the curved segment, and/or securing the fastener in place with respect to the bone.

Abstract: Methods and devices for stabilizing spinal anatomical structures. Some example methods may include introducing a curved segment of an elongate fastener placement rod adjacent to a bone, providing a fastener at the leading end of the curved segment, and/or securing the fastener in place with respect to the bone.

Abstract: A device for moving a knee joint in a body of a patient is provided. The device includes a first arm member coupled to a first leg support configured to support an upper portion of a leg of the patient, a second arm member coupled to a second leg support configured to support at least one of a lower portion of a leg and a foot of the patient, and a control assembly operatively connected to the first and second arm members and configured to selectively move the second arm member relative to the first arm member. The control assembly includes a first motorized drive assembly coupled to the first and second arm members and operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member and a second motorized drive assembly coupled to the first and second arm members and operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member.

Abstract: A traction system may comprise a head support assembly, a frame assembly, a displacement assembly in mechanical communication with the head support assembly and the frame assembly, an adjustment assembly in mechanical communication with the frame assembly, and a handle assembly. A movement of the head support assembly relative to the frame assembly may apply one or more traction forces to the head and neck of a subject. The displacement assembly may comprise a pulley system, a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system, or any other mechanical system. The displacement assembly may be configured to move the head support assembly relative to the frame assembly. The angle adjustment assembly may be configured to engage a structure of the frame assembly. The handle assembly may be operatively connected to the displacement assembly. The traction system may be used to apply a traction force to a subject's cervical spine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions flexing tissue about an arm joint of a wearer. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom.

Abstract: A device for moving a knee joint in a body of a patient is provided. The device includes a first arm member coupled to a first leg support configured to support an upper portion of a leg of the patient, a second arm member coupled to a second leg support configured to support at least one of a lower portion of a leg and a foot of the patient, and a control assembly operatively connected to the first and second arm members and configured to selectively move the second arm member relative to the first arm member. The control assembly includes a first motorized drive assembly coupled to the first and second arm members and operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member and a second motorized drive assembly coupled to the first and second arm members and operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member.

Abstract: A device for moving a knee joint in a body of a patient is provided. The device includes a first arm member coupled to a first leg support configured to support an upper portion of a leg of the patient, a second arm member coupled to a second leg support configured to support at least one of a lower portion of a leg and a foot of the patient, and a control assembly operatively connected to the first and second arm members and configured to selectively move the second arm member relative to the first arm member. The control assembly includes a first motorized drive assembly coupled to the first and second arm members and operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member and a second motorized drive assembly coupled to the first and second arm members and operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions flexing tissue about an arm joint of a wearer. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member configured to couple to a first arm portion of the wearer. a second arm member pivotably coupled to the first arm member. the second arm member configured to couple to a second arm portion of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member defining an arcuate channel therein. A second member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending there from. The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through and within the arcuate channel, along the arcuate path, when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first member.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. A third arm member including a third extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom is interposed between the first and second arm members. The third arm member is operatively connected to the first and second arm members, such that the first and third arm members travel along an arcuate path defined by the second extension member when the third arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the second arm member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal conversion process for continuously producing hydrocarbon vapor and continuously removing a free-flowing coke. The coke, such as a shot coke, can be withdrawn continuously via, e.g., a staged lock hopper system.

Abstract: An implant guidance and positioning device is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue or an implant. The device includes a handle and an elongated hook connected with the handle, which may have a lumen extending therethrough or may have a socket that can receive fasteners. The device also includes a guide channel or slot disposed in the handle. The longitudinal axis of the guide channel or slot may be generally aligned with or slightly offset from a distal end of the elongated hook or socket.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions, The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom, The second extension member is operatively connected to the first extension member and travels through the first extension member along an arcuate path when the second arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first arm member.

Abstract: The application is directed to devices and methods useful for expanding the range of motion of joints based on principles of stress relaxation and creep. Expanded range of motion is achieved by placing body parts near the joint in positions that stretch tissue around the joint. Even when the device is in any one position, it can impart forces on the body members to urge them to stretch surrounding tissue even further.

Abstract: A tissue fixation system is provided for dynamic and rigid fixation of tissue. A fastener connected with an elongate fastening member, such as a cable, wire, suture, rod, or tube, is moved through a passage between opposite sides of tissue. The fastener is provided with a groove that accommodates at least a portion of the fastening member to reduce the profile during the movement through the passage. The fastener is then pivoted to change its orientation. A second fastener can then be connected with the fastening member. While tension is maintained in the fastening member, the fasteners are secured against relative movement. This may be done by deforming the fastening member, either the first or second fasteners, or a bushing placed against the second fastener.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing fouling of equipment used in thermal conversion processes such as FLUID COKING™ and FLEXICOKING™. Acoustic energy is used to acoustically agglomerate fine mists created during the coking process. The agglomerated mists are then carried along with the circulating coke instead of depositing on coking equipment.