Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices and systems for performing an interspinous fusion, in particular for performing an interspinous fusion unilaterally. In general an interspinous fusion system may include a first fixation plate configured to couple to a first lateral side of a spinous process, a rod extending from the first fixation plate at a joint such that the rod is pivotable with respect to the first fixation plate, and a second fixation plate configured to couple to a second lateral side of a spinous process opposite from the first fixation plate.

Abstract: A safety valve having a mono spring closure mechanism. The closure mechanism may be free of any spiral wound spring. The closure mechanism may include a spring having a beam which bends along its length to apply a biasing force to the closure member at its fully closed position and at its fully open position. The closure mechanism may include only a single spring, with the spring having at least two legs, the legs being joined to each other at an end of each leg, and each leg including at least one beam.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices and systems for performing an interspinous fusion, in particular for performing an interspinous fusion unilaterally. In general an interspinous fusion system may include a first fixation plate configured to couple to a first lateral side of a spinous process, a rod extending from the first fixation plate at a joint such that the rod is pivotable with respect to the first fixation plate, and a second fixation plate configured to couple to a second lateral side of a spinous process opposite from the first fixation plate.

Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods for deployment of endoluminal prostheses within the lumens of the body withdraw a sheath from over the tightly compressed prostheses using an actuation mechanism having a variable mechanical advantage. This allows movement of the sheath to be initiated with ease and accuracy. Once deployment is safely underway, and after static frictional forces have been overcome, the remainder of the deployment may proceed more rapidly without significantly degrading overall safety or ease of use of the delivery system. In another improvement, the handle for the actuation mechanism may rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of the sheath. An outer tube may be provided around the sheath and coupled to the prosthesis restraining member within the sheath.

Abstract: An improved lockout housing (48) and lockout sleeve (46) for a tubing retrievable safety valve (36) having cooperating lugs and lug recesses that are adapted to reduce the likelihood of premature shearing or leaking. Sets of circumferentially spaced, shearable retaining lugs (64) are alternated with sets of circumferentially spaced, shearable communicating lugs (54) that extend radially inward around the upper portion of lockout housing (48) and are preferably unitarily formed as an integral part of the lockout housing (48). First and second sets of longitudinally extending slots (62, 66) are likewise circumferentially spaced around the lower end of outside wall (68) of lockout sleeve (46), and are adapted to slidably engage the longitudinally aligned lugs (54, 64) of the lockout housing. Slots (62) aligned longitudinally with communicating lugs (54) are preferably longer than slots (66) aligned with the retaining lugs (64), and extend a greater distance up outside wall (68) of lockout sleeve (46).

Abstract: Two embodiments of a wireline blowout preventer are disclosed. The rams in each embodiment are keyed to end bodies which close the outer ends of body cross bores for the rams. One blowout preventer embodiment utilizes cross pins having flat surfaces positioned in each end body. The pin flat surfaces slidably engage flat surfaces on a sleeve connected and keyed to each ram to key rams to end bodies. The other embodiment keys the rams to the end bodies with a square sleeve connected and keyed to each ram. Each square sleeve is moveable through square hole in the end body. The end bodies may be positioned inverted, inverting the rams to prevent flow downwardly through the blowout preventer when the rams are in closed position.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a wireline blowout preventer are disclosed. The rams in each embodiment are keyed to end bodies which close the outer ends of body cross bores for the rams. One blowout preventer embodiment utilizes cross pins having flat surfaces positioned in each end body. The pin flat surfaces slidably engage flat surfaces on a sleeve connected and keyed to each ram to key rams to end bodies. The other embodiment keys the rams to the end bodies with a square sleeve connected and keyed to each ram. Each square sleeve is moveable through square hole in the end body. The end bodies may be positioned inverted, inverting the rams to prevent flow downwardly through the blowout preventer when the rams are in closed position.

Abstract: Shorts adapted for use by patients in hospitals, clinics and physicians' offices. A pair of shorts are provided having a front portion (12) and rear portion (14) joined together at a crotch (20) and including a waistband (16) and identical leg portions (18) extending from the crotch substantially above the patient's knees. The rear portion contains an elongated opening (22) extending from below the waistband to above the crotch. A flap (24) secured at its lower end to the rear portion just below the opening contains a fastener (30) at the opposite end of the flap adapted to be removably fastened to a fastener (32) disposed on the rear portion above the opening whereby the flap covers the opening and can be unfastened to provide access to the patient's anal area.

Abstract: A packing nut which when retrofitted to or assembled into a stuffing box and hydraulically or manually actuated applies force to packing in the stuffing box, compressing the packing to seal on stationary wireline or pump rods or to wipe or seal on moving wireline or rods passing through a hole in a piston rod on which there is an operating piston in the packing nut body. The piston rod may be rotated to adjust its length for packing contact, and desired packing compression may be maintained by further rod rotation if pressured fluid is not available for hydraulic actuation. A connection for a remotely pressured fluid conduit is provided on the packing nut housing to deliver actuating fluid to the operating piston.