Abstract: A surgical tool for removing a portion of an implant is provided that includes a housing, a motor contained within the housing and coupled to the housing, and an output shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the motor and the distal end has an opening configured to rotateably engage an implant. The surgical tool further includes a counter-torque sleeve extending around the output shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the housing and the distal end is configured to couple to the implant relative to the counter-torque sleeve. Upon a rotational force to the implant, the forces transmitted by the output shaft and the counter-torque sleeve are balanced by the coupling of the output shaft and counter-torque sleeve through the housing.

Abstract: A quick-connect adapter, configured to receive an end of a medical tool, is disclosed and can include a base. A support sleeve can extend from the base having an internal cavity with a first portion defined by a first internal circumferential surface parallel to a major axis of the quick-connect adapter and a second portion defined by a second internal circumferential surface non-parallel to the major axis and generally adjacent to the first portion. A medical tool engagement sleeve can be slidingly disposed within the support sleeve and have a receiving channel and an opening through the engagement sleeve into the receiving channel. The quick-connect adapter can be movable between an engaged configuration, in which the lateral opening is substantially aligned with the second portion of the support sleeve, and an unlocked configuration, in which the lateral opening is substantially aligned with the first portion of the support sleeve.

Abstract: A tool for use during surgery includes a housing including a distal end and a proximal end, a motor disposed within the housing, and an output shaft having a proximal end connected to the motor and a distal end extending from the distal end of the housing. The tool further includes a battery pack contained within the housing, and a passage extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the housing through the output shaft and the battery pack, wherein the passage is defined by an interior surface of the output shaft and a channel through the battery.

Abstract: A device for connection to a component used in association with spinal instrumentation, including a connector body, at least one clamp element, and at least one fixation element. The connector body defines a receptacle extending therethrough and opening onto an outer surface thereof. The connector body also defines a passage in transverse communication with the receptacle. The clamp element includes at least two arm portions defining a space therebetween having an open end. The clamp element is positioned within the passage in the connector body with the space between the arm portions generally aligned with the receptacle and with the component received through the open end and retained within the space. The fixation element interacts with the clamp element to displace the clamp element relative to the connector body to position at least a portion of the component within the receptacle.

Abstract: A scanning device receives selection of a given tray in relation to which a copy job is to be printed. The given tray is associated with attributes of media sheets loaded thereinto, and is associated with specific printing capabilities of a printing device of which the given tray is physically a part. The given tray is selected from a group of trays including at least virtual trays. Each virtual tray corresponds to a physical tray of a printing device other than the scanning device. The scanning device receives selection of characteristics of the copy job. The characteristics are selected from a group of characteristics encompassing all characteristics supported by the given tray. The scanning devices scans media sheets loaded thereinto to yield a file. The scanning device causes the file to be printed based on the characteristics selected. The file is printed on media sheets loaded into the given tray.

Abstract: A method of projecting an image on a physical substrate using a virtual image and a virtual plane includes generating a virtual two dimensional plane and locating a position and orientation of a wand with respect to the virtual plane. The method further includes creating a virtual image on the virtual plane with the wand. An image can be projected on the physical substrate. The projected image corresponds to the virtual image created on the virtual plane. An associated image projection system includes a virtual two dimensional plane. A wand is configured to create a virtual image on the virtual two dimensional plane. The image projection system also has a physical substrate configured to receive a projected image. The projected image corresponds to the virtual image generated using the wand and the virtual two dimensional plane.

Abstract: A method for cloning hand drawn images includes identifying, within an environment, a position of a wand with respect to each of a first plurality of user selected physical points. A virtual plane identified by the first plurality of points is defined. The virtual plane corresponds to a first marking surface. An electronic page is associated with the first virtual plane. A motion of the wand is tracked. The motion corresponds to a use of the wand to draw a first mark on the first marking surface. A path traced across the first virtual plane is identified. The path is defined by the tracked motion. The electronic page is updated to include a digital image representative of the path. The digital image is a clone of the mark.

Abstract: A surgical screwdriver is disclosed and can include a motor, a microprocessor coupled to the motor, and a key sensor coupled to the microprocessor. The key sensor can be configured to sense a key tag.

Abstract: A bone screw comprising a threaded shank having a longitudinal axis and including a first helical threading extending along a first length of the threaded shank portion and a second helical threading extending from a location proximately adjacent the first helical threading and along a second length of the threaded shank portion. The first helical threading defines a first volume between adjacent thread turns along the first length, and the second helical threading defines a second volume between adjacent thread turns along the second length, with the first volume being different from the second volume.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and a grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device.

Abstract: Instruments and methods are provided for delivering multiple implants to multiple implant locations in a patient without requiring a second implant to be loaded onto or engaged to the delivery instrument after delivery of a first implant. The implants can be sequentially engaged using the delivery instrument to the patient or to receptacles of one or more receiving members secured to the patient.

Abstract: A connection system is provided that joins a revision fixation plate to a previously implanted skeletal fixation plate. In one form, the system allows the previously implanted plating system to be revised without disturbing the original implant components. In one aspect, the connection includes joining to a previously implanted fastener. In another aspect, the revision fixation plate is directly joined to a previously implanted fixation plate.

Abstract: An implant for insertion between vertebral members in which an inner member, intermediate member, and outer member are concentrically disposed. The inner and outer members may comprise end plates to contact the vertebral members. The outer member may include a tapered interior wall. A locking element is movably contained within an opening that extends through a sidewall of the intermediate member. The intermediate member is displaceable longitudinally in first and second directions relative to the outer member. Displacement of the intermediate member in the first direction tends to force the locking element laterally into contact with the inner and outer members. A biasing member may urge the intermediate member in the first direction. Displacement of the intermediate member in the second direction allows the locking element to be laterally displaced out of contact with the inner member.

Abstract: Mechanisms for connecting an elongated member for orthopedic support or therapy to bone or other tissue are disclosed. Embodiments may include a receiver member with a channel for accommodating an elongated member such as a spinal rod and a channel for accommodating a bone-engaging member, a bone-engaging member that is insertable into the channel in the receiver member, and a lock member for locking the receiver member, bone-engaging member, and elongated member together. The channels may be variously oriented with respect to each other. Methods for using such embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a surgical space in a patient are provided. A retractor provides a portal or working path for access to a working space location in the patient. The retractor transmits and emits light from a light delivery system to illuminate the working channel and surgical space.

Abstract: There is provided a steam-cleaning device that enables a user to dispense a liquid, such as a cleaning fluid, soap or detergent while simultaneously steam-cleaning. This can be accomplished through a steam-cleaning device having a handle, a connecting rod, and a cleaning head, whereby the connecting rod and cleaning head are connected by multiple joints for ease of use and maneuverability and can be disassembled into several parts. A heating element can be located in the cleaning head rather than in the handle or connecting rod. A removable cap can be removed to enable a user to add water and a liquid cleaner separately to the device. The cap can be used as a measuring cup for the water and is sized to act in a predetermined ratio with the amount of cleaning liquid inserted into the cleaning liquid area.

Abstract: A method of injection molding an orthopedic device comprising: injection molding a polymeric orthopedic device having a length along a longitudinal axis; and deliberately inducing, in the device, a material property change along the longitudinal axis by varying a molding parameter during the injection molding. The material property may be, for example, elastic modulus and/or density. The molding parameter varied during the injection molding may be a supply material pressure. The orthopedic device may be an elongated rod-shaped element, such as a spinal fixation rod, which may or may not have a substantially uniform cross-section, and may or may not have a metallic core. A corresponding apparatus is also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods to grasp a medical element. The device may include a first member, a second member that fits within the first member, and a locking element. The first and second members may move relative to one another to move the locking element between locked and unlocked positions. In an unlocked position, the device may move along the element. In the locked position, the device may lock to the element and motion is prevented. In one application, the device can be placed in the locked position to maintain a desired amount of tension on the element.

Abstract: There is provided a showerhead device that includes a shower stem connector, a water/air mixing chamber, and an outlet cap. The shower stem connector includes a water inlet to receive water from a standard shower plumbing system and an air intake opening to receive air from outside the device. The preferred embodiment features an air intake opening located near the water inlet on the shower stem connector. A user can adjust the air intake knob in order to vary the amount of air that enters the device and mixes with the water flow. As the water progresses through a nozzle in the device, the speed of the water is increased by the decrease in diameter of the nozzle orifice. The water mixes with the air and the combination of water/air hits a plate on the inner wall of the outlet cap within the mixing chamber. This oxygenation of the water provides for a better water flow though the showerhead device. The mix of water and air provides for a stronger water flow and a better shower experience for a user.

Abstract: There is provided a reheatable steam-cleaning device (10) that can be used with or without a power cord (30), including a pressure vessel (12) and a power base station (14). The preferred embodiment features a power base station (14) working in conjunction with the steam pressure vessel (12) to allow for a “cord, cordless” system that can eliminate the limitations of a power cord and keep the vessel enclosure (32), water and steam at the proper temperature for an extended period of time for spot cleaning or cleaning in a relatively small area. The vessel enclosure (32), water and steam can be easily reheated for continued use by placing the pressure vessel on a vessel plug (28) located on a support plate (26) of the power base station (14). The power base station (14) also features a locking system that can enable the steam-cleaning device (10) to be used in a continuous operation for large cleaning areas by locking the pressure vessel (12) to the power base station (14).