Abstract: A spinal anchor assembly for securing a spinal fixation element has an anchor element adapted for attachment to bone. The anchor element has an opening for receiving a spinal fixation element and side walls on opposed sides of the opening with a plurality of inferior surfaces defined on the side walls. A twist-lock closure closes the opening and captures the spinal fixation element. A locking element can be provided on the closure element and the anchor element. The locking element can be configured so that when the closure element is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the locking element engages to deter the closure element from twisting back to the open position.

Abstract: A golf bag having a shoulder strap assembly including a two strap system that can be converted to a single strap system is provided. In the two strap system, Strap A is fitted over one shoulder and Strap B is fitted over the other shoulder. To convert from a double strap configuration to a single strap configuration, Strap A is detached and slipped over the head area and coupled to Strap B. This results in a single strap comprising both Straps A and B. The combined Straps A and B are joined together by a suitable fastening means. For example, complementary male and female members that interlock with each other on the straps can be used. The shoulder strap assembly is durable, lightweight, easy to use, and comfortable. In another embodiment, a central hub connector having four open slots for retaining the shoulder straps is provided. The Straps A and B criss-cross each other in the hub connector. Strap A or B can be removed from the hub connector to convert the two-strap assembly to a single strap assembly.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating device comprising is described, including a gas-permeable casing; and a first gas-sensitive compound encapsulated within the gas-permeable casing, wherein the first gas-sensitive compound is selected to provide a visual response upon exposure to gas.

Abstract: A system and method to measure properties of a liquid, comprising: a colorimetric sensor comprising a photonic structure that displays a first signature upon exposure to a sample liquid that wets at least some of the interior surfaces of the porous photonic structure and displays a signature different from the first signature as the sample liquid evaporates. The system further includes a device to capture changes in the color of the colorimetric sensor; a memory to store data generated by the device; and a processing unit to analyze the data captured by the device. The processing unit compares the data captured by the device with a reference data, wherein the reference data comprises information regarding a time-dependent response of the colorimetric sensor upon exposure to and removal of a first set of predetermined liquids and to output information regarding the sample liquid.

Abstract: A three-dimensional porous photonic structure, whose internal pore surfaces can be provided with desired surface properties in a spatially selective manner with arbitrary patterns, and methods for making the same are described. When exposed to a fluid (e.g., via immersion or wicking), the fluid can selectively penetrate the regions of the structure with compatible surface properties. Broad applications, for example in security, encryption and document authentication, as well as in areas such as simple microfluidics and diagnostics, are anticipated.

Abstract: A structurally colored pigment is described that contains a plurality of photonic crystal particles dispersed in a medium, where each photonic crystal particles contains a plurality of spectrally selective absorbing components dispersed within the photonic crystal particle. In certain embodiments, each photonic crystal particle has a predetermined minimum number of repeat units of the photonic crystal structure. The structurally colored material provides improved reflectance, long-term stability, and control of the desired optical effects. The fabrication techniques described herein also provide high throughput and high yield allowing use in wide ranging applications from cosmetics, paints, signs, sensors, to packaging material.

Abstract: A spinal anchor assembly for securing a spinal fixation element has an anchor element adapted for attachment to bone. The anchor element has an opening for receiving a spinal fixation element and side walls on opposed sides of the opening with a plurality of inferior surfaces defined on the side walls. A twist-lock closure closes the opening and captures the spinal fixation element. A locking element can be provided on the closure element and the anchor element. The locking element can be configured so that when the closure element is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the locking element engages to deter the closure element from twisting back to the open position.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis in a patient comprises selecting a superior and inferior endplates from a plurality of endplates having different endplate features. The different endplate features include different structural and material composition features. In addition, a core is selected from a plurality of cores having different core features such as different structural and material composition features. In one embodiment, the core is a composite core comprised of a first material and a different second material. After the endplates and core are selected, the intervertebral disc prosthesis is assembled with the selected core positioned between the selected endplates. The assembled intervertebral disc prosthesis is then positioned on an insertion tool and implanted in the patient.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, including flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A sole for a shoe to increase circulation in the wearer's foot during forefoot intensive activities. The sole includes a midsole having at least one protrusion disposed in a forefoot region thereof and a plate having at least one receptacle disposed therein wherein the plate is fixedly attached to the midsole such that the receptacle aligns with the protrusion. The diameter of the receptacle is approximately equal to the diameter of the protrusion, so that the protrusions flex within the receptacles in a trampoline-like fashion. An outsole is fixedly attached to the plate and the midsole, wherein the outsole is disposed underneath the entire length of the sole. A forefoot region of the outsole includes an exterior portion and a softer interior portion. Several projections are disposed on the softer interior portion to provide additional pressure points in the sole.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an intra-operative technique to improve attachment and/or prevent expulsion of nucleus pulposus replacement/augmentation devices and/or to seal fissures in the annulus fibrosus of intervertebral discs.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis in a patient comprises selecting a superior and inferior endplates from a plurality of endplates having different endplate features. The different endplate features include different structural and material composition features. In addition, a core is selected from a plurality of cores having different core features such as different structural and material composition features. In one embodiment, the core is a composite core comprised of a first material and a different second material. After the endplates and core are selected, the intervertebral disc prosthesis is assembled with the selected core positioned between the selected endplates. The assembled intervertebral disc prosthesis is then positioned on an insertion tool and implanted in the patient.

Abstract: A rod reduction device is provided having a reduction nut adapted to mate to the rod-receiving portion of a spinal implant, and a driver tool that is effective to engage the reduction nut such that rotation of the driver tool rotates the reduction nut to reduce a rod positioned between the reduction nut and within the rod-receiving head of a spinal implant into the rod-seating portion of the head of the spinal implant. The driver tool can include a support 32 formed on a distal end thereof that is adapted to be disposed within the rod-receiving head of a spinal implant to prevent the rod-receiving head of the implant from collapsing during use of the rod reduction device.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.