Abstract: A novel method of tufting carpets is provided to allow the use of the same sequence of colored yarns on front and rear staggered needle bars to yield sufficient gauge stitch density to provide for a solid appearance of any of the selected colors et, and utilizing optimized tacking of rear yarns to minimize loose yarn on the backing.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a spinal facet cage implant for implantation in a spinal facet joint. In one implementation, the implant includes a distal leading end, a proximal trailing end, a first face, and a second face. The distal leading end has a distal surface generally opposite a proximal surface of the proximal trailing end. The first face has a first surface that is generally parallel with a second surface of the second face. The first and second faces extend between the distal leading end and the proximal trailing end. The first and second surfaces having one or more textured features adapted to provide friction with the spinal facet joint. One or more windows are defined in the first and/or second surfaces, and one or more side windows are defined in the first and/or second side surfaces.

Abstract: Systems for distracting a facet joint and positioning a permanent implant in the joint are disclosed. The implants serve to retain a distracted position of the facet joint which is achieved with positioning of the leading end of a distraction tool in the facet joint and then distracting or enlarging the joint a desired amount. The permanent implant could be part of the distraction mechanism which can be separated from the delivery tool once the joint has been distracted or an auxiliary implant may be positioned before the distraction mechanism is removed from the distracted joint. The permanent implants can be solid, mechanical devices that may have fixation means thereon to hold them in place or injected fluids such as hydrogels or fluids confined within balloons.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a distal leading portion of a composite spinal implant for implantation in a spinal facet joint. In one implementation, the distal leading portion includes a distal leading end, a proximal trailing end, a first face, and a second face. The distal leading end has a distal surface generally opposite a proximal surface of the proximal trailing end. The first face has a first surface that is generally parallel with a second surface of the second face. The first and second faces extend between the distal leading end and the proximal trailing end, such that the first and second surfaces slope upwardly from the distal lead end to the proximal trailing end along a length of extending proximally. The first and second surfaces having one or more textured features adapted to provide friction with the spinal facet joint.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI). The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a substrate positioned in the housing between the first chamber and the second chamber. The substrate can be positioned in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber, and the substrate can be further positioned such that the substrate is not in direct contact with the source of biological activity.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a spinal facet cage implant for implantation in a spinal facet joint. In one implementation, the implant includes a distal leading end, a proximal trailing end, a first face, and a second face. The distal leading end has a distal surface generally opposite a proximal surface of the proximal trailing end. The first face has a first surface that is generally parallel with a second surface of the second face. The first and second faces extend between the distal leading end and the proximal trailing end. The first and second surfaces having one or more textured features adapted to provide friction with the spinal facet joint. One or more windows are defined in the first and/or second surfaces, and one or more side windows are defined in the first and/or second side surfaces.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI). The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a substrate positioned in the housing between the first chamber and the second chamber. The substrate can be positioned in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber, and the substrate can be further positioned such that the substrate is not in direct contact with the source of biological activity.

Abstract: A novel method of tufting carpets is provided to allow the use of the same sequence of colored yarns on front and rear staggered needle bars to yield sufficient gauge stitch density to provide for a solid appearance of any of the selected colors et, and utilizing optimized tacking of rear yarns to minimize loose yarn on the backing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for releasing a ligament. In one embodiment, the system includes a proximal handle, a tubular body, and a flexible body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The handle is coupled to the proximal end. The flexible body extends through the tubular body and includes a tissue cutting portion. The flexible body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the tubular body to move the tissue cutting portion between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a delivery device, a driver assembly, and an internal actuator, where the driver assembly is adapted to be hold an implant and be sleevably inserted into the delivery device and the internal actuator is adapted to advance an implant distractor to distract the implant, the system also including an implant, a chisel, an injector, a gripping tool, and a dilator set. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.

Abstract: A method for performing a plantar fasciotomy on a foot may involve advancing an elongate plantar fasciotomy device through an entry point and an exit point on the foot, cutting the plantar fascia, using the plantar fasciotomy device, and observing the advancing step and/or the cutting step, via an ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sending promotions to customers. One system includes a server configured to provide a user interface accessible by an organization over a network connection. The server receives promotion data from the organization through the user interface for a promotion. The promotion data includes at least one offer, an expiration date, and criteria for publishing the promotion. The server collects customer feedback associated with the organization from a plurality of channels. The customer feedback includes feedback from a customer. The server compares the feedback from the customer to the criteria for publishing the promotion. When the feedback satisfies the criteria for publishing the promotion, the server sends the promotion to the customer.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide a bone anchor deployment device. In one implementation, the bone anchor deployment device includes a flexible shaft adapted to bend along a deployment trajectory. A socket at the distal end of the flexible shaft is adapted to retain a bone anchor in a non-coaxial position. The bone anchor deployment device further includes a guide shaft having a lumen and a distal tip and an elongated tube extending through at least a portion of the guide shaft lumen and protruding from the distal tip of the guide shaft. A guide passage extends through a lumen of the elongated tube, and a channel is formed from a surface at a distal end of the guide passage. The channel is oriented at an angle relative to the guide passage and is adapted to cause the flexible shaft to bend.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system may include an interbody fusion cage, a fixation plate, and an implanter. The interbody fusion cage may include a proximal region, a distal region opposite the proximal region, a superior region, an inferior region opposite the superior region, and an open volume between the proximal and distal regions. The superior and inferior regions are located between the proximal and distal regions and are configured such that, when the interbody fusion cage is implanted in the disc space, the superior region contacts the inferior end plate and the inferior region contacts the superior end plate. The fixation plate is receivable in the open volume of the interbody fusion cage and includes a superior blade and an inferior blade. At least one of the blades includes a first opening defined therein. The fixation plate is displaceable between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: A system and method for valving on a sample processing device. The system can include a valve chamber, a process chamber, and a valve septum located between the valve chamber and the process chamber. The system can further include a fluid pathway in fluid communication with an inlet of the valve chamber, wherein the fluid pathway is configured to inhibit a liquid from entering the valve chamber and collecting adjacent the valve septum when the valve septum is in a closed configuration. The method can include rotating the sample processing device to exert a first force on the liquid that is insufficient to move the liquid into the valve chamber; forming an opening in the valve septum; and rotating the sample processing device to exert a second force on the liquid to move the liquid into the valve chamber.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The biological sterilization indicator can include a locus of spores, a reservoir containing a liquid, and a sterilant path positioned to provide fluid communication between ambience and the locus of spores. The reservoir can have a closed state in which the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the locus of spores and an open state in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locus of spores. The biological sterilization indicator system can include the biological sterilization indicator and a detection device adapted to be coupled to the biological sterilization indicator. In some embodiments, the method can include assaying the spores for a detectable change in a characteristic, and detecting substantially all of the detectable change.