Abstract: Reference body and corresponding method for providing a reproducible reference to predetermined reference axes of a virtual coordinate system for fluoroscopic/x-ray imaging comprising a radio dense central marker located at a center of the virtual coordinate system, a plurality of radio dense main satellite markers each located on one of the main axes of the virtual coordinate system, so that a line between the center marker and one of the main satellite markers represent a main axis of the virtual coordinate system for reducing imaging effort and thus duration of the surgery, radiation impact on the patient, while maintaining exactness of the surgery.

Abstract: A medical tube management system, kit, and method of use; including a fastener, a length of tubing, and a releasable spring to retain and release slack in the tubing when accidentally tugged. The fastener being universal and interchangeable, able to connect various springs. The spring is capable of reversibly restricting flow in the tubing when uncoupled from the fastener. The fastener is capable of notifying the patient, or caretaker, when the system has been tugged into the uncoupled position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for detecting potentially unsafe wear levels in vehicle suspension systems. An embodiment operates by receiving acoustic signals of a vehicle suspension system, processing, the acoustic signals to generate training data, training a predictive learning algorithm to generate a predictive wear model and classifying the processed acoustic signals to indicate wear levels of one or more components of the vehicle suspension system. The trained predictive wear model subsequently predicts wear levels of the vehicle suspension system for notification to a cloud-based repository. Fleets of driverless vehicles may continuously monitor wear levels for timely maintenance before failure occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are reference bodies for an external fixation frame and methods for using reference bodies for external fixation frame placement and arrangement. An external fixation frame according to the present disclosure may include first and second support rings, one or more wires coupled to any of the first and second support rings, one or more struts extending between the first and second support rings, and a reference body including a plurality of markers. The reference body may contact the one or more wires or the one or more struts. The plurality of markers may be arranged in a pattern to identify an orientation of the external fixation frame.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for detecting potentially unsafe wear levels in vehicle suspension systems. An embodiment operates by receiving acoustic signals of a vehicle suspension system, processing, the acoustic signals to generate training data, training a predictive learning algorithm to generate a predictive wear model and classifying the processed acoustic signals to indicate wear levels of one or more components of the vehicle suspension system. The trained predictive wear model subsequently predicts wear levels of the vehicle suspension system for notification to a cloud-based repository. Fleets of driverless vehicles may continuously monitor wear levels for timely maintenance before failure occurs.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a retractor device for retracting soft tissue to provide access to a surgical site. The retractor device includes a plurality of blades movable from a first, substantially closed position to a second, substantially open position. Related methods of using the retractor device are also described.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a retractor device for retracting soft tissue to provide access to a surgical site. The retractor device includes a plurality of blades movable from a first, substantially closed position to a second, substantially open position. Related methods of using the retractor device are also described.

Abstract: An implantable femoral fixation device adapted to be received the femoral neck and femoral head configured to support at least a portion of the inner surface of the cortical bone of the femur. In various embodiments the femoral fixation device is transformable between a first radially reduced configuration and a second, radially expanded configuration, is attached to an anchor, and/or is configured to be encased in fixation media. In one embodiment the anchor is a segmented intramedullary structure disposed in the intramedullary canal configurable between a relatively flexible, bent configuration for implantation or extraction and a relatively rigid, straightened configuration for bone treatment.