Abstract: A spinal fixation system may comprise a body, a tower, a set screw holder, and a set screw. A body may comprise a saddle, at least two tabs connected to and extending proximally from the saddle, a receiving channel disposed between the at least two tabs, and a securing mechanism, such as internal threads. A tower may comprise a central shaft configured to be received into the receiving channel, a cannula, at least two panels, an enlarged section, and an attachment feature configured to slide proximally and distally between the at least two panels and the enlarged section. A set screw holder may comprise a receiver and an insert. A receiver may comprise a passageway and a set screw engaging feature. The insert may be is sized to be received into the passageway of the receiver and may be configured to engage the set screw engaging feature.

Abstract: A snow plow system for an automobile features a frame connectable to a hitch receiver, a blade movable by an electrically powered actuator between a lowered snow-clearing position a raised transport position, a power unit placed within a trunk space of the automobile, a power connection line between the power unit and the actuator, and a wireless remote operable from a passenger cabin of the automobile. The power connection line traverses through a gasket sealed space between the trunk lid and trunk walls, thereby powering the device without any modification to the automobile. A flexible member connected between the actuator and the blade is operable to raise and lower the blade in a controlled manner under operation of the actuator, while allowing the blade to momentarily trip over ground level obstructions during use. A biasing mechanism forces the blade back into the snow-clearing position once the obstruction is cleared.

Abstract: A technique for determination of out of zone injection. The technique may include taking temperature readings of the well at locations adjacent the cap rock during injection of injection fluid into the injection well at temperatures that are below that of the cap rock. Analysis of the rate of change in temperatures adjacent the cap rock may be used to monitoring effects of the injection application including deciphering cap rock breach of injection fluid when the rate of change substantial enough.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to variable angle implantable devices, systems, and methods.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic assembly comprises a bone fixator and head assembly for securing a stabilizing rod to the spine. The head assembly allows multi-axial repositioning of the bone fixator relative to the head assembly. A primary drive interface located on the bone fixator may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration when the bone fixator and head assembly are substantially coaxial. A secondary drive interface located on the head assembly may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration while independently adjusting the stabilizing rod position when the bone fixator and the head assembly are not coaxial, transferring torsional loads to the bone fixator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to translational pedicle screw systems. A translational pedicle screw system may comprise a bone screw secured within a saddle. Different mechanisms may provide for translational movement of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise an elongated distal channel configured to provide a translational motion of a bone screw head disposed therein. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise a discoidal recess configured to receive a corresponding discoidal section of a bone screw. The discoidal recess and the discoidal section may allow for a rotational offset of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of a bone screw may comprise an attachment section configured to engage with a removable bone screw head. The removable bone screw head may translate laterally along the attachment section of the bone screw.

Abstract: An injectable substance delivery device comprising a pen device body, a cartridge, a plunger, a drive mechanism, and at least one of a lock-out mechanism and a rate-limiting mechanism. The lock-out mechanism is provided through a ratchet engagement between the body and the plunger to restrict plunger movement and to ensure that the required needle puncture depth is realized prior to injection by locking out the injection mechanism from advancing until a specified force is applied to the skin. A rate-limiting mechanism is also provided through a user compressed plunger drive spring to ensure that a specific rate of injection is realized during the injection of a medicament.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to variable angle implantable devices, systems, and methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.

Abstract: A wall panel system has at least one panel with face sheets of compressed solid cement or gypsum based material bonded to a foam core. The core has at least one channel extending through the core on an axis along the length of the panel from a predetermined position on a top edge to a bottom edge of the panel. A slot is provided on opposed side/end edges of the core to allow for a strengthening rod to be inserted between adjacent panels. An edge recess extends along one or more edges of the panel between the rear of the face sheet(s) and the core. The recess can receive and discretely hide connecting panel/plate members connecting adjacent panels.

Abstract: A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to translational pedicle screw systems. A translational pedicle screw system may comprise a bone screw secured within a saddle. Different mechanisms may provide for translational movement of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise an elongated distal channel configured to provide a translational motion of a bone screw head disposed therein. In some embodiments, a saddle may comprise a discoidal recess configured to receive a corresponding discoidal section of a bone screw. The discoidal recess and the discoidal section may allow for a rotational offset of the saddle relative to the bone screw. In some embodiments, a proximal portion of a bone screw may comprise an attachment section configured to engage with a removable bone screw head. The removable bone screw head may translate laterally along the attachment section of the bone screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least one fastener having a fastener head at a proximal end and at least one body. The body comprises a rod receiving channel for receiving a fixation rod, a pressure cap for engaging the fastener head, and a fastener head receiving chamber for retaining the fastener head within the body. The fastener head receiving chamber allows for multi-axial movement of the body in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is disengaged from the fastener head. The body is secured in a mono-axial position in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is biased against the fastener head.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least one fastener having a fastener head at a proximal end and at least one body. The body comprises a rod receiving channel for receiving a fixation rod, a pressure cap for engaging the fastener head, and a fastener head receiving chamber for retaining the fastener head within the body. The fastener head receiving chamber allows for multi-axial movement of the body in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is disengaged from the fastener head. The body is secured in a mono-axial position in relation to the fastener when the pressure cap is biased against the fastener head.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to locking mechanisms for a fastener (e.g., a bone screw) and associated devices, systems, and methods. According to some embodiments, a lockable bone plate assembly may comprise, for example, a bone plate and a bone screw assembly. A bone plate may comprise, in some embodiments, at least one through hole, the at least one through hole having at least one bone plate hole circumferential recess. According to some embodiments, a bone screw assembly may comprise (a) a bone screw, (b) at least one deployable protrusion, and/or (c) a protrusion driver. The present disclosure further relates, in some embodiments, to methods for bone (e.g., vertebral) fixation. For example, a method may comprise contacting at least a portion of a spine (e.g., cervical spine) of a subject with a lockable bone plate assembly.

Abstract: A cross connecting device suitable for connecting first and second spinal fixation devices comprises a fixable pivot junction, first and second connection members, and first and second clamps. The fixable pivot junction includes a pivotable joint that is pivotable about a pivot point. The fixable pivot junction also includes a collar configured for fixating the pivot junction. The first and second connection members are connected by the fixable pivot junction such that the fixable pivot junction allows the first and second connection members to be repositioned relative to each other. The first and second clamps are connected to respective ones of the first and second connection members at distal ends of the connection members relative to the fixable pivot junction. The first and second clamps allow the cross connecting device to be clamped on to spinal fixation devices, such as pedicle screws or hooks.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to orthopedic implantable device technology, and more specifically to variable angle implantable devices, systems, and methods.

Abstract: A break off rod for percutaneous insertion with a spinal assembly, such that the break off rod includes a rod body. The break off rod also includes a connector, in which the connector is configurable to be connected with a fastener an insertion device, such that the insertion device abuts against a spinal assembly when the rod body of the break off rod is properly inserted in the spinal assembly. The break off rod also includes a break off region, in which the break off region connects the rod body and the connector. The break off region is configurable to break off the connector from the rod body when a force is applied by the insertion device.