Abstract: A system and method for operating a pipe loader for various applications in the drilling industry are provided. The pipe loader operates with a programmable and self-calibrating control system that allows the pipe loader to be programmed and/or to mimic previous operator-performed routes to automatically load one or more pipes from at least a first location and unload the one or more pipes at at least a second location. The pipe loader has a robotic arm with a vacuum head for engaging one or more pipes with suction. The movement of the robotic arm, along with the vacuum head, may be selectively controlled an operator or by the control system.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to apparatus and methods for positioning the angular orientation and depth positioning of an acetabular component during hip arthroplasty procedures. The apparatus comprises a positioning member and guiding member set according to a preoperatively determined angular orientation derived from a pelvic radiograph or radiographs in accordance with the methods provided.

Abstract: A device for marking bone such as a patella is anchored to one surface of the bone, whereby the contact with the surface defines the desired resection plane, and then a cautery or other marking device is used to mark the bone relative to this plane. The marking device is removed and then the bone may be resected using techniques known in the art. A device for measuring the remaining bone allows a user to measure bone thickness and visually estimate superoinferior angle or mediolateral angle of the resected surface relative to the desired resection plane. The measuring device may optionally be used with a computer-assisted surgical system for numerical measurements.