Abstract: A pixel for an ambient light and/or color sensor includes a plurality of pinned photodiodes. The pixel also includes a floating diffusion region. A ratio of an active area of the plurality of pinned photodiodes to an area of the floating diffusion region is greater than 150.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to curable silicone elastomer compositions having enhanced adhesive properties with respect to a wide variety of substrates (hereafter referred to as “curable silicone elastomer compositions”). Elastomers made by curing the curable silicone elastomer compositions may be adhered to a wide variety of substrates to form composites comprising the elastomers and the substrates. Processes for adhering the elastomers made by curing the curable silicone elastomer compositions to the substrates are also provided. An adhesion promoter, component (D), is provided to enhance adhesion. Component (D) is a polyorganosiloxane having (i) at least one unsaturated group per molecule selected from alkenyl groups and alkynyl groups and (ii) an anhydride functionality and an aromatic functionality, wherein a carbon of the aromatic functionality is separated from a carbon of a carbonyl group of the anhydride by a carbon chain of from 1 to 3 non-aromatic carbon atoms inclusive.

Abstract: Methods for treating cancer patients with human platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha inhibiting compounds, in which the patient is identified as having a cancer that is human platelet derived growth factor receptor beta negative.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for interfacing with implants can include an inserter configured to dock to a unilateral portion of an implant. The inserter can include a control shaft that is configured to lock or unlock the inserter coupling with the implant. Actuation of the control shaft can occur by way of a knob that can control movement of the control shaft. The inserter can facilitate positioning of the implant relative to a surgical site and allow for application of counter-torque when imparting torque for tightening a set screw, etc. Additional instruments can also be used to manipulate the implant. For example, auxiliary instruments can be coupled to the inserter, such as a reducer instrument, to facilitate rod reduction, etc. Alternatively or in addition, a holder instrument can be used that has a threaded distal engagement feature for coupling to the implant to facilitate positioning thereof.

Abstract: Modular connectors and methods are disclosed that provide two sides of a connector in modular and interchangeable fashion. The modular design can be enhanced to add various useful features to one or both sides of the connectors, including the use of rods, hooks, rod receivers of various configurations, etc. This modular approach can allow the assembly of various unique connectors from a pool of components that are interchangeable while minimizing manufacturing cost and complexity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a foamed mixture of paints on a structural surface. A continuous stream of high velocity gas moves through a nozzle and is directed toward the structural surface, and two or more paints may be intermittently moved into the gas stream of the nozzle and aerated and mixed with each other and moved with the gas stream to form a foam that is applied to the structural surface. The components of the foamed mixture may include single component or plural component materials such as polyurethane foam, adhesive, and polyurea formulations, and may be moved through a volumetric metering device consisting of material heaters, a heated hose, and an applicator gun. The nitrogen gas stream fluidizes the mixture as it passes through and out of the nozzle and forms the mixture into a foam that is applied to the structural surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic insertion apparatus and related methods of use in delivering filled prosthetic bladders through a skin incision and into a surgical cavity or pocket. The prosthetic insertion apparatus imparts control and retention properties to a surgical professional such the prosthetic bladder can be oriented and manipulated into the surgical cavity without risk of inadvertent dropping of the prosthetic bladder and without imparting damaging stress or torque to the bladder. Suitable materials can be utilized that are selected as having advantageous properties including lubricity, rigidity, easily sterilizable, and high strength.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation as compared with traditional bone anchor assemblies. An exemplary assembly can include a bracket or wing that extends down from the receiver member and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a plate that is seated between the receiver member and the rod and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a hook that extends out from the receiver member to hook onto an anatomical structure or another implant to augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Surgical methods using the bone anchor assemblies described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for reforming hydrocarbons to reduce the impact of contaminants created by non-catalyst coking. The reaction zone receives sulfur to inhibit the impact, and a control index is used to control the determine conditions with generally lower pressures. Additionally, a compression zone, pressure control zone and combustion zone operation are provided for the operation of the reaction zone at the generally lower pressures.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation as compared with traditional bone anchor assemblies. An exemplary assembly can include a bracket or wing that extends down from the receiver member. The distal portion of the wing can define a bone anchor opening through which one or more auxiliary bone anchors can be disposed to augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. A distal surface of the distal portion of the wing can be obliquely angled relative to a proximal-distal axis of the spanning portion to face one of a caudal direction or a cephalad direction. A distal surface of the distal portion of the wing can be obliquely angled relative to the proximal-distal axis of the spanning portion to face one of a medial direction or a lateral direction. Surgical methods using the bone anchor assemblies described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various bone screws configured to be implanted into bone and methods of use are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone screw is provided with an elongate shank having at least two threads thereon, and having a distal facing surface with at least two cutting edges. The cutting edges can be configured to cut bone as the bone screw is rotated into bone, thereby forming a path for the threads.

Abstract: A flexible auger design for low-torque transmitting drive shafts, which allows effective tissue material transport through curved, flexible tubes and channels. A hollow auger has a hollow center, so that the helical member hugs the inner wall of the tube and material is transported along the center axis and the inner wall of the tube. The hollow flexible auger allows for transportation of material from an operative location in the patient (material removal) as well as to operative location in the patient (material delivery).

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation as compared with traditional bone anchor assemblies. An exemplary assembly can include a bracket or wing that extends down from the receiver member and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a plate that is seated between the receiver member and the rod and accommodates one or more auxiliary bone anchors that augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Another exemplary assembly can include a hook that extends out from the receiver member to hook onto an anatomical structure or another implant to augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. Surgical methods using the bone anchor assemblies described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various bone screws configured to be implanted into bone and methods of use are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a bone screw is provided with an elongate shank having at least two threads thereon, and having a distal facing surface with at least two cutting edges. The cutting edges can be configured to cut bone as the bone screw is rotated into bone, thereby forming a path for the threads.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation as compared with traditional bone anchor assemblies. An exemplary assembly can include a bracket or wing that extends down from the receiver member. The distal portion of the wing can define a bone anchor opening through which one or more auxiliary bone anchors can be disposed to augment the fixation of the assembly's primary bone anchor. A distal surface of the distal portion of the wing can be obliquely angled relative to a proximal-distal axis of the spanning portion to face one of a caudal direction or a cephalad direction. A distal surface of the distal portion of the wing can be obliquely angled relative to the proximal-distal axis of the spanning portion to face one of a medial direction or a lateral direction. Surgical methods using the bone anchor assemblies described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible auger design for low-torque transmitting drive shafts, which allows effective tissue material transport through curved, flexible tubes and channels. A hollow auger has a hollow center, so that the helical member hugs the inner wall of the tube and material is transported along the center axis and the inner wall of the tube. The hollow flexible auger allows for transportation of material from an operative location in the patient (material removal) as well as to operative location in the patient (material delivery).

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for reforming hydrocarbons to reduce the impact of contaminants created by non-catalyst coking. The reaction zone receives sulfur to inhibit the impact, and a control index is used to control the determine conditions with generally lower pressures. Additionally, a compression zone, pressure control zone and combustion zone operation are provided for the operation of the reaction zone at the generally lower pressures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an anatomical implant template has a template body having opposed first and second terminal ends. The template body bends so as to change the body from a first configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a first path, to a second configuration, whereby the body extends from the first terminal end to the second terminal end along a second path, different from the first path, the second path conforming more closely to the curvature of the at least one anatomical body. The body supports at least one device that outputs at least one signal from which a shape of the body in the second configuration can be ascertained. The anatomical implant template can further communicate the at least one signal to a computing device that generates signals for bending an anatomical implant.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting implants in a bone comprising a frame having a cartridge receiving chamber and a barrel. A cartridge defining a plurality of chambers is positioned in the cartridge receiving chamber so the chambers are selectively alignable with a longitudinal passage of the barrel. At least one instrument is positioned in one of the chambers, and a plurality of implants is positioned in the other chambers. A drive assembly is engageable with the instrument and the implants. The drive assembly is slidably and rotatably disposed in the frame and is moveable between a retracted position, an engaging position wherein the distal end of the drive assembly is positioned to engage the selected one of the instrument and the implants, and an extended position wherein the drive assembly extends through the chamber to transport the selected one of the instrument or the implant from the chamber to the distal end of the barrel.

Abstract: Methods of applying a locking cap to a bone anchor assembly. The bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor and an elongate rod. The bone anchor includes a body that defines a channel and has a tissue retractor coupled thereto that defines a partial pathway to the channel.