Abstract: A bi-directional mechanically deployed rod mechanism utilizes non-parallel cam surfaces with a unique engagement, entrapment, and release methodology. The instrument utilizes a unique spring loading pivot point and lockout mechanisms to prevent early release of the pivot point and bi-directional cam surfaces.

Abstract: A laterally elongated miter rib is used as an internal fastener to attach two mitered members to one another. In the illustrative embodiment, the miter rib has two arms that are substantially orthogonal to one another. Each arm has a surface modification for improving the ability of the arm to grip the sidewalls of slots formed in the members. The arms have a length of around 1 inch, but have a greatly elongated lateral dimension that is typically equal in length to the members being attached thereby.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening via neural monitoring, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, evaluating the created cavity, inserting a container sized and configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity and filling the container with fill material.

Abstract: An electro discharge machining apparatus comprises an electrode configured to machine a desired feature in a workpiece, a pulse generator configured to energize the electrode and the workpiece to opposite electrical polarities, a machining solution source configured to pass a machining solution between the electrode and the workpiece, and a servomotor configured to drive the electrode to move relative to the workpiece. The electro discharge machining apparatus further comprises at least one detection element configured to detect machining signals, and a controller. The controller controls the pulse generator and the servomotor to machine the workpiece according to a plurality of first process parameters predetermined therein and analyzes the detected machining signals to generate a first response signal to activate a plurality of second process parameters predetermined therein and different from the first process parameters to machine the workpiece. An electro discharge machining method is also presented.

Abstract: A calibration device provides a lightweight rigid support for a long arm. The rigid support includes thin flat sheets separated by a light weight filler. The filler prevents wrinkling or rippling of the flat sheets. Three ball trihedral nest kinematic mounts may be attached to opposite ends of the long arm for precise mounting of retro-reflectors for optical calibration, or precision spheres may be attached to the opposite ends of the long tube to obtain a mechanical calibration standard.

Abstract: A bi-directional mechanically deployed rod mechanism utilizes non-parallel cam surfaces with a unique engagement, entrapment, and release methodology. The instrument utilizes a unique spring loading pivot point and lockout mechanisms to prevent early release of the pivot point and bi-directional cam surfaces.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating a percutaneous access opening on the patient, using indirect visualization to establish a surgical path through the access opening via neural monitoring, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, without retraction, evaluating the created cavity, inserting a container sized and configured to fit through the access opening into the cavity and filling the container with fill material.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating an access opening on the patient, the access opening being less than 10 mm wide, using indirect visualization: establishing a surgical path through the access opening via neural monitoring, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, evaluating the created cavity, inserting a container sized and configured to fit through the less than 10 mm access opening into the cavity and filling the container with fill material.

Abstract: A method for making a test specimen includes machining out a chordal core from an annular forging and machining the specimen symmetrical about a chordal axis of the core. A linear cutting tool such as a wire EDM machine is used for the machining which includes at least a partially cylindrical cutting about the chordal axis with the linear cutting tool. A copper or brass tubular EDM electrode may be used. The chordal core may be machined from fat of the forging. The test specimen may have with a gauge section diameter in a range of 0.1-0.5 inches. The EDM process may include directing jets of machining fluid or dielectric in up and down along a cutting portion of an EDM wire of the EDM machine or performing the EDM process in a tank of machining fluid or dielectric with the annular forging submerged in the fluid or dielectric.

Abstract: A cannulated bone screw having a cannula or lumen defined herein is disclosed. The screw may be fully or partially threaded and may have a cancellous thread form. Alternatively, the head of the screw may be generally flat on its undersurface. The screw head may further include an anti-backout feature to ensure good contact with the mating bone surface. The screw may further include an anti-rotation feature on the underside of the screw head. It is further disclosed that insertion and seating of the screw may be accomplished via locking engagement between jaws on the screw driver and a short raised feature on the head of the screw. The screws may be fully or partially threaded. A rescue screw is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: An external weld bead is removed and processed from a welded pipe traveling in a downstream direction. The weld bead is separated from the pipe, allowed to flow in a downstream direction, and is guided downstream and cut into chips at a location downstream of where the weld bead is separated from the pipe.

Abstract: A method of performing percutaneous interbody spinal fusion on adjacent vertebrae in a patient including the steps of: creating an access opening on the patient, the access opening being less than 10 mm wide, using indirect visualization: establishing a surgical path through the access opening via neural monitoring, creating a cavity in a disc space between the adjacent vertebra, evaluating the created cavity, inserting a container sized and configured to fit through the less than 10 mm access opening into the cavity and filling the container with fill material.

Abstract: An electro discharge machining apparatus comprises an electrode configured to machine a desired feature in a workpiece, a pulse generator configured to energize the electrode and the workpiece to opposite electrical polarities, a machining solution source configured to pass a machining solution between the electrode and the workpiece, and a servomotor configured to drive the electrode to move relative to the workpiece. The electro discharge machining apparatus further comprises at least one detection element configured to detect machining signals, and a controller. The controller controls the pulse generator and the servomotor to machine the workpiece according to a plurality of first process parameters predetermined therein and analyzes the detected machining signals to generate a first response signal to activate a plurality of second process parameters predetermined therein and different from the first process parameters to machine the workpiece. An electro discharge machining method is also presented.

Abstract: A method for making a test specimen includes machining out a chordal core from an annular forging and machining the specimen symmetrical about a chordal axis of the core. A linear cutting tool such as a wire EDM machine is used for the machining which includes at least a partially cylindrical cutting about the chordal axis with the linear cutting tool. A copper or brass tubular EDM electrode may be used. The chordal core may be machined from fat of the forging. The test specimen may have with a gauge section diameter in a range of 0.1-0.5 inches. The EDM process may include directing jets of machining fluid or dielectric in up and down along a cutting portion of an EDM wire of the EDM machine or performing the EDM process in a tank of machining fluid or dielectric with the annular forging submerged in the fluid or dielectric.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machine includes first and second coaxial electrodes and corresponding carriages. A liquid dielectric is channeled between the electrodes and a workpiece which are suitably electrically powered for machining a duplex hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A network apparatus for use in an equipment rack configured to store equipment, in vertically displaced equipment positions, includes a housing configured to be mounted to the rack, wherein the housing extends vertically in the rack to vertically overlap with at least two equipment positions, at least one network service device configured to provide at least one of power, console port server (CPS) service, Ethernet service, and user control switching, and network service interfaces connected to the at least one network service device and disposed in substantially horizontal alignment with respective vertically displaced equipment positions of the equipment rack.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position is disclosed. The foldable massaging bed cushion has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: A device for positioning a surgical apparatus in a selected position within a surgical site includes a housing attached to a rod positioned over the surgical site. The housing includes an internal cavity into which a force providing mechanism is positioned. A clamping mechanism is attached to the housing wherein the clamping mechanism includes a bore for engaging the surgical apparatus. The force providing mechanism moves to secure the surgical apparatus to the clamping mechanism in the selected position within the surgical site.

Abstract: A composition of matter, comparising: a chemically functionalized carboxylate-alumoxane that is functionalized with a chemically reactive substituent, and a reactive compound, wherein the chemically reactive substituent reacts with the reactive compound so as to link the carboxylate-alumoxnae to the reactive compound and form a polymer matrix. The functional groups on the carboxylate-alumoxane can vary depending on the desired properties of the matrix. Also, the composition of matter may comprise a cross-linked matrix in which the cross-linked components consist of functionalized alumoxanes.

Abstract: A composition of matter, comprising: a chemically functionalized carboxylate-alumoxane that is functionalized with a chemically reactive substituent, and a reactive compound, wherein the chemically reactive substituent reacts with the reactive compound so as to link the carboxylate-alumoxane to the reactive compound and form a polymer matrix. The functional groups on the carboxylate-alumoxane can vary depending on the desired properties of the matrix. Also, the composition of matter may comprise a cross-linked matrix in which the cross-linked components consist of functionalized alumoxanes.