Abstract: A method of verifying audio notifications generated within a vehicle includes generating an audio notification using an audio generation path that includes at least a controller, an audio notification generator and a speaker, wherein the controller generates an audio notification request utilized by the audio notification generator to generate an audio signal, and wherein the speaker converts the audio signal into the audio notification. The method further includes monitoring sounds within the vehicle using a microphone separate from the audio generation path and analyzing the monitored sounds using an audio analyzer, wherein the audio analyzer verifies whether the audio notification was generated. Feedback is provided to the audio generation path regarding whether generation of the audio notification was verified.

Abstract: A method of verifying audio notifications generated within a vehicle includes generating an audio notification using an audio generation path that includes at least a controller, an audio notification generator and a speaker, wherein the controller generates an audio notification request utilized by the audio notification generator to generate an audio signal, and wherein the speaker converts the audio signal into the audio notification. The method further includes monitoring sounds within the vehicle using a microphone separate from the audio generation path and analyzing the monitored sounds using an audio analyzer, wherein the audio analyzer verifies whether the audio notification was generated. Feedback is provided to the audio generation path regarding whether generation of the audio notification was verified.

Abstract: A method of verifying audio notifications generated within a vehicle includes generating an audio notification using an audio generation path that includes at least a controller, an audio notification generator and a speaker, wherein the controller generates an audio notification request utilized by the audio notification generator to generate an audio signal, and wherein the speaker converts the audio signal into the audio notification. The method further includes monitoring sounds within the vehicle using a microphone separate from the audio generation path and analyzing the monitored sounds using an audio analyzer, wherein the audio analyzer verifies whether the audio notification was generated. Feedback is provided to the audio generation path regarding whether generation of the audio notification was verified.

Abstract: A method of verifying audio notifications generated within a vehicle includes generating an audio notification using an audio generation path that includes at least a controller, an audio notification generator and a speaker, wherein the controller generates an audio notification request utilized by the audio notification generator to generate an audio signal, and wherein the speaker converts the audio signal into the audio notification. The method further includes monitoring sounds within the vehicle using a microphone separate from the audio generation path and analyzing the monitored sounds using an audio analyzer, wherein the audio analyzer verifies whether the audio notification was generated. Feedback is provided to the audio generation path regarding whether generation of the audio notification was verified.

Abstract: An extractor for removing a spline adapter from a housing. The extractor includes a drive rod, and a mandrel that threadingly receives the drive rod. The drive rod is adapted to extend through the mandrel and the spline adapter so as to contact a contact area of the housing to bias the mandrel and the spline adapter in a direction away from the contact area as the drive rod is threaded through the mandrel.

Abstract: An automated-vehicle resource management system includes a memory and a controller. The memory is used to store a program-and-data and is characterized by a capacity. The controller is in communication with the memory and is configured to determine when a vehicle is not-in-use, determine a percentage of the capacity that is used by the program-and-data, suspend the operation of the system when the vehicle is not-in-use and the percentage is not greater than a threshold, and re-boot the system when the vehicle is not-in-use and the percentage is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: An extractor for removing a spline adapter from a housing. The extractor includes a drive rod, and a mandrel that threadingly receives the drive rod. The drive rod is adapted to extend through the mandrel and the spline adapter so as to contact a contact area of the housing to bias the mandrel and the spline adapter in a direction away from the contact area as the drive rod is threaded through the mandrel.

Abstract: A bone plating system includes a plate member and a first bone screw. The plate member defines a longitudinal axis and has a top surface and a bottom surface. The plate member further defines an elongated hole extending between the top surface and the bottom surface with a width in a direction generally perpendicular to the elongated axis and a length with a greater dimension in a direction generally parallel to the elongated axis. The elongated hole is defined by a sidewall having a spherical cross section in the direction generally perpendicular to the elongated axis. The sidewall has a threading. The first bone screw has a threaded and spherical head for threadably engaging the elongated hole. The threading extends completely around the sidewall of the elongated hole such that the first bone screw may threadably engage the elongated hole anywhere along the length.

Abstract: Binary files in an executable file system can be directly executed by the central processing unit at the location in which the binary files are stored. A pre-runtime tool can traverse a replica directory hierarchy in a host/loading computer to fill an internal data structure which can be used to generate a binary file that can be loaded directly into the embedded computer. The central processing unit (CPU) and its components such as the address bus, data bus, and program counter, can directly interact with unit of storage interface mechanisms, such as read/write means, identifying location means, and concatenation means. In some embodiments, the page size in the memory management unit (MMU) of the CPU is set to the same size as the unit of storage.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a bone anchor to a generally cylindrical rod. The clamp assembly includes a first portion, a second portion and a compressible ball carried by the second portion, the ball having a through hole for receiving the generally cylindrical rod. The first portion includes first and second flanges, each of the first and second flanges defining an aperture for receiving a portion of the bone anchor. The first and second flanges are movable from a first position in which the first and second flanges are separated by a gap to a second position in which the first and second flanges are drawn toward each other. The first and second flanges include first and second opposing surfaces, respectively, the first and second opposing surfaces being angled relative to one another in the first position.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device comprising first and second arm assemblies for attachment to first and second vertebrae and at least one telescopic assembly interconnecting the first and second arm assemblies for relative motion therebetween.

Abstract: A fixation assembly for securing a first bone portion in fixed relationship relative to a second bone portion. The fixation assembly includes a plurality of modular components articulatably coupled therebetween, at least one fastener interconnecting two of the plurality of components, and a clamp connector adapted for selective unilateral or multilateral bone fixation. The entire fixation assembly or portions thereof can be selectively radiolucent.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant and associated method. The intervertebral implant can include a first component having a first articulating surface and a first bone engagement surface for engaging a first vertebra, and a second component having a second articulating surface and a second bone engagement surface for engaging a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra. The first and second articulating surfaces articulate with each other for substantially replicating a natural spinal movement including torsion, extension/flexion, and lateral bending. The first and second bone engagement surfaces define an outer surface substantially shaped as an envelope of two intersecting cylinders.

Abstract: A plating system for bone includes a plate member. The plate member has a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of holes are defined by the plate member. Each of the holes extend between the top surface and the bottom surface along an axis. At least a first hole of the plurality of holes is a threaded hole and has a first dimension generally perpendicular to the axis and a second dimension generally perpendicular to the axis. The first dimension is greater than the second dimension.

Abstract: An anterior spinal implant includes a superior end face, an inferior end face and a sidewall extending between the superior end face and the inferior end face. The superior end face and the inferior end face are convex. In one application, the superior and inferior end faces are convex. The sidewall includes a convexly curved leading portion, a convexly curved trailing portion and a pair of substantially planar side portions. The superior and inferior end faces transition in a sagittal plane from a first radius of curvature to a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature. The apexes of the superior and inferior end faces are offset from a center of the implant.

Abstract: An external fixation device includes a frame assembly having a first arc segment and a second arc segment. The first arc segment is for interconnection to a first bone portion. The second arc segment is for interconnection to a second bone portion. The first arc segment is coupled to the second arc segment for relative rotation. The external fixation assembly additionally includes an articulating module. The articulating module includes a central member, a first pivot segment and a second pivot segment. The first pivot segment is coupled to the central member for driven rotation about a first pivot axis. The second pivot segment is coupled to the central member for driven rotation about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: Frame assembly for external fixation device and associated method. The frame assembly includes a first arc segment and a second arc segment. The first arc segment is for interconnection to a first bone portion. The second arc segment is for interconnection to a second bone portion. The first arc segment is coupled to the second arc segment for controlled relative rotation.

Abstract: Binary files in an executable file system can be directly executed by the central processing unit at the location in which the binary files are stored. A pre-runtime tool can traverse a replica directory hierarchy in a host/loading computer to fill an internal data structure which can be used to generate a binary file that can be loaded directly into the embedded computer. The central processing unit (CPU) and its components such as the address bus, data bus, and program counter, can directly interact with unit of storage interface mechanisms, such as read/write means, identifying location means, and concatenation means. In some embodiments, the page size in the memory management unit (MMU) of the CPU is set to the same size as the unit of storage.

Abstract: A communication method provides for an exchange of a multiple byte message between two processors. Interrupt suppression associated with the message transfer is minimized by alternating the processors between master and slave operating modes with each byte exchanged.