Abstract: Lower noise and complexity techniques are disclosed for compensating for time varying phase changes in fiber optics in a resonant fiber optic gyroscope (RFOG). Orthogonal components derived from an electrical beat note signal and a difference between clockwise and counterclockwise resonant frequencies of an optical resonator coil of the RFOG are determined. The orthogonal products are converted to a phase which is differentiated with respect to time to obtain a beat note correction signal.

Abstract: An RFOG includes a resonator and an optical signal source configured to produce optical signals. Further, the RFOG includes optical components that introduce a first and second optical signals derived from the optical signals for propagation within the resonator wherein the first and second optical signals propagate in opposite directions. Additionally, the RFOG includes serrodyne modulation electronics that generate a serrodyne modulation control signal, wherein a first and second serrodyne modulation signal are generated from the serrodyne modulation control signal, wherein a sign of a slope of the first serrodyne modulation signal is opposite a sign of a slope of the second serrodyne modulation signal, wherein the signs of the slopes of the first and second serrodyne modulation signals periodically switch.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and a system for assessing the performance of cleaning operations by utilizing an automatic read out routine for test strips subjected to a cleaning operation. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a computer program product capable of performing the process.

Abstract: A method of operating a resonator optical gyroscope includes generating optical signals having a broadband frequency range. The method includes coupling the optical signals into an optical resonator (OR) to propagate in a first direction and coupling the optical signals out of the OR after the optical signals pass through the OR in the first direction. The method includes coupling optical signals into the OR to propagate in a second direction and coupling optical signals out of the OR after the optical signals pass through the OR in the second direction. The method includes amplifying the optical signals coupled out of the OR by the second optical coupler or the optical signals coupled out of the OR by the first optical coupler to generate amplified optical signals and generating electrical signals corresponding to the amplified optical signals. The method includes determining a rotation rate based on the electrical signals.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes combining a light wave from a master laser with a light wave from a first slave laser to produce a first signal including a first beat note signal, detecting the first signal, providing the first signal to a first mixer in a feedback path of a first optical phase lock loop, receiving a signal from a first offset frequency source at the first mixer, applying a first notch filter in the feedback path of the first optical phase lock loop after the first mixer to remove mixer products from an output of the first mixer, locking a frequency of the light wave from the master laser to a resonant frequency of a fiber optic resonator, and phase locking the first slave laser to the frequency of the master laser in the first optical phase lock loop at a first offset frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extension device for a bone anchor, in particular for a bone screw, in particular for a pedicle screw, in particular in minimally invasive spinal surgery, the device having an axial longitudinal direction, a peripheral direction concentric therewith, and a radial direction, wherein the extension device extends in the axial longitudinal direction and engages, by means of a radial projection, an engageable region on the head of the bone anchor in the longitudinal direction and also in the radial direction and can be supported against the head of the bone anchor in the opposite direction so that the extension device can thereby be fixed to the head of the bone anchor so as to be detachable, yet also rigid in the longitudinal direction and non-rotatable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extension device for a bone anchor, in particular for a bone screw, in particular for a pedicle screw, in particular in minimally invasive spinal surgery, the device having an axial longitudinal direction, a peripheral direction concentric therewith, and a radial direction, wherein the extension device extends in the axial longitudinal direction and engages, by means of a radial projection, an engageable region on the head of the bone anchor in the longitudinal direction and also in the radial direction and can be supported against the head of the bone anchor in the opposite direction so that the extension device can thereby be fixed to the head of the bone anchor so as to be detachable, yet also rigid in the longitudinal direction and non-rotatable.

Abstract: An implant kit for supporting a spinal column comprises at least first and second support elements (8, 10, 12) for fixation to vertebrae of a spinal column, extending generally along the spinal column between spaced apart vertebrae. The kit includes a plurality of fixation devices for (i) fixing the support elements to one another in an end-to-end arrangement and (ii) fixing the support elements to the vertebrae. At least the first support element is formed from a material which exhibits shape memory properties.

Abstract: An implant kit for supporting a spinal column comprises at least first and second support elements (8, 10, 12) for fixation to vertebrae of a spinal column, extending generally along the spinal column between spaced apart vertebrae. The kit includes a plurality of fixation devices for (i) fixing the support elements to one another in an end-to-end arrangement and (ii) fixing the support elements to the vertebrae. At least the first support element is formed from a material which exhibits shape memory properties.

Abstract: A spinal support rod kit for the treatment of spinal column shape deformations. The kit comprises a spinal support rod having first and second ends, in which the cross-sectional shape of the rod along at least part of its length, taken perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, includes a first flat side and a rounded side. The kit further comprises an attachment assembly for securing the support rod to the spinal column at least two points along its length. The attachment assembly comprises retaining portions each of which defines a channel for receiving the rod and anchor portions for attachment to a patient's vertebrae. The cross-sectional shape of the channel when viewed from one side includes a first flat side for flush contact with the first flat side of the support rod and a rounded side for tightly engaging the rounded side of the rod so as to restrict movement of the rod through the channel in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the rod.

Abstract: A surgical fastening (160), kit of parts including the fastening and method for stabilising a vertebra using the fastening are described. The fastening is used to attach a rod (166) to a spinal body part. The fastening comprises a split ring (160) of a material which defines a channel for receiving the rod. A formation can receive a fixing (168) to secure the fastening to the spinal body part. A closure mechanism is operable to close the ring. The material is sufficiently flexible to allow the fastening to be closed about the rod at least once, without weakening.

Abstract: A fixation device for connecting an elongate support element to a patient's vertebra in order to correct a spinal deformity includes a housing for the support element formed by a channel in which the element can be received. A transverse arm having a housing end and a free end is connected to a side wall of the channel housing at its housing end. The transverse arm has a first recess formed in it towards its free end, and the housing or the transverse arm at or towards the housing end has a second recess formed in it. The device includes a first wire which is a close fit in the first recess and can engage a vertebra so that the transverse arm is connected directly to the vertebra towards its free end, and a second wire which is a close fit in the second recess and can engage a vertebra so that the device is connected directly to the vertebra at the housing at or towards the housing end of the transverse arm.

Abstract: A device and method of correcting a spinal defect in a patient employs the use of shape memory material in a spinal correction device. The shape memory material may be transitioned between a flexible martensitic state to allow shaping of the spinal correction device and a rigid austenitic state to apply corrective forces to the spine. The shape memory material may be transitioned to the flexible martensitic by applying a coolant, such as cold gas, directly or indirectly to the shape memory material to transfer heat away from the material. The cooling device and method may allow for in-vivo shaping of the spinal correction device while inserted in the body and attached to bone anchors by cooling the spinal correction device after insertion.

Abstract: A vertebral-column device that is suitable to be received in an intervertebral space between two dorsal vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising a curved strip of biocompatible material. The width of the strip being such that after placement, the strip makes contact with the vertebrae. The strip is manufactured from a material that can undergo great deformations before permanent deformation arises. The strip is curved in a shape in which the extremities are situated apart from one another and the radius of the curved parts and the thickness of the strip are chosen in such a way that when the strip is bent out into an approximately straight strip, scarcely any permanent deformation arises. Thus, the strip which has been bent out into an approximately straight strip is capable of being introduced into an intervertebral space where the strip assumes its original curved shape.