Abstract: A method to identify possible debris clogging area in a machined object includes simulating movement of a plurality of debris particles provided within a modeled object having a plurality of cavities in accordance with a debris clogging evaluation to identify inaccessible areas along the plurality of cavities. The plurality of debris particles is indicative of solid debris and the modeled object is a multidimensional computer designed model. The method further includes determining an egress characteristic of the plurality of cavities based on the simulated movement of the plurality of debris particles. The egress characteristic includes a contact area, an obstruction area, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for laser-processing workpieces can be improved, and new functionalities can be provided. Some embodiments discussed relate to use of beam characterization tools to facilitate adaptive processing, process control and other desirable features. Other embodiments relate to laser power sensors incorporating integrating spheres. Still other embodiments relate to workpiece handling systems capable of simultaneously providing different workpieces to a common laser-processing apparatus. A great number of other embodiments and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanised antibodies that bind amyloid peptides, which antibodies comprise mutations in the heavy chain and/or light chain variable domains, which mutations improve the binding activity. The antibodies may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Abstract: Accuracy enhancing systems, devices and methods are provided using data obtained from inertial measurement units (IMUs). IMUs are provided on one or more of a patient, surgical table, surgical instruments, imaging devices, navigation systems, and the like. Data from sensors in each IMU is collected and used to calculate absolute and relative positions of the patient, surgical table, surgical instruments, imaging devices, and navigation systems on which the IMUs are provided. The data generated by the IMUs can be coupled with medical images and camera vision, among other information, to generate and/or provide surgical navigation, alignment of imaging systems, pre-operative diagnoses and plans, intra-operative tool guidance and error correction, and post-operative assessments.

Abstract: Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: In some examples, a ventilator includes a pneumatic connection configured to receive supply gas; an inspiratory path configured to deliver conditioned gas to lungs of a patient; a valve pneumatically connected to the pneumatic connection and configured to allow flow of the supply gas to the inspiratory path when the valve is open and block flow of the supply gas to the inspiratory path when the valve is closed; a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the supply gas at the pneumatic connection; and electronic control circuitry configured to control an opening and closing of the valve based on the measured pressure to produce a desired volume of conditioned gas in the inspiratory path.

Abstract: An method for forming a cooling apparatus for cooling an electronic component. The apparatus has a planar top member of a thermal energy conductive material and a parallel planar bottom member of the material, the planar bottom member including a surface having regions configured for heat exchange contact with the electronic component. The planar top member has a plurality of stamped indent formations at a plurality of locations, each indent formation providing a contact surface such that the planar top member is affixed to the bottom member by braze or solder at each contact surface. Alternatively, the planar bottom member also has a plurality of stamped indent formations in alignment with indent formations of the top member. The planar top member is affixed to the bottom member by brazing or soldering each respective contact surface of an indent formation of the planar top member to an opposing contact surface of a corresponding indent formation of the parallel planar bottom member.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying changes to a number of entries between page views is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking differences between a last state seen by a user and a current state is provided. A user views a graphical user interface (GUI) wind that displays one or more states. Should the user's focus shift from the GUI and return after one or more states displayed therein have been modified, the system highlights the change between the current state and the user's last seen state.

Abstract: User interface systems for sterile fields and other working environments are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a user interface system can include a projector that projects a graphical user interface onto a data board or other substrate disposed within a working environment. The system can also include a camera or other sensor that detects user interaction with the data board or substrate. Detected user interactions can be processed or interpreted by a controller that interfaces with equipment disposed outside of the working environment, thereby allowing user interaction with such equipment from within the working environment. The data board can be an inexpensive, disposable, single-use component of the system that can be easily sterilized or another component suitably prepared for use in a sterile field.

Abstract: Accuracy enhancing systems, devices and methods are provided using data obtained from inertial measurement units (IMUs). IMUs are provided on one or more of a patient, surgical table, surgical instruments, imaging devices, navigation systems, and the like. Data from sensors in each IMU is collected and used to calculate absolute and relative positions of the patient, surgical table, surgical instruments, imaging devices, and navigation systems on which the IMUs are provided. The data generated by the IMUs can be coupled with medical images and camera vision, among other information, to generate and/or provide surgical navigation, alignment of imaging systems, pre-operative diagnoses and plans, intra-operative tool guidance and error correction, and post-operative assessments.

Abstract: Various rod-to-rod connectors having robust rod closure mechanisms and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for enhancing the locking or clamping force on a rod. An exemplary connector can provide a robust closure mechanism for rod-to-rod connections in which the run-on length of a rod slot is minimal. The connector can include a moveable jaw that is partially disposed within a connector body and configured to pivot or translate relative to the connector body to form a fully or substantially closed rod slot around a first rod. The closed rod slot can be formed between a first rod-receiving recess defined in the connector body and a counterpart first rod-receiving recess defined in the moveable jaw. The locking or clamping force of the moveable jaw can be amplified by a mechanical advantage caused by the force exerted to lock a second rod in a second rod-receiving slot of the connector body.

Abstract: Articulating implant connectors and related methods are disclosed herein. Exemplary connectors can include first and second bodies that are rotatable relative to one another about a rotation axis and selectively lockable to resist or prevent such rotation. Each of the bodies can be configured to couple to a rod or other fixation component, and the connector can be used to lock first and second rods together even when the rods are obliquely angled with respect to one another.

Abstract: Various embodiments of unilateral implant holders and related methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary unilateral implant holder can include a surgical instrument that includes a unilateral locking mechanism arranged at a distal end of the instrument for rigidly holding onto a unilateral portion of the implant. The locking mechanism can be configured to lock onto a unilateral portion of the implant such that access to the implant is not blocked. By engaging the instrument's locking mechanism with a counterpart locking interface defined in an implant, sufficient clamping force can be applied by the locking mechanism to resist multi-directional forces exerted on the implant during a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument can be a stand-alone unilateral implant holder. The surgical instrument can be configured to perform a surgical task while concurrently holding the implant in place using the unilateral locking mechanism.

Abstract: An exit sign that includes an access control point and a system that includes such an exit sign are disclosed. The exit sign includes: a power circuit, a battery that is charged by the power circuit, a light that is powered by at least one of the power circuit and the battery, a sign that is at least partially illuminated by the light, a controller, a wireless radio coupled to the controller, and a relay coupled to the controller and to the actuation device, where the controller controls the relay to actuate the actuation device.

Abstract: User interface systems for sterile fields and other working environments are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a user interface system can include a projector that projects a graphical user interface onto a data board or other substrate disposed within a working environment. The system can also include a camera or other sensor that detects user interaction with the data board or substrate. Detected user interactions can be processed or interpreted by a controller that interfaces with equipment disposed outside of the working environment, thereby allowing user interaction with such equipment from within the working environment. The data board can be an inexpensive, disposable, single-use component of the system that can be easily sterilized or another component suitably prepared for use in a sterile field.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, methods, and systems are provided for securing spinal fixation elements to bone. For example, a spinal fixation system is provided that has a receiver with proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the receiver is configured to receive various fixation members, such as spinal rods and set screws, therein. The distal end of the receiver has a hook member that is operably coupled thereto and has an opening that is configured to receive bone therein. The hook member is configured to be secured to bone without penetrating the bone.

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.