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: A method and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes removably attaching an input device of a surgical feedback system to a surgical tool having a handle. The input device has at least one sensor configured to collect a plurality of original signals. The plurality of original signals has at least one of an acoustic signal or a vibration signal. The surgical tool contacts tissue of a patient. And, a notification of the type of tissue being contacted by the surgical tool is received.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that can allow for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with a sterile-packed electronic device without removing the electronic device from its sterile packaging and while maintaining the sterility of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a base station with a power transmitter wirelessly transfers power to a power receiver of the electronic device, for example using inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic coupling. The base station or another external device can also be used to wirelessly program or interrogate the electronic device. Battery charging circuits and switching circuits for use with said systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Low data rate wireless electronic devices utilizing a hub- or star-based network topology, operational at ranges of thousands of meters. Remote end-devices may be such things as keypads, door latches, occupancy monitors, sprinkler controllers and other devices controlled or monitored in a campus or a collection of buildings. End-devices operate at intermediate ranges in RF congested areas and failure-intolerant situations through the use of discrete programmable channels. Each end-device carries a unique identifier and uses a common default initialization channel to accept an operational channel assignment from the hub, without a configuring or programming step at the end-device by an installing person. After assignment the end-device can utilize a low-power listening mode that avoids processor-awakening events due to orthogonality of the operational channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing data using a short-range wireless interconnection protocol for electronic devices includes a processor communicatively connected, using a communication bus, to a number of originator antennas, each of the number of originator antennas communicating with an originating device, a plurality of device antennas, communicatively connected to the communication bus, each of the plurality of device antennas communicating with a number of client devices, and a non-transitory storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium includes a receive module, a session identify module, and a send module. The receive module receives a data packet using one of the number of originator antennas. The session identify module identifies at least one communication session with at least one remote device associated with one of the plurality of device antennas. The send module sends the data packet to the at least one remote device associated with one of the plurality of device antennas.

Abstract: A fluid dispersal node is disclosed that includes one or more fluid outlets, an electromechanical valve, one or more hardware processors, hardware memory, a hardware wireless communication module, an antenna, and a fluid-tight, substantially radio frequency (RF) transparent enclosure. The valve is disposed in the node, and controls fluid flow to the outlets. The processors, in turn, control the valve. The wireless module receives instructions for operating the valve and forwards those instructions to one or more of the processors and the memory. The processors, memory, wireless module and antenna are disposed within the RF-transparent housing. In some embodiments, the antenna is disposed on a riser associated with the node outside the enclosure. In other embodiments, the antenna is disposed in a fluid line connected to the node.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a handle, a functional tool, and a torque limiter is described. The handle is sized and dimensioned for manipulation by a surgeon in a surgical environment. The functional tool is supported by the handle. The torque limiter is supported by the handle and is located between the handle and the functional tool. The torque limiter permits the handle and the functional tool to move relative to each other based on an amount of force applied to the functional tool.

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: A method and system are disclosed for delivering a package which includes an enclosure with a door. The door includes an access code input device, which has a tilt plate for entering a code. The method and system also include a mechanism for opening and closing the door and a controller, which is in communication with the access code input device, is proximate the door and includes an access code reader for controlling the mechanism. The method also includes the step of providing a package with a delivery label attached to the package having an access code comprising dimensions for the package to be delivered. The access code further includes instructions to partially move the door only for an amount of time needed to partially open the door from a closed position or partially close the door from an open position according to the dimensions of the package to only allow passage of the package.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that can allow for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with a sterile-packed electronic device without removing the electronic device from its sterile packaging and while maintaining the sterility of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a base station with a power transmitter wirelessly transfers power to a power receiver of the electronic device, for example using inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic coupling. The base station or another external device can also be used to wirelessly program or interrogate the electronic device. Battery charging circuits and switching circuits for use with said systems and methods are also disclosed.

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: The invention is a method and device for normalizing communication. The method includes receiving on a first device a first message via a first protocol from a second device; transmitting a second message to a third device via a second protocol, wherein the second message is transmitted using a first spreading factor; initiating a delay timer upon transmitting the second message, wherein a duration of the delay timer is based on a second spreading factor, wherein the second spreading factor is greater than or equal to the first spreading factor; receiving a third message from the third device via the second protocol, wherein the third message is transmitted using the first spreading factor, and wherein the third message is in response to the second message; and upon the expiration of the delay timer, sending a fourth message to the second device via the first protocol. The device includes the hardware and instructions to perform the method.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a first vertebra and a second vertebra includes implanting a first bone anchor into the first vertebra, implanting a second bone anchor into the second vertebra, connecting a first anchor connection instrument to the first anchor, connecting a second anchor connection instrument the second anchor, positioning a cement delivery tube into a passage provided through the first anchor, delivering bone cement from a bone cement delivery system coupled to the bone cement delivery tube through the passage in the first anchor to the first vertebra, removing the cement delivery tube from the first anchor connection instrument and the first anchor, connecting the cement delivery tube to second anchor connecting instrument connected to the second anchor, delivering bone cement through a passage in the second anchor to the second vertebra, connecting a spinal connection element to the first anchor and the second anchor.