Abstract: Wearable devices having a primary and secondary power source are disclosed, wherein the secondary power sources are located in links of a band portion of the wearable device and the secondary power sources provide a secondary source of power beyond that provided by the primary power source. One exemplary wrist-wearable device includes a centralized processor pod having a primary power source, a wireless communication radio, and one or more sensors. The exemplary wrist-wearable device further includes a band with a plurality of links. Each of the plurality of links can include a secondary power source. The exemplary wrist-wearable device further includes communicative pathways that can be configured to convey at least power and data between the links and centralized processor pod. The communicative pathways can be configured to convey power from the secondary sources of power to the centralized processor pod beyond the power provided by the primary power source.

Abstract: A system that performs self-diagnosing of unreliable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in a first location within an environment includes an RFID printer that prints RFID tags in the first location and RFID antennas located at different distances to the first location. The system obtains, for each RFID tag, a first set of RFID parameters of the RFID tag for each RFID antenna when the RFID tag is in the first location. The system generates, for each RFID tag, a model of RFID tag behavior over different distances to an RFID antenna, based at least in part on the first set of RFID parameters obtained for the RFID tag.

Abstract: A system that performs self-diagnosing of unreliable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in a first location within an environment includes an RFID printer that prints RFID tags in the first location and RFID antennas located at different distances to the first location. The system obtains, for each RFID tag, a first set of RFID parameters of the RFID tag for each RFID antenna when the RFID tag is in the first location. The system generates, for each RFID tag, a model of RFID tag behavior over different distances to an RFID antenna, based at least in part on the first set of RFID parameters obtained for the RFID tag.

Abstract: A system that performs self-calibration for tracking packages includes a frame providing storage locations for storing items, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags disposed in the storage locations, and an RFID antenna(s). The system determines a distance between each RFID tag and the RFID antenna(s) and monitors signal characteristics from each RFID tag. For each RFID tag, the system generates (i) at least one first parameter indicative of an environmental condition(s) at a location of the RFID tag and (ii) at least one second parameter indicative of a response rate behavior of the RFID tag, based on the signal characteristics and the distance between the RFID tag and the RFID antenna(s). The system tracks an RFID tagged item located in one of the storage locations based at least in part on the first and second parameter(s) for each of the RFID tags.

Abstract: A system that performs self-calibration for tracking packages includes a frame providing storage locations for storing items, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags disposed in the storage locations, and an RFID antenna(s). The system determines a distance between each RFID tag and the RFID antenna(s) and monitors signal characteristics from each RFID tag. For each RFID tag, the system generates (i) at least one first parameter indicative of an environmental condition(s) at a location of the RFID tag and (ii) at least one second parameter indicative of a response rate behavior of the RFID tag, based on the signal characteristics and the distance between the RFID tag and the RFID antenna(s). The system tracks an RFID tagged item located in one of the storage locations based at least in part on the first and second parameter(s) for each of the RFID tags.

Abstract: A system that performs self-diagnosing of unreliable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in a first location within an environment includes an RFID printer that prints RFID tags in the first location and RFID antennas located at different distances to the first location. The system obtains, for each RFID tag, a first set of RFID parameters of the RFID tag for each RFID antenna when the RFID tag is in the first location. The system generates, for each RFID tag, a model of RFID tag behavior over different distances to an RFID antenna, based at least in part on the first set of RFID parameters obtained for the RFID tag.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to synchronizing time among nodes in a network. In one scenario, a first node receives a timing message which provides an indication of the current time as measured by a second node at transmission of the timing message. The first node determines the timing message propagation time between the first and second nodes using a determined transmission frequency of the timing messages, an internal clock reading of a clock that indicates the current time in the first node, and timing and frequency measurements obtained at the first and second nodes. The first node also applies a weighting factor to the current time of the first node to adjust the current time forward or backward, and combines the determined propagation time with the adjusted clock time of the first node to generate a new, synchronized time and transmission frequency, which is broadcasted to other nodes in the network.

Abstract: A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged lid are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to using code division multiplexing (CDM) on the beacon and traffic channels while lowering the power of the beacon channel so that it rides under the traffic channel and becomes very difficult to detect. In this way, the beacon channel can contain sensitive information for decoding the traffic channel while remaining hidden from unintended recipients. By hiding the beacon channel, the CDM technique can be particularly beneficial in adaptive waveform systems where sensitive traffic channel acquisition information is regularly transmitted to the receiver.

Abstract: A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged lid are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged lid are disclosed.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device includes: a first frequency search engine configured to receive input values and determine a frequency of a signal to be within a first frequency band; a second delay component configured to store at least a portion of the plurality of input values; and a second frequency search engine configured to determine the frequency of the signal to be within a second band that is a subset of the first band. The first frequency search engine includes: a shift register configured to store bits of the input values; a combining circuit configured to combine bits of the plurality of input values; a first delay component configured to serially store a plurality of accumulator values; and a feedback circuit configured to add a function of the first delay component output to a next accumulator value to obtain a modified next accumulator value.

Abstract: A method making an elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The method includes forming an elastic film from a polymer composition and passing the film and a nonwoven web material, the nonwoven material having a basis weight from about 5 gsm to about 30 gsm, through a nip formed by at least one patterned roll. The patterned roll includes raised bonding elements repeating in the machine direction, the elements being spaced in the machine direction by less than about 760 micrometers. At the nip, the film and the nonwoven web material are concurrently melt fused while the film is under tension at a stretch ratio of about 1.5 or more in the machine direction.

Abstract: An occipital clamping hook assembly includes a hook for engaging a first side of an occipital bone and a compressor movable relative to the hook for applying a compressive force to the occipital bone from a second side of the occipital bone. The occipital clamping assembly further includes a rod-receiving portion coupled to the hook for coupling a rod to the occipital bone engaged by the hook.

Abstract: A bone attachment device comprises an attachment collar having a hinged lid is disclosed. The bone attachment device may also comprise a bone fastener (such as a bone screw). A bone attachment device including an attachment collar and a spinal rod locking device is disclosed. A bone attachment device as described herein may be used together with a spinal stabilization rod and one or more additional bone attachment devices. Such devices are adapted to clamp and hold a spinal stabilization rod. Methods for implanting a spinal stabilizer having a bone attachment device including a hinged lid are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for spinal fixation. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices provide a spinal fixation system that can include a spinal connector which can be disposed within a recess in a head of a bone anchor. The spinal connector can have a variety of configurations. The methods and devices are particularly useful for unilateral fixation, in which one or more levels of the spine are stabilized along a single lateral side of the spine.

Abstract: An occipital clamping hook assembly includes a hook for engaging a first side of an occipital bone and a compressor movable relative to the hook for applying a compressive force to the occipital bone from a second side of the occipital bone. The occipital clamping assembly further includes a rod-receiving portion coupled to the hook for coupling a rod to the occipital bone engaged by the hook.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used to position and hold the plate against bone while inserting drills, taps, awls, and other bone preparation devices through the guide device. The guide device can also be configured to allow fasteners to be inserted therethrough and into bone to attach the plate to bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used to position and hold the plate against bone while inserting drills, taps, awls, and other bone preparation devices through the guide device. The guide device can also be configured to allow fasteners to be inserted therethrough and into bone to attach the plate to bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods and devices for mating spinal fixation elements, such as fixation rods, to various spinal anchoring devices, such as plates, hooks, bolts, wires, and screws. In an exemplary embodiment, an implantable spinal connector is provided having a clamp member with top and bottom portions that are connected to one another at a terminal end thereof, and that are adapted to seat a spinal fixation element there between. The top and bottom portions are preferably movable between an open position in which the top and bottom portions are spaced a distance apart from one another, and a closed position in which the portions are adapted to engage a spinal fixation element positioned there between. The connector can also include a bore extending through the top and bottom portions for receiving a locking mechanism that is effective to lock the top and bottom portions in the closed position to retain a spinal fixation element there between.