Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures.

Abstract: The present application describes power management devices, systems and methods. In an embodiment, a power management controller is configured to: determine that a secondary electronic device requires an amount of power that exceeds a default power threshold defined in a default power scheme; monitor internal power requirements associated with on-board functions of an electronic device and determine that internal power requirements satisfy predetermined criteria; and in response to determining that the secondary electronic device requires an amount of power that exceeds the default power threshold and that the internal power requirements satisfy the predetermined criteria, adjust a power scheme associated with the port and implemented by the power limiter to provide, to the secondary electronic device, an amount of power that exceeds the default power threshold.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures. A retractor assembly for creating an operative corridor to a spinal surgical target site is disclosed, comprising: a retractor body and a plurality retractor blades extending generally perpendicularly to the retractor body, the retractor body being operable to separate the at plurality of retractor blades relative to each; and a supplemental retractor blade assembly attachable to at least two of the plurality of retractor blades, the supplemental retractor blade assembly comprising an elongated supplemental retractor blade and a crossbar connector, the crossbar connector configured to be attached to said at least two retractor blades while engaging the supplemental retractor blade.

Abstract: The present application describes power management devices, systems and methods. In an embodiment, a power management controller is configured to: determine that a secondary electronic device requires an amount of power that exceeds a default power threshold defined in a default power scheme; monitor internal power requirements associated with on-board functions of an electronic device and determine that internal power requirements satisfy predetermined criteria; and in response to determining that the secondary electronic device requires an amount of power that exceeds the default power threshold and that the internal power requirements satisfy the predetermined criteria, adjust a power scheme associated with the port and implemented by the power limiter to provide, to the secondary electronic device, an amount of power that exceeds the default power threshold.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprising a tissue dilation assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures. A retractor assembly for creating an operative corridor to a spinal surgical target site is disclosed, comprising: a retractor body and a plurality retractor blades extending generally perpendicularly to the retractor body, the retractor body being operable to separate the at plurality of retractor blades relative to each; and a supplemental retractor blade assembly attachable to at least two of the plurality of retractor blades, the supplemental retractor blade assembly comprising an elongated supplemental retractor blade and a crossbar connector, the crossbar connector configured to be attached to said at least two retractor blades while engaging the supplemental retractor blade.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a water-based erasable ink for use in a writing instrument. The ink comprises platy-like pigment particles, film formers and an aqueous vehicle. Also disclosed are writing instruments using such inks as well as comprising a reservoir containing a water based erasable ink having a non-shear-thinning composition and a porous fiber nib in fluid communication with this reservoir. Related methods of forming an erasable marking are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating a customized insole for footwear using information relating to pressure applied by the sole of a foot, which information is correlated to removable pieces of the insole. Embodiments include a method and apparatus for generating a customized insole for footwear, including receiving data from a pressure plate corresponding to a pressure map of the sole of a foot; determining regions of high relative pressure exceeding a predetermined relative pressure level within the pressure map; and associating data related to the regions of high relative pressure to an insole including removable insole pieces corresponding to the pressure map.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating a customized insole for footwear using information relating to pressure applied by the sole of a foot, which information is correlated to removable pieces of the insole. Embodiments include a method and apparatus for generating a customized insole for footwear, comprising receiving data from a pressure plate corresponding to a pressure map of the sole of a foot; determining regions of high relative pressure exceeding a predetermined relative pressure level within the pressure map; and associating data related to the regions of high relative pressure to an insole comprising removable insole pieces corresponding to the pressure map.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying force to a patient's upper torso and cervical region, and method for using the same, comprising a pair of panels adapted to fit under the arms of a patient and to cover the patient's chest and back. The panels have edges defining lateral extremities of the panels at the patient's chest and back. A pair of sleeves is provided having tubular portions adapted for receiving the patient's arms therein. The tubular portions have a slit and are adapted for adjustable fitting about the patient's distal biceps. Straps are used for maintaining the panels against the patient's chest. A bulbous disk is provided for contacting the rear of the patient's lower neck and upper back and for applying a spreading force over the patient's neck and back. Straps are connected to front surfaces of the sleeve upper portions and adapted for applying force to the disk and hence to the patient's neck, back, shoulder girdles, and upper extremities.

Abstract: The new variety Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ is provided. The new and distinct variety has high ornamental value; cold tolerance for short periods of time; and relatively long trichomes on the sheath and at the leaf blade edge at the collar. The asexually reproduced variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.