Abstract: A manifold for connection to a waste collection vacuum device. The manifold includes suction port tubes and a vacuum port that define interconnected fluid communication pathways such that no walls define proximal and distal ends of the manifold. Tabs are coupled to at least one of the interconnected fluid communication pathways. The tabs interface with keyed surfaces of the waste collection vacuum device so as to facilitate positive location and mechanical fixation with the waste collection vacuum device. A web of material may extend between the suction port tubes to increase torsional strength of the manifold. There may be two webs of material with each coupled to opposing pairs of four suction port tubes. The vacuum port may be a single vacuum port.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing sidewall defining an opening and a display component, such as a display cover, disposed in the opening to form a gap between the housing sidewall and the display component. In at least one example, the cavity is defined by the sidewall and the display cover with the cavity in fluid communication with an external environment through the gap. In at least one example, an epoxy component at least partially defines the cavity and can be in direct contact with the housing sidewall.

Abstract: Mechanical modifications to a spinal rod that will enable the rod to accept various coating technologies in such a way that the spinal construct's biomechanical performance is not compromised. These modifications preserve construct biomechanics in the presence of a coating and increase the bactericidal payload of an anti-infective spinal rod coating.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing sidewall defining an opening and a display component, such as a display cover, disposed in the opening to form a gap between the housing sidewall and the display component. In at least one example, the cavity is defined by the sidewall and the display cover with the cavity in fluid communication with an external environment through the gap. In at least one example, an epoxy component at least partially defines the cavity and can be in direct contact with the housing sidewall.

Abstract: Various spinal implants and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal implant is provided having an expandable container with an interior volume that is selectively expandable between a compressed condition and an expanded condition. The expandable container is coupled to a superior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with a superior surface of the expandable container, and an inferior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with an inferior surface of the expandable container. In addition, at least one inlet port is formed in the expandable container and is effective to communicate a fluid to at least one cavity disposed within the interior volume of the expandable container.

Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining a first aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume. An air permeable component can be disposed at the first aperture and the device can include a support component defining a second aperture within the first aperture and engaging the air permeable component. The support component can include a sidewall disposed in the first aperture and defining at least one notch.

Abstract: A manifold for connection to a waste collection vacuum device. The manifold includes suction port tubes and a vacuum port that define interconnected fluid communication pathways such that no walls define proximal and distal ends of the manifold. Tabs are coupled to at least one of the interconnected fluid communication pathways. The tabs interface with keyed surfaces of the waste collection vacuum device so as to facilitate positive location and mechanical fixation with the waste collection vacuum device. The manifold may include a body, and a flow director may be disposed within the body. A filter element may also be disposed within the body and include a distal section having a cross-sectional area less than a cross-sectional area of a proximal section. Each of the distal and proximal sections may define apertures configured to trap liquid, semi-solid, or solid waste within the fluid path.

Abstract: An electronic device can include a housing defining a first aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume. An air permeable component can be disposed at the first aperture and the device can include a support component defining a second aperture within the first aperture and engaging the air permeable component. The support component can include a sidewall disposed in the first aperture and defining at least one notch.

Abstract: Medical waste collection manifolds that that may connect to a vacuum system to create suction, such that liquid, semi-solid, or solid biological or medical waste may be collected are provided. The manifold may be configured to collect hazardous waste in a manner to ensure proper containment.

Abstract: A fluid management system, or flow control system, for an automotive propulsion system is provided. The system includes a housing defining a sump configured to collect a volume of liquid and gaseous fluid and a pump configured to pump fluid from the sump. The pump defines a pump inlet and a pump outlet. A conduit is in fluid communication with the pump outlet. A passive valve is disposed within the conduit, the conduit defining a conduit outlet downstream of the passive valve, and the conduit further defining an orifice between the pump and the passive valve. The passive valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow past the valve, while substantially preventing air from flowing past the passive valve. The air is instead bled out through the orifice, along with some of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A portable pill dispenser is disclosed herein. The portable pill dispenser includes a container configured to house at least one pill therein. The container is attachable to a housing, which comprises a dispensing opening. A dispensing mechanism, a ramp, and a control panel are disposed within the housing. The dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense the at least one pill from the container to the dispensing opening. The ramp is configured to direct the at least one pill to the dispensing mechanism. A verification mechanism is disposed about the housing. The verification mechanism is configured to activate the dispensing mechanism. The control panel is in electrical communication with the dispensing mechanism and the verification mechanism.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for an automated soldering process is provided. The apparatus includes a stepper motor to provide solder and a hot end including a casing to heat the solder and to provide liquified solder to a terminal and to an exposed portion of a wire. The apparatus includes a terminal fixture to support the terminal and the exposed portion of a wire while the hot end provides the liquified solder to the terminal and to the exposed portion of the wire. The apparatus includes a first heating device to heat the terminal and the exposed portion of the wire to enable a flow of the liquified solder onto the terminal and the exposed portion of the wire.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) system that is modular in nature and allows mobility for subjects utilizing the system. In an aspect, the IPC system utilizes a mobile IPC device. The mobile IPC devices is an easy to use portable device that can be mounted onto a limb of a subject. The modular mobile IPC device includes an independent power source, allowing subjects to be mobile while the IPC device is operating. In an aspect, the mobile IPC device also ensures compliance of following the prescribed treatment.

Abstract: Various spinal implants and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal implant is provided having an expandable container with an interior volume that is selectively expandable between a compressed condition and an expanded condition. The expandable container is coupled to a superior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with a superior surface of the expandable container, and an inferior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with an inferior surface of the expandable container. In addition, at least one inlet port is formed in the expandable container and is effective to communicate a fluid to at least one cavity disposed within the interior volume of the expandable container.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) system that is modular in nature and allows mobility for subjects utilizing the system. In an aspect, the IPC system utilizes a mobile IPC device. The mobile IPC devices is an easy to use portable device that can be mounted onto a limb of a subject. The modular mobile IPC device includes an independent power source, allowing subjects to be mobile while the IPC device is operating. In an aspect, the mobile IPC device also ensures compliance of following the prescribed treatment.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing the effectiveness of spinal stabilization, and particularly that of cervical spinal stabilization, are provided herein. More specifically, methods and systems are disclosed for effectively positioning occipital plates and spinal fixation assemblies within target vertebrae, while also reducing any associated patient trauma (e.g., muscle stripping, tissue damage, etc.). The systems and methods can utilize trans-lamina delivery of the spinal fixation assemblies to allow for the positioning of the fixation elements along the midline of the patient's spine.

Abstract: Various spinal implants and methods for stabilizing the spine are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal implant is provided having an expandable container with an interior volume that is selectively expandable between a compressed condition and an expanded condition. The expandable container is coupled to a superior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with a superior surface of the expandable container, and an inferior endplate member having a bone-contacting surface and an engagement surface effective to mate with an inferior surface of the expandable container. In addition, at least one inlet port is formed in the expandable container and is effective to communicate a fluid to at least one cavity disposed within the interior volume of the expandable container.

Abstract: A fluid management system for an automotive propulsion system is provided. The fluid management system includes a conduit system configured to deliver hydraulic fluid. A housing defining a sump is configured to collect a volume of hydraulic fluid and gaseous fluid. At least one intake valve is disposed in selective fluid communication with the conduit system and the sump. The intake valve(s) is/are configured to allow the passage of the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the conduit system and to substantially prevent the passage of the gaseous fluid from the sump to the conduit system. Thus, hydraulic fluid that is substantially free of air is provided to hydraulic system components downstream of the intake valve(s).