Abstract: A composite material device for connecting an orthopedic rod to a pedicle screw may include: a housing having an annular body including: two opposite concave indents at a proximal end of the housing and in a longitudinal direction along the housing, the concave indents configured to receive an orthopedic rod; and an internal thread on an internal surface of a proximal portion of the housing; an adapter to lock at least a portion of a pedicle screw head within a distal portion of the housing; and an internal bolt including an external thread configured to mate with the internal thread of the housing, the internal bolt being configured to be screwed into the proximal portion of the housing so as to lock the orthopedic rod between the adapter and the internal bolt; wherein the housing, the adapter and the internal bolt comprise composite material. Supplemental tools for handling the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-rotor system for providing air thrust is disclosed comprising at least one multi-rotor assembly. The multi-rotor assembly comprising at least two rotors rotatable about a common axis wherein the outer radius of a first rotor is substantially similar to the inner radius of the second rotor. An airborne vehicle is also disclosed that is adapted to perform vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). The airborne vehicle comprising at least two multi-rotor system disposed substantially symmetrically around the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for a non-contact measurement of an IOP of a subjects eye including: a frame; a conduit connected to the frame and aligned along a conduit axis; at least one camera connected to the frame and configured to capture one or more image frames each comprising an image of a side view of a cornea of the subjects eye; a fluid pulse generator in fluid communication with the conduit, the fluid pulse generator configured to generate a fluid pulse and puff the fluid pulse through the conduit; and a controller comprising a processing unit, the processing unit configured to: receive the one or more image frames; determine one or more fluid pulse pressure values; and determine the IOP value of the subjects eye based on at least one of the one or more image frames and at least one of the one or more fluid pressure values.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite material bone screws having threads surfaced with a metallic outer layer is described. In some embodiments, the method includes preparing a metallic outer layer by 3-D printing, inserting a composite material into the metallic outer layer, and attaching the metallic outer layer onto the composite material.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a mobile robot unit for engaging a wheel of parked target vehicle is provided, the mobile robot unit comprising: a frame adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration and vice versa, wherein in the second configuration the frame engages the vehicle wheel to apply a sufficient counterforce onto the vehicle wheel to lift the vehicle wheel and the vehicle weight supported by the vehicle wheel from the ground; and at least two wheel assemblies supporting the frame above the ground, each wheel assembly comprising at least one steerable wheel, the steerable wheel contacting the ground.

Abstract: A pedicle screw implant construct kit, comprising at least one pedicle screw, at least one collar comprising a recess for receiving a rod, the collar configured to be coupled to a head of the pedicle screw, an elongated rod for connecting the collar to one more additional collars to couple between the pedicle screw and one or more additional screws, and a locking ring sized to be positioned over at least a distal portion of the collar to restrain relative movement of the screw head and rod by exerting radial compression force onto the collar. In some embodiments, the components of the kit are comprised of carbon reinforced composite material, optionally with no radiation blocking material. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the kit includes two locking rings on a collar, optionally both below the rod.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite material bone screws having threads surfaced with a metallic layer are described. In some embodiments, the metallic layer comprises a plurality of anchors placed to engage with the composite material and resist shearing when the bone screw is inserted or removed.

Abstract: There is provided a method, apparatus, computer program product and wearable device for monitoring volumetric change of a lung during a breathing cycle by using an electronic signal. The method comprises: receiving by a receiver an electronic signal transmitted from a transmitter, wherein at least part of a path of the signal contours at least part of a chest wall of the lung; determining by the receiver measurements of an attribute of the signal received at the beginning and the end of a time interval during the breathing cycle; calculating by a processor a change in length of the signal path during the time interval based on the measurements of the attribute of the signal received at the beginning and the end of the time interval; and calculating by the processor a volumetric change during the time interval based on the change in signal path length.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a pedicle screw implant construct kit, comprising: at least one pedicle screw including a head; an embracing structure shaped and sized for embracing at least a portion of the screw head; an upper fastener for mounting onto the embracing structure, the upper fastener having a polygonal profile at least on a face of the upper fastener facing a direction opposite the screw.

Abstract: A method of non-invasive measurement of an intraocular pressure (IOP), the method may include: obtaining an image of at least a portion of a specific element of a subject's eye; detecting at least a portion of the specific element in the obtained image; and determining a value of a geometric property of the specific element based on the obtained image, the determined value of the geometric property is indicative of an IOP value of the subject's eye. In some embodiments, the specific element comprises at least one of: at least a portion of a limbus and at least a portion of an anterior surface of a sclera of the subject's eye.

Abstract: Devices, assemblies, kits, systems and methods for shaping of elongated elements containing thermoplastic polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and orally administered supplements are provided, which use bacterial strains to reduce absorption of calories by a subject from consumed nutrients. The bacterial strain(s) are selected to metabolize at least part of the nutrient(s) consumed by the subject, and may be selected to be excreted and/or to have metabolic products that are excreted by the subject—making some of the consumed calories unavailable to the subject and/or reducing any of a glycemic, a cholesterol/lipids level and a protein value of the consumed nutrient(s). Appropriate coatings or covers may be applied to protect the bacteria from gastric acids, and the specific strains may be adjusted to increase their nutrient metabolism, improve their resistance to intestinal chemical conditions and optimize bacterial communities that may have synergic effects in nutrient metabolism, in a way that makes some of the calories unavailable to the subject.

Abstract: A multi-rotor system for providing air thrust is disclosed comprising at least one multi-rotor assembly. The multi-rotor assembly comprising at least two rotors rotatable about a common axis wherein the outer radius of a first rotor is substantially similar to the inner radius of the second rotor. An airborne vehicle is also disclosed that is adapted to perform vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). The airborne vehicle comprising at least two multi-rotor system disposed substantially symmetrically around the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-rotor system for providing air thrust is disclosed comprising at least one multi-rotor assembly. The multi-rotor assembly comprising at least two rotors rotatable about a common axis wherein the outer radius of a first rotor, is substantially similar to the inner radius of the second rotor. An airborne vehicle is also disclosed that is adapted to perform vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). The airborne vehicle comprising at least two multi-rotor system disposed substantially symmetrically around the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Abstract: Radiolucent composite implants. Some embodiments include reconfiguration indicators. Some embodiments include radio-opaque markers, especially along contours. Some embodiments are provided in kit form with accessories such as radiolucent drill guides and/or drives. Some embodiments have fiber reinforcement adapted for various usage scenarios. Some embodiments include metal components, for example, to increase strength. Also described are manufacturing methods.

Abstract: Generally, devices and methods for accelerating/decelerating a skin are disclosed.

Abstract: A coating layer, for example PEEK or titanium foil, shields a bone implant surface from wearing interactions with surfaces of bone and/or other implants. The coating prevents shedding particles which are difficult to distinguish from evidence of potentially dangerous conditions, for example, microorganism contamination and/or degenerating tissue. Methods and structures for securing a coating layer are described. Other uses and implementations of coating layers are described.

Abstract: A pedicle screw implant construct kit, comprising at least one pedicle screw, at least one collar comprising a recess for receiving a rod, the collar configured to be coupled to a head of the pedicle screw, an elongated rod for connecting the collar to one more additional collars to couple between the pedicle screw and one or more additional screws, and a locking ring sized to be positioned over at least a distal portion of the collar to restrain relative movement of the screw head and rod by exerting radial compression force onto the collar. In some embodiments, the components of the kit are comprised of carbon reinforced composite material, optionally with no radiation blocking material. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the kit includes two locking rings on a collar, optionally both below the rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a viscous material comprising: a) a first container capable of containing a viscous material; b) a transfer piston insertable in the first container so that the piston forms a circumferential seal with respect to the container, the transfer piston including a hole; and c) a mechanism for attaching an aperture of a second container to the hole in the transfer piston wherein insertion of the transfer piston into the first container causes the viscous material to pass through the aperture into the second container.

Abstract: Composite material screws and construction techniques are described comprising reinforcing fibers directed in different winding directions and/or angles at different layers (radial depths) of the screw. Optionally, the screw comprises composite material layers wound with fibers at both the pitch of the thread of the screw and at a steeper pitch (for example, about 45°). Optionally, an outer layer of the screw comprises a relative radiolucent construction and/or material, with a more radiopaque construction and/or material positioned underneath the outer layer such that at least a portion of the screw outline is delineated by a radioimaging technique (for example, fluoroscopy, CT, or MRI), while maintaining a sufficiently artifact-free image around the screw that the image characteristics of the surrounding tissue are still determinable.