Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a spinal rod to a bone anchor includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The inner tube is adjustable relative to the outer tube along the longitudinal axis of the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A spring is interposed between the inner tube and the outer tube to bias the inner tube distally. A locking member is coupled to the outer tube and is adjustable between a proximal position in which the locking member is spaced apart from the inner tube and a distal position in which the locking member inhibits proximal axial motion of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for placing a spinal fixation rod into a rod receiving opening in a spinal anchor and installing a fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor. In one embodiment, the system can include a cap having a bore extending therethrough, an elongate drive rod that is adapted to extend through the bore, and a fastener that is disposed on a distal portion of the drive rod. The cap can include a driving element that is adapted to cooperate with a complementary driving element disposed on the rod to form a driving mechanism. Actuation of the driver mechanism can be effective to advance the drive rod through the cap to thereby reduce a spinal rod into a rod receiving opening of the spinal anchor and install the fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a spinal rod to a bone anchor includes an inner tube and an outer tube disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The inner tube is adjustable relative to the outer tube along the longitudinal axis of the outer tube between a first position and a second position in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A spring is interposed between the inner tube and the outer tube to bias the inner tube distally. A locking member is coupled to the outer tube and is adjustable between a proximal position in which the locking member is spaced apart from the inner tube and a distal position in which the locking member inhibits proximal axial motion of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for placing a spinal fixation rod into a rod receiving opening in a spinal anchor and installing a fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor. In one embodiment, the system can include a cap having a bore extending therethrough, an elongate drive rod that is adapted to extend through the bore, and a fastener that is disposed on a distal portion of the drive rod. The cap can include a driving element that is adapted to cooperate with a complementary driving element disposed on the rod to form a driving mechanism. Actuation of the driver mechanism can be effective to advance the drive rod through the cap to thereby reduce a spinal rod into a rod receiving opening of the spinal anchor and install the fastener to secure the rod to the spinal anchor.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of blade assemblies interconnected by a plurality of racks. One or more of the blade assemblies is movable along a rack to selectively expand the retractor. At least one of the blade assemblies includes a blade that is rotatably connected to the blade assembly and that is rotatable independent of other blades of the retractor.

Abstract: A viscosity meter comprises a straight metal rod having an end portion immersed in a fluid whose viscosity is determined. An intermediate portion of the rod is secured against movement and the other end portion is driven into transversal flexure oscillation by a coil. The coil is fed with an A.C. current at the natural frequency of the rod and the magnitude of the oscillation is measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for vibrating the pin of a viscometer, wherein the emitter arm of the pin is fixed to the end of a spring leaf pivoted about a fixed point, said leaf abutting on a ball bearing whose inner race is moved in rotation by a drive shaft eccentric with respect to the axis of the bearing and whose outer race is locked in rotation. The invention is more particularly applied to vibrating viscometers of the type comprising a pin.