Abstract: An adapter for removably coupling a tracker to a surgical handpiece includes a proximal member having an interface configured to engage and prevent rotation of the proximal member relative to the surgical handpiece, a distal member slidably and rotatably coupled to the proximal member, a biasing member disposed between the proximal distal members and configured to urge the proximal and distal members in opposing directions, and a tracking array mount coupled to the distal member. The biasing member is configured to be compressed by a reference feature of the end effector and the surgical handpiece when the distal member is disposed on the end effector and the end effector is coupled to the surgical handpiece, the compressed biasing member creating a frictional force between the distal and proximal members that resists rotation of the distal member relative to the proximal member.

Abstract: An adapter for removably coupling a tracker to a surgical handpiece includes a proximal member having an interface configured to engage and prevent rotation of the proximal member relative to the surgical handpiece, a distal member slidably and rotatably coupled to the proximal member, a biasing member disposed between the proximal distal members and configured to urge the proximal and distal members in opposing directions, and a tracking array mount coupled to the distal member. The biasing member is configured to be compressed by a reference feature of the end effector and the surgical handpiece when the distal member is disposed on the end effector and the end effector is coupled to the surgical handpiece, the compressed biasing member creating a frictional force between the distal and proximal members that resists rotation of the distal member relative to the proximal member.

Abstract: A minimally invasive spinous process fixation system includes dual rigid spinous clamps, each configured to articulate axially along a cylindrical shaft, and together configured to enclose and clamp around the adjacent or superior spinous process by means of opposing and swiveling spherical contact heads with spiked spinous contact faces. The spinous clamps are lockable when desired compression is achieved. A pedicle clamp has right and left clamp bodies for enveloping pre-existing pedicle rods. Each of the right and left clamp bodies includes upper and lower rigid metal plates supporting medial and lateral swivel cups. The upper and lower medial swivel cups engage and clamp about a connecting rod extending from the spinous clamp, and the upper and lower lateral swivel cups engage and clamp about one of the pedicle rods. A channel through the upper and lower metal plates accepts a locking screw to simultaneously tighten and fix the swivel cups in place about the connecting rod and the pedicle rod.

Abstract: A needle safety guard device adapted to attach to a liquid container is provided. The device includes a disk-shaped shield having a medial opening connected with a radial opening between two radial edges. The device also includes a substantially U-shaped holder having two sidewalls coupled substantially perpendicular to the disk-shaped shield along the two radial edges, and a top cover connecting to the two sidewalls and extending from the shield above the radial opening. The U-shaped holder includes a wedged protrusion and a curved protrusion extending from each of the two sidewalls, the curved protrusion being between the top cover and the wedged protrusion for blocking a cap of the liquid container from moving toward the medial opening.

Abstract: The eyeglass frame is an improved eyeglass frame with dislocating joints. The dislocating joints prevent damage to the eyeglass frame when external forces are applied to the structure and allow for the frame to be disconnected, if so desired. The joints dislocate without completely separating from the other components of the eyeglass frame or becoming damaged, and the joints can be quickly reconnected without tools.

Abstract: Safety syringes are disclosed, wherein a needle, at least one locking track and at least one tab disposed on an exterior surface of the barrel, wherein the barrel is in fluid communication with the needle, a plunger capable of fitting into the barrel, and a hollow sleeve having a first opening on a first end and a second opening on an opposite end, and having at least one protrusion on an interior surface of the hollow sleeve, wherein the tab on the at least one locking track on the barrel is adapted to engage the at least one protrusion of the hollow sleeve, thereby locking a position of the barrel with respect to a position of the hollow sleeve.

Abstract: Novel tools, accessories and methods for fixing a patient's upper and lower jaws together with flexible straps are disclosed. The tools are intended to either allow placement of a flexible strap to bind items to the teeth, or for using a flexible strap to fasten the upper and lower jaw into place, among other purposes. These accessories include a washer with a ratchet head for mounting on a bone screw, a bone screw with integrated ratchet head, dental blocks for use with the bone screws and washers, a flexible strap provided with a dissection tip for forcing the strap through tissue, and combinations thereof, and tools for inserting flexible straps through the gums, among other tools and accessories.

Abstract: A positioning device is described for supporting the chest and head of a patient in a desired position during a medical procedure. The device includes removable inserts that allow the device to be adjusted to fit the size of the patient's head and torso.

Abstract: An adjustable tongue-positioning device for an oral gag device has a shaft portion with a vertical shaft adapted for slideably engaging with an oral gag device, an engagement bead attached to a support, the support attached to the vertical shaft, an engagement ring attached to the vertical shaft. The tongue positioning device also has an adjustable tongue portion with at least one tongue depressor portion having a slot adapted for engaging with the engagement bead of the shaft portion, and a flexible ratchet adapted for engaging with the engagement ring of the shaft portion. In operation the adjustable tongue portion is engaged with the engagement ring and bead of the shaft portion, and the shaft portion with an adjustment mechanism of an oral gag.

Abstract: A minimally invasive spinous process fixation system includes dual rigid spinous clamps, each configured to articulate axially along a cylindrical shaft, and together configured to enclose and clamp around the adjacent or superior spinous process by means of opposing and swiveling spherical contact heads with spiked spinous contact faces. The spinous clamps are lockable when desired compression is achieved. A pedicle clamp has right and left clamp bodies for enveloping pre-existing pedicle rods. Each of the right and left clamp bodies includes upper and lower rigid metal plates supporting medial and lateral swivel cups. The upper and lower medial swivel cups engage and clamp about a connecting rod extending from the spinous clamp, and the upper and lower lateral swivel cups engage and clamp about one of the pedicle rods. A channel through the upper and lower metal plates accepts a locking screw to simultaneously tighten and fix the swivel cups in place about the connecting rod and the pedicle rod.

Abstract: A needle safety guard device adapted to attach to a liquid container is provided. The device includes a disk-shaped shield having a medial opening connected with a radial opening between two radial edges. The device also includes a substantially U-shaped holder having two sidewalls coupled substantially perpendicular to the disk-shaped shield along the two radial edges, and a top cover connecting to the two sidewalls and extending from the shield above the radial opening. The U-shaped holder includes a wedged protrusion and a curved protrusion extending from each of the two sidewalls, the curved protrusion being between the top cover and the wedged protrusion for blocking a cap of the liquid container from moving toward the medial opening.

Abstract: A needle safety guard device adapted to attach to a liquid container is provided. The device includes a disk-shaped shield having a medial opening connected with a radial opening between two radial edges. The device also includes a substantially U-shaped holder having two sidewalls coupled substantially perpendicular to the disk-shaped shield along the two radial edges, and a top cover connecting to the two sidewalls and extending from the shield above the radial opening. The U-shaped holder includes a wedged protrusion and a curved protrusion extending from each of the two sidewalls, the curved protrusion being between the top cover and the wedged protrusion for blocking a cap of the liquid container from moving toward the medial opening.

Abstract: The eyeglass frame is an improved eyeglass frame with dislocating joints. The dislocating joints prevent damage to the eyeglass frame when external forces are applied to the structure and allow for the frame to be disconnected, if so desired. The joints dislocate without completely separating from the other components of the eyeglass frame or becoming damaged, and the joints can be quickly reconnected without tools.

Abstract: A needle safety guard device adapted to attach to a liquid container is provided. The device includes a disk-shaped shield having a medial opening connected with a radial opening between two radial edges. The device also includes a substantially U-shaped holder having two sidewalls coupled substantially perpendicular to the disk-shaped shield along the two radial edges, and a top cover connecting to the two sidewalls and extending from the shield above the radial opening. The U-shaped holder includes a wedged protrusion and a curved protrusion extending from each of the two sidewalls, the curved protrusion being between the top cover and the wedged protrusion for blocking a cap of the liquid container from moving toward the medial opening.

Abstract: A needle safety guard device adapted to attach to a liquid container is provided. The device includes a disk-shaped shield having a medial opening connected with a radial opening between two radial edges. The device also includes a substantially U-shaped holder having two sidewalls coupled substantially perpendicular to the disk-shaped shield along the two radial edges, and a top cover connecting to the two sidewalls and extending from the shield above the radial opening. The U-shaped holder includes a wedged protrusion and a curved protrusion extending from each of the two sidewalls, the curved protrusion being between the top cover and the wedged protrusion for blocking a cap of the liquid container from moving toward the medial opening.