Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical alignment and distraction frame and associated methods of use that facilitates correction of a sagittal imbalance. The alignment and distraction frame works in conjunction with pedicle screw installation guide assemblies to impart the desired correction. The alignment frame can be utilized to ensure the pedicle screw housings are aligned (to facilitate rod coupling) in concert with the completion of a correction maneuver.

Abstract: A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises a rigid support structure, a magnet bar structure movably attached to the rigid support structure, and at least one actuation mechanism coupled to the rigid support structure and configured to change a distance of the magnet bar structure from a surface of a rotatable target cylinder. The magnetron assembly also includes a position indicating mechanism operative to measure a position of the magnet bar structure relative to the surface of the rotatable target cylinder. A communications device is configured to receive command signals from outside of the magnetron assembly and transmit information signals to outside of the magnetron assembly.

Abstract: A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises an elongated support structure, a magnet bar structure movably positioned below the support structure, and a plurality of drive modules coupled to the support structure. The drive modules each include a motorized actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the magnet bar structure. A controller and battery module is coupled to the support structure and is in operative communication with the drive modules. The controller and battery module includes an electronic controller and at least one rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to energize each motorized actuation mechanism and the electronic controller. One or more power generation modules is coupled to the support structure and in electrical communication with the battery, such that electrical energy output from the power generation modules recharges the battery.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a plasma source comprising a body in which a cavity is formed and at least two self-contained magnetron assemblies disposed within the cavity. The magnetron assemblies are mutually electrically isolated from each other and from the body. In one implementation of such an embodiment, the self-contained magnetron assemblies comprise closed-drift magnetron assemblies. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a plasma source comprising a body in which a cavity is formed and at least two self-contained magnetron assemblies disposed within the cavity. The magnetron assemblies are mutually electrically isolated from each other and from the body. In one implementation of such an embodiment, the self-contained magnetron assemblies comprise closed-drift magnetron assemblies. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises an elongated support structure, a magnet bar structure movably positioned below the support structure, and a plurality of drive modules coupled to the support structure. The drive modules each include a motorized actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the magnet bar structure. A controller and battery module is coupled to the support structure and is in operative communication with the drive modules. The controller and battery module includes an electronic controller and at least one rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to energize each motorized actuation mechanism and the electronic controller. One or more power generation modules is coupled to the support structure and in electrical communication with the battery, such that electrical energy output from the power generation modules recharges the battery.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. A fixation anchor is provided that includes a break off extension guide that extends from an anchor housing which captures a fixation rod. The extension guide has a guide channel that aligns with a rod channel in the housing to help direct the rod into the housing. The extension guide includes proximal breakable joints that allow the arms of the extension guide to be separated to facilitate rod insertion. Distal breakable joints are provided to allow the arms of the extension guide to be removed. Features and instruments for reducing the rod through the extension guide are also provided.

Abstract: This application describes surgical instruments and implants for building a posterior fixation construct across one or more segments of the spinal column. Extension guides are provided that attach to bone anchors implanted within the spine. The extension guides have a guide channel that align with a rod channel in the anchor to help direct the rod to the anchor. Instruments are provided to aid in insertion and positioning or the rod.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a guide assembly for introducing a bone anchor to an operative target site. The guide includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a distal anchor engaging end, a proximal end, and a central passage extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The inner sleeve may be situated in the central passage of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is movable being between a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of the bone anchor in the central passage. The second position releasably fixes the bone anchor to the guide assembly.

Abstract: A decentralized process controller comprises at least two programmable interface modules in operative communication with each other. Each of the interface modules includes a processor and is configurable for connection to separate field devices comprising at least one sensor device and at least one actuator device. The at least two programmable interface modules are configurable as a stand-alone process control loop when one of the interface modules is connected to the sensor device, and the other of the interface modules is connected to the actuator device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-destructive detection of contamination on a slider in a data storage device. In some embodiments, the slider supports a read element adjacent a rotating data recording medium. A non-repeatable runout (NRRO) component of a position error signal (PES) obtained from readback signals transduced from the read element is extracted. A power spectral density (PSD) analysis of the NRRO component is performed to identify a peak power level, and slider contamination is detected responsive to the peak power level.

Abstract: The present application describes a pedicle fixation system and methods for correcting deformities of the spine and fixing the corrected portion of the spine in a corrected position. The disclosed system and associated methods include at least one pedicle screw in which a receiver portion of the pedicle screw is coupled to a screw portion of the pedicle screw in a manner such that the receiver portion is initially movable relative to the screw portion in a polyaxial fashion and subsequently lockable relative to the screw portion prior to locking a rod in the housing. Instruments for locking the receiver portion relative to the screw portion are also described.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and methods for assembling and implanting a polyaxial bone screw assembly. The polyaxial bone screw assembly includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a bone screw that can be initially secured to a bony structure and subsequently have a receiver assembly attached to the implanted bone screw. Additionally, a closure structure is a part of the polyaxial bone screw assembly and functions to secure an elongate member within the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises a rigid support structure, a magnet bar structure movably attached to the rigid support structure, and at least one actuation mechanism coupled to the rigid support structure and configured to change a distance of the magnet bar structure from a surface of a rotatable target cylinder. The magnetron assembly also includes a position indicating mechanism operative to measure a position of the magnet bar structure relative to the surface of the rotatable target cylinder. A communications device is configured to receive command signals from outside of the magnetron assembly and transmit information signals to outside of the magnetron assembly.

Abstract: A magnetron assembly for a rotary target cathode comprises an elongated support structure, a magnet bar structure movably positioned below the support structure, and a plurality of drive modules coupled to the support structure. The drive modules each include a motorized actuation mechanism operatively coupled to the magnet bar structure. A controller and battery module is coupled to the support structure and is in operative communication with the drive modules. The controller and battery module includes an electronic controller and at least one rechargeable battery. The battery is configured to energize each motorized actuation mechanism and the electronic controller. One or more power generation modules is coupled to the support structure and in electrical communication with the battery, such that electrical energy output from the power generation modules recharges the battery.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a plasma source comprising a body in which a cavity is formed and at least two self-contained magnetron assemblies disposed within the cavity. The magnetron assemblies are mutually electrically isolated from each other and from the body. In one implementation of such an embodiment, the self-contained magnetron assemblies comprise closed-drift magnetron assemblies. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprises creating calibration data using a first control circuitry of an apparatus, replacing the first control circuitry with a second control circuitry in the apparatus, and operating the apparatus with the second control circuitry using the calibration data. As an example, the apparatus may be a disc drive. The second control circuitry may be substantially similar to the first control circuitry such that calibration measurements using the first control circuitry are applicable to the second control circuitry. The first control circuitry may be included in a circuit board that is replaced with a second circuit board including the second control circuitry. In an exemplary embodiment, the second circuit board may include different and/or additional components relative to the first circuit board, such as integrated video inputs and/or video control circuitry.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and a method for assembling a modular hip implant where the desired orientation of the neck component is uniquely determined during the trialing phase of the operation, and that same desired orientation is accurately reproduced during the implantation phase of the actual hip implant device.