Abstract: A lockable carrier mount including a main body, an actuating mechanism and interference locking member, and a securement member. The actuating mechanism is configurable between locked and released configurations. The actuating mechanism includes rotatable actuator having a blocking portion with at least one protrusion extending radially further from a rotational axis of the actuator than other parts of the blocking portion. The interference locking member is coupled to the main body and has an engagement surface for selectively engaging the blocking portion. The engagement surface can abut the protrusion in the locked configuration to prevent rotation of the actuator relative to the locking member. The securement member is operably coupled to the actuating mechanism and configured to move toward a secured configuration when the actuator is rotated in one direction and move toward a released configuration when the actuator is rotated in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An instrument for distracting and/or compressing adjacent vertebrae is described. The instrument includes a yoke, a first blade movably mounted to the yoke, a second blade mounted to the yoke and an adjustment system. The yoke, the first blade and the second blade form a working channel for the instrument. The adjustment system of the instrument is configured to adjust a spacing between the first blade and the second blade by selectively moving the first blade relative to the second blade to distract and/or compress adjacent vertebrae when the first blade and the second blade have been secured to the adjacent vertebrae. The instrument may include a depth stop system that limits an insertion depth of an associated tool inserted into the working channel of the instrument. The adjustable depth stop system includes a releasable catch for securing a stop element of the associated tool.

Abstract: An elongate member having a fixed end is passed through a plurality of grippers that impart tension in the elongate member and prevent the tension from being released. At least one gripper is movable while at least one other can be fixed. The movable gripper travels along the elongate member toward the fixed end then reverses direction, grips the elongate member, and carries the elongate member away from the fixed end, thereby creating tension in the elongate member. At least one gripper prevents the tension from being released. In some embodiments, the elongate member passes through a rotatable shaft with a lumen. The shaft can be in communication with a crank, whereby operation of the crank rotates the shaft.

Abstract: A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region (12A). The second leg section (20) is insertable into the second bone region (12B). The connector section (22) connects the first leg section (18) to the second leg section (20). The connector section (22) includes a deformable region (22A) that is movable from a first configuration (14A) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a first distance (24) and a second configuration (14B) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a second distance (26) that is less than the first distance (24). In one embodiment, compression of the deformable region (22A) causes the deformable region (22A) to move from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B).

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheeled shovels. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheeled shovel generally includes a wheel assembly having an axle and a wheel. The wheeled shovel also includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame may be disposed relative to the axle such that the axle is operable as a fulcrum about which the frame may pivot. A handle may be disposed at about the upper portion of the frame. A shovel blade may be disposed at about the lower portion of the frame. The wheel assembly, frame, handle, and shovel blade may be cooperatively configured so as to enable the wheeled shovel to throw a load of material generally upwardly and forwardly away from the shovel blade in response to a sufficient force applied to the handle for pivoting the frame relative to the axle with a recoil generated through the fulcrum at the axle.

Abstract: An instrument for distracting and/or compressing adjacent vertebrae is described. The instrument includes a yoke, a first blade movably mounted to the yoke, a second blade mounted to the yoke and an adjustment system. The yoke, the first blade and the second blade form a working channel for the instrument. The adjustment system of the instrument is configured to adjust a spacing between the first blade and the second blade by selectively moving the first blade relative to the second blade to distract and/or compress adjacent vertebrae when the first blade and the second blade have been secured to the adjacent vertebrae. The instrument may include a depth stop system that limits an insertion depth of an associated tool inserted into the working channel of the instrument. The adjustable depth stop system includes a releasable catch for securing a stop element of the associated tool.

Abstract: A bone staple (10) for securing a first bone region (12A) to a second bone region (12B) includes a staple body (16) having a first leg section (18), a second leg section (20), and a connector section (22). The first leg section (18) is insertable into the first bone region (12A). The second leg section (20) is insertable into the second bone region (12B). The connector section (22) connects the first leg section (18) to the second leg section (20). The connector section (22) includes a deformable region (22A) that is movable from a first configuration (14A) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a first distance (24) and a second configuration (14B) in which the leg sections (18) (20) are spaced apart a second distance (26) that is less than the first distance (24). In one embodiment, compression of the deformable region (22A) causes the deformable region (22A) to move from the first configuration (14A) to the second configuration (14B).

Abstract: A crank assembly for a bicycle uses a plurality of auxiliary sprockets and chains to achieve high ratios of wheel speed to pedal-rotation speed. The compact crank assembly is especially well suited for use on full-suspension bicycles, as high gear ratios are attained without altering the normal size and layout of the main sprocket and drive chain of the bicycle. The auxiliary sprockets may be coupled by a simple axle or, alternatively, may be coupled by a rider-adjustable transmission to provide greater control over the gear ratio of the crank assembly.