Abstract: An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.

Abstract: An expandable anterior lumbar interbody fusion device comprises a multiple piece construction that includes an outer shell, movable upper and lower endplates and a pair of laterally spaced supports therebetween. The endplates are initially nested within the outer shell and telescope through the outer shell when expanded by a secondary instrument. Each endplate includes fixation elements to anchor the expanded device in an intervertebral disc space. Bilateral internal pockets are formed within each of the endplates to fully contain the supports. Once the device is expanded, the supports are pushed into place by the instrument in a manner to maintain the expanded position. After the supports are in place, the expander instrument is removed, and the device remains anchored in the expanded state.

Abstract: A modular inserter assembly for use in inserting an interbody fusion cage into the disc space between opposing vertebrae comprises a depth stop and a modular inserter tip releasably attached thereto. The modular inserter assembly includes a cage attachment surface for releasable attachment to an interbody fusion cage, the depth stop including a movable stop axially movable relative to the inserter tip and being sized and configured to engage an exterior surface of one of the vertebrae to establish the depth to which the interbody fusion cage is to be inserted in the disc space. A plurality of modular inserter tips, each being configured for selective releasable attachment to differently sized interbody fusion cages are provided in a kit with the depth stop.

Abstract: A disc preparation instrument for use in fusing spinal vertebrae comprises a modular scoring trial and a depth stop releasably attached to the scoring trial. The trial includes an elongate stem supporting a trial device at its distal tip. The trial device is insertable into a disc space and includes a rotatable rasp for scoring opposing vertebral endplates at a scored location. A stop, sized to engage an exterior surface of the vertebrae, is movable on the depth stop stem by rotation of an adjustment knob to a plurality of selectable distances between the proximal end of the trial device and the movable stop. An actuator releasably attached to the trial is operable to rotate the rasp. A plurality of modular trials, each having a trial device of different heights may be provided in a kit. Each scoring trial is selectively releasably attachable to a single depth stop.

Abstract: An attachment device comprising a base and a body section extending from the base and comprising two opposing arms. Each arm comprises a displacement limiting section and an interfacing surface member. The arms cooperate to define an opening and are configured to be displaced by an object positioned within the opening and interfacing with the interfacing surface members. Furthermore, the arms are configured to exert a compressive force on the object placed in the opening as a result of the displacement thereof.

Abstract: A modular inserter assembly for use in inserting an interbody fusion cage into the disc space between opposing vertebrae comprises a depth stop and a modular inserter tip releasably attached thereto. The modular inserter assembly includes a cage attachment surface for releasable attachment to an interbody fusion cage, the depth stop including a movable stop axially movable relative to the inserter tip and being sized and configured to engage an exterior surface of one of the vertebrae to establish the depth to which the interbody fusion cage is to be inserted in the disc space. A plurality of modular inserter tips, each being configured for selective releasable attachment to differently sized interbody fusion cages are provided in a kit with the depth stop.

Abstract: A disc preparation instrument for use in fusing spinal vertebrae comprises a modular scoring trial and a depth stop releasably attached to the scoring trial. The trial includes an elongate stem supporting a trial device at its distal tip. The trial device is insertable into a disc space and includes a rotatable rasp for scoring opposing vertebral endplates at a scored location. A stop, sized to engage an exterior surface of the vertebrae, is movable on the depth stop stem by rotation of an adjustment knob to a plurality of selectable distances between the proximal end of the trial device and the movable stop. An actuator releasably attached to the trial is operable to rotate the rasp. A plurality of modular trials, each having a trial device of different heights may be provided in a kit. Each scoring trial is selectively releasably attachable to a single depth stop.

Abstract: An accelerometer and a linear resonant actuator (LRA) are mechanically coupled, such as by being mounted to the same circuit board. The output of the accelerometer is evaluated in order to select a drive frequency for the LRA. For example, the drive frequency may be varied while measuring the magnitude of acceleration induced by the LRA. The output of the accelerometer may further be used to perform a fitness tracking function, such as counting steps or detecting an activity level.

Abstract: An accelerometer and a linear resonant actuator (LRA) are mechanically coupled, such as by being mounted to the same circuit board. The output of the accelerometer is evaluated in order to select a drive frequency for the LRA. For example, the drive frequency may be varied while measuring the magnitude of acceleration induced by the LRA. The output of the accelerometer may further be used to perform a fitness tracking function, such as counting steps or detecting an activity level.

Abstract: A microcontroller system includes a processing unit supporting at least one near or sub Vt circuit and a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block connected to a DMA controller and independently power controlled. A power control system uses power gates to power control at least the memory blocks. In some embodiments, a wake-up interrupt controller is connected to the power control system and a voltage regulator system is used to supply voltage to separate power domains, with the voltage regulator systems controlled at least in part by power gates operated by the power control system. A plurality of clocks can be connected to define clock domains associated with separate power domains.

Abstract: A microcontroller system includes a processing unit supporting at least one near or sub Vt circuit and a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block connected to a DMA controller and independently power controlled. A power control system uses power gates to power control at least the memory blocks. In some embodiments, a wake-up interrupt controller is connected to the power control system and a voltage regulator system is used to supply voltage to separate power domains, with the voltage regulator systems controlled at least in part by power gates operated by the power control system. A plurality of clocks can be connected to define clock domains associated with separate power domains.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

Abstract: A microcontroller system includes a processing unit supporting at least one near or sub Vt circuit and a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block connected to a DMA controller and independently power controlled. A power control system uses power gates to power control at least the memory blocks. In some embodiments, a wake-up interrupt controller is connected to the power control system and a voltage regulator system is used to supply voltage to separate power domains, with the voltage regulator systems controlled at least in part by power gates operated by the power control system. A plurality of clocks can be connected to define clock domains associated with separate power domains.

Abstract: A microcontroller system includes a processing unit supporting at least one near or sub Vt circuit and a plurality of memory blocks, each memory block connected to a DMA controller and independently power controlled. A power control system uses power gates to power control at least the memory blocks. In some embodiments, a wake-up interrupt controller is connected to the power control system and a voltage regulator system is used to supply voltage to separate power domains, with the voltage regulator systems controlled at least in part by power gates operated by the power control system. A plurality of clocks can be connected to define clock domains associated with separate power domains.

Abstract: Described herein are interactive apparatus and methods for sensing and measuring real-time characteristic patterns of a subject's use of a dry powder inhalation system. The devices can be used in a wired or wireless communication mode to communicate with a display to assess the subject's usage of the inhalation system, to evaluate the performance of the inhalation system and/or to detect the characteristics profile of a dry powder formulation emitted from the inhalation system in use.

Abstract: An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable device for expanding body tissue and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The expandable device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other between opposing tissue surfaces of a body. The inserter includes a lifting platform comprising ramp surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cooperatively engage complementary surfaces of expansion structure within the device to cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert between the superior and inferior endplates after expansion of the device.

Abstract: Described herein are interactive apparatus and methods for sensing and measuring real-time characteristic patterns of a subject's use of a dry powder inhalation system. The devices can be used in a wired or wireless communication mode to communicate with a display to assess the subject's usage of the inhalation system, to evaluate the performance of the inhalation system and/or to detect the characteristics profile of a dry powder formulation emitted from the inhalation system in use.

Abstract: Apparatus and devices for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

Abstract: A bone screw extension assembly for use in placing a connecting rod percutaneously into tissue of a patient comprises a multi-axial bone screw and a screw extension releasably coupled to yoke of the bone screw. The screw extension includes coaxially disposed outer sleeve and inner sleeves that are rotatable relative to each other. A screw engaging member projects radially from the distal end of the inner sleeve and is configured to engage an extension coupling surface on the outer sleeve upon relative rotation of the inner and outer sleeves. A securement member including cooperative surfaces is defined adjacent the distal end of the inner and outer sleeves that is operable upon relative rotation of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve to radially secure the sleeves together to thereby maintain the engagement of the screw engaging member and the bone screw.

Abstract: Dry powder inhaler systems for pulmonary delivery of pharmaceuticals are disclosed.