Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various tools and devices for use in spinal surgery. In one embodiment, a spinal guide device is provided having a guide member with a positioning element that is adapted to engage a portion of a vertebra to position the guide member relative to the vertebra. The guide member can also include a retractor guide that is adapted to guide a retractor therethrough to retract tissue adjacent to the distal end of the guide member. Various tissue retractors, bone preparation tools, and spinal implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various tools and devices for use in spinal surgery. In one embodiment, a spinal guide device is provided having a guide member with a positioning element that is adapted to engage a portion of a vertebra to position the guide member relative to the vertebra. The guide member can also include a retractor guide that is adapted to guide a retractor therethrough to retract tissue adjacent to the distal end of the guide member. Various tissue retractors, bone preparation tools, and spinal implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A communications system may include a first wireless communications device communicating based upon a first wireless communications protocol, a second wireless communications device communicating based upon a second wireless communications protocol different from the first wireless communications protocol, and a wireless base station. The wireless base station may communicate with the first wireless communications device and the second wireless communications device based upon a frame structure. The frame structure may be defined by sub-carriers at respective different frequencies and symbols at respective different times. The frame structure may include a frame control header, a first frame portion for communicating with the first wireless communications device based upon the first wireless communications protocol, and a second frame portion for communicating with the second wireless communications device based upon the second wireless communications protocol.

Abstract: A method includes receiving inertial position information, global positioning information and ranging information with a position estimation device. The method determines an estimation of a position of the position estimation device based on a combination of the inertial position information, the global position information and the ranging information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for process management in a work machine environment. According to one embodiment, an exemplary disclosed process management system for a work machine environment is disclosed. The system includes a database configured to store information associated with a work machine environment. The system also includes a processor coupled to the database. The processor is configured to receive operation data from a work machine operating in the work machine environment. The processor is also configured to establish an operational change based on the received operation data. The processor is further configured to select, from a list of eligible operators stored in the database, an operator for operating the work machine. The processor is also configured to determine an operational change location based on the received operation data. The processor is further configured to schedule transportation for the operator to the operational change location.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting, adjusting and engaging an implant, such as a polyaxial screw of a spinal fixation system, includes at least one retractable tab for engaging a corresponding recess on the implant and a shaft that moves relative to the retractable tab. The movable shaft selectively moves the tab between an expanded position for engaging the recess and a retracted position out of engagement with the recess. The shaft selectively engages a portion of the implant to rigidify the implant after the retractable tab engages the recess. The axially extending shaft may be disposed within an axially extending passageway of a body assembly. A rotatable collar surrounding the body assembly is coupled to the shaft for moving the shaft relative to the retractable tab.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.

Abstract: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of geometric configurations that allow the screws and plates to fit together from different assembly directions. Additionally, the bone screws and bone plates can include material resilience features to allow expansion/contraction during assembly to allow bi-directional attachment to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used to position and hold the plate against bone while inserting drills, taps, awls, and other bone preparation devices through the guide device. The guide device can also be configured to allow fasteners to be inserted therethrough and into bone to attach the plate to bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are spinal fixation devices and tools for implanting the same. In one embodiment, an implantable spinal fixation plate and a guide device are provided and they include features that allow the two devices to removably mate to one another. As a result, the guide device can be used to position and hold the plate against bone while inserting drills, taps, awls, and other bone preparation devices through the guide device. The guide device can also be configured to allow fasteners to be inserted therethrough and into bone to attach the plate to bone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various tools and devices for use in spinal surgery. In one embodiment, a spinal guide device is provided having a guide member with a positioning element that is adapted to engage a portion of a vertebra to position the guide member relative to the vertebra. The guide member can also include a retractor guide that is adapted to guide a retractor therethrough to retract tissue adjacent to the distal end of the guide member. Various tissue retractors, bone preparation tools, and spinal implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary spinal fixation devices, systems, and method are provided for stabilizing vertebrae in a patient's spine. In one exemplary embodiment, methods and devices are provided for coupling one or more bone anchors, such as hooks, screws, etc., and/or one or more spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, cables, plates, etc. In certain exemplary embodiments, a cross connector is provided for connecting and stabilizing two bone anchors, a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element, or a bone anchor and bone.

Abstract: Bone screws and bone plates are provided that offer the surgeon the ability to either assemble the screws to the plate, or the plate to the screws, depending on the surgeon's preference and the patient's circumstances. The bone screws and bone plates of the present invention include a combination of geometric configurations that allow the screws and plates to fit together from different assembly directions. Additionally, the bone screws and bone plates can include material resilience features to allow expansion/contraction during assembly to allow bi-directional attachment to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides various methods and devices for mating spinal fixation elements, such as fixation rods, to various spinal anchoring devices, such as plates, hooks, bolts, wires, and screws. In an exemplary embodiment, an implantable spinal connector is provided having a clamp member with top and bottom portions that are connected to one another at a terminal end thereof, and that are adapted to seat a spinal fixation element there between. The top and bottom portions are preferably movable between an open position in which the top and bottom portions are spaced a distance apart from one another, and a closed position in which the portions are adapted to engage a spinal fixation element positioned there between. The connector can also include a bore extending through the top and bottom portions for receiving a locking mechanism that is effective to lock the top and bottom portions in the closed position to retain a spinal fixation element there between.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system comprising at least two bone anchors, a rod connecting the bone anchors and a connecting plate extending from a proximal surface of at least one of the bone anchors. A method of fixing vertebrae relative to each other comprising the steps of: implanting bone anchors in two adjacent vertebrae, each bone anchor having a rod receiving portion; placing a rod in the rod receiving portions, thereby connecting the bone anchors; threadably engaging set screws in the rod receiving portions of at least a portion of the bone anchors, thereby fixing the rod to the bone anchors; mating one end of a connecting plate to a proximal bearing surface of at least a portion of the bone anchors; and engaging a cap with at least a portion of the set screws, thereby fixing the connecting plate to the bone anchors.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly may include a bone anchor having a distal shaft configured to engage bone and a proximal member. The proximal member may have a first section and a second section coupled to at least a portion of the bone anchor. The second section may be movably connected to the first section to facilitate relative rotation of the first section and the second section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf practice cage with a central location. The central location is designed to collect golf balls and may comprise a bucket or bag. The golf practice cage comprises a frame with an enclosure substantially surrounding the frame. The enclosure has a back portion with a fold extending in front of the back portion to form a pocket to catch golf balls and funnel them towards the central location. Alternatively to the fold, a base net may reside within an area defined by the frame and the enclosure. The base net funnels caught balls to the central location.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly may include a bone anchor having a proximal head and a distal shaft configured to engage bone and a receiving member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor. The receiving member may have a first end having a first bore defining a first bore axis, a recess in communication with the first bore, and a second end having a second bore sized to receive at least a portion of the bone anchor. The second bore may define a second bore axis that intersects the first bore axis and may have a first opening through which the at least a portion of the bone anchor extends and a second opening opposite the first opening. The second opening may be sized to pass the head of the bone anchor during assembly of the bone anchor assembly.