Abstract: An example virtualized computing system includes: a host cluster having hosts and a virtualization layer executing on hardware platforms of the hosts, the virtualization layer supporting execution of virtual machines (VMs); an orchestration control plane integrated with the virtualization layer, the orchestration control plane including a master server executing in a first VM of the VMs; guest cluster infrastructure software (GCIS) executing in the master server, the GCIS configured to create a set of objects defining a container orchestration cluster, and manage lifecycles of second VMs of the VMs based on state of the set of objects; and guest software executing in the second VMs to implement the container orchestration cluster as a guest cluster of the host cluster, the guest software having components that interface with the GCIS.

Abstract: A technique for facilitating deployment and stowing of a ballistic shield on a vehicle includes providing a central armored panel having a hinged connection to a base, which may be coupled to or integral with the vehicle. The hinged connection includes an axle and a set of torsion springs configured to exert a lifting torque on the central armored panel relative to the base, such that the central armored panel is movable about the hinged connection for assuming both an upright, deployed position and a laid-down, stowed position.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for extending a rod in an existing spinal construct comprises a modular rod connector for attachment to the existing rod and a modular rod extender that may be selectively attached to the rod connector. Each rod connector includes a spherical head that is formed to have the same size and configuration such that any selected modular rod extender may be attached to a selected rod connector. Each rod connector comprises an attachment portion having an opening for receipt of a portion of the rod of an existing spinal construct. Each modular rod extender comprises an extender body including a common modular attachment feature at one end for receipt of the spherical head of the selected rod connector, and an extension rod extending from an opposite end to extend the existing spinal rod.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for extending a rod in an existing spinal construct comprises a modular rod connector for attachment to the existing rod and a modular rod extender that may be selectively attached to the rod connector. Each rod connector includes a spherical head that is formed to have the same size and configuration such that any selected modular rod extender may be attached to a selected rod connector. Each rod connector comprises an attachment portion having an opening for receipt of a portion of the rod of an existing spinal construct. Each modular rod extender comprises an extender body including a common modular attachment feature at one end for receipt of the spherical head of the selected rod connector, and an extension rod extending from an opposite end to extend the existing spinal rod.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for extending a rod in an existing spinal construct comprises a modular rod connector for attachment to the existing rod and a modular rod extender that may be selectively attached to the rod connector. Each rod connector includes a spherical head that is formed to have the same size and configuration such that any selected modular rod extender may be attached to a selected rod connector. Each rod connector comprises an attachment portion having an opening for receipt of a portion of the rod of an existing spinal construct. Each modular rod extender comprises an extender body including a common modular attachment feature at one end for receipt of the spherical head of the selected rod connector, and an extension rod extending from an opposite end to extend the existing spinal rod.

Abstract: A drill tap dilator comprises a dilator body having a central lumen extending therethrough, an elongate sleeve slidably received with the lumen, and a control knob coupled to the sleeve. The control knob is movable rotatably and axially relative to the dilator body. The sleeve includes docking teeth that are extendable from a retracted position within the body lumen to a deployed position outside the body lumen upon rotation of the control knob relative to the dilator body in one rotational direction. Adjustment of the length of drill tap dilator is allowed upon rotation of the control knob in an opposite rotational direction relative to the dilator body and manual axial movement of the control knob relative to the dilator body.

Abstract: A posterior cervical fixation system includes a facet lock comprising an elongate member having distal and proximal ends. A tapered wedge projects axially from the distal end and defines a wedge axis, the wedge being sized and configured for insertion into a facet joint of a cervical spine. The facet lock includes opposing first and second dovetail recesses. The system further includes a tubular guide having distal and proximal ends and a lumen extending therethrough along a central axis. The tubular guide has a plurality of dovetail projections extending exteriorly outwardly, each dovetail projection terminating in an engagement surface that is spaced respectively at a different radial distance from the central axis. Each dovetail projection is configured for individual releasable attachment to one of the facet lock first or second dovetail recesses to selectively space the wedge axis and the central axis at different distances for lateral mass screw placement.

Abstract: A posterior cervical fixation system includes a facet lock comprising an elongate member having distal and proximal ends. A tapered wedge projects axially from the distal end and defines a wedge axis, the wedge being sized and configured for insertion into a facet joint of a cervical spine. The facet lock includes opposing first and second dovetail recesses. The system further includes a tubular guide having distal and proximal ends and a lumen extending therethrough along a central axis. The tubular guide has a plurality of dovetail projections extending exteriorly outwardly, each dovetail projection terminating in an engagement surface that is spaced respectively at a different radial distance from the central axis. Each dovetail projection is configured for individual releasable attachment to one of the facet lock first or second dovetail recesses to selectively space the wedge axis and the central axis at different distances for lateral mass screw placement.

Abstract: A drill tap dilator comprises a dilator body having a central lumen extending therethrough, an elongate sleeve slidably received with the lumen, and a control knob coupled to the sleeve. The control knob is movable rotatably and axially relative to the dilator body. The sleeve includes docking teeth that are extendable from a retracted position within the body lumen to a deployed position outside the body lumen upon rotation of the control knob relative to the dilator body in one rotational direction. Adjustment of the length of drill tap dilator is allowed upon rotation of the control knob in an opposite rotational direction relative to the dilator body and manual axial movement of the control knob relative to the dilator body.

Abstract: A translating polyaxial bone screw assembly for anchoring a connecting rod to a spinal vertebra comprises a bone screw having a threaded shank and a head coupled to a yoke. The yoke has at one end a rod receiving channel for receiving a connecting rod and an opposite end that is coupled to the bone screw by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly couples the yoke for polyaxial movement relative to the bone screw and for translational movement of the yoke in a direction transverse to the axis of the bone screw. The coupling assembly comprises a biasing element supported for joint movement with the yoke that provides a manually surmountable tension force between the yoke and bone screw head that is maintained during polyaxial and translational movement. A fastening element is supported by the yoke for securing the connecting rod between the fastening element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A translating polyaxial bone screw assembly for anchoring a connecting rod to a spinal vertebra comprises a bone screw having a threaded shank and a head coupled to a yoke. The yoke has at one end a rod receiving channel for receiving a connecting rod and an opposite end that is coupled to the bone screw by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly couples the yoke for polyaxial movement relative to the bone screw and for translational movement of the yoke in a direction transverse to the axis of the bone screw. The coupling assembly comprises a biasing element supported for joint movement with the yoke that provides a manually surmountable tension force between the yoke and bone screw head that is maintained during polyaxial and translational movement. A fastening element is supported by the yoke for securing the connecting rod between the fastening element and the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A translating polyaxial bone screw assembly for anchoring a connecting rod to a spinal vertebra comprises a bone screw having a threaded shank and a head coupled to a yoke. The yoke has at one end a rod receiving channel for receiving a connecting rod and an opposite end that is coupled to the bone screw by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly couples the yoke for polyaxial movement relative to the bone screw and for translational movement of the yoke in a direction transverse to the axis of the bone screw. The coupling assembly comprises a biasing element supported for joint movement with the yoke that provides a manually surmountable tension force between the yoke and bone screw head that is maintained during polyaxial and translational movement. A fastening element is supported by the yoke for securing the connecting rod between the fastening element and the coupling assembly.