Abstract: In a method for operating a drive train for a motor vehicle including a transmission with a hydraulic torque converter having a converter lockup clutch which can be activated by a working pressure acting on a piston under engine overrun conditions when an increased internal pressure is produced in the torque converter which acts on the piston counteracting the operating pressure of the converter lockup clutch so that it cannot be closed, at least one operational variable of the motor vehicle is monitored and if the operational variable exceeds a threshold value the rotational speed ratio between the turbine wheel and pump wheel is reduced by changing the engine speed and/or the transmission ratio in order to activate the lock-up clutch.

Abstract: A brake transmission shift interlock actuator includes a bobbin that has an open end and a closed end. A plunger is slidably disposed within the bobbin and a plunger rod extends from the plunger. Moreover, a primary plate is installed within the open end of the bobbin. The plunger is movable between an unlocked position, wherein the plunger rod does not extend through the primary plate and a locked position, wherein a first end of the plunger rod extends through a bore formed by the primary plate. Further, a magnetic force of attraction between the plunger and the primary plate diminishes as the plunger approaches the primary plate.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission includes a control portion that executes a neutral control in which the control portion places the automatic transmission in a neutral state by reducing an application load on a frictional apply device inside the automatic transmission when the vehicle is stopped. The control portion ends the neutral control when a torque transmitted to the frictional apply device has been continually equal to, or greater than, a predetermined value for a consecutive predetermined of time. As a result, by considering the torque transmitted to the frictional apply device in addition to the continuation time of the neutral control, it is possible to more precisely grasp the state of the frictional apply device. In other words, it is possible to execute, as quickly as possible, neutral control for an extended period of time while ensuring durability of the frictional apply device.

Abstract: In an automatic transmission including a forward clutch and a lockup clutch of a torque converter which are provided on a driving-power transmitting path between an engine and a driving wheel, a vehicle driving condition is classified into a plurality of regions and an associated slip control between the forward clutch and the lockup clutch is executed. Accordingly, both of improvements of gas mileage and drivability can be attained at a high level.

Abstract: The present invention is a stress management device which relates to the field of health and is a portable device with auditory messages. The device can be carried by a user and used privately with ear phones or can be auditory and used with speakers. The present invention relaxation device can be used as needed when tension arises, or on a regular basis as a way to prevent tension buildup that can contribute to health problems. The battery operated device is activated by the user and has sequential recorded messages that remind the user at his or her pace to relax and release physical and mental tension.

Abstract: A group program for resistance exercise training is disclosed. The group program for resistance exercise training includes the steps of: providing a plurality of convertible multi-position exercise units; providing instruction and operating the plurality of exercise units for performing a first exercise in a first configuration; providing instruction in converting the plurality of exercise units from the first configuration to a second configuration; and providing instruction in operating the plurality of exercise units in the second configuration. The exercise units include a frame, a seat positioned on the frame and an adjustable resistance engine attached to the frame.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products.

Abstract: Apparatus for exercising the neck includes a head assembly connected to an anchor assembly by a flexible tether that has a resilient elastic portion. The head assembly includes a cap portion, an adjustable harness to secure the cap portion on the head and a saddle piece that extends across the back of the neck along the atlanto occipital joint when mounted. The cap portion can be a rigid helmet that forms a cam surface with a channel for slideably receiving the tether and may include a frontal extension forming a continuation of the cam surface. The tether is secured to the posterior of the helmet so as to extend over the cam surface to the anterior portion. The method includes engaging the atlanto occipital joint region with a saddle coupled to a source of variable force and extending the head and neck into an extension orientation against the force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for increasing blood flow to the skin of a person using the apparatus for regeneration of skin and digestion of adipose cells without causing an increase of gravity effects on the person. The apparatus comprises a work-out device to be actuated with the legs, which is enclosed by an air-tight housing. The housing in the waist area encloses the person. The apparatus further comprises a device for the production of a differential pressure in said housing, which is arranged so as to alternatingly produce a pressure reduction and a pressure increase in the housing. Within said housing, a support means is arranged to take the body weight off the legs of the person and to enable to separately control the effects of adipose cell digestion due to low pressure stimulation and the effects on the cardiovascular system by the work-out device.

Abstract: Machine tool with: a bed furnished with a base and two side walls provided standing along respective left and right sides of the base; a first saddle composed of a rectangular frame, with vertical sides provided perpendicularly and transverse sides provided sideways, and both ends of the frame sideways being supported on rear faces of the side walls so as to be perpendicularly movable; a second saddle arranged within the first-saddle frame and provided to be movable sideways, and having a front-to-rear penetrating through-hole; a spindle head arranged in the second-saddle through-hole and provided to be movable back-and-forth; a tool-retaining spindle supported, by the spindle head, with its axis paralleling the front-to-rear orientation and rotatable about its axial center; and, arranged on the bed, a table on which workpieces are set.

Abstract: A corrugated sheet forming unit used in a corrugated sheet material making machine for processing a metal sheet material into a corrugated sheet is disclosed to include a table vertically movable to fit the elevation of the conveyer and receiving unit of the machine and to carry first shape forming roller sets or second shape forming roller sets into the working position for processing the supplied sheet material into a corrugated sheet of a first pattern or a corrugated sheet of a second pattern selectively.

Abstract: A two-tube centrifuge separates light material and heavy material from an input mixture. A hollow drive shaft rotates a central body member about an axis of rotation. Two hollow arm assemblies, each having circular cross-section, are mounted on diametrically opposite sides of the central body. Each arm assembly includes an outer housing tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube that is longer than the intermediate tube. An end cap having a removable plug is mounted on the outer end of the housing-tube of each arm assembly. The inner ends of all three tubes are mechanically interlocked in a manner to cantilever mount the inner and intermediate tubes to the central-body with their outer ends spaced from the internal surface of the end cap. An input-mixture path extends through the hollow drive shaft, through the central-body, and into a cylindrical space between the inner and intermediate tubes of each arm assembly.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating out particulate matter from a fluid includes a rotor shell that is rotatably coupled to a shaft through a first bushing and a second bushing. The shaft includes a first shaft section that is detachably coupled to a second shaft section in order to make maintenance and assembly of the centrifuge easier by reducing the shaft clearance needed during disassembly and assembly of the centrifuge. The first shaft section includes a first bushing race around which the first bushing is rotatably received. The second shaft section includes an integrally formed bushing collar for supporting the second bushing and a second bushing race around which the second bushing is rotatably received. With such a construction, the size of the bushings in the centrifuge can be minimized, which in turn increases the operational speed of the centrifuge, thereby enhancing the particulate removal efficiency in the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method of delivering a substance to targeted tissue comprising the steps of: delivering a plurality of magnetically responsive particles which are carrying the substance and have a hydrophobic coating into the patient's vasculature upstream of the targeted tissue; and applying a magnetic gradient in the vicinity of the targeted tissue to draw the magnetically responsive particles against the wall of the patient's vasculature in the vicinity of the targeted tissue, to allow the substance on the magnetic particles to migrate through the wall of the patent's vasculature to targeted tissue.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are disclosed for improving cardiac function in hearts having zones of infarcted (akinetic) and aneurysmal (dyskinetic) tissue regions. The methods and devices reduce the radius of curvature in walls of the heart proximal infarcted and aneurysmal regions to reduce wall stress and improve pumping efficiency. The inventive methods and related devices include splinting of the chamber wall proximal the infarcted region and various other devices and methods including suture and patch techniques.

Abstract: An improved animal-use artificial inseminator comprised of an insemination tube with a nozzle at its front extremity into which an insemination sheath is inserted and a connector at the rear extremity of the insemination tube having a check membrane. After the insemination tube penetrates the female animal body vagina and the front end of the nozzle is nominally at the first cervical ring of the cervix, the semen bottle insertion tube is utilized to pierce the connector check membrane at the rear extremity of the insemination tube and when the semen at the insemination tube is squeezed, semen is automatically squeezed out of the insemination sheath. The soft insemination sheath proceeds along the cervix without the occurrence of friction, the front end smoothly moving forward until it reaches the position of the womb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for temporarily immobilizing a local area of tissue within a patient's body cavity. In one embodiment, the tissue immobilized is heart tissue to thereby permit surgery on a coronary vessel in that area without significant deterioration of the pumping function of the beating heart. The local area of heart tissue is immobilized to a degree sufficient to permit minimally invasive or micro-surgery on that area of the heart.

Abstract: A cardiac harness for treating congestive heart failure is disclosed. The harness applies elastic, compressive reinforcement on the left ventricle to reduce deleterious wall tension and to resist shape change of the ventricle during the mechanical cardiac cycle. Rather than imposing a dimension beyond which the heart cannot expand, the harness provides no hard limit over the range of diastolic expansion of the ventricle. Instead, the harness follows the contour of the heart throughout diastole and continuously exerts gentle resistance to stretch. Also disclosed is a method of delivering the cardiac harness to the heart minimally invasively.

Abstract: The apparatus includes and elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body includes a cavity sized to contain a cardiac harness in a compacted configuration and also includes a plurality of elongate push rods movable with respect to the body. The cardiac harness is releasably connected to each of the push rods such that advancement of the push rods in a distal direction moves the harness from a compacted configuration, within the cavity, to an expanded configuration, outside the cavity. The apparatus also includes a releasing member for releasing the connections between the push rods and the harness upon actuation of the releasing member by a user.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sleep detection involve the use of an adjustable threshold for detecting sleep onset and termination. A method for detecting sleep includes adjusting a sleep threshold associated with a first sleep-related signal using a second sleep-related signal. The first sleep-related signal is compared to the adjusted threshold and sleep is detected based on the comparison. The sleep-related signals may be derived from implantable or external sensors. Additional sleep-related signals may be used to confirm the sleep condition. A sleep detector device implementing a sleep detection method may be a component of an implantable pulse generator such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.

Abstract: A system which includes at least one ultrasound data collection device which is programmable to carry out a specific ultrasound procedure on a selected part of a human body of a patient. The resulting ultrasound data is transmitted via a local server at the site of the data collection device to the internet and from there to a web database server which processes the raw ultrasound data and provides application-specific information, such as a three-dimensional model, which can be used for diagnostic interpretation of the body part imaged by the ultrasound suitable for use in the treatment of the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for accessing a desired target site within a patient's body and for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from the target site. The device includes a probe member or cannula with a penetrating distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen from supporting tissue at the biopsy site. This probe is releasably secured to a housing to provide a plurality of discrete orientations of the probe about its longitudinal axis. Vacuum may be provided to the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue through the inner lumen thereof. Rotation (and optionally longitudinal reciprocation) of the tissue cutter is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue at the target site. Vacuum or fluid pressure may be used to move the specimen cut from the target site proximally within the inner lumen defined at least in part by the culling member for collection.

Abstract: A biopsy system for retrieving biopsy tissue samples from different regions of the body is disclosed. The biopsy system includes a single use loading unit having a trocar assembly and a knife assembly. A trocar driver is operably connected to the trocar assembly and is actuable to move a trocar between retracted and advanced positions. The trocar driver is disengaged from the trocar assembly prior to firing the trocar into a target tissue mass to reduce drag on the trocar during firing. A knife driver is operably connected to the knife assembly such that when actuated, a knife is both rotatably and axially advanced about the trocar.

Abstract: A mapping catheter is positioned in a heart chamber, and active electrode sites are activated to impose an electric field within the chamber. The blood volume and wall motion modulates the electric field, which is detected by passive electrode sites on the preferred catheter. Electrophysiology measurements, as well as geometry measurements, are taken from the passive electrodes and used to display a map of intrinsic heart activity.

Abstract: A method of treating pathological conditions associated with bone and musculoskeletal environments and soft tissues involves applying acoustic shock waves to cause localized trauma, including micro-disruptions, non-osseous tissue stimulation, increased vascularization, and circulation and induction of growth factors to induce or accelerate the body's natural healing processes and responses.

Abstract: A foot massaging method and device includes a first spherical member and a second spherical member. Each of the first and second spherical members is comprised of a resiliently compressible material and each has a substantially same size. A connector is attached to and extends between the first and second spherical members. The connector is comprised of a resiliently compressible material and has a first end attached to the first spherical member and a second end attached to the second spherical member. The connector has a circular cross-section taken perpendicular to a line extending through the first and second ends and through the axis of the first and second spherical members. The connector is positioned against a sole of a foot and rolled along the sole so that the connector and the first and second spherical members massage the foot.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a massaging apparatus that faithfully incorporates the rhythm or melody of a music source and performs massage with accents arranged more effectively based on these. A massaging apparatus of the present invention comprises massaging mechanisms (4, 5) that give mechanical impulses to a body by driving motors (5a, 10, 11), and a control device (13) that controls operations of the motors. The control device (13) comprises a waveform converter (18) having a waveform converting circuit for converting a waveform of an audio signal input from a sound source (A), such as a smoothing circuit, a differentiating circuit, or an integrating circuit, and a specific frequency band signal selecting unit (17) having a low pass filter, a high pass filter, and a band pass filter. In accordance with a control signal output from the waveform converter (18) and the specific frequency band signal selecting unit (17), the operations of the motors are controlled.

Abstract: A hinge for orthopedic braces includes a pair of support arms, a pair of pivot pins and a hinge plate. The arms are coupled to the hinge plate through the pivot pins and are rotateable between an extension position and a flexion position. The hinge plate has a plurality of adjustment apertures for selective reception of an extension limit pin and a flexion limit pin to selectively restrain rotation of the arms beyond an extension limit and a flexion limit. The pins are retained on the hinge by flexible retainers and are individually positionable among the apertures to adjust the range of motion of the arms. A pair of cover elements pivotally moveable in a plane parallel to the hinge plate provide an open position accommodating access to the pins and a closed position preventing inadvertent displacement of the pins from the apertures.

Abstract: An arm supporting pillow in sling apparatus, comprising in combination a flexible sling, with a strap to be supported by a user's shoulder area, an insert pillow received in the sling, to be retrievable from the sling, the sling and pillow dimensioned to receive a user's forearm alongside the pillow, in the sling.

Abstract: A multi-axis cervical and lumbar traction table and method of using same. The traction table includes a support frame with a first body supporting portion and a second body supporting portion. The first body supporting portion is moveable relative to the second body supporting portion along a longitudinal axis. A securing system adapted to secure a patient to the first and second body supporting portions is provided. Linking mechanism is adapted to move the first body supporting portion along a path relative to the second body supporting portion, wherein the path comprises at least one rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: A catheter to be used without a guidewire which includes a support wire shaft formed of metal, a balloon mounted on a distal portion of the catheter, and an inflation shaft for inflating the balloon, wherein a core wire may be interchangeably inserted into the support wire shaft when the catheter is within a human body to change the stiffness and improve control thereof. In one embodiment, the portion of the support wire shaft that extends just proximal of, through and distal of the balloon is formed entirely of a metal wound coil. The flexibility characteristics of this support wire shaft can be controlled by varying the pitch of the wound coil and the thickness of the wire or ribbon it is made from. An overjacket is also provided on the metal wound coil portion to hold pressure within the inflation lumen and provide a suitable material for bonding a distal end of the balloon to the support wire shaft.

Abstract: A coupling structure for self-destruction and safety syringe including a coupling member is formed on a front-end of a self-destruction and safety plunger. Upon the plunger being pushed in a hollow barrel until the plunger cannot be pushed any further, a lengthways long slit together with a coupling member are able to deform and thus provide for an allowance spacing when forcedly squeezed, and thereby enables the coupling member to easily and accurately form a complete coupling.

Abstract: A skin puncture device for use as an intravenous catheter or blood collecting needle set is provided with a mechanism for protection against needle injury and access to fluid passageway during insertion. The assembly includes a flexible extension tube connected to the proximal end of the needle housing for use in difficult insertion sites. The extension tube provides access for fluid injection so that the passageway and needle can be filled with fluid prior to needle/catheter insertion, allowing diffusion of blood to provide evidence of successful venipuncture and allowing the infusion of small amounts of fluid into the vein to facilitate catheter advancement. The locking mechanism consists of two apertures in the needle housing and two pairs of needle guard locking tabs which selectively engage when the needle guard is pushed forward to its fully extended position upon completion of insertion or blood drawing, encapsulating the length of the needle.

Abstract: A needle apparatus having a quick and safe release mechanism is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a separable needle assembly and a device body. The needle assembly includes a needle, an insertion member supporting the needle, and a knob projecting from the needle assembly. The device body includes a receiver member and is configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion member inserted therein. The receiver member has at least one slot configured to receive the knob when the needle assembly is inserted inside the receiver member. In a preferred embodiment, the slot has a first slot section extending substantially axially, and a second slot section at an angle to the first slot section and extending substantially radially. Upon insertion of the needle assembly into the needle holder, the knob is pushed by the technician through the first slot section, and then rotated in the second slot section to secure the needle assembly to the needle holder.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-retentive absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article is substantially vertically elongated and has an upstanding gather. The topsheet has a liquid shut-off region in a line shape and adapted to prohibit migration of a liquid in the topsheet. The liquid shut-off region is formed at a region outside a peripheral edge portion but other than a joined section between the topsheet and a sheet material for forming the upstanding gather.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a pair of tape fasteners 6 that are used to connect front and rear waist regions 8, 10 to each other and are attached to side flaps 14 in the rear waist region 10 of the diaper. Each of the tape fasteners 6 includes fibrous nonwoven fabric made of thermoplastic synthetic resin fiber and thermoplastic synthetic resin coated on a substantially whole area of an outer surface of the fibrous nonwoven fabric wherein the thermoplastic synthetic resin forms a substantially smooth synthetic resin layer on outer surfaces of the respective tape fasteners. Thus, a free portion of each tape fastener is reliably prevented from being disengaged from a target tape even when the outer surface of the tape fastener and an inner surface of an underwear rub together during use of the diaper.

Abstract: Normal pressure hydrocephalus is treated by removing cerebralspinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient. In particular, CSF is drained while pressure within the CSF space remains within an expected normal range for the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating Alzheimer's disease is disclosed. The method comprises delivering indomethacin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents having cyclooxygenase inhibitor action directly to the hippocampus or the lateral ventricle through an implanted catheter. The catheter has a flexible distal end that is implanted directly in the hippocampus or lateral ventricle as the preferred embodiment. The distal end has either a porous tip or a closed end. Where the distal end is closed, or a plurality of elution holes are present indomethacin is delivered to the hippocampus or lateral ventricle through either the porous tip or the elution holes.

Abstract: A dual throw advancer/retractor has a pair of finger rings that can independently advance or retract a medical device into a catheter. The advancer/retractor has a body and a channel wherein each finger ring moves independently in the channel. One end of the medical device is preferably secured to the body and forms a loop within the finger ring such that movement of the finger ring creates an amplified movement in the medical device.

Abstract: A method and system for improved material processing using a laser beam. The method and system includes directing a laser beam above, at or below the surface of the material in one or more preferred patterns and with preferred laser pulse characteristics specific to the material to reduce or mitigate the accumulation or effects of gas, debris, fluid, or other by-products of photodisruption either at the location where additional laser pulses are being placed or in other sensitive locations in the material.

Abstract: A device and method for applying external compression to the eye of a living being to reduce bleeding when operating on the surface of the eye. The device includes a peripheral wall and a pair of spaced apart, pressure applying rings. One of the rings applies pressure to a first peripheral portion of the eye closely adjacent and surrounding the cornea, while the other ring applies pressure to a second peripheral portion of the eye remote from the cornea. The wall includes at least one window to provide access to a portion of the surface of the eye to enable a laser beam to be extended therethrough to operate on the surface of the eye between the two peripheral portions of the eye.

Abstract: A coaxial illuminated laser endoscopic probe and active numerical aperture control apparatus and method of use, succinctly known as an illumination and laser source, capable of selectively providing illumination light and laser treatment light through a single optical fiber. The apparatus and method is especially useful during ophthalmic surgery. The present art is capable of providing the aforesaid through an optical fiber of such small size that heretofore said fiber was only useable for laser treatment light only. The present art also, with its unique optical system, allows for two illumination light outputs from a single illumination source. The apparatus utilizes a phototoxicity risk card to calibrate the system to prior art or safe illumination levels since the unique optical system provides illumination light of greater intensity than the prior art.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing cryo therapy, cryo ablation or cryoplasty. A cryo therapy apparatus may comprise an elongate shaft, a cooling member disposed at the distal end of the shaft, and a pressure gauge coupled to the cooling member.

Abstract: The detachable cryosurgical probe includes a disposable probe assembly and a reusable probe assembly. The disposable probe assembly includes a breakaway collar which, when twisted away, activates a finger lock element which provides release of the disposable probe assembly from the reusable probe assembly. Additional features include a safety valve assembly for impeding cryogenic working fluid flow when the disposable probe assembly is detached from the reusable probe assembly and an electrical confirmation assembly for providing electrical confirmation that the disposable probe assembly is connected. Other embodiments include a sliding mechanism that allows for selectively positioning of the vacuum tube relative to the shaft to create an ice ball of the desired size and configuration.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided with a sleeve and a flexible material where, upon inflation of the balloon, the sleeve is slid over a ball joint, preventing the flexible material and tube from moving through a range of motion in order to prevent the tube from kinking and misaligning.

Abstract: A method for treating a tissue site couples an energy delivery surface of an electromagnetic energy delivery device with a skin surface. An underlying tissue area beneath the skin surface is created. The cooling creates a reverse thermal gradient, where a temperature of the skin surface is less than a temperature of the underlying tissue area. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to the underlying tissue area. The energy delivery modifies the underlying tissue area and decreases irregularities of the skin surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus employed in surgery involving making precise incisions in vessels of the body, particularly cardiac blood vessels in coronary revascularization procedures conducted on the stopped or beating heart are disclosed. Such incisions are created by applying an elongated electrosurgical cutting electrode to the outer surface of the vessel wall in substantially parallel alignment with the body vessel axis, the elongated electrosurgical cutting electrode having a predetermined cutting electrode length exceeding the cutting electrode width. RF energy is applied between the electrosurgical cutting electrode and the ground electrode at an energy level and for a duration sufficient to cut an elongated slit through the vessel wall where the elongated electrosurgical cutting electrode is applied to the surface of the vessel wall.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode assembly having a cutting device including a catheter with a proximal and distal end, and an electrode carried on the distal end of the catheter. A controller is connected to the cutting device. A data acquisition system is connected to the controller and is capable of monitoring voltage and current output. A microprocessor may also be connected to the data acquisition system for processing voltage and current data from the data acquisition system. A generator is also connected to the data acquisition system. The controller initiates movement of the electrode upon arc initiation at the electrode. Methods of using the devices herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an electrosurgical jaw structure that carries cooperating PTC bodies in both series and parallel circuit components for controlled RF energy application to engaged tissue to effectively weld tissue.

Abstract: The present invention enables a physician to distract a previously created opening, determine the size of the opening, and alternatively, subsequently assist in inserting an implant between adjacent spinous processes. The distracting device has two prongs which separate as the handle of the device is closed. When the spinous processes are distracted to a desired diameter, the physician can lock the prongs in place, allowing him to determine and select an appropriately sized implant.