2625 results about "Cross connection" patented technology

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.

Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae in a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal stabilization device is provided having a first cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a first vertebra, a second cross-connector that is adapted to mate to opposed lateral sides of a second vertebra, and a flexible member that is coupled to the first and second cross-connectors and that is adapted to allow movement between first and second adjacent vertebrae coupled to the first and second cross-connectors.

A method is described for controlling a shared resource for interconnecting two or more network domains being controlled by different Managers. Multiple Managers control the shared resource for the configuration of a segment of a connection between two different domains and the Managers cooperate in order to control dynamically the shared resource. Different network domains can be connected by a network element or by a link between different network elements belonging to the different network domains. In the first case the shared resource is a connection matrix of the network element, in the second case the shared resource includes the connection matrixes of the different network elements and the link between the network elements. A shared connection matrix includes some connection points for performing the cross-connections within the matrix: some connection points are controlled by one Manager, other connection points are controlled by another Manager and some shared connection points are controlled by both Managers. Multiple Managers control the shared resource by reading and writing information stored into a management information base, according to an explicit or implicit mode, or alternatevely by transmitting messages in the network directly between the Managers, according to a signalling protocol.

An implantable spinal cross-connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, the cross-connector includes a central portion having at least one connector member formed on a terminal end thereof and having first and second opposed jaws, at least one of which is selectively movable between a first, open position wherein the first and second jaws are positioned a distance apart from one another, and a second, closed position, wherein the first and second jaws are adapted to engage a spinal fixation element therebetween. The cross-connector also includes a locking mechanism having a shank that is receivable within a non-expandable bore formed in the connector member. The locking mechanism is adapted to come into contact with each of the first and second jaws to selectively lock the first and second jaws in a fixed position with respect to one another.

A Radio Frequency Identification (“RF-ID”) device is affixed to a cable to identify the cable, i.e., distinguish the cable from other cables. A handheld RF-ID reader is used to identify particular cables by detecting the RF-ID associated with the cable. Short range RF-ID readers are embedded in a network device proximate to ports to determine which cable is connected with which port. A configurable cross-connect between the port and internal circuitry is configured based on the detected RF-ID to make predetermined interconnections. Consequently, proper interconnections may be achieved by connecting the cabling with any of a plurality of ports.

Implantable devices and methods for correcting spinal deformities or degeneration are disclosed. The devices and methods have particular application in the spinopelvic region and on the sacrum or ilium. In one embodiment, a cross connector is provided and can include a cross member with a connector head slidably disposed thereon. The cross member can be adapted for attachment to one or more anchoring elements, and the sliding connector head can include a first receiving portion defined by an opening through the connector head for receiving the cross member, and a second receiving portion defined by a recess between first and second opposed arms for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a spinal rod. A guide channel can optionally be provided on the cross member for guiding the movement of the sliding connector head. In other embodiments, the device can include a locking mechanism for locking a spinal fixation element within the connector head, and for securing the connector head in place on the cross member.

The present invention provides IP-centric, multi-channel, time-shifted and real-time telecommunications services to a plurality of system users. The system can capture both digital and analog multi-channel feeds and, through a cross-connect layer, can convert the signals to a digital format and subsequently send them to an encoder to be compressed. The encoding process can use a firmware upgradeable software developed to decrease data bitrates while retaining quality of the information at a desired level. The encoded, compressed signals may either be stored on a data-on-demand server for later viewing services, such as television / video-on-demand or audio-on-demand, or may be streamed directly to system users using a Media Streaming Subsystem (MSS). The MSS can be responsive to a system user request and operative to forward a selected stream of compressed digital data to the system user via a gateway means. The system can include a System Controller that can provide management and control of the system components and services provided by the system. The gateway means is able to receive compressed digital data from the Media Streaming Subsystem and transmit that data to a system user sending a request over a communication network. A cable modem, DSL modem or other appropriate interface can be located at each system user's location, thereby providing a means for sending multiple signal sources to a system user's Local Area Network (LAN) to which the User Computing Device(s) (UCD) of a system user are connected. The UCD receives the compressed data from the gateway means, subsequently decodes this compressed data and presents this decompressed information to the system user via a presentation system which may or may not be integrated into the UCD, thereby providing the requested entertainment services to the system user.

A crosslink member for securing spinal rods is disclosed having connector ends that include a brace and a locking member, each having an arcuate face resting on and securing a spinal rod. The locking member is secured by a cam member that rotates relative to the locking member and that cams against the connector to displace the cam member. The crosslink includes a male connector with a cylindrical cross rod received by a cavity in a female connector. The cross rod is secured by a pivotable clamp device in the female connector, and the cross rod connector and female connector may pivot, rotate, and telescope relative to each other. To reduce size without sacrificing pivot sweep, the cross rod has beveled edges, and the cavity of the female connector has windows to provide pivot clearance.

The invention provides a way to fallback to a PSTN call at any time during a VoIP call when Quality of Service in a VoIP network falls below some acceptable level. The PSTN fallback calls can be retrieved “midcall” and rerouted back over the VoIP network. This provides optimal utilization of VoIP without sacrificing the quality of the call connection. Calls are cheaper because PSTN fallback calls are only established temporarily for the amount of time that the QoS problem exists on the VoIP network. Call fallback is conducted in a VoIP gateway by first receiving an incoming call. A Voice over IP (VoIP) call is established for the incoming call over the VoIP network. VoIP packets are encoded from the voice signals in the incoming call and sent over the VoIP network. Quality of service of the VoIP network is monitored during the VoIP call and a fallback call is setup over a PSTN network at any time during the VoIP call when the monitored quality of service of the VoIP network degrades. For a time the voice signals from the incoming call are cross connected to both the output for the fallback call and the output for the VoIP call. When a destination gateway starts receiving the voice signals from the fallback call, the VoIP call is dropped. The quality of service on the VoIP network continues to be monitored during the fallback call. A new VoIP call will be reestablished over the VoIP network during the fallback call when the quality of service of the VoIP network improves. Voice from the incoming call is for a time again cross connected to both the fallback call and the new VoIP call. After the destination gateway starts receiving audio packets again over the new VoIP call, the PSTN fallback call is terminated.

An optical fiber connector can include an optical fiber interface, an identification circuit, and an electrical interface that is communicatively connected to the identification circuit. The identification circuit may be a non-volatile memory such as, for example, a read only memory, a magnetic random access memory and / or a flash-random access memory. The identification circuit may include a housing that can be releasably connected to a Light Guide Cross Connect (LGX). The identification circuit may generate an electrical signal that identifies a fiber, a fiber bundle, a fiber type, a connector type, who manufactured an optical fiber, when an optical fiber was manufactured, and / or when an optical fiber was installed.Related optical fiber distribution terminals are also discussed.

An optical coupling device including: at least a first input port for delivering an optical input signal beam that includes a plurality of wavelength channels; at least a first optical output port for receiving an optical output signal beam; a wavelength dispersion element for spatially separating the plurality of wavelength channels in the optical input signal beam to form a plurality of spatially separated wavelength channel beams; an optical coupling device for independently modifying the phase of each of the spatially separated wavelength channel beams such that, for at least one wavelength channel beam, a selected fraction of the light is coupled to the first output port and a fraction of the light is coupled away from the first output port.

A pulling grip includes a pulling grip sleeve, a pulling grip housing and a furcation plug attached to the terminated end of a fiber optic cable. The pulling sleeve includes a bag adapted to be positioned over the pulling grip housing and the furcation plug and to be opened and closed by a lengthwise extending zipper. The pulling grip housing has a first compartment defining an elongate channel for routing optical fibers of the fiber optic cable and a second compartment defining a plurality of pockets that each store a plurality of fiber optic connectors mounted upon the ends of the optical fibers. The pulling grip housing may be formed as a plurality of injection molded modules to increase rigidity and to reduce manufacturing cost. The furcation plug includes means for readily integrating the furcation plug with a conventional distribution frame or rack, or with a cross-connect housing.

This invention discloses highly scalable and modular automated optical cross connect switch devices which exhibit low loss and scalability to high port counts. In particular, a device for the programmable interconnection of large numbers of optical fibers (100's-1000's) is provided, whereby a two-dimensional array of fiber optic connections is mapped in an ordered and rule-based fashion into a one-dimensional array with tensioned fiber optic circuit elements tracing substantially straight lines there between. Fiber optic elements are terminated in a stacked arrangement of flexible fiber optic circuit elements with a capacity to retain excess fiber lengths while maintaining an adequate bend radius. The combination of these elements partitions the switch volume into multiple independent, non-interfering zones, which retain their independence for arbitrary and unlimited numbers of reconfigurations. The separation into spaced-apart zones provides clearance for one or more robotic actuators to enter the free volume substantially adjacent to the two-dimensional array of connectors and mechanically reconfigure connectors without interrupting other circuits.

A jumper assembly for a DSX system is disclosed herein. The jumper assembly includes a messenger wire for electrically connecting tracer lamp circuits corresponding to two cross-connected DSX modules. The jumper assembly also includes tracer lamp devices carried with the messenger wire.

An electronic system with multiple printed circuit boards interconnected through a midplane. Connectors are mounted on two sides of the midplane to facilitate connection of daughter cards from both the front and the back of the midplane. For cross-connecting coupling signals between daughter cards mounted to the front and daughter cards mounted to the back of the midplane, connectors mounted to the front and the back of the midplane are overlapped in certain regions. Within these regions, an efficient routing pattern is employed to cross-connect signals from the front of the midplane to the back of the midplane. The routing is achieved in a very small space but provides the desired impedance of the interconnects.

A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member, an anchoring member, an occipital plate, an occipital rod, and a cross-link connector. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the saddle member can include a hole to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members. The anchoring member in one embodiment is a screw coupled to the hole of the saddle, and in another embodiment, the anchoring member is a hook. The offset member may be coupled to the saddle member to allow for offset connection of rods. Connection of individual rods can be accomplished by connecting the rods with the cross-link connector. The cross-link connector has an integrally formed cylindrical member that couples a pair of coupling portions together. The cylindrical member can be bent along multiple axes. The occipital plate secures the rods to the occipital bone of the skull. The occipital plate has a cross-shaped plate with a plurality of apertures defined in the plate and at least one saddle member coupled to the plate. Alternatively, the occipital rod can be secured to the occipital bone.

An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector.

A stroller mainly includes an upper rack, a front wheel rack, a rear wheel rack, an arched rib, a connection bar, a bracing bar, a guarding handle, a plurality of rotary joints and a plurality of corresponding bars. It also has a folding means consisting of the rear wheel rack, arched rib, second, third and fourth rotary joints, a direction switch and wheel retraction means consisting of the front wheel rack, arched rib, second, third and fourth rotary joints, a brake means consisting of brake pulling bar assembly, a plurality of brake means and a cable, and a seat assembly consisting of a cross coupling hub, a guarding handle, a seat rack and a first rotary joint. The second rotary joint is slidable on the rear wheel rack. The fourth rotary joint is slidable on the arched rib.

A label switching routing protocol for establishing a datapath as a sequence of locally unique labels in an optical communications network, is provided. A wavelength on an optical cross-connect is considered as a label, or one portion of a label. Timeslots may be assigned to designated wavelengths so as to form the second portion of a composite label. An optical / time cross-connect (OTXC) capable of wavelength conversion from an input to an output interface creates the datapath based on wavelength to wavelength substitution, under the control of a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) protocol.

A spinal cross connector head assembly and a cross connector assembly utilizing the spinal cross connector head assembly are configured for fixation to an existing spinal rod bone screw head. The spinal cross connector head assembly has one or more components which incorporate one or more breakaway portions that aid in the installation of the cross connector head assembly onto a polyaxial spinal rod bone screw assembly. The spinal cross connector assembly includes first and second spinal cross connector head assemblies each of which is configured for fixation to existing, adjacent spinal rod screw heads and connection with a cross connector rod. Each spinal cross connector rod head assembly has a dual breakaway system including a cross connector head component having a breakaway collar that, once detached, provides a polyaxial cross connector head, and a set screw component having a breakaway set screw that, once detached, provides fixation of the orientation of the polyaxial cross connector head relative to the polyaxial spinal rod bone screw head.

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.

There is described a cross-connect apparatus which can apply a cross-connect operation in place of a function of a hard switch that has conventionally been used for a purpose other than a cross-connect operation, by selection of line setting information used for path switching and service selection operations, and by performing a cross-connect operation based on the information, thereby preventing redundant configuration of the cross-connect apparatus and diminishing power consumption.

Various methods and devices are provided for connecting spinal fixation elements, such as spinal rods, implanted in a patient's spinal column. In particular, various spinal cross connectors are provided for connecting to one or more spinal fixation elements implanted in a patient's spine. The cross connectors can have a variety of configurations, including a fixed or adjustable length, as well as various features that allow certain portions of the cross connectors to be angularly oriented.

An implantable spinal cross-connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation elements, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, the cross-connector includes a central portion having at least one connector member formed on a terminal end thereof and having first and second opposed jaws, at least one of which is selectively movable between a first, open position wherein the first and second jaws are positioned a distance apart from one another, and a second, closed position, wherein the first and second jaws are adapted to engage a spinal fixation element therebetween. The cross-connector also includes a cantilevered member that provides a feedback response when the spinal fixation rods are positioned within the cross-connector.

A method and apparatus are provided for incorporating guided network cable Move / Add / Change (MAC) work order capability into a power patch panel. MAC work orders may be controlled and monitored using in-band signaling using, e.g., standard RJ-45 patch cords. Cable detection is performed at a port level on a real-time basis. Coordination of guided MAC operations may be performed by the patch panel, independently, or in conjunction with, or under the control of, a remote Network Management System. The patch panel may be in either an interconnect or cross-connect configuration.

In a switching protection system, a protocol is followed by a first connection controller to help facilitate the resynchronization of the network after the failure has occurred. This protocol contains the messaging system of the ability to query and store the exact sequence of logical ports and time slots that make up the data path, as a resynchronization table coupled to the first controller. The head / ingress end of the path can receive this information during set-up and can store it both locally and in shadow locations. The system also contains the ability to distinguish between signaling and data channel failures, as signaling channel failures to do not clear cross connect data but simply leave it “ownerless”. The system also contains the ability to populate the exact sequence of logical ports and time slots accumulated in the definition of the network, as the set-up message initiated by the head controller to re-claim “ownerless” cross connections contained on respective network elements. The system also facilitates the clearing of a “ownerless” cross connection after a pre-determined period of time has lapsed.

The present invention relates to an electrical space switch matrix having m input ports and n output ports, the switch matrix comprising (m.n) / (i.j) switch blocks, each having i input ports and j output ports, where i is less than m and j is less than n; and a plurality of input elements and a plurality of output elements, the plurality of input elements and plurality of output elements being arranged so as to connect the switch blocks to the input and output ports of the switch matrix. In an embodiment of the invention, the input and output elements can be power splitters and power combiners respectively and are arranged so as to include crossover connection paths therebetween, with the result that crossover of connection paths is distributed between the power dividing / combining function and the switching function.

The present invention regards linking spinal vertebrae to provide support and alignment of one or more vertebrae. The various systems, methods, devices and kits that embody the invention may employ a vertebrae crossover connector to link or otherwise connect one or more vertebrae in a column of vertebrae. These connectors may be positioned between anchors added to the vertebrae and may span the center of the spinal column when the connectors are positioned between the anchors. In certain embodiments each crossover connector may include one or more stretchable couplings that can stretch and resist tensile loads placed on them when the spinal column is stationary and in various ranges of motion. The crossover connector may also include a main body that may resist compressive loads placed on the crossover connector when the spinal column is in various ranges of motion in certain positions.