3690 results about "Multiple component" patented technology

Various devices and methods are provided with respect to inserting multiple surgical instruments through a single surgical access device. A medical device including a flexible tissue retractor and a releasable insert having multiple instrument openings is disclosed. The insert can be in the form of an insert assembly including multiple components. A method of using the insert is also described.

Embodiments of a decentralized, distributed trust mechanism that may be used in various networking platforms including peer-to-peer platforms, to implement trust relationships between and among peers and to implement trust relationships between peers and content and data (codat). Protocols and methods may be provided for determining, disseminating and updating trust. For participating peers, trust may be biased towards data relevance. Trust may have multiple components or factors, which may include peer confidence, codat confidence and risk components, and embodiments may provide for the inclusion of factors of trust based on a peer group's interests and / or group content relevance. Embodiments may be used for a variety of applications in which trust may be based on the norm for social interaction between participating peers.

A digital watermark system embeds auxiliary signals in multimedia types, including audio, still and moving images, and physical objects. These auxiliary signals, referred to as digital watermarks, include multiple components that can perform differing functions and that are embedded with different levels of redundancy, potentially within different transform domains of the host signal.

Multiple component heart valves and apparatus and methods for implanting them are provided. The heart valve generally includes a first annular prosthesis and a second valve prosthesis. The first prosthesis includes an annular member compressible from a relaxed condition to a contracted condition to facilitate delivery into a biological annulus, the annular member being resiliently expandable towards the relaxed condition. The first prosthesis also includes guide rails extending therefrom. The second prosthesis includes an annular frame, valve elements, and receptacles for receiving respective guide rails therethrough when the second prosthesis is directed towards the first prosthesis. In addition, a valve holder may releasably carry the valve prosthesis that includes channels for receiving respective guide rails therethrough when the guide rails are received through the valve prosthesis. A delivery tool is also provided that includes an actuator for selectively compressing the annular member into the contracted condition.

A vertebral disc prosthesis, a method of implanting a prosthesis and a deployment device is provided. The prosthesis may be implanted into the interior region of the vertebral disc so as to displace existing vertebral tissue, such as NP. The size or amount of the prosthesis inserted into the interior region of the vertebral disc may be a characteristic of the disc or the prosthesis. For example, the amount or size of prosthesis inserted into the disc may be dependent upon restoring the functionality of the disc (e.g., the ability of the disc to transfer nutrients or otherwise survive, the ability of the disc to carry the required loads and absorb stress or the reduction of pain). Restoring disc function may be determined by the resulting disc height desired, the resulting disc pressure desired or the resulting disc volume desired. The prosthesis may be sized or positioned within the interior of the vertebral disc such that it is spaced from at least one of the end plates of the vertebral disc. The prosthesis may be formed of a material having a compression strength that is less than 4 mn / m<2>. A deployment device may be used to facilitate placement of the prosthesis within the vertebral disc. The prosthesis may include a grouping of multiple components that can be deployed as group.

Spinal implants are disclosed that can be used for annular repair, facet unloading, disc height preservation, disc decompression, or for sealing a portal through which an intervertebral implant was placed. In some embodiments, an implant is placed within the intervertebral disc space, primarily within the region of the annulus fibrosus. In some embodiments, the implant is expandable. In some embodiments, the implant has a sealing tail structure comprising a tail flange and a linkage. In some embodiments, the sealing tail structure limits the extrusion or expulsion of disc material, either annulus fibrosus or nucleus, into the posterior region of the spine where it could impinge on nerves. In some embodiments, the tail structure is retained in place within the annulus fibrosus by means of an anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is constructed from multiple components.

Embodiments of a decentralized, distributed trust mechanism that may be used in various networking platforms including peer-to-peer platforms, to implement trust relationships between and among peers and to implement trust relationships between peers and content and data (codat). Protocols and methods may be provided for determining, disseminating and updating trust. For participating peers, trust may be biased towards data relevance. Trust may have multiple components or factors, which may include peer confidence, codat confidence and risk components, and embodiments may provide for the inclusion of factors of trust based on a peer group's interests and / or group content relevance. Embodiments may be used for a variety of applications in which trust may be based on the norm for social interaction between participating peers.