685 results about "Rigid rod" patented technology

An orthopedic device is described for stabilizing the spinal column between first and second vertebral bodies. The device has first and second anchors adapted for fixation to the first and second vertebral bodies, respectively. The device further includes an elongated bridge with first and second ends operatively connected to the first and second anchors, respectively. The bridge contains an implantable ligament made preferably of a nickel titanium alloy selected to have inelastic properties at body temperature, wherein the bridge is capable of continuous plastic deformation to allow relative constrained motion between the vertebral bodies. In a preferred embodiment the device further includes a dampening member surrounding the ligament, which may be a wire, tube or band. In another preferred embodiment the device includes rigid rod members each correspondingly retained with either end of the ligament, and independently attached to the vertebral bodies with anchors. The rigid rod members are correspondingly connected to either end of the ligament. In yet another preferred embodiment, the device includes plate segments correspondingly retained with either end of the ligament, and independently attached to the vertebral bodies with a plurality of anchors. Other preferred devices and kits containing such devices are also described.

A minimally invasive orthopedic bone attachment system comprising a pedicle screw and guide support sleeve for insertion of the screw. The pedicle screw is a self-boring, self-tapping integral screw having a distal sharply pointed end for guiding the insertion of the screw as well as forming a borehole for the self-tapping threads of the screw. The proximal end of the screw provides a cylindrical extension which can include a recess for receiving a rotational drive tool or wrench. The length of the threads and the type of threads provided in the screw are designed for the type of orthopedic surgery that is intended. A relatively thin hollow support sleeve including an internal threaded section in the distal end is provided to match the threads and the length of the threaded portion of the pedicle screw. The proximal end of the sleeve includes a central passageway having an internal diameter that can receive the extension portion of the screw and also guide and receive a drive device for the screw. A retainer clip associated with circumferential slots spacedly indexed along the longitudinal surface of the drive device can be used to limit the depth of the screw upon insertion as well as to lock the drive device as an assembly with the screw and sleeve to form the attachment system. A small diameter passageway can be provided along the longitudinal axis of the assembly extending from the proximal end of the drive device through the screw to exit through the pointed distal end of the screw. A thin rigid rod having a point at the distal end is slidably positioned within the narrow passageway. The proximal end of the road includes a cap. A flange surface on the under portion of the cap limits the travel of the rod through the assembly. The length of the rod is determined so that it equals the length of the assembly plus an additional dimension corresponding to the anticipated installed depth of the screw. Prior to insertion of the screw, the rod is driven into the bone through the assembly. The location of the rod is ascertained by an image guidance system to determine the correct final projected location of the screw upon installation.

A mixing bag usable in chemical and bioprocessing procedures that is hermetically sealed about a tube that is closed within the bag but extends out through a seal and adapted to receive a rotatable rigid rod of a predetermined shape for mixing the materials in the bag.

A minimally-invasive fluid-cooled insertion sleeve assembly, with an attached balloon and distally-located penetrating tip, into which sleeve any of a group comprising a rigid rod, a microwave-radiator assembly and an ultrasonic-imaging transducer assembly may be inserted, constitutes a probe of the system. The sleeve assembly comprises spaced inner and outer plastic tubes with two fluid channels situated within the coaxial lumen between the inner and outer tubes. The fluid coolant input flows through the fluid channels into the balloon, thereby inflating the balloon, and then exits through that coaxial lumen. An alternative embodiment has no balloon. The method employs the probe for piercing sub-cutaneous tissue and then ablating deep-seated tumor tissue with microwave-radiation generated heat.

A dynamic stabilization device for bones, in particular vertebrae, is made with two bone anchoring elements and a rigid rod with a longitudinal axis connecting them. An elastic element is inserted between the two bone anchoring elements. It acts on the bone anchoring elements to exert a force in a direction of the longitudinal axis. Each bone anchoring element has a first section to be anchored in a bone and a second section to be connected to the rod. At least one of the bone anchoring elements is fixedly connected to the rod to prevent translational movement of the rod relative to it. Further, at least one of the bone anchoring elements is a polyaxial bone screw. Also disclosed is a method for stabilizing vertebrae adjacent to a defective intervertebral disc. A dynamic stabilization device is provided. The anchoring elements are attached to two vertebrae on opposite sides of the defective intervertebral disc. Then, the bone anchoring elements are alligned to connect the rod therebetween with the elastic element positioned between the bone anchoring elements. Finally, one of the bone anchoring elements is connected fixedly to the rod to prevent translational movement of the rod relative to it.

The invention relates to a connecting member for maintaining the spacing between at least two anchor members screwed into vertebrae. It comprises two rigid rod-forming parts (12, 14) made of a first material and each having a fixing, first portion (16, 18) adapted to be fixed into an anchor member and a fastening, second portion (20, 22), said rods (12, 14) being aligned with each other and said fastening portions (20, 22) facing each other, and a connecting body (24) made of a second material which is more elastically deformable than said first material and which interconnects said rigid parts (12, 14) by means of the facing fastening portions (20, 22) so that said connecting body (24) is able to deform elastically, whereby the vertebrae, which are held spaced from each other, are movable relative to each other.

A mixing bag usable in chemical and bioprocessing procedures that is hermetically sealed about a tube that is closed within the bag but extends out through a seal and adapted to receive a rotatable rigid rod of a predetermined shape for mixing the materials in the bag.

A spinal curvature correction device has a flexible tube having one or multiple lumens extending longitudinally through substantially the entire length of the flexible member. The lumens are a plurality of channels formed to receive multiple longitudinal members, or rods. Each rod is shaped to a desired curvature of a healthy spine or a curvature that will affect a correction of a diseased spine. The hollow, flexible tube is surgically placed along the axis of the spine and fixed. After fixation to the spinal elements is structurally stable, a plurality of curved semi-rigid rods is placed within the channels of the flexible tube. As additional rods are placed within the hollow flexible member, increased force is applied to the spine by the device, thereby moving the spine towards the desired curvature.

The invention relates to a system which is used to fix a part to a bone element. The invention is essentially characterized in that it consists of: at least one hole which is disposed in part; a rigid rod comprising a first end, the rod being wound into a spiral along a first helicoidal curve; and a device for rotating the rod around the axis of the first helicoidal curve, such that the first end of the rod moves alternatively inside and outside the bone element and, during the rotation thereof, the first end of the rod moves at least once into the opening. The invention is particularly suitable for fixing intervertebral disks or fusion cages to the vertebral bodies of two consecutive vertebrae.

The invention relates to an anchor device, for stabilizing an excavation wall and to be inserted into a hole, bored in an excavation wall. Said anchor device comprises a rigid elongated rod which defines a distal end, to be inserted into the bored hole and a proximal end, opposed to the distal end, a support member, mounted on the rod in the vicinity of the proximal end thereof and provided for resting against an outer surface of the wall of rock and an anchor head, mounted on the rod and to be inserted into the hole, bored in the excavation wall. Said anchor head comprises a flexible expandable member, mounted on the rod, made of plastic and capable of radially expanding and stretching and an activating member, movably mounted on the rod, said activating member being capable of moving relative to the rigid rod and to the expandable member and capable of contacting the same in order to exert a pressure. For anchoring the anchor head into the excavation wall at the bored hole, the activating member and the expandable member are displaced relative to one another, such as to contact each other and to allow the activating member to exert a pressure upon the expandable member, in order to cause the radial expansion of at least one portion thereof, so that said portion of the expandable member makes frictional contact on a part of the inner surface, defining the hole bored in the excavation wall.

An outdoor umbrella that closes automatically in high wind is disclosed. The wind causes the main support post of the umbrella to flex from the vertical dislodging a plunger from its weight bearing mounting on a rigid rod. The plunger is attached to an actuator rod extending upward within the support post. When the plunger is displaced the actuator rod is caused to move downward thereby activating a releasing ratchet which frees a shaft to rotate and the cable which holds the canopy to unwind. A hydraulic cylinder attached to one of the canopy ribs presses on the rib to close the canopy and maintain the canopy in closed orientation. As the canopy closes a reset mechanism is activated which resets the plunger onto the rigid rod. Once closed the canopy will remain closed until raised by manually rewinding the cable onto the shaft using a hand crank attached to the end of the shaft. A second ratchet assembly incorporated into the hand crank prevents the hand crank from spinning when the umbrella closes.

Laminate structures are disclosed, comprising a metal foil supporting a polyimide dielectric layer. The polyimide dielectric layer comprises a polyimide derived from at least one aromatic rigid rod diamine and at least one aromatic rigid rod dianhydride to provide a thermally and dimensionally stable polyimide. A bottom electrode is formed directly on the polyimide dielectric layer surface, and a CIGS absorber layer is formed directly on the bottom electrode. The CIGS laminates of the present disclosure can be incorporated into CIGS type solar cells, and the laminates further allow such CIGS solar cells to be monolithically integrated into a photovoltaic module on a single substrate.

A retractable brush structure is attached to a cylindrical rigid rod which in the closed position passes through a channel in an endoscope. After the brush passes through the endoscope, the brush moves against the tissue in order to remove cells from an area under examination. The brush is withdrawn from the endoscope and sample tissue is removed from said brush for examination after it is withdrawn from the endoscope.

The invention discloses an integrated docking and adding device. The integrated docking and adding device comprises a driving part and a driven part, and a layout form of a center and a periphery in a circle is adopted; a center rod is flexible, and after soft docking is realized, three groups of rigid rods uniformly distributed at the periphery are in rigid connection; when the initial docking of the flexible center rod is completed, and declination of two spacecrafts in the pitching / yaw direction is corrected, declination of the spacecrafts at lateral (radial) positions is corrected; when the initial docking of three side rods is completed, the rotating declination of the two spacecrafts is corrected, and the rigidities of the two connected spacecrafts are provided; the center rod has functions of limitation and control in extending movements and retracting movements, and after the center rod extends in place, a feedback signal is provided by a Hall proximity switch; the center rod and peripheral rods are unlocked by electromagnets. According to the integrated docking and adding device, the Hall proximity switch is arranged at the top end of the flexible rod, so that an erroneous judgment of locking is prevented, and a driven end is guaranteed to be passive.

The front weight support system / garment / bra supports front weight substantially on a wearer's upper back, above the shoulder blades and below the cervical vertebrae of the neck. Weight is supported underneath by the front enclosure 3a which is extended to the wearer's shoulder-tops by opposite side front straps 3a and 11a , which secure to opposite side edges of the yoke 2a. The yoke restrains the front weight rearwardly and upwardly against the wearer's upper back. The downward end of the yoke is leveraged down by spine strap 7a, vertically adjustably secured to the rear of circumferential body band 9a by single adjuster 10a. The enclosure is secured to the front of the body band to keep the enclosure from moving forward off the weight. The yoke is positioned off the back of the wearer's neck by its shape, rigidity, and / or with an attached spine strap. Laterally rigid rod 88a in yoke can hold the front straps laterally apart and off the sides of the wearer's neck. Using a rear band closure (5a and 55a ) and a bottom-side spine strap split, (4a and 44a) the body band's circumference can be varied; and, when open, can extend to easily slip over the extra width of the shoulders, while still keeping both sides of the closure proximal for easy closing. This arrangement needs only one spine strap length adjuster. Front weight can be breasts, a child, a wearer's belly, or merchandise.

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided thermosetting resin compositions with a reduced propensity to shrink in volume upon cure and methods of use therefor. The compositions of the present invention include compounds having aromatic, rigid-rod like spacer groups between the crosslinkable moieties. As such, these compounds impart a degree of liquid crystal-like character to the thermosetting resin composition which results in lower shrinkage upon cure. This effect follows from the well-known expansion that occurs when liquid crystal-like materials pass from a nematic liquid crystal-like state to an isotropic state. Further provided by the present invention are low shrinkage die attach pastes and methods of use therefor.

Flexible ballistic resistant composite material that has improved resistance to pick-up of water and other liquids, the composite material comprising a plurality of non-woven fibrous layers. The fibrous layers are formed from a network of high tenacity fibers (aramid fibers, extended chain polyethylene fibers and / or rigid rod fibers). The fibers are embedded in a matrix of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin. Preferably, at least two adjacent fiber layers are oriented in a cross-ply arrangement with respect to each other. Flexible armor, such as body vests, are provided which are formed at least in part from the flexible composite material.

Pedestrian transportable antenna systems can include an antenna mount and an antenna for satellite based or other communication mounted on a top face of the antenna mount. A bottom face of the antenna mount may be attached to a bendable rigid rod that is sufficiently rigid to provide support for the mounted antenna such that a user can walk around with the antenna deployed while the bendable rigid rod of the antenna system is mounted to the user's back (e.g., mounting into a back portion of a vest or flak jacket). The bendable rigid rod is sufficiently rigid to support the antenna without allowing the rod to “flop” over under the load of the antenna. At the same time, the rod is sufficiently bendable so as to permit the system to be drawn closer into a user's body when the antenna is not deployed (e.g., while stepping into a vehicle).

The invention relates to an anchor device, for stabilizing an excavation wall and to be inserted into a hole, bored in an excavation wall. Said anchor device comprises a rigid elongated rod which defines a distal end, to be inserted into the bored hole and a proximal end, opposed to the distal end, a support member, mounted on the rod in the vicinity of the proximal end thereof and provided for resting against an outer surface of the wall of rock and an anchor head, mounted on the rod and to be inserted into the hole, bored in the excavation wall. Said anchor head comprises a flexible expandable member, mounted on the rod, made of plastic and capable of radially expanding and stretching and an activating member, movably mounted on the rod, said activating member being capable of moving relative to the rigid rod and to the expandable member and capable of contacting the same in order to exert a pressure. For anchoring the anchor head into the excavation wall at the bored hole, the activating member and the expandable member are displaced relative to one another, such as to contact each other and to allow the activating member to exert a pressure upon the expandable member, in order to cause the radial expansion of at least one portion thereof, so that said portion of the expandable member makes frictional contact on a part of the inner surface, defining the hole bored in the excavation wall.

The invention discloses a method for increasing coordinate measurement field accuracy through space multi-length constraint. The method for increasing the coordinate measurement field accuracy through the space multi-length constraint comprises steps of (1) constructing a plurality of length standards in site, installing laser tracker target ball seats at two ends of the plurality of rigid rods to be served as measuring points and calibrating the distance between the measuring points at two ends of the rigid rods through a laser tracker; (2)distributing a plurality of laser tracker target ball seats to be served as global measuring points, arranging a plurality of rigid rods in the standard length and enabling the laser tracker target ball seats at two ends of the rigid rods to be served as global measuring points; (3) arranging the laser tracker under m stations and measuring three-dimensional coordinates of all the global measuring points; (4) achieving azimuthal orientation through the three-dimensional coordinates of the global measuring points under the m stations and calculating to obtain an iteration initial value; (5) establishing a laser tracker length measurement, horizontal angle and vertical angle constraint equation and establishing a length standard based constraint equation and optimizing the three-dimensional coordinates of the global measuring points. The method for increasing the coordinate measurement field accuracy through the space multi-length constraint is low in construction cost and high in efficiency and effectively increases the coordinate measurement field accuracy.

This concerns a slide rail for a vehicle seat, comprising a fixed section, a mobile section sliding on the section, and a catch movable vertically between a locked position and an unlocked position allowing the mobile section to slide. The catch is controlled by a rigid rod in the shape of a crankshaft which pivots on the mobile section and which slides in an inclined groove integral with a slider which is movable transversally on the mobile section.