Abstract:
A decelerator device for apples or the like is disclosed. The apples are delivered to the decelerator device by a tube which can be provided with either a positive pressure upstream of the transported objects or a downstream of the transporter device. In one embodiment of the invention, the decelerator is provided with an area of reduced pressure in communication with the distal end of the transport tube. A receiving device such as a plurality of inter-engaged wheels receives the apples of other objects in the area of reduced pressure. The wheels or conveyors receive objects between opposed sealing surfaces, reduce the traveling speed of the object, and transport the object to an area of ambient pressure. The sealing surfaces are disengaged from the transported objects in the area of ambient pressure, and the objects are delivered to a transport path, dry bin, or other desired structure. In another embodiment of the invention, a counter flow of air reduces the speed of the object traveling along the tube.
Abstract:
A mobile system for improving the picking and preliminary processing of apples, citrus, stone fruit and the like is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a mobile chassis upon which can be mounted picking stations, pneumatic tube transport subsystems, receiving and conveying subsystems, object scanning subsystems, cull diverter subsystems, labeling subsystems, and subsystems for relatively gently placing the objects in a predetermined location in a receiving bin. The system can also include a subsystem for gently placing diverted objects in a receiving bin.
Abstract:
A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to move through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential.
Abstract:
A method for implanting an articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis into an intervertebral disc space comprises surgically accessing the intervertebral disc space through an opening on a first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and inserting a first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening and into the intervertebral disc space. The method further comprises inserting a second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and positioning the first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on a second lateral side of the intervertebral disc space. The method also comprises positioning the second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space.
Abstract:
A system for grasping, holding, stabilizing, and selectively releasing tissue with minimal damage to the tissue. The system can further include a device that signals entry into the epidural space. A tubular member is provided having at a distal tip an annular surface surrounding a terminal port and at least one barb projecting at an angle from the annular surface for grasping and controlling the tissue. Each barb is formed having a sharp edge configured to grasp the tissue as the tubular member is rotated about its longitudinal axis. One implementation of the system includes a plurality of unidirectional barbs spaced around the annular surface. The system can further include an indicator mechanism that gives a visual and a tactile indication of when the tubular member, such as a cannula, encounters and penetrates tissue. The system facilitates the appropriate placement of an epidural or subdural catheter or patch of any kind.
Abstract:
An implantable prosthesis (10) is described having a pair of opposed shells (20 & 40) and a central body (60) disposed between the opposed shells (20 & 40) wherein the central body (60) and the shells (20 & 40) cooperate to limit the motion of the central body (60) with respect to the shells (20 & 40). An assembly (138) for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis (10) is further described having a plurality of instruments (152,142) cooperating to guide a tool (140) associated with the assembly (138).
Abstract:
A transport tube and system for transporting objects are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an outer support and protective tube. Within the outer tube is mounted an inner tube which is adapted to radially expand and contract so as to accommodate and substantially continuously engage the surface of an object to be transported along the inner tube. The tube surface/object surface engagement provides a pressure seal across the object. When fluid pressure is reduced in front of the object and/or when pressure is increased behind the object, the pressure differential across the object urges the object along the tube. In one embodiment of the invention, the object being transported is a fish.
Abstract:
A mobile system for improving the picking and preliminary processing of apples, citrus, stone fruit and the like is disclosed and claimed. The system comprises a mobile chassis upon which can be mounted picking stations, pneumatic tube transport subsystems, receiving and conveying subsystems, object scanning subsystems, cull diverter subsystems, labeling subsystems, and subsystems for relatively gently placing the objects in a predetermined location in a receiving bin. The system can also include a subsystem for gently placing diverted objects in a receiving bin.
Abstract:
Described is a locking mechanism and method of locking the relative positions of a fixation device (104) like a bone screw and of a stabilization device (106) like a rod. The locking mechanism includes a seat (102), a washer (108) and a cap (110). The seat (102) includes a bottom portion (114) configured to receive the fixation device (104) such that a socket (116) of the bottom portion (114) engages part of the fixation device (104) and prevents the fixation device (104) from passing entirely therethrough. The seat (102) further includes a side portion (112) configured to receive the stabilization device (106), a washer (108) and a cap (110). When the washer (108) and cap (110) are fully engaged with the seat (102), the fixation device (104) may be locked independent of the stabilization device (106). The locking mechanism may also include a locking element for locking the stabilization device (106).