As used herein, "interconnect" refers to a conductive structure configured to convey an electric signal or charge between a source and a destination. An interconnect may be made of a variety of conductive or semiconductive materials including, but not limited to, metal, nanotubes, nanoyarns, nanofibers, and the like . One material that can be used for an interconnect is elemental carbon (also referred to as graphene). An interconnect may also be referred to interchangeably herein as a conductor. … more As used herein, "interconnect" refers to a conductive structure configured to convey an electric signal or charge between a source and a destination. An interconnect may be made of a variety of conductive or semiconductive materials including, but not limited to, metal, nanotubes, nanoyarns, nanofibers, and the like . One material that can be used for an interconnect is elemental carbon (also referred to as graphene). An interconnect may also be referred to interchangeably herein as a conductor.

As used herein, an “void” refers to a gap, a hole, an aperture, a space or recess in a structure, an opening in a structure, or the like. In certain embodiments, a void can refer to a structure configured specifically for receiving something and/or for allowing access. In certain embodiments, a void can pass through a structure. In other embodiments, a void can exist within a structure but not pass through the structure. … more As used herein, an “void” refers to a gap, a hole, an aperture, a space or recess in a structure, an opening in a structure, or the like. In certain embodiments, a void can refer to a structure configured specifically for receiving something and/or for allowing access. In certain embodiments, a void can pass through a structure. In other embodiments, a void can exist within a structure but not pass through the structure.

As used herein, "artificial intelligence" refers to intelligence demonstrated by machines, unlike the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals, which involves consciousness and emotionality. The distinction between artificial intelligence and natural intelligence categories is often revealed by the acronym chosen. 'Strong' AI is usually labelled as artificial general intelligence (AGI) while attempts to emulate 'natural' intelligence have been called artificial biological intelligence (ABI). Leading AI textbooks define the field as the study of "intelligent agents": any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of achieving its goals. The term "artificial intelligence" can also be used to describe machines that mimic "cognitive" functions that humans associate with the human mind, such as "learning" and "problem solving". (Search "artificial intelligence" on Wikipedia.com June 25, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 25, 2021.) … more As used herein, "artificial intelligence" refers to intelligence demonstrated by machines, unlike the natural intelligence displayed by humans and animals, which involves consciousness and emotionality. The distinction between artificial intelligence and natural intelligence categories is often revealed by the acronym chosen. 'Strong' AI is usually labelled as artificial general intelligence (AGI) while attempts to emulate 'natural' intelligence have been called artificial biological intelligence (ABI). Leading AI textbooks define the field as the study of "intelligent agents": any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of achieving its goals. The term "artificial intelligence" can also be used to describe machines that mimic "cognitive" functions that humans associate with the human mind, such as "learning" and "problem solving". (Search "artificial intelligence" on Wikipedia.com June 25, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 25, 2021.)

As used herein, “robotic surgical assistance tool” refers to a tool, system, device, component, or apparatus configured and designed to assist a surgeon in performing a surgical procedure and/or more or more steps of a surgical procedure. The robotic surgical assistance tool may include a computing device, a computer memory device, and a set of one or more instruments that may be wholly or partically controlled by a computing device and/or a surgeon. … more As used herein, “robotic surgical assistance tool” refers to a tool, system, device, component, or apparatus configured and designed to assist a surgeon in performing a surgical procedure and/or more or more steps of a surgical procedure. The robotic surgical assistance tool may include a computing device, a computer memory device, and a set of one or more instruments that may be wholly or partically controlled by a computing device and/or a surgeon.

As used herein, “manufacturing tool” or "fabrication tool" refers to a manufacturing or fabrication process, tool, system, or apparatus which creates an object, device, apparatus, feature, or component using one or more source materials. A manufacturing tool or fabrication tool can use a variety of manufacturing processes, including but not limited to additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, forging, casting, and the like. The manufacturing tool can use a variety of materials including polymers, thermoplastics, metals, biocompatible materials, biodegradable materials, ceramics, biochemicals, and the like. A manufacturing tool may be operated manually by an operator, automatically using a computer numerical controller (CNC), or a combination of these techniques. … more As used herein, “manufacturing tool” or "fabrication tool" refers to a manufacturing or fabrication process, tool, system, or apparatus which creates an object, device, apparatus, feature, or component using one or more source materials. A manufacturing tool or fabrication tool can use a variety of manufacturing processes, including but not limited to additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, forging, casting, and the like. The manufacturing tool can use a variety of materials including polymers, thermoplastics, metals, biocompatible materials, biodegradable materials, ceramics, biochemicals, and the like. A manufacturing tool may be operated manually by an operator, automatically using a computer numerical controller (CNC), or a combination of these techniques.

As used herein, "bone-facing surface" refers to a surface of an object, instrument, or apparatus, such as an implant that is oriented toward or faces one or more bones of a patient. In one aspect, the bone-facing surface may abut, touch, or contact a surface of a bone. In another aspect, the bone-facing surface or parts of the bone-facing surface may be close to, but not abut, touch, or contact a surface of the bone. … more As used herein, "bone-facing surface" refers to a surface of an object, instrument, or apparatus, such as an implant that is oriented toward or faces one or more bones of a patient. In one aspect, the bone-facing surface may abut, touch, or contact a surface of a bone. In another aspect, the bone-facing surface or parts of the bone-facing surface may be close to, but not abut, touch, or contact a surface of the bone.

As used herein, "instrument model" refers to a model, either physical or digital, that represents an instrument, tool, apparatus, or device. Examples, of an instrument model can include a cutting guide model, a patient specific cutting guide model, and the like. … more As used herein, "instrument model" refers to a model, either physical or digital, that represents an instrument, tool, apparatus, or device. Examples, of an instrument model can include a cutting guide model, a patient specific cutting guide model, and the like.

As used herein, "template cutting guide" refers to a guide configured, designed, and/or engineered to serve as a template for creating, generating, or fabricating a patient specific cutting guide. In one aspect, the template cutting guide may be used, as-is, without any further changes, modifications, or adjustments and thus become a patient specific cutting guide. In another aspect, the template cutting guide may be modified, adjusted, or configured to more specifically address the goals, objectives, or needs of a patient or a surgeon and by way of the modifications become a patient specific cutting guide. The patient specific cutting guide can be used by a user, such as a surgeon, to guide making one or more resections of a structure, such as a bone for a procedure. … more As used herein, "template cutting guide" refers to a guide configured, designed, and/or engineered to serve as a template for creating, generating, or fabricating a patient specific cutting guide. In one aspect, the template cutting guide may be used, as-is, without any further changes, modifications, or adjustments and thus become a patient specific cutting guide. In another aspect, the template cutting guide may be modified, adjusted, or configured to more specifically address the goals, objectives, or needs of a patient or a surgeon and by way of the modifications become a patient specific cutting guide. The patient specific cutting guide can be used by a user, such as a surgeon, to guide making one or more resections of a structure, such as a bone for a procedure.

"Transmission path" refers to an electrical path that an electronic signal travels through a circuit or a portion of a circuit. A transmission path may include a variety of electrical components and may include one or more connections to a ground source, a signal source, and/or a power source. In certain embodiments, a transmission path may include a transmitter, a receiver, and one or more transmission lines. A transmission path may also be referred to as a ‘main line.’ … more "Transmission path" refers to an electrical path that an electronic signal travels through a circuit or a portion of a circuit. A transmission path may include a variety of electrical components and may include one or more connections to a ground source, a signal source, and/or a power source. In certain embodiments, a transmission path may include a transmitter, a receiver, and one or more transmission lines. A transmission path may also be referred to as a ‘main line.’

As used herein, "mesenchyme" or "mesenchyme cell" refers to a type of loosely organized embryonic connective tissue of undifferentiated cells that can change to form blood and lymph vessels, bone, and muscle. (Search "mesenchyme" on Wikipedia.com June 21, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 24, 2021.) … more As used herein, "mesenchyme" or "mesenchyme cell" refers to a type of loosely organized embryonic connective tissue of undifferentiated cells that can change to form blood and lymph vessels, bone, and muscle. (Search "mesenchyme" on Wikipedia.com June 21, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 24, 2021.)

As used herein, "cell migration" refers to a process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Tissue formation during embryonic development, wound healing and immune responses may require the orchestrated movement of cells in particular directions to specific locations. Cells often migrate in response to specific external signals, including chemical signals and mechanical signals. (Search "cellular differentiation" on Wikipedia.com June 10, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 24, 2021.) … more As used herein, "cell migration" refers to a process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Tissue formation during embryonic development, wound healing and immune responses may require the orchestrated movement of cells in particular directions to specific locations. Cells often migrate in response to specific external signals, including chemical signals and mechanical signals. (Search "cellular differentiation" on Wikipedia.com June 10, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 24, 2021.)

As used herein, "cellular differentiation" or "cell differentiation" refers to a process in which a cell changes from one cell type to another. Often, the cell changes to a more specialized type. Differentiation occurs numerous times during the development of a multicellular organism as it changes from a simple zygote to a complex system of tissues and cell types. (Search "cellular differentiation" on Wikipedia.com May 22, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 24, 2021.) … more As used herein, "cellular differentiation" or "cell differentiation" refers to a process in which a cell changes from one cell type to another. Often, the cell changes to a more specialized type. Differentiation occurs numerous times during the development of a multicellular organism as it changes from a simple zygote to a complex system of tissues and cell types. (Search "cellular differentiation" on Wikipedia.com May 22, 2021. CC-BY-SA 3.0 Modified. Accessed June 24, 2021.)

As used herein, "osteolysis" refers to a process in which bone tissues deteriorate. … more As used herein, "osteolysis" refers to a process in which bone tissues deteriorate.

As used herein, "osteogenic" refers to a type or kind of bone graft material that grows bone tissue. Osteoblasts are one example of osteogenic bone graft material. … more As used herein, "osteogenic" refers to a type or kind of bone graft material that grows bone tissue. Osteoblasts are one example of osteogenic bone graft material.

As used herein, "imbalance" refers to a state or condition in which two opposing factors, features, attributes, aspects, conditions, or states are not balanced. "Imbalance" also refers to a lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things, structures, components, angles, or vectors. (Search "imbalance" on google.com. Oxford Languages, 2021. Modified. Web. 26 May 2021.) Examples of opposing factors, features, attributes, aspects, conditions, or states that can be imbalanced includes a varus condition and a valgus condition, a motive force and a friction force, and the like. … more As used herein, "imbalance" refers to a state or condition in which two opposing factors, features, attributes, aspects, conditions, or states are not balanced. "Imbalance" also refers to a lack of proportion or relation between corresponding things, structures, components, angles, or vectors. (Search "imbalance" on google.com. Oxford Languages, 2021. Modified. Web. 26 May 2021.) Examples of opposing factors, features, attributes, aspects, conditions, or states that can be imbalanced includes a varus condition and a valgus condition, a motive force and a friction force, and the like.

As used herein, a "set screw" refers to a type of screw generally used to secure a first object within, or against, second object, usually without using a nut. Set screws can be headless, meaning that the screw is fully threaded and has no head projecting past the thread's major diameter. If a set screw does have a head, the thread may extend to the head. A set screw can be driven by an internal-wrenching drive, such as a hex socket (Allen), star (Torx), square socket (Robertson), or a slot. A set screw can be driven by a knob on or part of a head of the set screw. The knob may be sized to facilitate rotation by a user using their fingers and may be referred to as a thumb screw. In one embodiment, the set screw passes through a threaded hole in the second object (an outer object) and is tightened against the first object (an inner object) to prevent the inner object from moving relative to the outer object. The set screw can exert a compressional and/or clamping force through an end of the set screw that projects through the threaded hole. (Search "set screw" on Wikipedia.com Aug. 17, 2020. Modified. Accessed Jan. 6, 2020.) … more As used herein, a "set screw" refers to a type of screw generally used to secure a first object within, or against, second object, usually without using a nut. Set screws can be headless, meaning that the screw is fully threaded and has no head projecting past the thread's major diameter. If a set screw does have a head, the thread may extend to the head. A set screw can be driven by an internal-wrenching drive, such as a hex socket (Allen), star (Torx), square socket (Robertson), or a slot. A set screw can be driven by a knob on or part of a head of the set screw. The knob may be sized to facilitate rotation by a user using their fingers and may be referred to as a thumb screw. In one embodiment, the set screw passes through a threaded hole in the second object (an outer object) and is tightened against the first object (an inner object) to prevent the inner object from moving relative to the outer object. The set screw can exert a compressional and/or clamping force through an end of the set screw that projects through the threaded hole. (Search "set screw" on Wikipedia.com Aug. 17, 2020. Modified. Accessed Jan. 6, 2020.)

As used herein, a "pin hole" refers to a hole, void, opening, channel, space, or passage that extends from one side of a structure to another side of the structure. In certain embodiments, a pin hole is straight. A pin hole may have a circular or oval cross section. In certain embodiments, a pin hole is configured to accept a pin. A diameter of a pin hole may be just larger than a cross-sectional diameter of a pin such that the pin fits within the pin hole in a friction fit or a loose fit. In certain embodiments, a pin hole can include a beveled or chamfered edge at one or both openings of the pin hole. A pin hole may serve to accept alignment pins, attachment pins, securement pins or the like. Pins within the pin hole may sit within the pin hole temporarily during a procedure or permanently as part of procedures. Pin holes can be used in a variety of devices, components, apparatus, and systems, including but not limited to, fixation plates, measurement instruments, pin guides, cutting guides, and the like. … more As used herein, a "pin hole" refers to a hole, void, opening, channel, space, or passage that extends from one side of a structure to another side of the structure. In certain embodiments, a pin hole is straight. A pin hole may have a circular or oval cross section. In certain embodiments, a pin hole is configured to accept a pin. A diameter of a pin hole may be just larger than a cross-sectional diameter of a pin such that the pin fits within the pin hole in a friction fit or a loose fit. In certain embodiments, a pin hole can include a beveled or chamfered edge at one or both openings of the pin hole. A pin hole may serve to accept alignment pins, attachment pins, securement pins or the like. Pins within the pin hole may sit within the pin hole temporarily during a procedure or permanently as part of procedures. Pin holes can be used in a variety of devices, components, apparatus, and systems, including but not limited to, fixation plates, measurement instruments, pin guides, cutting guides, and the like.

As used herein, "nonparallel orientation" refers to two structures that are oriented in a nonparallel configuration with respect to each other. … more As used herein, "nonparallel orientation" refers to two structures that are oriented in a nonparallel configuration with respect to each other.

"Pin" refers to a conductive structure for connecting electrical components of a semiconductor component and/or chip to a bonding pad. A pin may comprise a thin cylindrical structure often made of metal. In other embodiments, a pin may be implemented as a spherical or semi-spherical structure also referred to as a ball. … more "Pin" refers to a conductive structure for connecting electrical components of a semiconductor component and/or chip to a bonding pad. A pin may comprise a thin cylindrical structure often made of metal. In other embodiments, a pin may be implemented as a spherical or semi-spherical structure also referred to as a ball.

As used herein, a “mast” refers to an elongated structure that extends from another structure such as a base or a body. In certain embodiments, a mast can be configured to support one or more other structures that connect to or extend from the mast. A mast can be configured to support a load (including a tension, compression, shear, torsion, and/or bending load). In certain embodiments, a mast may comprise a cylindrical structure. A mast can be a separate structure connected to, or integrated with, another structure. A mast can have a variety of geometric shapes and/or cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to a rectangle, a square, or other polygon, as well as a circle, an ellipse, an ovoid, or other circular or semi-circular shape. A mast can be made from a variety of materials including, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, fiberglass, or the like. … more As used herein, a “mast” refers to an elongated structure that extends from another structure such as a base or a body. In certain embodiments, a mast can be configured to support one or more other structures that connect to or extend from the mast. A mast can be configured to support a load (including a tension, compression, shear, torsion, and/or bending load). In certain embodiments, a mast may comprise a cylindrical structure. A mast can be a separate structure connected to, or integrated with, another structure. A mast can have a variety of geometric shapes and/or cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to a rectangle, a square, or other polygon, as well as a circle, an ellipse, an ovoid, or other circular or semi-circular shape. A mast can be made from a variety of materials including, metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, fiberglass, or the like.