Abstract: The invention is an expandable box-shaped spinal implant used to fuse adjacent vertebra in the patient's spine. The implant includes three interlocking parts, which are the superior section, the inferior section, and the U-shaped expander cap. The Box-shaped expandable spinal implant is formed by mating the superior section and the inferior section. The superior section has a top, a pair of mirror image vertical sides, and an upper proximal face. The inferior section has a bottom, a pair of mirror image vertical sides, and a lower proximal face. The pair of mirror image vertical sides on the superior section and the pair of mirror image vertical sides on the inferior section overlap each other and have guide way means and locking means to allow the upper section and the lower section to slideably expand transversely relative to each other. The superior and inferior sections form a closed end and an open end. A pair of exterior longitudinal channels are formed where the pair of vertical sides overlap.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided which includes a plug and a socket, and in which the plug is latched to the socket after the plug has been inserted into the socket to maintain the electric contacts of the plug and socket in contact with one another, and which includes an abrasive affixed to at least one of the latching surfaces to increase the pull force required to separate the plug and socket when in a latched condition.

Abstract: A coupon redemption card and tracking system includes a credit card size redemption coupon card used by the customer, and a tracking sheet used by the redemption center such as a restaurant. The redemption card has a plurality of mini coupons, which can be peeled off individually. Each redeemed coupon is affixed to the tracking sheet, which has dimensions of a dollar bill so that it can be placed in the till of a cash register. The tracking system facilitates the accounting and inventory of redeemed coupons. The coupon card is formed as two laminated layers of special paper joined together by a layer of adhesive material, and a layer of clear plastic film on the top face of the card. The base layer is fabricated from a special paper. An adhesive coating is applied to one side of the base layer. The peel off coupon layer is affixed to the adhesive coating. The finished layered sheet is printed on both sides, die-cut on the coupon side, and then laminated with the film on the other side.

Abstract: A rongeur surgical instrument is disclosed which has an actuating mechanism providing a variable degree of mechanical advantage for operation of the cutting element in the instrument. During the cutting stroke the rate of movement steadily decreases, while the degree of precision of movement and the amount of torque increase throughout the stroke. The instrument also has an improved shaft design which maintains cutting edge alignment with the footplate anvil surface, and also provides a mechanism for preventing cut portions of body material from aggregating near the distal end of the shaft and interfering with the cutting operation. In addition, the grip portion of the instrument has an adjustable spur member to allow the grip portion to comfortably fit a variety of hand sizes.

Abstract: A clam shell action post hole digger includes a pair of opposed movable shovel blades pivotally attached to a cross brace. A combination stationary shaft and an inner movable rod are secured to the cross brace. The rod and shaft each has a handle attached at the upper end to allow the rod to rotate within the shaft by causing the pair of handles to open and close by the user. An eccentric cam plate mounted at the bottom of the rotatable rod causes the pair of shovels to open and close. A spring and pair of locking tangs on the cam plate lock the shovels in the open mode. In an alternate, a locking bar secured to and extending below the cam plate locks the shovels in the open mode. In normal operation the pair of shovels are in the open digging mode. The blade edge on the bottom of each shovel allows the user to form a cylinder-shaped hole by turning and pounding the digger in the ground by gripping and turning the pair of handles.