Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for use in surgery. More specifically, it relates to a spinal fixation device which is adapted to engage a spinal body (e.g. vertebra, or sacrum) and to grip an elongate part, which may be a rod, bar, wire or the like. for convenience. Two or more such devices may engage respective vertebrae and grip a common rod, which may act to improve a spinal defect, such as ankylosing spondylitis, lumbar scoliosis or spondylolisthesis. The invention also relates to surgical instrumentation for use with such a spinal fixation device.

Abstract: A rotator assembly is provided comprising two disc-shaped base members, each defining central bores therethrough and a disc-shaped middle section defining a central opening therethrough and having a tubular exterior, the middle section matingly fitting between the base members with the tubular exterior extending beyond and overlapping outer edges of the base members while the base members occupy the central opening of the middle section.

Abstract: An instant-type camera for producing collage photographs is provided, the camera comprising an overlay transparency designed to fit above a film pack in the camera, the overlay transparency having a predetermined image thereon and a generally gray background of a specified density, whereby photographs produced by the camera include the predetermined image from the overlay transparency such that a unitary and realistic collage photograph is produced.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting metal fiber felt in polymer filtration devices comprising removing the filter from the outer shield and the exhausted metal fiber felt.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing unauthorized operation of an engine of a motorized vehicle having a cellular telephone whereby certain DTMF tones must be generated on the cellular telephone prior to the engine of a motor vehicle being operational.

Abstract: A punching bag support apparatus is provided comprising a mounting plate, a pivot shaft, an elongated rail rotably attached to the pivot shaft, and a trolley frame slidably riding on and supported by the rail, thereby enabling a punching bag supported on the trolley frame to be moved rotationally about the central vertical axis of the support apparatus as well as able to be linearly moved through the central vertical axis of the support apparatus.

Abstract: A cover is illustrated for confining in compression a bale of cotton being transported to a textile mill. The cover is warp knitted from cotton mote yarn spun on an open-ended apparatus, possesses a yarn count of 3 to 12 and is of Atlas stitch construction produced by using suitable lapping movements in conjunction with two or more partially-threaded guide bars.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe is provided having a barrel with a movable plunger therein to inject a fluid through a hollow needle thereof which is housed within a passageway of a needle assembly that is attached to the barrel by ultrasonic welding means or other permanent attaching means. Positioned between sacrificial supports in the needle assembly and the barrel is a deformable base. The deformable base houses an enlarged head of the needle which is in contact with energy storage means within the passageway of the needle assembly. The plunger has a rupturable boot thereon which, upon completion of an injection, contacts a deformable base forcing it downward and severing a sacrificial support means within the needle assembly thereby permitting the base to move the enlarged head of the needle downward, until it is blocked by the passageway. Further movement of the base forces the enlarged needle head from the base and into contact with the rupturable boot.