Abstract: An oversized spinal implant for translateral insertion into the disc space between two vertebrae a length that is greater than one half of the transverse width of the vertebrae and is greater than the depth of the vertebrae. The translateral implant of the present invention has a height that is greater than the height of the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae so as to engage both of the vertebrae. The width of the implant need be only slightly less than the depth of the vertebrae themselves. The translateral spinal fusion implant of the present invention has more surface area of contact and thus permits greater stability so as to withstand torque, and in the case of a threaded implant, increases the depth which any threads are able to penetrate the vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzer for determining the concentration of substances, such as chemicals, present in a fluid medium, such as gas, vapor or liquid, using holographic optics. The analyzer of the present invention is based on the infra red absorbance of the gas, vapor or liquid to be measured, where the optical functions of an infra red absorbance gas analyzer are performed by holographic functional representations of the required optical components.

Abstract: A cleaning card for cleaning the sensors and rollers and other parts of currency readers is disclosed. The cleaning card of the present invention comprises a single layer, non-laminated or a multi-layer, laminated cleaning material having the same or similar characteristics of the currency that is normally read by the currency reader and may comprise an encoded portion capable of activating a currency reader to accept the cleaning card into the currency reader. The cleaning card of the present invention goes into the currency reader, and cleans the reader heads, feed path, rollers and guides without being validated by the currency reader as actual currency.

Abstract: A cleaning card has a flat, semirigid base with a first and second material mechanically bonded to the side surfaces thereof. The first material is an abrasive substantially impenetrable material and the second material is a soft spunlaced fabric of high absorptive capacity. The differences in physical qualities of the first and second materials allow for one card to be used both as frequent cleaning card as well as a corrective cleaning card and provides a cleaning card that enables operation of the machine quickly after cleaning thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed having a power driven rotary brush in which the direction of rotation of the brush is automatically controlled depending on whether the top or the bottom teeth are being brushed in order to brush any food debris present on the teeth and gums in a direction away from the gums. The toothbrush of the present invention utilizes a direction controller that is placed inside the mouth between the top and bottom teeth. The direction controller controls the direction of brush rotation and serves to stabilize the toothbrush relative to the teeth during the brushing operation. The movement of the direction controller operates a reversing switch to change the direction of rotation of the brush as required to brush in a direction away from the gums and towards the teeth without removing the toothbrush from the mouth.

Abstract: A garment having a cuff construction with an opening for permitting the thumb of the wearer and the fingers to extend outside the sleeve. The cuff is generally integrally attached to an article of clothing, and folds in on itself for storing the cuff permitting the use or non use of the cuff at the user's direction. The cuff is formed at an opening of a sleeve in a garment, and includes a tubular member which is switchable between a first rolled position allowing the hand to pass through and a second unrolled position forming a covering around at least a portion of the hand and/or thumb while leaving the ends of the fingers and thumb exposed.

Abstract: An improved method and instrumentation for performing spinal surgery, including discectomy, interbody fusion and rigid internal fixation of the spine, from the lateral aspect of the spine is disclosed. The surgical procedure can be performed through a very small incision. The instrumentation of the present invention, all of which is inserted from a lateral position into the spine in the preferred embodiment, comprises a guide pin, a distractor, an extended outer sleeve, an inner sleeve an adjustable drill and an implant driver. The distractor of the present invention is driven into the disc for spacing apart and realigning the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An artificial spinal implant is disclosed which when placed between two adjacent vertebrae directly participates and is incorporated in the ensuing fusion. Instrumentation and procedure is also disclosed.