Abstract: The present invention is directed to a major long bone ring implant for insertion into an implantation space formed across a spinal disc between two adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine. The implantation space has a wall portion, lip, or ridge with a flat portion for abutting the leading end of the bone ring implant. The bone ring implant has a leading end and a trailing end connected by opposed sides. The leading end has a straight cut portion. The opposed sides have portions that are preferably straight and at a 90° angle to the straight cut portion of the leading end to produce straight portions that are outwardly facing. The bone ring implant may be machined from a single bone or manufactured from a composite of cortical fibers, filaments, or particles. The bone ring implant may be used in combination with lockable screws, and preferably screw locks each preferably made of cortical bone or of a bioresorbable material.

Abstract: An at least in part frusto-conical threaded interbody spinal fusion implant having an expandable height.

Abstract: A surgical device and method used to assist in the surgical repair and rehabilitation of damaged and/or severed tendons. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a hollow member, preferably shaped as a partial funnel and/or cone, having an inner and outer surface, a flared mouth, a shaft, and an apical end. In another embodiment, the device includes a hollow member, preferably shaped as funnel or barrel cut in half along its longitudinal axis, having an inner and outer surface, two flared mouths, and a shaft. The device may further include a thin, elongated handle for ease of manipulation, and can be implantable or non-implantable.

Abstract: A push-in interbody spinal fusion implant having an expandable height and having an at least in part frusto-conical shape or a shape of cylinder split along a horizontal plane through its mid-longitudinal axis with an upper member and a lower member angled to each other during insertion into the spine.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a space in bone of a human body to receive an insert at least in part therein. The method is performed with a device having a mid-longitudinal axis and a rotatable abrading element having an abrading surface. The method includes the steps of: activating the device to cause the abrading surface to move; contacting the abrading surface of the abrading element against the bone to remove bone therefrom to form a surface on the bone to create the space; rotating the abrading element about an axis different from the mid-longitudinal axis of the device; removing the abrading surface from the space; and positioning an insert into the space created in the bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placing adjacent vertebrae at a fixed distance and angular relationship relative to each other, fixing said vertebrae in said position by use of a milling block engaging each of said adjacent vertebrae and then using a milling means, the depth, length and excursion of which from side to side are controlled by said apparatus to machine out a defined thickness of bone and a space of defined length, height, width and shape in preparation for receiving an interbody spinal implant or graft of known size and configuration are disclosed.

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: Disclosed is an enhanced system and method for bridging calls across telecommunications networks, including an illustrative application of the invention as it relates to international roaming among prepaid wireless subscribers. For instance, whenever wireless subscribers roam internationally they may invoke the system by keying in an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) short code followed by the number to be dialed. Said subscriber's prepaid account is then decremented in real-time (until such account is fully depleted). A key feature of the disclosure generally is the bridging of the call legs between the wireless subscriber initiating the telephone communication and that of the receiving party through a series of general purpose databases and computers without requiring modifications to existing core network or handset infrastructure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a variety of interbody spinal fusion implants having at least a partially frusto-conical configuration. An external thread is employed to increase implant stability and implant surface area, and for the purpose of advancing the spinal fusion implant into the fusion site. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may be relatively solid or hollow and may have surface roughenings to promote bone ingrowth and stability. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may have wells extending into the material of the implant from the surface for the purpose of holding fusion promoting materials and to provide for areas of bone ingrowth fixation.

Abstract: A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system includes vertebral body engaging anchors coupled to a connecting plate in moveable relationship to vary the spacing between the anchoring points of the plating system to the vertebral bodies and to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies. The plating system includes instrumentation and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to (1) a plating system having multiple and single locking mechanisms for general skeletal use other than in the anterior cervical spine; (2) an orthopedic plating system that permits a pair of bone screws to be inserted into a bone in a crossed over orientation and locked to the plate; (3) a segmentable plating system which can be made to a selected length by the surgeon; and (4) a combination screw-lock-plating system for allowing and/or causing intersegmental compression of bone portions.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a registry is displayed. The registry may, for example, indicate resources available from a plurality of remote network access devices via a communications network. Moreover, a personal network address may be associated with each available resource, the personal network address including an destination address portion and an application program identifier portion. A direct communications link may then be established between a first network access device hosting an available resource and a second network address device using the personal network address associated with the resource.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering unwanted wireless telecommunications includes structure and steps/function for monitoring traffic associated with roaming subscribers, the traffic being carried via inter-network Internet Protocol links. Structure and steps/function are also provided for intercepting a send-routing-information message from an originating node within the traffic, and initiating a response to the originating node so as to direct the originating node to send a short message service (SMS) or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) associated with the send-routing-information message to a SPAM-filter via an SMS or MMS delivery message. Structure and steps/function are further provided for receiving the SMS or MMS at the SPAM-filter, and determining, at the SPAM-filter, whether the SMS or MMS constitutes an unwanted message. Also, structure and steps/function are provided for invoking an action for managing the SMS based on results of the determining process.

Abstract: A cannula support serves in supporting a cannula relative to a non-contact lens assembly and a positioning mechanism for positioning the non-contact lens assembly. The cannula support includes a cannula holder and a gripper disposed relative to the cannula holder. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The gripper is adapted to cooperatively engage a portion of one of the non-contact lens assembly and the positioning mechanism.

Abstract: The art of present discloses a method and system for enabling mobile network operators to collect charging information from various other network elements; and indeed, is intended to exploit the resiliency of open network architecture and lessen the requisite dependency on proprietary network elements services and billing systems. The Open Charging (OC) middleware platform and gateway system interacts with proprietary network elements and effectually creates a unifying, enabling layer in mobile networks. Indeed, the art is directed at permitting mobile subscriber access to, among others, third party content and services with the simplicity and convenience of such charges appearing on either mobile phone bill, or decremented from said mobile subscriber's pre-paid account.

Abstract: The advances disclosed herewith delimit an improved method and system for smoothly rating and billing Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Implemented as part of a computer program product, the solution seeking the protection of Letters Patent, represents a comprehensive real-time solution for rating incoming and outgoing MMS messages which, with a view towards simplicity and efficacy of purpose, enables wireless/mobile subscribers to maintain a single account for both voice and messaging (MMS) services.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an interbody spinal implant having a structural configuration that provides for maintaining the normal anatomic relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine. The spinal implant is sized to fit within the disc space created by the removal of disc material between two adjacent vertebrae and conform wholly, or in part, to the disc space created. The spinal implant of the present invention has first and second sides with upper and lower bearing surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower bearing surfaces of the first and second sides are shaped to create an anatomic fit with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An at least in part cylindrical threaded interbody spinal fusion implant having an expandable height.

Abstract: A guard and method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant into the implantation space.