Abstract: A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plating system having modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements for locking only one bone screw to the plate, 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: An anterior cervical plating system having moveable and modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, 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: A spinal fusion implant for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies has opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space, a leading end for insertion between the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end has an exterior surface and an outer perimeter with an upper edge and a lower edge adapted to be oriented toward the adjacent vertebral bodies, respectively, and a plurality of bone screw receiving holes. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes is adapted to only partially circumferentially surround a trailing end of a bone screw received therein. At least one of the bone screw receiving holes passes through the exterior surface and one of the edges so as to permit the trailing end of the bone screw to protrude beyond one of the edges.

Abstract: The present application is directed to interbody spinal fusion implants having a structural configuration that provides for the maintaining and creating of the normal anatomic angular relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine to maintain and create spinal lordosis. The spinal fusion implants are 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 fusion implants of the present invention have upper and lower surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces are disposed in a converging angular relationship to each other such that the implants have an overall “wedged-shape” in an elevational side view.

Abstract: Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies.

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: A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is provided with a selectively adjustable shock-absorbing element. In one preferred aspect, a plate is provided with a plurality of independently moveable portions in contact with the shock-absorbing element. In another aspect, a plate is provided at an angle relative to a coil spring. A method is provided for adjusting a shock-absorbing spring.

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 anterior cervical plating system having moveable plate segments to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a non-detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, 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: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a variety of interbody spinal fusion implants having at least a partially frusto-conical configuration. 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. A variety of surface irregularities may be employed to increase implant stability and implant surface area, and/or for the purpose of advancing the spinal fusion implant into the fusion site.

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: A surgical ligation clip for double ligating a vessel, duct or other fluid carrying structure and a method for double ligating such structure.

Abstract: A system of distributing video and/or audio information employs digital signal processing to achieve high rates of data compression. The compressed and encoded audio and/or video information is sent over standard telephone, cable or satellite broadcast channels to a receiver specified by a subscriber of the service, preferably in less than real time, for later playback and optional recording on standard audio and/or video tape.

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: Methods for inserting and expanding fusion implants having an expandable height are disclosed. An implant holder having a passage therethrough that is adapted to receive an expander driver is provided. The implant holder is attached to the implant, and the expander driver is inserted through the passage to engage an expander of the implant. Using the expander driver, the expander is rotated from a first position to a second position to expand the expandable implant from a first collapsed height to a second expanded height.

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: Tapered root threaded hollow perforated interbody spinal fusion implants are disclosed for placement into a disc space in a human spine between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants have opposite arcuate portions with lockable screws passing therethrough for engaging each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The implants are adapted for use in side-by-side pairs such that a portion of the circumference of a first implant nests within the circumference of a second implant, so as to have a reduced combined width.