Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a hauling vehicle equipped with a conventional receiving style hitch assembly having a tubular cross member extended along the width of the hauling vehicle and attached to the frame thereof. The tubular cross member includes opposing ends and a centrally located extension tube each having an opening for receiving the mounting hardware of the carrier rack. The carrier rack further comprises a sturdily constructed carrying platform, ramp means for loading the carrying platform, and retractable casters for supporting the carrier rack when not mounted on a hauling vehicle. In addition, the carrier rack preferably has one or more rear safety lights which are communicatively connected to the electrical system of the vehicle via a wiring harness. For the driver to easily locate the rear of the carrier rack via a rear view mirror, a removable tailgate may also be installed.

Abstract: A theft resistant lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a lamp unit and a lens. The lamp unit is adapted to generate light and is enclosed in the lens. The lens has a body portion adapted to transmit light from the lamp and one or more lock tabs. A flange extends from the body portion. Each lock tab is constructed and arranged to resiliently deflect in order to secure the lens to the vehicle.

Abstract: A kit of tooling components for facilitating removal of a gear from a shaft includes a plurality of jaw members that are adapted to fit through blanking holes defined in the gear. The jaw members are further adapted to engage the gear. The kit further includes a set of studs with each of the studs adapted to engage one of the jaw members and a plate adapted to couple to the studs. The kit further includes a jack adapted to engage and fit between the plate and the shaft. Included as a part of this disclosure is a method of removing a camshaft gear by use of the kit of tooling components.

Abstract: Device for determining the size of a blind void comprises an elongated rigid rod, an actuator slidably movable relative to the rod, the actuator having a distal end for insertion into the void, a distal flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod, a second flexible element fixed at one end thereof to the rod and proximally removed from the distal flexible element. Movement of the actuator is operative to cause equal movements of the distal end portions of the distal and proximal elements, to cause the distal element to bulge outwardly from the rod to engage interior walls of the void and to cause the proximal element to bulge outwardly in a configuration duplicative of the distal element bulge, the proximal element being outside of the void and subject to observation.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for surgical procedures relating to preparation of vertebral bodies and a disc space for insertion of spinal implants is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a shim having a blade and a shaft having a first end connected with the blade. The blade is inserted into a distracted disc space to maintain distraction during subsequent procedures. In one embodiment, the shaft can be bent away from the operative field. In another embodiment, the shim is used in an endoscopically assisted approach to the spine. Another instrument is a driver for driving the blade of the shim into the distracted disc space. Various methods contemplate the use of these instruments to maintain disc space distraction during disc space preparation for receiving an implant.