Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the formation of structures utilizing fill materials capable of hardening, such as concrete. The methods and apparatus may include the employment of enhanced load-bearing capabilities, which may yield substantial efficiencies in time, labor, materials and costs attendant to fill material formation. The methods and apparatus may be particularly suited for use with manufacturing and prefabrication processes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the formation of structures utilizing fill materials capable of hardening, such as concrete. The methods and apparatus may include the employment of enhanced load-bearing capabilities, which may yield substantial efficiencies in time, labor, materials and costs attendant to fill material formation. The methods and apparatus may be particularly suited for use with manufacturing and prefabrication processes.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for cutting allograft bone implants from donor bone. Die sets of standard sizes are installed in a press. Donor bone is then placed in position between the upper and the lower parts of a matched cutting set comprising a hollow cylindrical cutting blade, a mandrel, and a table which establishes a gap around the mandrel which guides the blade. After the bone to be shaped has been properly placed, a shaped cutting blade is driven through the donor bone, producing a precisely shaped allograft implant. The invention provides for rapid change out of blades, rapid cleaning, and easy maintenance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the formation of structures utilizing fill materials capable of hardening, such as concrete. The methods and apparatus may include the employment of enhanced load-bearing capabilities, which may yield substantial efficiencies in time, labor, materials and costs attendant to fill material formation. The methods and apparatus may be particularly suited for use with manufacturing and prefabrication processes.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A method for modulating the output of an optically pumped, tunable VCSEL. Two approaches are disclosed. In a first approach, the output of the VCSEL is modulated by modulating the pump laser. In a second approach, the output of the VCSEL is modulated by modulating a voltage applied across the active region.

Abstract: The invention is a single piece, self seating and locking dynamic intervertebral spacer. The dynamic spacer is load-supporting but also able to undergo flexure in either or both the lateral and sagittal planes.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: The invention is a unitary implant or graft made of allograft bone or of similar material and shaped as a conjoined double dowel. Six embodiments of the implant are shown along with three embodiments for a vertebral distractor and reamer guide.

Abstract: The invention is a unitary implant or graft made of allograft bone or of similar material and shaped as a conjoined double dowel. Six embodiments of the implant are shown along with three embodiments for a vertebral distractor and reamer guide.

Abstract: The invention is a single piece, self seating and locking dynamic intervertebral spacer. The dynamic spacer is load-supporting but also able to undergo flexure in either or both the lateral and sagittal planes.

Abstract: A guide comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, the tube: A) being configured for insertable acceptance therethrough of a shaft of a tool designed to make cuts in a first vertebra and in a second vertebra simultaneously; B) having tangs extending from the first end thereof, wherein the tangs are tapered to conform to natural lordosis; and C) having a depth stop located on the second end thereof.

Abstract: An end cut tool for making an end cut in bone is disclosed that comprises: A) a shaft having first and second ends, 1) the first end having a blade attached thereto for making the end cut in the bone, and 2) the second end having a handle attached thereto substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft to facilitate rotation of the shaft, and B) at least one interlock located between the first and second ends, the interlock preventing rotation of the blade during insertion into a patient and then preventing withdrawal of the tool during use.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus driver device for use with a subcombination comprising A) a tome for cutting at least one dovetail in bone comprising a shaft having first and second ends, the first end having attached thereto a blade for cutting the dovetail in the bone and the second end having attached thereto an extension for engagement with a mechanical energy transmission mechanism, and B) a guide comprising a tube having a first end and a second end, the tube being configured for acceptance of the shaft of the tome and having tangs extending from one end thereof; wherein the driver comprises a mechanism for engagement with the subcombination, a piston, and a mechanism for providing power to the piston for delivery of a multiplicity of impact to the subcombination.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A tome for cutting at least one dovetail in bone is disclosed wherein said tome includes: a shaft having first and second ends, said first end having attached thereto a blade shaped for cutting the dovetail in the bone and the second end having attached thereto an extension for engagement with mechanical energy transmission devices, and a depth stop on the shaft between the blade and the extension.

Abstract: A spinal implant replaces excised tissue removed during spine surgery. This implant includes fasteners which firmly attach it to vertebrae adjacent to excised tissue so as to transmit tension and torsional loads to and from those vertebrae. The body of the implant has through cavities into which bone growth material is placed during surgery. The body of the implant also has a finite modulus of elasticity in compression so as to share compressive loads with emplaced bone growth material and with new bony growth facilitated by the emplaced material and the load sharing.

Abstract: A magnetic neural stimulator is disclosed for the stimulation of biological tissue. The stimulator includes an inductive stimulation coil, an energy storage capacitor, a firing device and a charging circuit. The energy storage capacitor is charged by the charging circuit to a voltage level which is greater than the voltage level supplied to the charging circuit. The energy storage capacitor is partially discharged into the stimulation coil thereby producing a magnetic pulse. The charging and discharging of the capacitor is continuously performed so as to produce a plurality of high frequency magnetic pulses. The stimulation coil and the energy storage capacitor operate in a resonant manner under a control circuit which performs timing and gating functions.