Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial disc prosthesis system which includes a scaffold assembly and a fusion or disc prosthesis removably retained by the scaffold assembly. The artificial disc prosthesis system facilitates the removal, replacement or upgrade of disc prostheses without the need to remove the entire system from the intervertebral space in which it is disposed. Also provided are disc prostheses suitable for use in the artificial disc prosthesis system.

Abstract: A method of treating discogenic back pain in a patient includes the steps of acquiring an image of at least a portion of the patient's spine, locating the spinal disc causing the back pain, and identifying a treatment volume encompassing at least a portion of the spinal disc. The method further includes prescribing a radiation dose to be delivered to the treatment volume, providing a radiation therapy machine, positioning the patient in the radiation therapy machine, programming the radiation therapy machine to deliver the radiation dose to the treatment volume, and delivering the radiation dose to the treatment volume.

Abstract: Fenestrated bone screws and inserts disposed therein are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, or to promote bony fusion, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.

Abstract: An interbody cage system includes an interbody cage having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior. The interbody cage system also includes an insertion tool. A portion of the insertion tool extends into the proximal end and the interior.

Abstract: Fenestrated bone screws and inserts disposed therein are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.

Abstract: Bone screws and inserts disposed therein or thereon are provided for the delivery of medicants to bone. The bone screws provide a method to strengthen or repair damaged bones, or to promote bony fusion, and in conjunction with the inserts, provide a method of delivering a continuous or regulated amount of medicant to a desired location within the bone such as a fracture interface. In one embodiment, the inserts are customized in size, shape, or configuration after the bone screw has been inserted into the patient.

Abstract: An exhaust control system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of actuators wherein each actuator controls a predetermined engine parameter. A plurality of sensors are also associated with the engine and each sensor provides an output representative of an engine operating condition. The control system includes a PID controller associated with each actuator and in which each PID controller has an input, an output and a feedback between the input and the output. A distribution function circuit is operatively connected in series with the inputs of the PID controller. The distribution function circuit receives an error signal representative of the difference between a target value and an actual value of one or more engine operating conditions, previously determined control factor values and the feedback from each PID controller as input signals. The distribution function circuit varies the input to each PID controller as a function of the distribution function input signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expandable spinal stabilization device that may be inserted into the space between two vertebrae, normally occupied by a disc, in order to stabilize the spine during and after spinal fusion procedures. The invention also relates to a method for using the device. The device generally includes a stack of plates connected by a connecting rod in a manner that allows the plates to adopt a helical configuration about the connecting rod when the plates are rotated about the longitudinal axis of the rod.

Abstract: A frame rail assembly configured for use in various applications, including automotive vehicles. The frame rail assembly includes two rail portions. The rail portions include apertures each encompassed by a mounting boss. In addition, the frame rail includes spacers sized and configured to receive the mounting bosses in a snug fit to help with alignment. The spacers include at least one dimple in order to guide a mounting bolt though the apertures. The mounting bolt may be employed to hold the frame rail assembly together and attach other components to the frame rail assembly.

Abstract: A steam reformer for producing H2 from a low pressure hydrocarbon gas (preferably propane) is comprised of a short and narrow cylinder, loosely packed with pelletized catalyst, into which cylinder the low-pressure gas is drawn in by the high-pressure steam that flows from one end of the cylinder to the other, by making the extent that the gas tube protrudes into the cylinder substantially greater than the steam tube, such as by cutting the latter flush with the inside of the end cap. The cogenerated electricity and H2O vapor or liquid at elevated temperature are put into use through a switching converter and heat exchanger, respectively.

Abstract: A connector for armored electrical cable apparatus which includes a body having a central bore. The body has a generally cup shaped seat disposed in generally aligned relationship to the bore and the body has external threads disposed on the external surface thereof. A dual finger member which is generally cylindrical and has a first plurality of axially extending fingers disposed about the circumferential extent of the generally cylindrical member and a second plurality of axially extending fingers disposed about the circumferential extent of the generally cylindrical member. The free ends of all of the first plurality of axially extending fingers are disposed at a first axial extremity of the generally cylindrical member and the free ends of all of the second plurality of axially extending fingers are disposed at a second axial extremity of the generally cylindrical member. A nut dimensioned and configured for engagement with the threads on the body.