Abstract: An I-beam spacer for intervertebral fusion comprises a first flange and a second flange. The first and second flanges are spaced apart from one another and have planar structures. In addition, the first and second flanges include a first outer surface and a second outer surface transverse to the support member. The first and second outer surfaces face away from each other. Also, the first and the second flanges have a first inner surface and a second inner surface transverse to the support member, wherein the first and second inner surface face toward each other. A support member is positioned between the first flange and the second flange. The support member is transverse to the first flange and the second flange. A space is formed between the first flange and the second flange. This space is adapted to receive a bone support matrix.

Abstract: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable exposure along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the METRx and Endius systems. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing hinged bi-hemispherical or oval working tubes applied over an introducer obturator which is controllably dilated to slowly separate muscle tissue. Deeper end working and visualization areas with maximum proximal access and work dimensions are provided to makes the operative procedure safer in application and shorten the surgeons's learning curve because it most closely approximates the ability to use open microdiskectomy techniques.

Abstract: A polyaxial drill guide includes a body, a collet and a stem. The collet includes a collet shaft having distal and proximal ends and a longitudinal bore. The body includes a conical bore having narrow and wide ends. The distal end of the collet shaft rotatably mounts within the narrow end of the conical bore, with the collet shaft extending toward the wide end of the conical bore, such that the collet shaft (and consequently the longitudinal bore) can be angled within the conical bore at a plurality of angles. The stem includes a shaft having distal and proximal ends and a longitudinal bore. The distal end of the stem shaft mounts to the proximal end of the collet shaft such that the longitudinal bores are co-linear and a drill bit can be inserted into and rotated within the longitudinal bores during a drilling procedure.

Abstract: A method and system for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from sludge advantageously utilizes a stripper for removing the VOCs directly from the sludge to convert the sludge into a non-hazardous material. Preliminary steps of mixing may include addition of a liquid to improve flowability. Then the sludge is moved through the stripper in which the VOCs are carried away in a gas provided in the stripper for the purpose of carrying the VOCs away. Any of a variety of strippers may be utilized for VOC removal. Subsequently, the liquid is separated from the sludge material in, for example, a dewaterer, and each of the liquid and the sludge is either recycled or dumped as a non-hazardous material or waste. The system may be configured in a variety of ways and still function properly in carrying out the method of the invention.