Abstract: A drill attachment (10) for decreasing the rotational speed/increasing the output torque of a cutting accessory (14) that is attached to a drill such as a surgical drill (10). The drill attachment has an input drive shaft (34) that is coupled to the drive shaft (16) of the drill to rotate in unison with the drill drive shaft. The input drive shaft rotates a set of axially fixed input planet gears (58). The input planet gears rotate a ring gear (66) that is fitted around the input planet gears. The ring gear rotates a set of axially fixed output planet gears (70). The planet gears rotate an output drive shaft (84). By the selective dimensioning of the drive shaft and gears the output speed/torque can be reduced and increased as desired.

Abstract: An article for use in the preparation of a hydrogel prosthetic nucleus, for an intervertebral disc, having equilibrium water contents (EWCs) of from about 30 to about 90% and compressive strengths of at least 4 meganewtons per square meter (MNm.sup.-2), at their EWCs, when subjected to the same constraints as the normal nucleus, comprising one or more xerogel rods containing from zero to less than the EWC. A method for preparing a hydrogel prosthetic nucleus, for a vertebral disc, comprising one or more hydrogel rods containing from about 30 to about 90% water, and having compressive strengths of at least 1 MNm.sup.-2, at their EWCs, which comprises inserting one or more hydrophilic xerogel rods, which at their EWC will contain from about 30 to about 90% water and have compressive strengths of at least 1 MNm.sup.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack (20) having a plurality of rechargeable cells (30) that form a cell cluster (32). Binders (62) formed of electrically insulating material are secured over the top and bottom of the cells. Each binder is formed with a set of openings (64) that exposed the base (52) of each cell which serves as its negative terminal and its head (54), which serves as its positive terminal. The binders are further shaped so that the perimeter sections that define the openings extend around the cell lips (56) integral with the bases (52) that surround the heads (54). Conductive straps (70) extend between the openings over the binders to electrically connect the cells together. Thus, the binders, in addition to securing the cells together, insulate the straps from the underlying cell lips. This insulating function prevents the straps from shorting out the cells to which they are connected.

Abstract: A surgical tool (10) for chucking in a powered surgical handpiece, comprising an outer tubular member (11) with an opening (41) at the distal portion thereof. An inner tubular member (30) is movable in the outer tubular member and comprises a bendable inner tube (36) of flexible polymer material and a tissue working tip (40) extending forward from the distal end of the inner tube. The inner tube has a radially enlarged distal opening recess (62). The tip includes a reduced outside diameter, proximally extending, annular flange fixed within the inner tube distal recess (61). The annular flange of the tip is formed with hills and valleys (63, 64). The inner wall of the inner tube that defines the recess is formed with hills (65) that seat in the valleys of the annular flange so as to lock the tip to the inner tube. The annular flange is further shaped so as to extend into the recess a distance less than the overall length of the recess.

Abstract: A method of implanting a threaded tapered screw into a substrate having a hardness less than the hardness of the screw comprises: (a) drilling a pilot hole with a drill having substantially the same taper as the taper of the tapered screw, so as to provide a pilot hole having no threads therein; (b) inserting the tapered screw into the pilot hole (preferably by merely dropping the screw into the pilot hole); and then (c) further advancing the tapered threaded screw into the pilot hole. The method requires only a minimal amount of strength to insert the screw into the hole, is preferably used to secure a bioabsorbable screw within bone, is very quickly and efficiently done without any extra step of tapping or cutting threads within the hole, invades or disrupts the bone structure only minimally, and requires no screw-holding forceps for stabilizing the screw.

Abstract: Disclosed are (1) osteogenic devices comprising a matrix containing substantially pure natural-sourced mammalian osteogenic protein; (2) DNA and amino acid sequences for novel polypeptide chains useful as subunits of dimeric osteogenic proteins; (3) vectors carrying sequences encoding these novel polypeptide chains and host cells transfected with these vectors; (4) methods of producing these polypeptide chains using recombinant DNA technology; (5) antibodies specific for these novel polypeptide chains; (6) osteogenic devices comprising these recombinantly produced proteins in association with an appropriate carrier matrix; and (7) methods of using the osteogenic devices to mimic the natural course of endochondral bone formation in mammals.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a morphogenic protein stimulatory factor (MPSF) for improving the tissue inductive activity of morphogenic proteins, particularly those belonging to the BMP protein family. Methods for improving the tissue inductive activity of a morphogenic protein in a mammal using those compositions are provided. This invention also provides implantable morphogenic devices comprising a morphogenic protein and a MPSF disposed within a carrier, that are capable of inducing tissue formation in allogeneic and xenogeneic implants. Methods for inducing local tissue formation from a progenitor cell in a mammal using those devices are also provided. A method for accelerating allograft repair in a mammal using morphogenic devices is provided.

Abstract: A surgical tool system (20) with replaceable surgical cutting accessories (26) and attachments (34) for holding the tools. This system includes a handpiece (22) to which the cutting accessory and attachment are releasably attached. Collet (50) located inside a drill housing (44) located at one end of the handpiece securely fastens the surgical tool to a motor (24) also located in the handpiece. Leaf spring assembly (46) flush with the drill housing releasably secures the attachment in place. A single actuating collar (52) located around the outside of the drill housing both controls the locking force supplied by the collet and selectively relaxes the leaf spring assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal instrument for essentially smooth adjustable connecting rods. The spinal instrument has a nut (5) that clamps receiving and locking assembly (8) to a multi-threaded bone anchor member (1). The receiving and locking assembly (8) has a compressible ring (24) disposed within a clamp (9) having a lower branch (10) and an upper branch (11) coupled between a connecting area (12). The connecting rod fits into the compressible ring (24). With the cavity-ring assembly forming a ball joint, the connecting rod may be clamped into the required angular position. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: A combination broacher-reamer includes a generally longitudinally symmetrical cutting tool which is provided with a plurality of longitudinal broaching cutting teeth as well as a plurality of axial reaming cutting teeth. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the broacher-reamer is generally cylindrical with a smooth blunt distal tip and a tapered distal cutting portion. The proximal end of the tool is provided with a handle and one or more witness marks are provided on the shank of the tool. If the handle is removable the shank may be coupled to a motor or impacting tool. An exemplary broacher-reamer according to the invention is approximately 6.78 inches long with an overall maximum diameter of approximately 0.843 inches. The proximal end of the tool has a diametrical throughbore which is dimensioned to receive the handle which is approximately 3.94 inches long. The cutting portion of the tool begins approximately 3.0 inches distal of the proximal end and terminates approximately 1.

Abstract: An irrigation surgical tool system comprises a motorized handpiece, a tool for insertion in the handpiece, a console including a mounting plate and peristaltic pump rotor and a tube set including a cassette installable on the console for peristaltic pumping of irrigation liquid to the tool. Passages in the tool allow irrigation liquid flow, between a fixed outer tube and rotating inner tube of the tool, to a surgical site, through windows in the tool inner and outer tubes. Application of suction to the tool enables withdrawal through the inner tube of irrigation and surgical debris from the surgical site.

Abstract: A hospital bed (10) especially adapted for use by a woman giving birth. The bed includes a base (11) on which a litter frame (12) is positioned. A foot frame (24) that carriers a complementary lower mattress (26) is slidably attached to the end of the litter frame. Foot rests (30) are mounted to foot pans (28) that also extend rearward from the litter frame. The foot rests are attached to the foot pans by linkages (32). The linkages stow the foot pans under the foot frame and hold them above the foot frame when their use is required. When use of the foot rests is required, they are merely pivoted around the sides of the foot frame and lower mattress. No components need to be reset in order to set the foot rests for use. A leg rest (34) is attached to the underside of each foot rest. When use of the leg rests is desired, the foot rests are rotated around the linkages to present the leg rests to the birthing mother.

Abstract: A telescoping IV pole has a bottom pole with a support at a bottom end thereof for facilitating an orienting of said bottom pole in an upright, vertically oriented position. A top pole is provided which is slidably disposed within the bottom pole in a telescoping manner. The top pole has at a top end thereof an intravenous fluid container support and at a bottom end thereof a circumferential locking groove. A pole latch is provided for automatically effecting an interlock with the locking groove when the top pole is deployed to an extended position outside of the bottom pole. The pole latch includes plural latch members each being supported for movement into and out of the locking groove. A spring is provided for urging the latch members into the locking groove. A manually operable unlocking device is provided for effecting a simultaneous release of the interlock so that the top pole will telescope into the bottom pole.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a morphogenic protein stimulatory factor (MPSF) for improving the tissue inductive activity of morphogenic proteins, particularly those belonging to the BMP protein family. Methods for improving the tissue inductive activity of a morphogenic protein in a mammal using those compositions are provided. This invention also provides implantable morphogenic devices comprising a morphogenic protein and a MPSF disposed within a carrier, that are capable of inducing tissue formation in allogeneic and xenogeneic implants. Methods for inducing local tissue formation from a progenitor cell in a mammal using those devices are also provided. A method for accelerating allograft repair in a mammal using morphogenic devices is provided.

Abstract: A mattress intended for use with a hospital bed such as a maternity bed. The mattress includes a seat section overlies a complementary seat weldment of the litter of the hospital bed. The seat section includes a perineal end located above the perineal edge of the seat weldment. The seat section of the mattress has a perineal pillow wedge assembly that is positioned below a cushion. The perineal pillow wedge assembly includes a load plate that pivots upwardly relative to the perineal edge of the seat section. A mechanism, such as an inflating bladder, is employed to pivot the distribution plate. The pivoting of the distribution plate compresses the perineal end of the cushion. Consequently, a person lying on the mattress is seated against a relatively hard surface. During the delivery process, this hard perineal end surface functions as the surface against which the mother presses to facilitate the delivery.

Abstract: In order to protect body members adjacent an invasive procedure on a body, the member to be protected is illuminated preferably with infrared light energy and the entire site of the invasive procedure is viewed through an optical system that conducts both infrared and visible light energy to one or more video cameras. Various structures may be employed to separate the visible and infrared light energies so that the signals representing such light energies may be processed separately and differently if desired and then recombined for display or separately displayed on a video color monitor.

Abstract: A surgical knife for carpal tunnel surgeries having a housing with an adjacent light source and a light transmitting blade holder transmitting the light from the housing around the blade. The light illuminates the surgical site and assists the surgeon in precisely locating the cutting blade.