Abstract: A spinal implant system and method of assembling the system. The system includes an implant, an integral holder/connector to grasp the implant and to connect to a plate before the assembly is inserted into a patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method of application, combining a cervical plate system with a cervical graft (bone or synthetic) for the safe and efficient stabilization of the cervical spine. The application of a plate to the spine for fixation purposes is widely practiced. The present invention is designed to provide predictable, efficient, and safe fixation of the spine. The present invention is minimally invasive for the anatomical characteristics of the cervical bones or vertebrae. The present invention is designed primarily for use in the cervical spine, but can be applied to any level of application in the spinal column, including the thoracic and lumbo-sacral spine.

Abstract: An interbody spacer assembly includes a pair of end pieces spaced apart by a connector extending between them. The end pieces extend generally parallel to the end plates of adjoining vertebral bodies. Fasteners connect the end pieces to the vertebral bodies. Bone graft material or solid bone can be placed in the interior space defined by the end pieces and connector, which bone graft material or solid bone eventually fuses together and to the adjoining end plates through the end pieces.

Abstract: An interbody spacer assembly includes a pair of end pieces spaced apart by a connector extending between them. The end pieces extend generally parallel to the end plates of adjoining vertebral bodies. Fasteners connect the end pieces to the vertebral bodies. Bone graft material or solid bone can be placed in the interior space defined by the end pieces and connector, which bone graft material or solid bone eventually fuses together and to the adjoining end plates through the end pieces. The spacer assembly has ratchets to connect the two end pieces. The ratchets near the fasteners are more closely spaced than the ratchets further from the fasteners, allowing the spacer assembly to more closely approximate the lordosis of the spine.

Abstract: A modular bone fastener system for use with a longitudinal member, such as a plate, having a fastener with a threaded lower potion for engaging a spinal element and an upper portion adapted to receive a headpiece. The headpiece is adapted to mate with the upper portion of the fastener and to engage a longitudinal member. A plurality of headpieces having angulated projections, lateral sections, and angulated lateral sections, all of which are adapted to engage a longitudinal member and overcome angular and translational misalignment of the fastener, may also be provided. The headpieces of some connectors are configured to permit angulation of a bore fastener relative to the connector.

Abstract: A modular bone fastener system for use with a longitudinal member, such as a plate, having a fastener with a threaded lower potion for engaging a spinal element and an upper portion adapted to receive a headpiece. The headpiece is adapted to mate with the upper portion of the fastener and to engage a longitudinal member. A plurality of headpieces having angulated projections, lateral sections, and angulated lateral sections, all of which are adapted to engage a longitudinal member and overcome angular and translational misalignment of the fastener, may also be provided. The headpieces of some connectors are configured to permit angulation of a bore fastener relative to the connector.

Abstract: A circuit for limiting inrush current in a DC power supply is disclosed. The inrush limiting circuit should be placed between an input AC power line and a power supply input capacitor bank. A thermistor is located between the capacitor bank and the input diode bridge to limit the initial inrush current. Once the input capacitor bank is fully charged, an insulated-gate bipolar transistor or IGBT switches the rectified line voltage to a boost power factor correction converter circuit, which utilizes an inductor and diode along with a field effect transistor to boost the input to a high DC voltage. This high DC voltage blocks the thermistor through use of a diode and keeps it cold to maintain high resistance in case of a new off/on cycle. The IGBT can be replaced with a silicon control rectifier, a triac, or a field effect transistor.