Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. The implant further includes a second endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having first and second side rails positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second arcuate slots on opposing sides of the second surface. A plate connecting the first and second endplates is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally is directed toward a spinal fixation system whereby a coupling element allows the physician to selectively lock or unlock either the connection between the coupling element and a fastener, such as to allow for repositioning of the coupling element, or the connection between the coupling element and an elongate rod. The locking or unlocking of these connections may be made independently and as desired by the physician.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing the load caused by the insertion of a fastening device into bony tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a crown having a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions may have any desired physical properties, and function to obtain purchase in the bony tissue. Preferably, the crown includes an opening that is selectively engageable with a spherical head of the fastening device. The opening preferably comprises a spherical curvature that allows the surfaces of the spherical head and the opening to maintain flush contact, even when the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue at a non-orthogonal angle. When the fastening device is inserted into the bony tissue, the crown distributes the load over a wider section of the bone, allowing the bone to maintain its structural integrity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine and methods for inserting said discs. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that are implanted using a transforaminal approach, methods thereof, and apparatus thereof.

Abstract: The form for a concrete footing (10) is a mold for receiving concrete for footings on construction projects. The form has a housing (12), and a plurality of horizontal support members (16) that extend across the hollow interior of the housing. The form may be manufactured from plastic, cardboard, concrete or other materials. Vertical tubes (14) extend from the top and bottom and are hollow to allow for in situ soil sampling after the footing has been set in the excavation.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an anterior side; a posterior side; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; an upper endplate having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the upper endplate is adapted for contacting a first vertebra; a lower endplate having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the lower endplate is adapted for contacting a second vertebra; and an elastic membrane extending from the inner surface of the upper endplate to the inner surface of the lower endplate and defining an inner volume that is at least partially filled with a fluid, wherein the elastic membrane is affixed to the inner surface of the upper endplate and to the inner surface of the lower endplate.

Abstract: An accessory system includes an accessory gearbox which includes a geartrain and a 2-Pole generator integrally mounted with the accessory gearbox such that a drive gear of the generator is in meshing engagement with the geartrain, containing a shear section, disconnect mechanism, and torsional compliance.

Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. An Implant is adapted and configured to be placed between adjacent spinous processes. Implant is generally H-shaped or anvil shaped with a saddle portion or central support portion extending laterally along axis between lateral end portions. End portions partially protrude beyond the front and back surfaces of support portion thereby creating a slight indentation along the front and back or anterior and posterior of central portion.

Abstract: A network-on-chip router which includes an input buffer, an input controller connected to said input buffer, an arbiter connected to said input controller, a crossbar connected to said arbiter and said input buffer, and an output buffer connected to said crossbar. The network-on-chip router minimizes propagation time of data through the router by ensuring that the propagation delay of data through an input buffer is less than the combined propagation delay of data through an input controller and arbiter.

Abstract: Disclosed are vertebroplasty methods that include cauterizing an inner cavity of a vertebra of a mammal, such as a human, and injecting bone cement into the vertebra. Systems and kits for performing such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved spinal instruments are provided. In particular, the present application relates to an improved rongeur that allows for multiple bites of bone to be performed in a patient before removing the rongeur from the patient. The rongeur includes a lower shaft and an upper shaft slidable relative to the lower shaft. The lower shaft and upper shaft form a jaw mechanism that can take multiple bites of bone, which can be deposited in a storage cavity formed in the upper shaft. To assist in removing the bone from within the storage cavity, an internal plunger mechanism can be provided that is actuated by a finger hold. In addition, at least portions of the upper shaft are detachable from the lower shaft such that the upper shaft can be thoroughly cleaned and re-used if desired.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.

Abstract: Disclosed are vertebroplasty methods that include cauterizing an inner cavity of a vertebra of a mammal, such as a human, and injecting bone cement into the vertebra. Systems and kits for performing such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device for positioning and immobilizing at least two adjacent vertebrae. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the present disclosure relates to spinous process fusion devices that distract and immobilize the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for implant installation and assembly between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The implant has a support body and a rotatable insert therein and the support body is curved for installation between adjacent vertebral bodies transforaminally. An installation instrument is also disclosed for removable attachment to implant and engagement with the rotatable insert to selectively permit rotation between the insert and the support body. The installation instrument extends along a longitudinal tool axis and when the installation instrument is in a first position the insert is rotationally fixed with respect to the support body and when the installation instrument is in a second position the support body may rotate with respect to the insert. Methods of installing multiple implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A resilient core is positioned between bony projections which are offset from a principal load bearing region of a spinal joint. Shaped projections extend from the core, and engage the bony projections by conforming to anatomical landmarks, and may be fastened to the bony projections. During flexion of the joint, the core absorbs some of the force of compression, and limits an extent to which the joint may compress. If the shaped projections are connected to the bony projections, extension of the joint is inhibited by the projections and the core, limiting the extent to which the joint may be distracted. In this manner, healing is fostered, and a weakened or damaged joint is protected from excessive movement.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for implant installation and assembly between adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient. The implant has a support body and a rotatable insert therein and the support body is curved for installation between adjacent vertebral bodies transforaminally. An installation instrument is also disclosed for removable attachment to implant and engagement with the rotatable insert to selectively permit rotation between the insert and the support body. The installation instrument extends along a longitudinal tool axis and when the installation instrument is in a first position the insert is rotationally fixed with respect to the support body and when the installation instrument is in a second position the support body may rotate with respect to the insert. Methods of installing multiple implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high performance memory based computation system comprises an array of memory cells. Each memory cell stores a logic data corresponding to a chosen combination of inputs based on a specific logic function. For improved performance, the memory cell array can be divided into sub-blocks; and the sub-blocks can be serially disposed or juxtaposed. The performance of the memory based computation system can further be improved by removing the repeated memory cell rows, column, and/or sub-arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to a method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc via anterior or anterior lateral implantation. Other surgical approaches for implanting the prosthetic disc may also be used.