Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring spinal instability through the use of a distractor arm assembly having segments pivotal with respect to each other and movable through the movement of a pivotal collar assembly along a centrally positioned jackscrew.

Abstract: A heavy-duty scraping and rake attachment for excavator buckets for clearing brush-covered earth. The attachment is easily mountable to the bucket, thus avoiding the work and expense of removing the bucket from the arm. The scraper portion provides for offset toothed scrapers, a combination of toothed scraper and blade, and blade only use and is used in conjunction with a heavy-duty rake and power-operated thumb to grasp and remove the material rooted or scraped up from the earth by the scraper. The scraper portion and rake are included in a single unit, attachable and detachable from the excavator bucket. Scraper and blade attachments either detachably connected to the unit with bolts or permanently welded in place as desired.

Abstract: A method of restoring stability to an unstable motion segment unit of the spine in which pre and post decompression measurements of at least one characteristic of the targeted motion segment unit, or combination of motion segment units, are compared with a data bank of measurements of the same characteristics of known motion segment units, then matched with suitable implantable spinal assist device to identify a suitable device for correcting instability of the targeted motion segment unit. The implant selected for restabilization of any one patient's spine joint will be in part, a function of an objective, intraoperative stiffness measurement, which in turn, is a function of the integrity of a patient's surviving spine joint tissues at this time-post decompression.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring spinal instability through the use of a distractor arm assembly having segments pivotal with respect to each other and movable through the movement of a pivotal collar assembly along a centrally positioned jackscrew.

Abstract: The apparatus for attaching an accessory to an excavator is a device for attaching a grader blade, brush blade, compactor, or other accessory to the bucket of an excavator. The apparatus has a body to which the accessory is attached which has a pair of hooks which slide between adjacent pairs of teeth on an edge of the excavator bucket and a pair of chains attached to the rear of the bucket and tightened by load binders to retain the apparatus on the excavator bucket. The apparatus provides for pivoting the accessory laterally, and may optionally provide for tilting the accessory in a vertical plane.

Abstract: The apparatus for attaching an accessory to an excavator is a device for attaching a grader blade, brush blade, compactor, or other accessory to the bucket of an excavator. The apparatus has a body to which the accessory is attached which has a pair of hooks which slide between adjacent pairs of teeth on an edge of the excavator bucket and a pair of chains attached to the rear of the bucket and tightened by load binders to retain the apparatus on the excavator bucket. The apparatus provides for pivoting the accessory laterally, and may optionally provide for tilting the accessory in a vertical plane.

Abstract: An implantable device for restoring normal biomechanical function to a motion segment unit of the spine which includes a curvilinear body composed of a composite material made up of a fiber material interspersed in a matrix material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring spinal instability provides a vertebrae distractor having a pair of distractor arms driven by a motor which separate adjacent vertebrae of a motion segment unit of the spine at a constant rate of distraction up to a predetermined maximum force and measuring the resistance of the adjacent vertebrae to the force. The changes in the resistance to distraction are detected and recorded. The data thus provided is then compared to predetermined standards. A determination concerning further treatment of the subject patient may be based upon the results obtained.