Abstract: Methods and associated compositions are described for applying onto a substrate a cured coating that includes at least one layer of a water-borne basecoat and one layer of clearcoat and that requires a maximum total curing time of less than about 45 minutes. Further described are methods and associated compositions for applying onto a substrate a cured coating that includes at least one layer of primer, at least one layer of a water-borne basecoat and at least one layer of clearcoat and that requires a maximum total curing time of less than about 65 minutes.

Abstract: A method for refinishing a damaged area of a substrate, such as an existing finish on a vehicle which includes the steps of preparing a damaged area for refinishing, by cleaning and/or sanding, providing a multi-component coating composition which includes at least two components having functional groups reactive with each other in a crosslinking reaction and spreading the coating composition onto the area to be refinished using a squeegee applicator.

Abstract: A medical inserter tool is provided for introducing medical implants into a surgical site, preferably using minimally invasive techniques. The inserter tool can have a variety of configurations, but in general, the inserter tool should be effective to engage and manipulate the implant into two or more positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and a pivoting element that is coupled to the distal end of the shaft and that is adapted to engage a spinal implant. In use, the pivoting element is movable between first and second positions to allow an implant to be introduced through a percutaneous access device in a lengthwise orientation, and to be manipulated subcutaneously to be positioned in a desired orientation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for coating a substrate with at least a basecoat layer and clearcoat layer allow quick repairs to damaged vehicle panels under ambient temperatures and without requirement of actinic or thermal radiation to cure the layers. At least one basecoat and one clearcoat layer may be applied to a substrate and the clearcoat layer may be buffed with less than 30 minutes allocated to curing the basecoat and clearcoat layers, under ambient conditions, prior to buffing. Methods and compositions are also taught for coating a substrate with at least a primer layer, a basecoat layer, and a clearcoat layer, in which the clearcoat layer may be buffed with less than about 45 minutes allocated to curing the primer, basecoat and clearcoat layers, under ambient conditions, prior to buffing.

Abstract: A method for refinishing a damaged area of a substrate, such as an existing finish on a vehicle which includes the steps of preparing a damaged area for refinishing, by cleaning and/or sanding, providing a multi-component coating composition which includes at least two components having functional groups reactive with each other in a crosslinking reaction and spreading the coating composition onto the area to be refinished using a squeegee applicator.

Abstract: A groundcoat coating composition comprising: between about 1% by weight and 10% by weight based on the total weight of the groundcoat coating composition of at least one metallic flake pigment comprising pigment particles having an average particle size in the range of 5 to 15 microns; between about 1% by weight and 10% by weight based on the total weight of the groundcoat coating composition of a second metallic flake pigment comprising pigment particles having an average particle size in the range of 15 to 50 microns; between about 1% by weight and 80% by weight based on the total weight of the groundcoat coating composition of at least one film-forming polymer resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, modified acrylic polymers, polyesters, polyepoxides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polyamides, polyimides, polysiloxanes, and mixtures thereof; and between about 1% and 50% by weight based on the total weight of the groundcoat coating composition of a topcoat coating composition.

Abstract: A spinal cage implant device includes a substantially planar top, a substantially planar bottom, two side walls, a posterior end wall, and an anterior end wall, wherein the implant is wider than high and longer than wide, and the substantially planar top and the substantially planar bottom include at least one opening, the external surfaces of the two side walls are textured and include at least one opening and that opening is bisected by at least one load-bearing frame structure, and at least one of the anterior end wall or posterior end wall include a hole for receiving a tool for surgical insertion of the spinal cage implant.

Abstract: A method for refinishing a damaged area of a substrate, such as an existing finish on a vehicle which includes the steps of preparing a damaged area for refinishing, by cleaning and/or sanding, providing a multi-component coating composition which includes at least two components having functional groups reactive with each other in a crosslinking reaction and spreading the coating composition onto the area to be refinished using a squeegee applicator.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone fixation system minimizes the number of parts used to engage a bone bolt in various angular orientations relative to an elongated plate or rods, and also permits for nearly infinite positioning of two or more bone bolts relative to each other along the length of an elongated plate or rods.

Abstract: A medical inserter tool is provided for introducing medical implants into a surgical site, preferably using minimally invasive techniques. The inserter tool can have a variety of configurations, but in general, the inserter tool should be effective to engage and manipulate the implant into two or more positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and a pivoting element that is coupled to the distal end of the shaft and that is adapted to engage a spinal implant. In use, the pivoting element is movable between first and second positions to allow an implant to be introduced through a percutaneous access device in a lengthwise orientation, and to be manipulated subcutaneously to be positioned in a desired orientation.