Abstract: Described herein are improved medical instruments, such as rongeurs. Some embodiments of the improved medical instruments include removable shafts, rotatable shafts, and mechanisms for removing and/or rotating the shafts or portions thereof. In some embodiments, the shaft has an upper and lower portion that are movable relative to one another and lock into one another using a pin-and-groove mechanism found on the inner surfaces of the upper and lower portions of the shaft.

Abstract: Positioning mechanisms can be used with surgical retractor systems to allow a surgeon to easily laterally move, tilt and lengthen each individual retractor blade used in the system. A lateral retraction mechanism provides the necessary actuating forces to laterally move and hold tissue at the surgical site. A retractor blade tilt mechanism can be used to change the angular position of a retractor blade at a surgical site. This tilt mechanism allows the surgeon to further increase the size of the surgical site by tilting one or more of the retractor blades allowing the distal end or toe of each blade to move laterally via a tilting action. A retractor blade holding mechanism allows the surgeon to hold each retractor blade in a fixed position within a blade holder and allows the surgeon to easily change the length of the retractor blade which extends out of the blade holder.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a clamping assembly includes a roller locking mechanism, at least one clamping member and a shaft member for coupling the roller locking mechanism with the first clamping member. The roller mechanism includes a roller rotatably connected to a handle which contacts a bearing surface to place a compressive force on the first clamping member when the handle is actuated. Another locking mechanism includes a camming member having cam face with a sliding cam surface and a frictional cam surface adjacent to the sliding cam surface. The camming member produces a compressive force on the clamping member as the sliding cam surface contacts a bearing surface and increased static friction when the frictional cam surface contacts the bearing surface to help maintain the camming member in a locked position.

Abstract: A hand held computer for law enforcement officers in which to assist their performance of their daily duties. The hand held computer includes a microprocessor, a keyboard and a data input system for entering data into the microprocessor, a display screen and a data output circuit for displaying data from the microprocessor, and a data storage circuit for storing data converted to the microprocessor, and a plurality of control keys for operating in a plurality of modes. The hand held computer further includes a data storage circuit for controlling at least three law conversion functions having at least three law entry keys. The first law entry key is a traffic statute key for inserting a statute number inquiry or a key word(s) inquiry related to the statute. The second law entry key is a municipal statute key for inserting a statute number inquiry or a key word(s) inquiry related to the statute.

Abstract: A cam-operated universal joint apparatus having a first clamping member, a second clamping member, an axle, and a cam locking mechanism. They are independently positionable to respect each other. The cam locking mechanism further engages the axle that urges upper member and lower member between their clamping and non-clamping position. The second clamping member has an upper portion and a lower portion adjacent to each other. Lower portion of second member selectively engages to upper portion by pivoting around axle. User can rotate lower portion of second member from open position to engaged position, by pivoting it around the axle.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a surgical retractor blade having a dual ratchet holder. A pivot ratchet is mounted on the dual ratchet holder. A pawl key mounted on the dual ratchet holder. The pawl key is used to engage the teeth on the pivot ratchet. The mechanism also has a pivot thumb piece that is pivotally attached to the pawl key. The thumb piece is used to release the pawl key when it is activated. A rocker thumb piece is mounted on the dual ratchet holder. It is used to engage and disengage a tooth on the stem of a surgical retractor blade.

Abstract: The invention is an expandable box-shaped spinal implant used to fuse adjacent vertebra in the patient's spine. The implant includes three interlocking parts, which are the superior section, the inferior section, and the U-shaped expander cap. The Box-shaped expandable spinal implant is formed by mating the superior section and the inferior section. The superior section has a top, a pair of mirror image vertical sides, and an upper proximal face. The inferior section has a bottom, a pair of mirror image vertical sides, and a lower proximal face. The pair of mirror image vertical sides on the superior section and the pair of mirror image vertical sides on the inferior section overlap each other and have guide way means and locking means to allow the upper section and the lower section to slideably expand transversely relative to each other. The superior and inferior sections form a closed end and an open end. A pair of exterior longitudinal channels are formed where the pair of vertical sides overlap.

Abstract: A combination of complementary surgical instruments including a pair of retractors positioned at right angles to and overlaying one another during surgery. Each retractor has a pair of hinged arms. A top retractor has a stepped tip at each end of one arm to avoid interference with the bottom retractor during surgery. Each retractor has a pair of vertical semicircular flared openings in an outer edge of a blade securement end of a respective arm for demountable attachment of a surgical blade. The combination is especially useful in cervical or neck surgery.

Abstract: An implantable vertebrae prosthesis for use in aligning and strengthening the adjacent vertebrae in the lumbar region of the spinal column is disclosed. After implantation, the prosthesis maintains a low profile and is usually not felt by the patient after healing. The prosthesis is designed to provide support to the degenerative lumbar region of the spine. The spinal fixation apparatus includes a cortical screw, a connecting rod, a cylindrical plug, an adjustable cap, a block, and a retaining nut which will lock together when the retaining nut is tightened to lock all of the components together as a unit after implantation. The prosthesis is self-locking.