Abstract: An improved cage that has an anchoring system and method of use thereof. The anchoring system has movable/expandable jaw portions that can expand vertically (i.e., upward and downward relative to the respective superior and inferior surfaces of the cage) so that the cage can be more securely implanted in position. The superior and inferior expandable portions of the anchoring system move vertically by the rotation of one or more spindles that is incorporated in the jaw mechanism (and/or by the rotation of a lead screw that is incorporated in the cage). In some embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) is itself non-expandable (i.e., the height of the medical implant does not change). In other embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) can be expanded independently of the anchoring system.

Abstract: An improved cage that has an anchoring system and method of use thereof. The anchoring system has movable/expandable jaw portions that can expand vertically (i.e., upward and downward relative to the respective superior and inferior surfaces of the cage) so that the cage can be more securely implanted in position. The superior and inferior expandable portions of the anchoring system move vertically by the rotation of one or more spindles that is incorporated in the jaw mechanism (and/or by the rotation of a lead screw that is incorporated in the cage). In some embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) is itself non-expandable (i.e., the height of the medical implant does not change). In other embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) can be expanded independently of the anchoring system.

Abstract: A device and method for locking a bone fastening or fixation mechanism in a receiving member of a medical implant. The bone fastening or fixation mechanism is used to attach the receiving member to a bone structure in the medical implant. The locking mechanism prevents the bone fastening mechanism for backing out. The locking mechanism is a multi-mode locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the locking device has three settings, an automatic mode setting (soft locked position), a manual mode setting (hard locked position), and a neutral mode setting (unlocked position). In some embodiments, the locking device has two settings, a manual mode setting (hard locked position) and a neutral mode setting (unlocked position).

Abstract: An improved cage that has an anchoring system and method of use thereof. The anchoring system has movable/expandable jaw portions that can expand vertically (i.e., upward and downward relative to the respective superior and inferior surfaces of the cage) so that the cage can be more securely implanted in position. The superior and inferior expandable portions of the anchoring system move vertically by the rotation of one or more spindles that is incorporated in the jaw mechanism (and/or by the rotation of a lead screw that is incorporated in the cage). In some embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) is itself non-expandable (i.e., the height of the medical implant does not change). In other embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) can be expanded independently of the anchoring system.

Abstract: An improved cage that has an anchoring system and method of use thereof. The anchoring system has movable/expandable jaw portions that can expand vertically (i.e., upward and downward relative to the respective superior and inferior surfaces of the cage) so that the cage can be more securely implanted in position. The superior and inferior expandable portions of the anchoring system move vertically by the rotation of one or more spindles that is incorporated in the jaw mechanism (and/or by the rotation of a lead screw that is incorporated in the cage). In some embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) is itself non-expandable (i.e., the height of the medical implant does not change). In other embodiments, the medical implant (such as a cage) can be expanded independently of the anchoring system.

Abstract: A shock reducing helmet includes a helmet body made of an outer and inner shell, ear openings, and face shield or visor that connects flush to the helmet body. The outer shell is formed from the strongest and lightest weight materials, such as polycarbonate, or other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber, or metal, to provide a high strength to weight ratio and minimize fracture. The inner chamber includes shock absorbing structures made from materials such as a nickel-titanium shape-memory alloy, polycarbonate, other plastics, Kevlar, carbon fiber, or metal. Some variants have a viscous or gaseous layer around the springs to increase stability upon linear and rotational impact. The face shield or visor is made of a clear polycarbonate that connects flush with the outer shell to eliminate visibility interference and rotational injuries caused by competitors pulling the metal bars commonly present in football helmets.

Abstract: A rongeur which functions to act on (or bite) bone while approaching the bone surface from an axial orientation is provided. In one embodiment, a rongeur is provided with a rotatably/pivotally coupled cutting jaw component to cause the cutting jaw to exert force on the bone. The rongeur may include an axially sliding component which provides axial force and actuates a cutting jaw such that it pivots toward a bone surface. Additionally, a lip feature which creates an opposing surface wherein the cutting jaw pivots toward that surface in order to bite the bone may also be provided. The lip feature may act as a shim between dura mater tissue and the inferior surface of a bone. An axial rongeur may be configured to bite and remove bone when placed while under the surface of a patient's skin (e.g. after axially traversing a distance under the skin).

Abstract: A tool holder releasably coupling a surgical tool such as a reaming tool to a drive shaft which tool has radially extending mounting elements. The holder includes a head portion coupled to an end of the drive shaft, the head portion having a body with an outwardly open groove extending thereacross for receiving the radially extending mounting elements on the tool. The mounting elements may be in the form of rods adapted to be received within the groove which rods extend across a base of the tool. The head portion includes a bore extending through the body in communication with the groove. A biased lock pin is slidably mounted in the bore of the head portion and is biased into a position whereby the locked pin engages the rod and locks it in place. A spring-biased lock collar is provided having stop surfaces thereon for engaging two stop surfaces on the lock pin a first locking the lock pin in the locked position and a second maintaining the lock pin in the open position.