Abstract: The dampening assembly includes upper and lower members connecting respectively, to a crane and a vibratory pile driver. The dampening assembly includes inner and outer housing members, the inner housing member connected to the outer housing member. The lower member is connected to an inner assembly of the dampening assembly. The inner housing member is connected to the outer housing member. Connected between the inner assembly and the inner housing member are opposing elastomer shock absorbing elements which stretch to varying extents depending upon the weight applied to the vibratory pile driver.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a checkout station having a housing, a customer interface and a customer unloading station. A point-of-sale system has a microprocessor and memory operatively associated with one another to identify products being purchased, payments tendered therefor and to store transaction information locally at the checkout station or remotely from the checkout station. The microprocessor has programming configured to allow an item to be scanned by a product identification scanner, and an attendant command module.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus (suppressor) for a vibratory pile driver includes three suppressor sections, including a first section adapted and arranged to absorb a load up to a selected amount. A second suppressor section is adapted to absorb a load above the first shock-absorbing section, with a third suppressor system providing a transition between first and second suppressor action as load increases.

Abstract: The lubrication system includes a hydraulic cylinder pump which receives oil from the pile driver gearbox and an actuating mechanism connected to the pump to move oil therein through an exit line to a spray mechanism in the gearbox housing, providing lubrication to the gearbox bearings before the gearbox elements begin to operate.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus (suppressor) for a vibratory pile driver includes three suppressor sections, including a first section adapted and arranged to absorb a load up to a selected amount. A second suppressor section is adapted to absorb a load above the first shock-absorbing section, with a third suppressor system providing a transition between first and second suppressor action as load increases.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a checkout station having a housing, a customer interface and a customer unloading station. A point-of-sale system has a microprocessor and memory operatively associated with one another to identify products being purchased, payments tendered therefor and to store transaction information locally at the checkout station or remotely from the checkout station. The microprocessor has programming configured to allow an item to be scanned by a product identification scanner, and an attendant command module.

Abstract: The lubrication system includes a hydraulic cylinder pump which receives oil from the pile driver gearbox and an actuating mechanism connected to the pump to move oil therein through an exit line to a spray mechanism in the gearbox housing, providing lubrication to the gearbox bearings before the gearbox elements begin to operate.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a checkout station having a housing, a customer interface and a customer unloading station. A point-of-sale system has a microprocessor and memory operatively associated with one another to identify products being purchased, payments tendered therefor and to store transaction information locally at the checkout station or remotely from the checkout station. The microprocessor has programming configured to allow an item to be scanned by a product identification scanner, and an attendant command module.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a checkout station having a housing, a customer interface and a customer unloading station. A point-of-sale system has a microprocessor and memory operatively associated with one another to identify products being purchased, payments tendered therefor and to store transaction information locally at the checkout station or remotely from the checkout station. The microprocessor has programming configured to allow an item to be scanned by a product identification scanner, and an attendant command module.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a checkout station having a housing, a customer interface and a customer unloading station. A point-of-sale system has a microprocessor and memory operatively associated with one another to identify products being purchased, payments tendered therefor and to store transaction information locally at the checkout station or remotely from the checkout station. The microprocessor has programming configured to allow an item to be scanned by a product identification scanner, and an attendant command module.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and instruments for implant insertion through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include an implant inserter, and the devices include a spinal fusion implant engageable by the implant inserter. The implant provides bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted into the disc space from a postero-lateral approach.

Abstract: An inertia pump is connected to and actuated by the vibration of a vibratory device to pump lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibratory device. The inertia pump has a bottom end cap with an inlet in fluid communication with the vibratory device, a top end cap with an outlet for delivering the lubricant to lubricate components of the vibratory device, a tube disposed between and sealingly engaging the bottom end cap and the top end cap, and a piston having a lubricant passageway. The piston is slidably disposed within the tube downstream of the bottom end cap and upstream of the top end cap. Vibration of the vibration device causes the piston to oscillate within the tube to draw lubricant from the vibration device which passes through the lubricant passageway in the piston, and delivers lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibration device.

Abstract: A pile driving system for driving a pile. The pile driving system comprises a housing assembly, a hammer, a helmet member, and a lifting system. The housing assembly defines at least one vent opening is arranged at a first vent location along the drive axis, and at least one vent opening is arranged at a second vent location along the drive axis. When the hammer drops and is above the first vent location, ambient air flows from the main chamber through the vent openings formed at the first and second vent locations. When the hammer is below the first vent location and above the second vent location, ambient air flows from the main chamber through the vent openings formed at the second vent location. When the hammer is below the second vent location, air within the main chamber is compressed to preload the helmet member.

Abstract: An inertia pump is connected to and actuated by the vibration of a vibratory device to pump lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibratory device. The inertia pump has a bottom end cap with an inlet in fluid communication with the vibratory device, a top end cap with an outlet for delivering the lubricant to lubricate components of the vibratory device, a tube disposed between and sealingly engaging the bottom end cap and the top end cap, and a piston having a lubricant passageway. The piston is slidably disposed within the tube downstream of the bottom end cap and upstream of the top end cap. Vibration of the vibration device causes the piston to oscillate within the tube to draw lubricant from the vibration device which passes through the lubricant passageway in the piston, and delivers lubricant to lubricate internal components of the vibration device.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member.

Abstract: A drop hammer for driving a pile comprising a ram member supported within a housing chamber for movement relative to the housing member between the lower position and the upper position and a lifting system for moving the ram member from the lower position to the upper position. When the lifting system raises the ram member above a preload position, ambient air substantially freely flows into and out of the housing chamber through a vent port. When the ram member falls below the preload position, fluid is prevented from flowing through the vent port such that ambient air within a preload chamber portion of the housing chamber compresses to create a preload force that is transmitted to the pile. When the ram member moves into the lower position, an impact force generated by the ram member is transmitted to the pile.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices and instruments for implant insertion through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include an implant inserter, and the devices include a spinal fusion implant engageable by the implant inserter. The implant provides bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae when inserted into the disc space from a postero-lateral approach.

Abstract: A clamp system includes a frame, a plurality of clamp members, an actuator collar, and an actuator system. The frame includes an attachment member and a stop ring defining a stop cam surface. The clamp members each define first and second cam surfaces. The actuator collar defines an actuator cam surface. The actuator system displaces the actuator collar. The frame supports the actuator collar and the plurality of clamp members such that the first cam surfaces engage the actuator cam surface and the second cam surfaces engage the stop cam surface. Operation of the actuator system displaces the actuator collar towards the stop ring. As the actuator collar moves towards the stop ring, the actuator cam surface acts on the first cam surfaces and the stop cam surface acts on the second cam surfaces such that the clamp members place the clamp system in an engaged configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. A cannula is inserted to create a working channel through the skin and tissue of a patient using a transforaminal approach to the disc space. A viewing element is used to visualize working end of the cannula and the disc space. A facetectomy is performed through the working channel to access the disc space. The disc space is prepared with various instruments, such as distractors, shims, chisels and distractor-cutters that extend through the working channel. At least implant is inserted into the disc space. The procedure allows bi-lateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with the at least one implant inserted via a unitary, minimally invasive approach to disc space.

Abstract: A drop hammer for driving a pile comprising a ram member supported within a housing chamber for movement relative to the housing member between the lower position and the upper position and a lifting system for moving the ram member from the lower position to the upper position. When the lifting system raises the ram member above a preload position, ambient air substantially freely flows into and out of the housing chamber through a vent port. When the ram member falls below the preload position, fluid is prevented from flowing through the vent port such that ambient air within a preload chamber portion of the housing chamber compresses to create a preload force that is transmitted to the pile. When the ram member moves into the lower position, an impact force generated by the ram member is transmitted to the pile.