Abstract: A clamp system for operatively connecting a vibratory device to a plurality of caissons defining at least first and second diameters comprises a structural member, first and second clamps comprising first and second lock systems, respectively, and a clamp displacement system. The first and second clamps are supported by the structural member. The first and second lock systems fix the first and second clamps relative to the structural member. The clamp displacement system comprises at least one clamp displacement motor supported by the structural member and a mechanical link assembly connected between the at least one clamp displacement motor and the first and second clamps. Operation of the at least one clamp displacement motor allows the first and second clamps to be remotely displaced relative to the structural member such that the first and second clamps are spaced along the structural member as appropriate for either of the first and second diameters.

Abstract: Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include a pair of parallel guide members extending distally from a proximal frame portion. Tamps and impaction instruments facilitate advancement of the implant between the guide members to the space between the adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: A drop hammer for driving a pile. The drop hammer of the present invention comprises a housing member, a ram member, a helmet member, and a lifting system. The housing member defines a housing chamber and a vent port defining a preload position. The ram member is supported for movement within the housing chamber. When the lifting system raises the ram member above the preload position, ambient air substantially freely flows into and out of the housing chamber through the vent port. When the ram member falls below the preload position, ambient air within a preload chamber portion of the housing chamber compresses to apply a preload force on the inner portion of the helmet member. When the ram member moves into the lower position, the ram member impacts the helmet member to force the helmet member from the rest position to the impact position, thereby driving the pile.

Abstract: Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include a pair of parallel guide members extending distally from a proximal frame portion. Tamps and impaction instruments facilitate advancement of the implant between the guide members to the space between the adjacent bony portions.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a vibratory device to a pile comprising a frame, first and second clamp members, and an actuator. The frame is adapted to be secured to the vibratory device. The first clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a first engaging surface defined by a first surface layer formed of carbide alloy material. The second clamp member is also supported by the frame and comprises a second engaging surface defined by a second surface layer formed of carbide alloy material. The actuator is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second clamp members such that first and second engaging surfaces engage the pile such that the pile is gripped by between first and second clamp members.

Abstract: A drop hammer for driving piles. The drop hammer of the present invention comprises a housing member and a ram member. The housing member defines a housing chamber. The ram member is supported within the housing chamber for movement relative to the housing member between an upper position and a lower position. When the ram member moves into the lower position, the impact of the ram member drives the pile. When the ram member falls below a preload position between the lower and upper positions, fluid within a preload chamber portion of the housing chamber compresses as the ram member moves into the lower position.

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: This invention relates to a porous bone implant (10, 110, and 210), a method of manufacturing the implant and a method of orthopedic treatment. The mesh implant can be manufactured using extrusion techniques and a variety of cutting and machining processes to provide the implant with the desired structural features and in the required dimensions to be matingly received within the bone defect or cavity. The implant can be used to strengthen bone structures and support bone tissue adjacent to a defect of cavity. Thus, the implant can be used to provide improved treatment of patients having bone defects or diseases with decreased postoperative pain and a shorter recovery time.

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 cordless vibratory pile driver (“vibro”) may use one or more batteries to provide the requisite power. The cordless vibro may sit in a stand that also recharges the unit while it is in the stand when the device is not in use. The replaceable batteries are mounted as part of the suppressor housing on top of the housing that contains the eccentrics. The batteries are balanced on both sides to distribute the weight evenly. A small battery powered electric hydraulic pump sits in the suppressor housing to provide oil to open and close the jaws. A digital hand held remote control sends the necessary signals to the machine to open and close the jaw and to start and stop the vibration.

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: This invention relates to a porous bone implant (10, 110, and 210), a method of manufacturing the implant and a method of orthopedic treatment. The mesh implant can be manufactured using extrusion techniques and a variety of cutting and machining processes to provide the implant with the desired structural features and in the required dimensions to be matingly received within the bone defect or cavity. The implant can be used to strengthen bone structures and support bone tissue adjacent to a defect of cavity. Thus, the implant can be used to provide improved treatment of patients having bone defects or diseases with decreased postoperative pain and a shorter recovery time.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for converting a motorcycle with a left side drive into a motorcycle with a right side drive. This apparatus is particularly suitable for “Indian” brand, “Chief” model motorcycles manufactured in 2002 and thereafter. This apparatus includes a swing arm that facilitates the conversion and enables the use of wider rear wheels. A sprocket and drive pulley will also be added to the right side as part of the conversion process. A cutout in the fender may be added to accomplish the conversion. This apparatus is particularly suitable for “Indian” “PowerPlus Chiefs” (model year 2002 and later).

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: 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 transformational 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 device for promoting fusion of first and second vertebrae, comprises a first solid region formed of non-porous polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and a first porous region including a porous PEEK architecture. The first porous region is bonded to the first solid region.

Abstract: A drive system for driving and/or extracting an elongate member. The drive system comprises a piston drive assembly, a hydraulic system, and a vibration drive assembly. The piston drive assembly comprises a piston member, and the piston member engages the elongate member. The hydraulic system is operatively connected to the piston drive assembly to apply a drive force to the piston member. The vibration drive assembly generates a vibratory force. The vibration drive assembly is operatively connected to the piston drive assembly. The drive system operates in a first mode in which the drive force and the vibratory force are applied to the piston member along a drive axis.

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: Methods and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion are disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion in an unreamed disc space. One instrument is a distractor assembly including a first distractor and a second distractor configured to be inserted in side-by-side relation in the disc space. Fusion cages adapted for insertion into an unreamed disc space are provided to enhance load distribution between adjacent vertebral bodies and lateral stability of the spinal column. The fusion cages may be inserted after distracting the disc space with the distractor assembly. Instruments for preparing the disc space through the inserted fusion cages or for use with the distractor assembly are also provided.

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.