Abstract: A lumbar and/or cervical disc prosthetic formed with three primary layers, including a superior (upper) plate, inferior (lower) plate, and intermediate core, in a sandwiched configuration. The superior plate member is adapted to be secured on one side to an upper vertebra in a spinal column, the inferior lower plate member is adapted to be secured on one side to a lower vertebra in the spinal column, and the core permits a limited degree of articulation of the superior plate relative to the inferior plate. Both the superior plate member and inferior plate member are constructed of two different materials, metal and plastic, such that the outward surfaces expose islands of metal surrounded by plastic to deter bone ongrowth to the plastic while promoting bone ongrowth to the metal islands. The prosthetic disc preserves spinal articulation years after the procedure.

Abstract: A motorized walker that employs a wide angle triangular track suspension system on both sides with an elevated drive sprocket and a deployable self-balancing stand-on platform suspended from the axle of the drive sprocket that the user may use or not, depending on their walking comfort level. With or without the platform deployed the walker with track system is capable of overcoming large obstacles and steep inclines, for rough terrain applications, where a relatively large pivot angle is needed.

Abstract: A lighting system for an operating room wherein machine-controlled light sources are Bluetooth™-enabled to allow them to locate and track the movement of a device worn on the hand or wrist of a surgeon or other operating room personnel. In preferred embodiments, the system described herein will accommodate light source tracking for multiple surgeon-worn devices worn by one or more wearers. The system is capable of toggling between modes of following the wearer's movement and focusing on a single point determined by the wearer, where mode swapping can be controlled by the surgeon from the device itself. The system preferably accommodates the adjustment of multiple characteristics of the light source, such as light intensity, from the hand or wrist device. A periphery ribbon may also be used to control the direction of light sources. Applications of the invention y stretch to other fields such as construction or theater lighting.

Abstract: A motorized walker that employs a wide angle triangular track suspension system on both sides with an elevated drive sprocket and a deployable self-balancing stand-on platform suspended from the axle of the drive sprocket that the user may use or not, depending on their walking comfort level. With or without the platform deployed the walker with track system is capable of overcoming large obstacles and steep inclines, for rough terrain applications, where a relatively large pivot angle is needed.

Abstract: A roadside assistance system for motorists, comprising a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) each having an emergency battery power supply connected to an inductive charger, an emergency detachable fuel supply, an imaging system and a visual landing software module configured to land the UAV on a predetermined target. In addition, each has an inductive charging pad electrically connected to a vehicle electrical system, the inductive charging pad bearing the predetermined to by which the UAV may deliver a charge necessary to jump a vehicle or provide an emergency recharge.

Abstract: A lighting system for an operating room wherein machine-controlled light sources are Bluetooth™-enabled to allow them to locate and track the movement of a device worn on the hand or wrist of a surgeon or other operating room personnel. In preferred embodiments, the system described herein will accommodate light source tracking for multiple surgeon-worn devices worn by one or more wearers. The system is capable of toggling between modes of following the wearer's movement and focusing on a single point determined by the wearer, where mode swapping can be controlled by the surgeon from the device itself. The system preferably accommodates the adjustment of multiple characteristics of the light source, such as light intensity, from the hand or wrist device. A periphery ribbon may also be used to control the direction of light sources. Applications of the invention y stretch to other fields such as construction or theater lighting.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage comprised of two support elements that separate after insertion into the interbody space to form a pocket into which graft material may be inserted. The expansion of the support elements deploys a band between the two support elements to further insulate the pocket into which the graft material is inserted, thereby holding it securely in place. The band may be formed of a flexible material so that it can fold to fit into a space between the support elements prior to separation of same.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage comprised of two support elements that separate after insertion into the interbody space to form a pocket into which graft material may be inserted. The expansion of the support elements deploys ribbons between the two support elements to further insulate the pocket into which the graft material is inserted, thereby holding it securely in place. Ribbons may be formed of a flexible material so that graft material can be inserted by a surgeon above or below them. Ribbons may also be deployed manually by the surgeon so as to allow insertion of graft material before the ribbon is deployed.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer for distraction of the vertebra including a body portion having an operative panel for increasing the height thereof and defining an internal void in which an expandable member is provided for actuating the operative panel. A self sealing percutaneous access port is provided to enlarge the expandable member and actuate the operative panel. The body portion is anchored by flanges secured to adjacent spinous process. The port allows for adding or removing fluid from the one or more chambers or envelopes of the expandable member in order to adjust the height of the body and thus the interspinous process spacing. Subsequent to initial implantation and expansion the volume of the expandable member may be increased or decreased in a non-surgical in-office procedure in which a needle is used to add or remove fluid from the expandable member via the port and tubular member.

Abstract: An fusion cage having a longitudinal element and two planar bendable expansion arms slideably captured in a track on opposing sides, the expansion arms expandable from a pre-implantation position adjacent to the longitudinal element to a deployed position bounding an area around the longitudinal element in which bone graft material may be packed and retained after implantation into the intervertebral space. The longitudinal element is eliminated in favor of front and back lateral tracks in which the opposing ends of the expansion arms are slideably received so as to allow expansion of the bounded areas in both a lateral and anterior-posterior direction by sliding within the channels. Expansion of the area within the bendable members may be accomplished by rotation of leaves to which the bendable members are rigidly and slideably affixed.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage comprised of two support elements that separate after insertion into the interbody space to form a pocket into which graft material may be inserted. The expansion of the support elements deploys a band between the two support elements to further insulate the pocket into which the graft material is inserted, thereby holding it securely in place. The band may be formed of a flexible material so that it can fold to fit into a space between the support elements prior to separation of same.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage comprised of two support elements that separate after insertion into the interbody space to form a pocket into which graft material may be inserted. The expansion of the support elements deploys ribbons between the two support elements to further insulate the pocket into which the graft material is inserted, thereby holding it securely in place. Ribbons may be formed of a flexible material so that graft material can be inserted by a surgeon above or below them. Ribbons may also be deployed manually by the surgeon so as to allow insertion of graft material before the ribbon is deployed.

Abstract: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a Kirschner wire guide, a cannulated bone drill and cooperatively cannulated staple guide. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the cannulated staple guide and bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. A staple cap and graft container for overlay grafting may be utilized for additional fusion. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.

Abstract: A multi-piece disc replacement implant for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between the two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction and a provided with protrusions to be received in one or more channels cooperatively formed in the vertebrae and secured in place by a bone screw.

Abstract: A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and then introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a hollow cannula. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. The staple and screw may be used in conjunction with one another or individually. The facet joint may be distracted prior to fixation to increase the foraminal space and decompress the neural structures to relieve pain. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.

Abstract: A multi-piece disc replacement implant for replacing a disc removed by a discectomy including an upper plate member, a lower plate member, and an intermediate resilient member providing movement between te two plate members replicating the natural movement of the spine. The plate members are rigid and have orthogonal sidewalls forming an enclosure. The resilient member is an elastic solid or a multi-chamber balloon structure of fluid-filled sacks that collectively define a non-uniform shape such as an oblate spheroid, or a helically coiled string of beads. Such an implant is capable of supporting the compressive and cyclic loads required of a natural disc. The upper and lower plate members are cooperatively formed to selectively limit the allowable range of motion in any given direction and a provided with protrusions to be received in one or more channels cooperatively formed in the vertebrae and secured in place by a bone screw.

Abstract: A system and method of securing an intervertebral fusion cage within the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebra in which one or more slots are provided in an anterior surface of the cage each extending from an oversized aperture. A retention plate having a post and enlarged head is advanced into each slot via the oversized aperture and captured therein. The post is advanced to the terminal end of the plate and secured to vertebral body at its distal end by a bone screw. A locking clip is slideably positioned on the retention plate to prevent withdrawal of the bone screw. The slots preferably extend to margins of the anterior surface of the cage in, for example, the pattern of an “X” or an “H”. Sliding of the posts in the slots prevents the system from carrying the vertebral load (load shielding) and permits reduction in the intervertebral space to promote bone growth and fusion by graft material retained in the spacer.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer for distraction of the vertebra including a body portion having an operative panel for increasing the height thereof and defining an internal void in which an expandable member is provided for actuating the operative panel. A self sealing percutaneous access port is provided to enlarge the expandable member and actuate the operative panel. The body portion is anchored by flanges secured to adjacent spinous process. The port allows for adding or removing fluid from the one or more chambers or envelopes of the expandable member in order to adjust the height of the body and thus the interspinous process spacing. Subsequent to initial implantation and expansion the volume of the expandable member may be increased or decreased in a non-surgical in-office procedure in which a needle is used to add or remove fluid from the expandable member via the port and tubular member.

Abstract: A vertebral spacer includes an expandable member having a self sealing percutaneous fluid access port and engaged to an anchor member that is secured the vertebrae. The anchor member may be an arcuate channel mechanically secured to adjacent spinous processes by bone screws through slots in the legs of the channel. The port allows for adding or removing fluid from the expandable member in order to adjust the volume thereof and thus the interspinous process spacing. Subsequent to initial expansion, the volume of the expandable member may be increased or decreased by using a needle to add or remove fluid from the expandable member via the port. The fluid may be a liquid, gel, or a viscous polymer and may remain in a liquid state or harden to a viscoelastic state.

Abstract: An fusion cage having a longitudinal element and two planar bendable expansion arms slideably captured in a track on opposing sides, the expansion arms expandable from a pre-implantation position adjacent to the longitudinal element to a deployed position bounding an area around the longitudinal element in which bone graft material may be packed and retained after implantation into the intervertebral space. The longitudinal element is eliminated in favor of front and back lateral tracks in which the opposing ends of the expansion arms are slideably received so as to allow expansion of the bounded areas in both a lateral and anterior-posterior direction by sliding within the channels. Expansion of the area within the bendable members may be accomplished by rotation of leaves to which the bendable members are rigidly and slideably affixed.