Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes an artificial disc. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. A first mounting member is connectable with the first vertebra and the artificial disc to position the artificial disc between the first and second vertebrae.

Abstract: A method for replacing a damaged spinal disc between first and second vertebrae of a spinal column includes connecting a first mounting member with the first vertebra of the spinal column. An artificial disc is moved between the first and second vertebrae and into engagement with the first mounting member to guide the artificial disc into position between the first and second vertebrae. The artificial disc includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface, a first retaining member connected to the first surface of the resilient core, and a second retaining member connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The first retaining member has an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. The second retaining member has an outer surface engageable with the second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a damaged spinal disc in a spinal column includes a resilient core having a first surface and a second surface. A first retaining device is connected to the first surface of the resilient core. The first retaining device includes an outer surface engageable with a first vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the first surface of the resilient core. A second retaining device is connected to the second surface of the resilient core. The second retaining device has an outer surface engageable with a second vertebra of the spinal column and an inner surface facing the second surface of the resilient core. The inner surface of the first retaining device is spaced from the core. The core deflects into engagement with the inner surface of the first retaining device upon relative movement between the first and second retaining devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for a spinal fixation generally includes a hook member and a linkage. The hook member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion has a generally arcuate shape and defines an aperture passing therethrough. The lower portion has a curved shape for engaging the lamina. The linkage includes a generally flat plate and defines an arcuate service for matingly receiving the upper portion of the hook member so as to permit relative rotation therebetween. The apparatus further includes a coupling arrangement including a shaft passing through the recess of the linkage and an aperture of the hook member. The shaft includes an upper end and a lower end. A locking member is carried by a lower end and disposed within an aperture of the hook member. A nut is provided in threaded engagement with the upper end of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinal fixation has a longitudinally extending core which provides structural integrity and allows for bone growth along the center column of the spine. The apparatus for spinal fixation further includes upper and lower platform members radially extending from upper and lower ends, respectively, of the core. The platform members each include a plurality of radially extending arms which define substantially triangular openings therebetween. The openings permit bone ingrowth therethrough to the space between the upper and lower platform members which is interrupted only by the core.

Abstract: An inlet duct and seal assembly is disclosed having, as its preferred application, the attachment of an intake air transfer duct to the throttle body of an internal combustion engine. The throttle body is provided with an inlet opening about which extends an annulus defining an outer annular wall. The inlet air duct has an opening which corresponds in diameter to that of the annular outer wall. A seal is disposed in the duct opening and includes an inwardly, radially directed wiper seal which is flexibly deformed between the annular wall and the duct opening when the duct opening is engaged over the throttle body inlet.