Abstract: An enhanced artificial disk for stabilizing a pair of adjacent vertebrae. The enhanced artificial disk include a disk and a stabilizer. The stabilizer includes a substantially keyhole shaped opening for receiving a stabilizer screw. By facilitating movement of the stabilizer screw within the opening, the enhanced artificial disk is capable of exhibiting a normal range of motion associated with a healthy disk while limiting any abnormal range of motion.

Abstract: The one or more embodiments of the present invention propose a novel photovoltaic system. The system can include a housing and at least one layer of photovoltaic panels inside the housing. Photovoltaic cells can be arranged on the panel. Light is reflected in many ways and recycled within the housing either continuously or intermittently. This can reduce the loss of light energy back into the atmosphere due to reflections from the panel and can also improve the working efficiency of the photovoltaic cells by creating multiple passes for the light either continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: A middle-expanded, removable intervertebral disk cage and stabilizer for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and a method for intervertebral disk stabilization in which adjacent vertebrae are spread and a portion of the intervertebral disk is removed from between the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in stabilizing and/or aligning the spinal column utilizes hooks and rods to effectively transfer load from the vertebrae to the apparatus regardless of the angle and the height of the pedicular screws. A screw cap formed of a base having a bore therethrough for receiving the head of the screw, an upright riser formed thereon that is laterally offset from the bore, and a surface for engaging the rod or plate of the stabilizer enables the apparatus to be used for stabilizing and/or aligning vertebral bodies that are out of alignment, of different shape or size, and/or pathology. The apparatus is implanted in a series of steps that are quickly and conveniently performed in the surgical stage and with minimal application of force to align the vertebral bodies, decreasing the likelihood of damaging the nerves populating the surgical stage.

Abstract: Interrupting the charging status of a rechargeable battery comprises providing a timer operable electrical extension cord. The extension cord comprises a conducting cable or media capable of transmitting electric current providing desired extended operative connection between at least a power input connector to a power source or one or more electrical sockets at one end of the conducting media and a power output connector at other end of the conducting media to any intermittently operable or charge dependent electrically operable unit. The extension cord includes a timer for continuously tracking the desired time duration for which the switch is to be either in an on state or in an off state. The timer cooperates with a controller to trigger a corresponding change in a switching state of the extension cord.

Abstract: Interrupting the charging status of a rechargeable battery comprises providing a timer operable electrical extension cord. The extension cord comprises a conducting cable or media capable of transmitting electric current providing desired extended operative connection between at least a power input connector to a power source or one or more electrical sockets at one end of the conducting media and a power output connector at other end of the conducting media to any intermittently operable or charge dependent electrically operable unit. The extension cord includes a timer for continuously tracking the desired time duration for which the switch is to be either in an on state or in an off state. The timer cooperates with a controller to trigger a corresponding change in a switching state of the extension cord.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally comprise devices and methods for optimizing rechargeable battery life. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a device for interrupting the charging status of a rechargeable battery, comprising: a plug, an outlet, a switch, and a controller for controlling the switch state dependent on at least one of: amount of time the switch is in the open state, and amount of time the switch is in the closed state.

Abstract: An artificial disc prosthesis having load-bearing characteristics that mimic those of the normal, healthy intervertebral disc so as to provide resist flexion and axial compression of the spine in a way that preserves normal spinal function. The disc prosthesis includes three main components, a frame, a cushion molded over the frame, and a sac containing a hydrogel for maintaining disc height that is confined within a cavity in the cushion. Disc height is changed by increasing and/or decreasing the amount of hydrogel in the sac in accordance with the particular needs of the patient into which the artificial disc is implanted. Also provided is a frame for an artifical intervertebral disc that allows the axis of rotation of the spine to shift in a manner that replicates, or mimics, the normal function of the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A rotating, locking, spring-loaded disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with minimal height and maximal width. The implant is inserted into the space between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed and, when positioned in the disk space, rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A portion of the implant is biased away from the implant and into contact with the adjacent vertebrae to provide a cushioning effect between the implant and the vertebra. A lock is then secured to the implant to resist further rotation of the implant in the disk space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally comprise devices and methods for optimizing rechargeable battery life. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a device for interrupting the charging status of a rechargeable battery, comprising: a plug, an outlet, a switch, and a controller for controlling the switch state dependent on at least one of: amount of time the switch is in the open state, and amount of time the switch is in the closed state.

Abstract: Apparatus for disconnecting a charger or a device incorporating a charger for a rechargeable battery from the power source either after charging is complete or after a pre-set time interval to minimize damage to the battery. The apparatus includes a plug in an enclosure for plugging into a power source or other power outlet, the enclosure being provided with an outlet for receiving a power cable from the battery charger or the device including the rechargeable battery. Circuitry is provided in the enclosure for switching off the power supplied to the charger or the device including the battery upon receipt of a signal from the device or after a pre-set time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: A multi-axis connection for transferring load from the vertebrae of a patient to a plate extending from one vertebra to another vertebra when affixed to the respective vertebrae by screws extending through holes in the plate at the level of the respective vertebrae, each screw being oriented at any of a plurality of angles relative to the plate. The threaded shank of each screw is screwed into the vertebral body and the head is positioned in the central portion of the hole, the hole being defined by an aperture, an opening through which the screw extends, and the central portion between aperture and opening. The diameter of the head is larger than the aperture of the hole in the plate and is provided with a screw thread that engages the smaller diameter aperture of the hole to pull the head into the central portion of the hole when the screw is rotated, the head of the screw being retained within the hole by the smaller diameter aperture and the opening of the hole.

Abstract: A rotating, locking, spring-loaded disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with minimal height and maximal width. The implant is inserted into the space between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed and, when positioned in the disk space, rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A portion of the implant is biased away from the implant and into contact with the adjacent vertebrae to provide a cushioning effect between the implant and the vertebra. A lock is then secured to the implant to resist further rotation of the implant in the disk space.