Abstract: A high-temperature lubricant comprising a water-base and minor effective amounts of borate, dextrin, graphite, xanthan gum, and an organic preservative. A powder for preparing a water-based high temperature lubricant is disclosed in which the powder comprises graphite and minor effective amounts of borate, dextrin, and xanthan gum. A continuous process for making the lubricant is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides endoscopic instrumentation and surgical techniques especially useful for accessing and removing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc. Instrumentation includes tissue spreaders and cutting instruments. In particular, the tissue spreading instruments include instruments for spreading pre-sacral tissue such as fascia and for spreading adjacent vertebrae to facilitate access to the intervertebral disc. Endoscopic cutting instruments deliver a cutting blade in a sheathed position to the site of the disc nucleus followed by deployment to remove portions of the disc nucleus.

Abstract: The contract generation system of the present invention automates the generation of various legal documents related to a negotiated agreement. The contract generation system provides various standard documents that can be customized for each deal. The contract generation system also provides a database for containing general contract data, which is linked to the contract documents containing the textual provisions of the contract. The contract generation system also includes alternate provisions that can replace provisions in the standard documents, as well as supplemental and additional provisions that can be added to the standard documents. The contract generation system also allows for the contract documents to be manually edited to further customize the documents for a specific deal.

Abstract: The present invention provides endoscopic instrumentation and surgical techniques especially useful for accessing and removing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc. Instrumentation includes tissue spreaders and cutting instruments. In particular, the tissue spreading instruments include instruments for spreading pre-sacral tissue such as fascia and for spreading adjacent vertebrae to facilitate access to the intervertebral disc. Endoscopic cutting instruments deliver a cutting blade in a sheathed position to the site of the disc nucleus followed by deployment to remove portions of the disc nucleus.

Abstract: An everting forceps comprising first and second outer resilient legs rigidly interconnected at one end thereof, and a third leg intermediate the pair of legs. Each of the outer legs terminating at a tip provided with an arcuate jaw. A moving device positions the intermediate leg with respect to one of the first and second legs. A locking mechanism for locking the intermediate leg and at least one of the outer legs is also provided.

Abstract: A novel surgical instrument for applying sutures through body tissue including an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, at least one needle carrier member operatively mounted in the distal end portion and movable between at least a retracted position and a deployed position, a needle releasably retained in the at least one needle carrier member, a predetermined length of suture material having one end affixed to the needle, and a suture material tensioning member disposed within the elongated body for maintaining the suture material in tension during movement of the at least one needle carrier member from the retracted position to the deployed position the suture material. The instrument may also include a retaining mechanism adapted to retain the at least one needle carrier in the partially deployed position, and a needle skewing mechanism operatively associated with an actuator member to change the alignment thereof relative to the retaining member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for removing fasteners from the body includes a pair of fastener removing members which are configured and dimensioned to contact the legs of a fastener to be removed. The legs are then forced apart so as to caused the fastener legs to deform to a configuration suitable for removable from the body.