Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implant device, in particular an implant device placed between bony, cartilaginous or soft tissues or between prosthetic surfaces to restore or create a gap. More particular the present invention is directed to an implant device made from polymeric material and having a stiffness gradient as well as a limited dimensional deformation, wherein the implant device has a stiffness gradient and a limited dimensional deformation and preferably is at least partially anisotropic.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1) including an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13, 14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16), a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26). The two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), wherein each of the joints (38;39) has a swivel axis (3;4) and the two swivel axes (3;4) are arranged perpendicular to each other, and each joint (38;39) comprises a first joint section (31;32;33) with an elevation (49;50) provided with an edge (51;53) for the bearing of a second joint section (31;32;33) in a way that allows titling around the swivel axis (3;4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a discharge cooling cycle in a refrigeration system. The method includes determining a first operating condition of the refrigeration system. The method also includes, based on the determination of the operating condition, activating an evaporator fan for a first predetermined period of time, deactivating the evaporator fan for a second predetermined period of time, and repeating the activating and deactivating until a second operating condition is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implant device, in particular an implant device placed between bony, cartilaginous or soft tissues or between prosthetic surfaces to restore or create a gap. More particular the present invention is directed to an implant device made from polymeric material and having a stiffness gradient as well as a limited dimensional deformation, wherein the implant device has a stiffness gradient and a limited dimensional deformation and preferably is at least partially anisotropic.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant, specifically an artificial intervertebral disk, with a central axis, an upper section, suitable for laying onto the base plate of a vertebral body lying on top and lower section, suitable for laying onto the cover plate of a vertebral body lying below, wherein (A) the upper section is provided with a ventral side area, a dorsal side area, two lateral side areas, a top apposition surface and a bottom surface; (B) the lower section is provided with a ventral side area, a dorsal side area, two lateral side areas, a bottom apposition surface and a top surface; (C) the two sections are moveable in relation to each other by means of one joint arranged between the two sections, wherein (D) the joint is a universal joint with two swivel axles standing perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), specifically an artificial intervertebral disk, with a central axis (2), an upper section (10), suitable for laying onto the base plate of a vertebral body lying on top and a lower section (20), suitable for laying onto the cover plate of a vertebral body lying below, wherein A) the upper section (10) is provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16); B) the lower section (20) is provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26); C) the two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of one joint (30) arranged between the two sections (10;20), wherein D) the joint (30) is a universal joint with two swivel axles (3;4) standing perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a product compartment, a duct opening into the product compartment, and a self-contained refrigeration system. The refrigeration system includes a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber includes first and second openings. The second chamber includes third and fourth openings. An evaporator coil and evaporator fan are mounted in the first chamber. The evaporator fan moves air from the first opening, through the evaporator coil, to the second opening. A condensing coil, compressor, and compressor fan are mounted in the second chamber. The compressor fan moves air from the third opening, through the condensing coil, over the compressor, to the fourth opening. The housing thermally insulates the first chamber from both the second chamber and an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), including an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16), a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26), wherein the two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), and wherein each of the joints (38;39) has a swivel axle (3;4) and the two swivel axles (3;4) are arranged perpendicular to each other, each of the joints (38;39) comprises at least one axle (34;36) coaxial to the relevant swivel axle (3;4) and a bearing shell (35;37) receiving the axle (34;36), and roll bodies (70) are inserted between the axles (34;36) and the bearing shells (35;37).

Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), including an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13, 14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16) a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26). The two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), wherein each of the joints (38;39) has a swivel axle (3;4) and the two swivel axles (3;4) are arranged perpendicular to each other, and each joint (38;39) comprises a first joint section (31;32;33) with an elevation (49;50) provided with an edge (51 ;53) for the bearing of a second joint section (31;32;33) in a way that allows titling around the swivel axle (3;4).

Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), including an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16), a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26), wherein the two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), and wherein each of the joints (38;39) has a swivel axle (3;4) and the two swivel axles (3;4) are arranged perpendicular to each other, each of the joints (38;39) comprises at least one axle (34;36) coaxial to the relevant swivel axle (3;4) and a bearing shell (35;37) receiving the axle (34;36), and roll bodies (70) are inserted between the axles (34;36) and the bearing shells (35;37).

Abstract: A bone implant and the method of manufacturing thereof, the bone implant, in particular an inter-vertebral implant, made of a radiation-permeable material. The inter-vertebral implant defining a surface and comprising a front section, a back section, two lateral sections defining a central axis, and a substantially hollow interior chamber, each section having a superior and inferior vertebral contacting surface. The hollow chamber is subdivided by at least two partitions running essentially parallel to the central axis and which connect the front section to the back section.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant (1), having an upper section (10) provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16); and a lower section (20) provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26). The two sections (10;20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of two joints (38;39) arranged between the two sections (10;20), the two joints (38;39) are realised by an upper joint section (31) connected to the upper section (10), a central joint section (32) and a joint section (33) connected with the lower section (20).

Abstract: A bone implant and the method of manufacturing thereof, the bone implant, in particular an inter-vertebral implant, made of a radiation-permeable material having a circular-shaped hollow body with a sleeve. The inter-vertebral implant defining a surface and comprising a front section, a back section, and two lateral sections defining a central axis. The hollow body is subdivided by at least two partitions running essentially parallel to the central axis and which connect the front section to the back section. The surface of the bone implant has surface irregularities of at least 2 ?m, and the at least two partitions have at least one perforation.

Abstract: A bone implant and the method of manufacturing thereof, the bone implant, in particular an inter-vertebral implant, made of a radiation-permeable material having a circular-shaped hollow body with a sleeve. The inter-vertebral implant defining a surface and comprising a front section, a back section, and two lateral sections defining a central axis. The hollow body is subdivided by at least two partitions running essentially parallel to the central axis and which connect the front section to the back section. The surface of the bone implant has surface irregularities of at least 2 &mgr;m, and the at least two partitions have at least one perforation.

Abstract: The locking device for a pliers-shaped tool, preferably a pair of pliers (1), has a lever (7) with a spring (8a) on the inner side of one handle and a shaped rod (9) on the inner side of the other handle (4b).The shaped rod (9) has a catching element (10) and passes through an opening (14) in the lever (7). The lever has a sharp projection (15) in its opening (14), which engages the catching element (10) of the shaped rod (9) in the closed setting in such a way that the pliers (1) can only be closed. With these pliers (1), objects (5) can be gripped, held tight and let loose again. The locking device is entirely between the handles (4a and 4b) of the pliers (1). The pliers (1) with the locking devices can be used generally, but their primary application is in surgery.

Abstract: A shaft for an articulation endoprosthesis has a metallic core (1), a proximally connected neck part (10) and an envelope (2) made of a non-metallic, elastic material that distally surrounds the core. Adherence between the core (1) and the envelope is ensured by a form fit and/or by a frictional connection. The non-metallic material of the envelope has a modulus of elasticity between 500 and 10,000 N/mm.sup.2. The envelope is provided with an additional superficial layer (3) made of biocompatible material having thickness of less that 600 .mu.m and a higher surface hardness than the envelope (2).

Abstract: The fastener, which is especially adapted for bones, consists of a shaft (2) bearing a thread (1) with variable pitch, a front end (3) and a rear end (4).The thread (1) is present over the entire area of the shaft (2), and in the area of the rear end (4) is characterized by a smaller pitch than in the area of the front end (3).Thanks to the diminishing pitch of the thread (1) in the proximal direction, a locally differentiated intraosseous pressure generation takes place. In accord with the well-known Wolff's Law, this leads to a controlled bone growth along the loading axis and thus an improvement in the stability of the implanted fastener.

Abstract: A coupling element for holding a Schanz screw and a threaded pin rigidly in the correct orientation comprising a jacket, an eye with a collet therein and a nut.

Abstract: A bone screw has a smooth shaft segment, a threaded segment and a tapered transition segment between the shaft and the threaded segment.

Abstract: A resorbable marrow cavity closure comprises a plug formed of randomly packed, crimped pieces of thread of a resorbable polymer material.