Spinecore, Inc.

Other

Safety Quik, L.l.c.

David E Tompkins

Bret A Ferree

Janos Beny

Gerard D Byrne, Jr

Gerard D Byrne, Sr

Spacerless artificial disc replacements (ADR) are disclosed. One preferred embodiment includes two saddle-shaped components to facilitate more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending while limit axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the annulus fibrosus (AF). Either or both of the superior and inferior components are made of a hard material such as chrome cobalt, titanium, or a ceramic including alumina, zirconia, or calcium phosphate. The articulating surfaces of the ADR are also preferably highly polished to reduce friction between the components. Metals, alloys or other materials with shape-memory characteristics may also prove beneficial.

Spacerless artificial disc replacements

This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

Artificial disc replacements with natural kinematics

This invention improves upon prior aft total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

An artificial disc replacement (ADR) includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components; and a filler material contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. In a preferred embodiment, the ADR may further include one or more opposing, spaced-apart projections configured to impinge if the endplate components are subjected to an excessive force. Such projections may allow for unrestricted motion between the endplates until impingement, or may restrict translation between the endplates until a greater excessive force is reached. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to the respective vertebral endplates.

Artificial intervertebral disc replacements with endplates

An artificial joint or disc replacement (ADR) broadly includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components, and a mechanism for coupling the cushioning component to one or both of the endplates. In the preferred embodiment, the cushioning component takes the form of a tire-like outer structure attached to an inner hub. A filler material is also preferably contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to respective opposing bone surfaces.

Artificial disc and joint replacements with modular cushioning components

A self-leveling eating utensil having a handle and a food carrier rotatably coupled to the handle. The food carrier may be coupled to a shank which is, in turn, rotatably coupled to the handle. The food carrier is positioned offset from the handle and the shank to weight itself into a self-leveling position with the food-carrying surface thereof positioned to carry food without spillage. A weight is preferably provided on the shank to further weight the food carrier into the self-leveling position. The weight may be formed at the free end of the shank opposite the food carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the weight is formed as a bend in the free end of the shank in a direction toward the food carrier. Preferably, the handle is formed to permit decoupling to clean the interior thereof and recoupling to use the eating utensil once again after cleaning. Such handle is formed from first and second handle halves which are readily coupled, decoupled, and recoupled. In a preferred embodiment, the handle halves are directly coupled together at at least first ends which engage each other directly for coupling together. The second ends of the handle halves may be coupled together either directly or with the assistance of a separate coupling element, such as an end cap fitted over the second ends.

Self-leveling eating utensil

The mooring line quick release device for quickly releasing a mooring line comprising a chamber, a mooring line support shaft and a mechanical system. The chamber, which is compact and sealed, has a first compartment and a second compartment separated by an open channel bounded by a wall of the first compartment, having formed therein a first aperture, and a wall of the second compartment, having formed therein a second aperture. The mooring line support shaft supports a mooring line wherein the mooring line support shaft has a longitudinal surface which passes through the first aperture to the second apertures via the open channel when the mooring line support shaft is changed between a first state to a second state thereof. The remotely control mechanical system serves to change the mooring-line support shaft from the second state to the first state via a third state for quickly releasing mooring line. When the mooring line support shaft is in the third state, mooring line support shaft is being retracted out of the second compartment and into the first compartment via the open channel for the quick release of the mooring line.

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Redondo Beach, CA, United States of America

David E Tompkins