1. A management system for charging a plug-in vehicle, comprising:
a communication module which retrieves identification information from a key with an electronic certification to perform locking and releasing of a door lock in the plug-in vehicle; and
a security module which includes a verification module for verifying whether there is a proper key or not based on the identification information retrieved by the communication module, and which permits a charging activity to the plug-in vehicle when detecting a proper key, or refuses the charging activity when detecting no proper key.
2. A management system for charging a plug-in vehicle, comprising:
a communication module which retrieves position information from a vehicle navigation system, the position information being capable of identifying the plug-in vehicle or a user; and
a security module which includes a verification module for verifying whether the position information retrieved by the communication module is proper or not, and which permits a charging activity to the plug-in vehicle when detecting a proper position information, or refuses the charging activity when detecting no proper position information.
3. A management system for charging a plug-in vehicle, comprising:
a network communication module which retrieves identification information capable of identifying a plug-in vehicle or a user supplied from a component belonging to the plug-in vehicle through a network communication device related to the plug-in vehicle; and
a security module which permits a charging activity to the plug-in vehicle when the identification information retrieved by the network communication module is proper, and refuses the charging activity when no proper identification information is retrieved.
4. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 3, wherein
the network communication module includes:
a vehicle side wireless LAN communication device which transmits the identification information supplied from an identification information storage device belonging to the plug-in vehicle to a wireless LAN; and
a station side wireless LAN communication device located on a charging station, which performs wireless communication with the vehicle side wireless LAN communication device, and wherein
the security module is located on the charging station, and includes a verification controller which retrieves the identification information via the station side wireless LAN communication device, and which permits a charging activity to the plug-in vehicle when the identification information is proper, and refuses the charging activity when no proper identification information is retrieved.
5. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 4, wherein
the verification controller performs a verification of the identification information in response to an event in which the vehicle side wireless LAN communication device and the station side wireless LAN communication device are placed within a wireless communication range, even before a connector on the charging station and a connector on the plug-in vehicle are connected.
6. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 4, wherein
the vehicle side wireless LAN communication device and the station side wireless LAN communication device initiate communication via the wireless LAN when a connection between a connector on the charging station and a connector on the plug-in vehicle is provided or after the connection is provided, and then, the verification controller performs a verification of the identification information.
7. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 3, wherein
the network communication module includes:
a WAN communication device which transmits the identification information supplied from an identification information storage device belonging to the plug-in vehicle to the Internet; and
a server computer located on a charging station, which is connectable with the Internet, and wherein
the security module includes:
a verification controller located on the charging station, which retrieves the identification information via the server computer, and which permits a charging activity to the plug-in vehicle when the identification information is proper, and refuses the charging activity when no proper identification information is retrieved.
8. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 7, wherein
the verification controller performs a verification of the identification information in response to an event in which the plug-in vehicle is located within a predetermined distance from the charging station, even before a connector on the charging station and a connector on the plug-in vehicle are connected.
9. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 7, wherein
the WAN communication device and the server computer connect to the Internet when a connection between a connector on the charging station and a connector on the plug-in vehicle is provided or after the connection is provided, and then, the verification controller performs a verification of the identification information.
10. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 3, wherein
the network communication module includes:
a WAN communication device which transmits the identification information supplied from a vehicle side identification information storage device belonging to the plug-in vehicle to the Internet; and
an internet communication device located on a charging station, which is connectable with the Internet and is capable of transmitting identification information supplied from a station side identification information storage device belonging to the charging station to the Internet, and wherein
the security module includes:
a verification controller located on an information center connected with the Internet, which retrieves the identification information from the vehicle side identification information storage device and the identification information from the station side identification information storage device, and which permits a charging activity to the plug-in vehicle when the identification information are proper, and refuses the charging activity when no proper identification information is retrieved.
11. The management system for charging a plug-in vehicle claimed in claim 3, wherein
the network communication module includes:
a WAN communication device which transmits the identification information supplied from an identification information storage device belonging to the plug-in vehicle to the Internet;
an internet communication device located on a charging station, which is connectable with the Internet; and an information center connected to the Internet, and wherein
the security module includes:
a verification controller located on the charging station, which is connected to the internet communication device, and retrieves the identification information from the vehicle side identification information storage device via the information center, and which permits a charging activity to the plug-in vehicle when the identification information is proper, and refuses the charging activity when no proper identification information is retrieved.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
What is claimed is:
1. A spinal fixation device for stabilizing the spine comprising:
a staple member having a top member of sufficient length to span the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae;
at least two projections depending downwardly from said top member, each of said projections capable of being inserted into one of said two adjacent vertebrae; and
coupling means for coupling said staple member to a spinal implant surgically implanted in the disc space between said two adjacent vertebrae.
2. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 in which each of said at least two projections has a distal end that is sharpened to facilitate insertion of said at least two projections into said two adjacent vertebrae.
3. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 in which each of said two projections has an eccentric inclined planed inner surface facing said spinal implant, said inclined planed inner surface forcing and compressing the bone of said adjacent vertebrae toward said spinal implant when said two projections are inserted into said adjacent vertebrae.
4. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 further including means for preventing outward excursion of said at least two projections once said projection is inserted into the vertebrae.
5. The spinal fixation device of claim 4 in which said means for preventing outward excursion comprises said at least two projections having a plurality of ratcheted and segmented portions.
6. The spinal fixation device of claim 5 in which each of said plurality of ratcheted and segmented portions have a diameter that increases in the -direction away from the direction in which said at least two projections are inserted into said two adjacent vertebrae.
7. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 further including interdigitating means for interdigitating said staple member with said spinal implant.
8. The spinal fixation device of claim 7 in which said interdigitating means comprises a central bar capable of interdigitating with a spinal implant having a depression on one end for receiving and mating said central bar.
9. The spinal fixation device of claim 7 in which said interdigitating means is capable of interdigitating more than one spinal implant surgically implanted in the same disc space between said two adjacent vertebrae.
10. The spinal fixation device of claim 9 in which said interdigitating means comprises an extension arm extending from said top member, said extension arm capable of interdigitating and coupling to a second spinal implant surgically implanted within said disc space adjacent to said spinal implant.
11. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 in which said coupling means for coupling said staple member to said spinal implant comprises a locking means for lockably securing said staple member to said spinal implant.
12. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 in which said top member has an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface including means for removably engaging a driving means for driving said staple member.
13. The spinal fixation device of claim 12 in which said means for removably engaging a driving means comprises at least one opening is said upper surface of said top member and at least one post member extending from said driving means.
14. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 in which said top member has at least one edge that is radiused, said top member conforming to the external curvature of said adjacent vertebrae and having a smooth surface to prevent erosion of the vessels located adjacent to the spine.
15. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 in which at least a portion of said staple member is made of a resorbable material.
16. The spinal fixation device of claim 1 further comprising a bone fusion promoting material to facilitate the bone fusion process.
17. Instrumentation for use in surgery for inserting a spinal fixation device having a staple member with at least two projections, said staple member spanning the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae, said projections engaging said adjacent vertebrae, said staple member engaging a spinal implant implanted between said adjacent vertebrae and at least partially within said disc space, comprising:
a driving instrument for driving the spinal fixation device, said driving instrument having a central shaft terminating at one end to a bottom member and terminating at its other end to a top member;
said bottom member having a means for removably engaging the spinal fixation device; and
said top member having a surface capable of receiving a high impaction force applied thereto.
18. The instrumentation of claim 17 in which said means for removably engaging the spinal fixation device comprises of at least one post extending from said bottom member and in which said staple member has at least one depression for receiving said at least one post.
19. The instrumentation of claim 17 in which said central shaft has a central hollow-interior and at least one open end.
20. The instrumentation of claim 19 further including an alignment rod for aligning said spinal fixation device with respect to a spinal fusion implant having a threaded central opening at one end, said alignment rod having a threaded end for threadably engaging said threaded central opening, said alignment rod being insertable within said central hollow interior of said shaft.
21. The instrumentation of claim 20 in which said alignment rod includes a plurality of splines longitudinally oriented along said alignment rod.
22. The instrumentation of claim 18 in which said central shaft is hollow having an interior surface comprising a second plurality of splines corresponding and capable of interdigitating with said plurality of splines of said alignment rod.
23. The instrumentation of claim 17 including a drilling template instrument comprising:
a template having means for aligning said template with a spinal implant inserted within the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae of the spine, said template having guiding means for guiding a drilling instrument used to create insertion holes in the vertebrae; and
a handle for holding said template, said handle being attached to said template so as not to obstruct the line of sight of the surgeon and to provide access to means for guiding a drilling instrument to a drilling instrument.
24. A method for affixing a spinal fixation device having a staple comprising of a top member with a central aperture and a plurality of downwardly depending projections, to the vertebrae adjacent to a spinal implant having an opening at one end and surgically implanted in the disc space between said vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
attaching to said spinal implant an alignment rod having an end portion capable of engaging the opening of the spinal fusion implant;
aligning said spinal fixation device with respect to said spinal implant by passing said alignment rod through the central aperture of said staple, each of said plurality of projections contacting perpendicularly one of the vertebrae adjacent to the spinal fusion implant;
engaging said alignment rod to a driving instrument having a central shaft with a hollow central chamber for receiving said alignment rod, said central shaft terminating at one end to a bottom member and terminating at its other end to a top member, said bottom member having a means for removably engaging the spinal fixation device, said top member having a flat outer surface for receiving a high impaction force applied thereto;
driving said spinal fixation device to insert said plurality of projections into the vertebrae with said driving instrument by applying an impaction force to said driving instrument;
disengaging said driving instrument from said alignment rod;
removing said alignment rod from the opening of the spinal fusion implant; and
fixing said spinal fixation device to the spinal fusion implant with means for lockably securing said spinal fixation device to the spinal fusion implant.
25. The method of claim 24 in which said alignment rod is finely splined along its longitudinal axis and said hollow chamber of said driving instrument being correspondingly splined for receiving and interdigitating said alignment rod.
26. The method of claim 24 further including the step of creating insertion holes into the vertebrae for receiving said plurality of projections therein prior to driving said plurality of projections into said vertebrae.
27. The method of claim 26 in which the step of creating insertion holes includes the use of a drilling template having means for aligning said drilling template with the spinal fusion implant and means for guiding a drill used to create the insertion holes.
28. A multi-segmental spinal alignment apparatus for aligning one or more segments of the spine, comprising:
(a) a plurality of spinal fixation devices for stabilizing the spine inserted into the vertebrae of the spine, each of said plurality of spinal devices comprising:
a staple member having a top member of sufficient length to span the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae;
at least two projections depending downwardly from said top member, each of said projections capable of being inserted into one of said two adjacent vertebrae;
coupling means for coupling said staple member to a spinal implant surgically implanted in the disc space between said two adjacent vertebrae;
(b) connecting means for connecting said plurality of spinal fixation devices;
(c) alignment means for aligning said plurality of spinal fixation devices; and
(d) a plurality of spinal implants surgically implanted in the disc spaces between a plurality of adjacent vertebrae, each said plurality of spinal implants having a receiving means for receiving said connecting means for connecting said plurality of spinal fixation devices.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 in which said alignment means comprises tensioning means for tensioning said connecting means for connecting said plurality of spinal fixation devices to align segments of the spine.
30. The apparatus of claim 28 in which said connecting means comprises linking means for linking more than one connecting means, a plurality of post members each having a head portion and an end portion for coupling to said plurality of spinal implants, said head portion having means for engaging said linking means.
31. The apparatus of claim 30 in which each of said plurality of spinal implants has a means for receiving and said end portion of each of said plurality of post members.
32. The apparatus of claim 28 in which said at least two projections comprise multipronged projection blades, said multipronged projections blades having a width that is substantially equal to the width of said top member.
33. A spinal fixation device for stabilizing the spine comprising:
at least two projection members capable of being inserted into one of said two adjacent vertebrae;
a top member of sufficient length to span the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae, said top member having engagement means for engaging said at least two projection members; and
coupling means for coupling said top member to a spinal implant surgically implanted in the disc space between said two adjacent vertebrae.
34. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which said at least two projection members are threaded screws.
35. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 including locking means for lockable securing said projection members to said top member.
36. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which each of said at least two projection members has a distal end that is sharpened to facilitate insertion of said at least two projection members into said two adjacent vertebrae.
37. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which each of said two projection members has an eccentric inclined planed inner surface facing said spinal implant, said inclined planed inner surface forcing and compressing the bone of said adjacent vertebrae toward said spinal implant when said two projection members are inserted into said adjacent vertebrae.
38. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 further including means for preventing outward excursion of said at least two projection members once each of said projection members is inserted into the vertebrae.
39. The spinal fixation device of claim 38 in which said means for preventing outward excursion comprises said at least two projections having a plurality of ratcheted and segmented portions.
40. The spinal fixation device of claim 39 in which each of said plurality of ratcheted and segmented portions have a diameter that increases in the direction away from the direction in which said at least two projections are inserted into said two adjacent vertebrae.
41. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 further including interdigitating means for interdigitating said top member with said spinal implant.
42. The spinal fixation device of claim 41 in which said interdigitating means comprises a central bar capable of interdigitating with a spinal implant having a depression on one end for receiving and mating said central bar.
43. The spinal fixation device of claim 41 in which said interdigitating means is capable of interdigitating more than one spinal implant surgically implanted in the same disc space between said two adjacent vertebrae.
44. The spinal fixation device of claim 43 in which said interdigitating means comprises an extension arm extending from said top member, said extension arm capable of interdigitating and coupling to a second spinal implant surgically implanted within said disc space adjacent to said spinal implant.
45. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which said coupling means for coupling said top member to said spinal implant comprises a locking means for lockably securing said top member to said spinal implant.
46. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which said top member has an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface including means for removably engaging a driving means for driving said staple member.
47. The spinal fixation device of claim 46 in which said means for removably engaging a driving means comprises at least one opening is said upper surface of said top member and at least one post member extending from said driving means.
48. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which said top member has at least one edge that is radiused, said top member conforming to the external curvature of said adjacent vertebrae and having a smooth surface to prevent erosion of the vessels located adjacent to the spine.
49. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which at least a portion of said top member is made of a resorbable material.
50. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 in which at least a portion of said at least two projection members is made of a resorbable material.
51. The spinal fixation device of claim 33 further comprising a bone fusion promoting material to facilitate the bone fusion process.
52. A method for stabilizing two adjacent vertebrae in a segment of the spine, comprising the steps of:
inserting a spinal implant between the two adjacent vertebrae;
inserting a staple member into said adjacent vertebrae; and
coupling said staple member to said spinal implant.
53. The method of claim 52 in which said staple comprises:
a top member of sufficient length to span the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae;
at least two projections depending downwardly from said top member, each of said projections capable of being inserted into one of said two adjacent vertebrae; and
coupling means for coupling said staple member to said spinal implant inserted between said two adjacent vertebrae.