Patent ID: 8114092

Claim:
An inserter for implanting a spinal implant, comprising: a jaw assembly configured to connect to the spinal implant; the jaw assembly including: a jaw having a first jaw piece and a second jaw piece; a jaw link connected to the first and second jaw pieces such that the first and second jaw pieces are movable with respect to the jaw link; a shaft assembly connected to the jaw assembly; the shaft assembly including: an inner shaft connected to the jaw assembly; an outer shaft having a central bore and located over the inner shaft; a middle shaft having a bore; the middle shaft being located over the inner shaft and inside the outer shaft; and an angulation lock connected to a distal end of outer shaft; and a handle assembly connected to the shaft assembly; the handle assembly including: a handle connected to the inner shaft; the handle being operable to close and open the jaw to attach and release the spinal implant to and from the jaw; and a knob connected to the outer shaft and movable with respect to the handle to engage and disengage the angulation lock to and from the jaw assembly so as to disable and enable angulation of the jaw assembly and attached spinal implant with respect to the shaft assembly; and a pusher configured to engage the jaw link and connected to a distal end of the middle shaft; wherein the inserter is configured such that distal motion of the pusher by action of the handle engages the pusher to the jaw link to lock the jaw link relative to the shaft assembly.