Pedicular facet fusion screw with plate

Spinal implants and methods for spinal stabilization and/or fusion are provided. Exemplary implants described herein can be configured for delivery to a facet joint to stabilize and/or fuse the facet joint, and can optionally be anchored within the pedicle for added fixation. The implant can optionally include a fusion-promoting bioactive material thereby providing a single device capable of spinal stabilization and/or fusion. Furthermore, a method of placing such an implant within a facet joint is provided.

Systems and methods for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and, functional recovery tracking

Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s). The system can manage the tracking of multiple patients, thereby allowing for data comparison between similar aspects of medical treatments and for learning over time through continual data gathering, analysis, and assimilation to decision-making algorithms.

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis using a bone anchor or other attachment point

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a bone anchor implanted in a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.

Connectors for use in systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a spinous process of a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.

Expandable while-in-use electrical box cover

An electrical box cover including a base having a back wall perimetrically bounded by an upwardly extending side wall. The back wall having an opening for receiving an electrical device. A lid pivotally connected to the base. The lid having a lid plate with an opening that is defined by a collar. A housing having a front wall and a plurality of contiguous side walls extending therefrom to a distal edge to define a housing interior. The housing has a flange extending from the side walls and is slidably disposed in the lid opening and moveable between a retracted and extended position with respect to the collar. A plurality of lugs can extend inwardly from the collar and the flange engages the lugs when the housing is in the extended position.

Lost device detection using geospatial location data

A network system detects lost client devices based on a comparison of geospatial locations transmitted by user and provider client devices during and after a service. The network system assigns a service status indicating that a service from a start location to a destination location is in progress and monitors the locations of the user and provider client devices during the duration of the service and for a specified period of time after the service ends. In response to determining that the user and provider client devices remain in proximity to each other after the service has ended, the network system notifies the user of the lost device.

Integrated Targeting Device

An integrated targeting device comprising a housing, the housing comprising an input aperture and an output aperture, a geolocation module configured to estimate the geolocation of a selected target, an imaging module comprising an imaging camera, a laser comprising a seed laser configured to emit a seed laser beam and a moveable optical reflector, a display; and a processor operatively coupled to the laser module, the imaging module, the geolocation module; and the display.

Personal protective equipment and methods

Improved personal protective equipment facial wear including, in one embodiment, an at least partly adhesive mask, and one or more adhesive eye shields. In one implementation, the mask avoids significant contact with the delicate periorbital skin of the wearer, yet provides a substantially airtight seal so as to preclude moisture vapor transfer and “fogging” of eyeware or instruments. In another implementation, adherence of the eye shield is at least partially overlapping with the mask and creates an at least partial seal around a perimeter of the eye shield. Further, an at least partial seal is formed around a perimeter of the mask. The mask and eye shield additionally prevent nasal air flow obstruction, and address the problem of skin irritation and attachment during normal facial expression and movement of the wearer.

System and Method for Collecting Eye-Movement Data

A system for creating an eye-movement record that is useful for diagnosing balance disorders of a patient includes a head-mounted unit having an indicator which generates head position signals. Also included is a computer/controller for progressing the patient through a sequence of predetermined head orientations. An imaging unit in the head-mounted unit is used to create an eye-movement record for each head orientation, and the records are then archived in a recorder. With instructions from the patient, a de-identified eye-movement record can be sent to selected regional specialists for further evaluation and possible treatment.

Vacuum food processing system

A reservoir assembly for a food processing system including a vacuum mechanism includes a housing having a hollow interior, an inlet pipe extending through said housing into said hollow interior, a fluid flow path from said hollow interior to the vacuum mechanism, and a valve positioned within said hollow interior, said valve being movable to control a flow of air provided to the vacuum mechanism via said fluid flow path.

Method and apparatus for staggered start-up of a predefined, random, or dynamic number of flash memory devices

A method, apparatus, and manufacture for memory device startup is provided. Flash memory devices are configured such that, upon the power supply voltage reaching a pre-deters fined level, each flash memory is arranged to load the random access memory with instructions for the flash memory, and then execute a first portion of the instructions for the flash memory. After executing the first portion of the instructions for the flash memory, each separate subset of the flash memories waits for a separate, distinct delay period. For each flash memory, after the delay period expires for that flash memory, the flash memory executes a second portion of the instructions for the flash memory.

Systems and methods for wirelessly powering or communicating with sterile-packed devices

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that can allow for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with a sterile-packed electronic device without removing the electronic device from its sterile packaging and while maintaining the sterility of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a base station with a power transmitter wirelessly transfers power to a power receiver of the electronic device, for example using inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic coupling. The base station or another external device can also be used to wirelessly program or interrogate the electronic device. Battery charging circuits and switching circuits for use with said systems and methods are also disclosed.

Height-and angle-adjustable motion disc implant

This invention relates to an intervertebral motion disc having a height adjustable endplate.

Group III nitride based light emitting diode structures with a quantum well and superlattice, group III nitride based quantum well structures and group III nitride based superlattice structures

A light emitting diode is provided having a Group III nitride based superlattice and a Group III nitride based active region on the superlattice. The active region has at least one quantum well structure. The quantum well structure includes a first Group III nitride based barrier layer, a Group III nitride based quantum well layer on the first barrier layer and a second Group III nitride based barrier layer. A Group III nitride based semiconductor device and methods of fabricating a Group III nitride based semiconductor device having an active region comprising at least one quantum well structure are provided. The quantum well structure includes a well support layer comprising a Group III nitride, a quantum well layer comprising a Group III nitride on the well support layer and a cap layer comprising a Group III nitride on the quantum well layer. A Group III nitride based semiconductor device is also provided that includes a gallium nitride based superlattice having at least two periods of alternating layers of In X Ga 1−X N and In Y Ga 1−Y N, where 0≦X<1 and 0≦Y<1 and X is not equal to Y. The semiconductor device may be a light emitting diode with a Group III nitride based active region. The active region may be a multiple quantum well active region.

Ribbon cassette

A cassette for an endless thermal ribbon is utilized in a thermal printer with the ribbon being unwound from the inside of a coil (54) thereof which is supported by a spool (52) and rewound on the outside of the coil. A plurality of guide plates (84) are disposed in radial manner to guide the ribbon in its winding and hold the ribbon coil (54) in position.

Zoned optical waveplate

A zoned waveplate has a series of transversely stacked birefringent zones alternating with non-birefringent zones. The birefringent and non-birefringent zones are integrally formed upon an AR-coated face of a single substrate by patterning the AR coated face of the substrate with zero-order sub-wavelength form-birefringent gratings configured to have a target retardance. The layer structure of the AR coating is designed to provide the target birefringence in the patterned zones and the reflection suppression.

Prodrugs of 4'-c-substituted-2-halo-2'-deoxyadenosine nucleosides and methods of making and using the same

The present disclosure provides prodrugs of 4′-C-substituted-2-halo-2′-deoxyadenoside nucleosides, and compositions, methods, and kits thereof. Such compounds can be useful for treating viral infections including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency virus.

Height- and angle-adjustable motion disc implant

An endplate for a prosthetic intervertebral disc is disclosed wherein the height or angle of the disc can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the endplate comprises an outer plate (51) having a threaded recess (56) and a threaded inner plate (61) having an articulating surface (65). Further disclosed is an intervertebral disc comprising a first endplate with a movable wedge therein. The wedge acts either on a second flexible endplate or to an inner plate received in a recess of the first endplate in order to adjust the height of the intervertebral disc.

Height- and angle-adjustable motion disc implant

An endplate for a prosthetic intervertebral disc is disclosed wherein the height or angle of the disc can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the endplate comprises an outer plate (51) having a threaded recess (56) and a threaded inner plate (61) having an articulating surface (65). Further disclosed is an intervertebral disc comprising a first endplate with a movable wedge therein. The wedge acts either on a second flexible endplate or to an inner plate received in a recess of the first endplate in order to adjust the height of the intervertebral disc.

Intervertebral implant with conformable endplate

The invention is generally related to an intervertebral implant for replacing an intervertebral disc of the human spine. The intervertebral implant includes a first conformable endplate, the first conformable endplate being conformable to a boney vertebral endplate under an anatomical load, a second endplate and a core between the endplates, wherein the first conformable endplate partitions the core from the boney vertebral endplate, whereby the core does not contact the boney vertebral endplate. The invention is also directed to a method of replacing an intervertebral disc. The method includes removing at least a portion of an intervertebral disc to form an intervertebral disc space, implanting a first conformable endplate, into the intervertebral disc space and in contact with a first boney vertebral endplate, the first conformable endplate being conformable to the first boney vertebral endplate under an anatomical load; implanting a second endplate into the intervertebral disc space and in contact with a second boney vertebral endplate; and implanting a core between the first conformable endplate and the second endplate, wherein the first conformable endplate partitions the core from the first boney vertebral endplate, whereby the core does not contact the first boney vertebral endplate.

Systems and methods for wirelessly powering or communicating with sterile-packed devices

Systems and methods are disclosed herein that can allow for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with a sterile-packed electronic device without removing the electronic device from its sterile packaging and while maintaining the sterility of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a base station with a power transmitter wirelessly transfers power to a power receiver of the electronic device, for example using inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic coupling. The base station or another external device can also be used to wirelessly program or interrogate the electronic device. Battery charging circuits and switching circuits for use with said systems and methods are also disclosed.

Intervertebral disc with monitoring and adjusting capabilities

A prosthetic endplate having articulation surfaces whose relative positions can be post-operatively adjusted.

Height- and angle-adjustable motion disc implant

An endplate for a prosthetic intervertebral disc is disclosed wherein the height or angle of the disc can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the endplate comprises an outer plate (51) having a threaded recess (56) and a threaded inner plate (61) having an articulating surface (65). Further disclosed is an intervertebral disc comprising a first endplate with a movable wedge therein. The wedge acts either on a second flexible endplate or to an inner plate received in a recess of the first endplate in order to adjust the height of the intervertebral disc.

Height- and angle-adjustable motion disc implant

Height- and angle-adjustable motion disc implant

An endplate for a prosthetic intervertebral disc is disclosed wherein the height or angle of the disc can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the endplate comprises an outer plate (51) having a threaded recess (56) and a threaded inner plate (61) having an articulating surface (65). Further disclosed is an intervertebral disc comprising a first endplate with a movable wedge therein. The wedge acts either on a second flexible endplate or to an inner plate received in a recess of the first endplate in order to adjust the height of the intervertebral disc.

Optical resin composition

The present invention is directed to a novel polymerizable organic composition comprising one or more radically polymerizable monomers with at least one radically polymerizable monomer having at least two (meth)acryloyl groups that have backbone linkages selected from thiourethane linkages, dithiourethane linkages, combinations of thiourethane linkages and dithiourethane linkages. The present invention is also directed to polymerizates prepared from the polymerizable organic composition, shaped articles prepared from the polymerizable compositions, and photochromic articles that may be prepared from the polymerizable organic composition of the present invention.

Optical resin composition

Describes a polymerizable organic composition comprising an aromatic monomer having at least two vinyl groups, e.g., divinyl benzene, a polythiol monomer having at least two thiol groups, e.g., pentaerythritol tetrakis(2-mercaptoacetate), and an anhydride monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group, e.g., methacrylic anhydride. Polymerizable compositions according to the present invention, may optionally further comprise a polymerizable comonomer having at least two (meth)acryloyl groups, e.g., pentaerythritol tetrakis (acrylate). Polymerizates prepared from polymerizable organic compositions of the present invention have a refractive index of at least 1.57 and an Abbe number of at least 33. Also described are photochromic articles prepared from such compositions.

Spinal disc preparation tool

A spinal disc preparation tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. A lower jaw is located on a distal end of the elongate shaft for receiving tissue and delivering tissue to the inner lumen, and an upper jaw is pivotally movable relative to the lower jaw. The tool can include various features to facilitate removal and/or collection of tissue.

Systems and methods for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and, functional recovery tracking

Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s). The system can manage the tracking of multiple patients, thereby allowing for data comparison between similar aspects of medical treatments and for learning over time through continual data gathering, analysis, and assimilation to decision-making algorithms.

Systems and methods for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and, functional recovery tracking

Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, data related to retraction of tissue can be gathered during performance of a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the data can be used during performance of the surgical procedure, e.g., to determine whether a length of time a tissue is retracted using a retractor reaches a predetermined threshold amount of time, an amount of tissue retraction reaches a predetermined amount of tissue, and an amount of pressure being placed on tissue and/or nerves as a result of retraction reaches a predetermined amount of pressure, and/or the data can be used after performance of the surgical procedure, e.g., in determining a correlation between the data and patient pain level data.

Systems and methods for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking

Various systems and methods are provided for surgical and interventional planning, support, post-operative follow-up, and functional recovery tracking. In general, a patient can be tracked throughout medical treatment including through initial onset of symptoms, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment. In one embodiment, a patient and one or more medical professionals involved with treating the patient can electronically access a comprehensive treatment planning, support, and review system. The system can provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment, and recovery from the surgical treatment based on data gathered from the patient and the medical professional(s). The system can manage the tracking of multiple patients, thereby allowing for data comparison between similar aspects of medical treatments and for learning over time through continual data gathering, analysis, and assimilation to decision-making algorithms.

Aqueous poly(urea/urethanes) dispersions using polyester glycol

Stable aqueous poly(urea/urethane) polymers and dispersions are made that do not require the inclusion of chain extenders, curing agents or crosslinking agents.

Appliance for fixing fractures of the femur

An appliance for fixing fractures of the comprises an intramedullary nail for implantation in the intramedullary canal of the femur, a cross nail mountable on the intramedullary nail to extend through the neck of the femur and into the head of the femur and a locking screw that screws into a bore formed in the cross nail to fix the cross nail to the intramedullary nail. A D-shaped aperture is formed through the cross nail to receive the intramedullary nail therethrough and the intramedullary nail has a trifoliate cross section to co-act with the straight side of the aperture to prevent turning of the intramedullary nail in the aperture. A slit is formed longitudinally through the wall of the intramedullary nail and the bore that receives the locking screw is aligned with the slit so that a tapered nose of the locking screw will enter and expand the intramedullary nail into locking engagement with portions of the cross nail extending about the D-shaped aperture. The length of the locking screw is selected to engage the nose thereof with the inside surface of the intramedullary nail and lock the locking screw to the cross nail. Holes are formed through lower portions of the intramedullary nail to receive screws that fix lower portions of the intramedullary nail to lower portions of the femur.

Optical resin composition comprising thiol-ene prepolymer

Described is a polymerizable organic composition comprising: (a) a radically polymerizable gel-free prepolymer of (i) at least one first polymerizable monomer having at least two radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups, e.g., divinyl benzene, and (ii) at least one first polythiol monomer having at least two thiol groups, e.g., thioglycerol bis(mercaptoacetate); and (b) at least one second polymerizable monomer having at least two radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups, e.g., divinyl benzene and/or methacrylic anhydride, the first and second radically polymerizable monomers each being substantially free of norbornene groups. The molar equivalent ratio of ethylenically unsaturated groups of (a)(i) to the thiol groups of (a)(ii) is no greater than 1:1. The described polymerizable composition has reduced shrinkage, and a polymerizate prepared therefrom has a refractive index of at least 1.57 and an Abbe number of at least 33.

Method and apparatus for interrogating an implanted cardiac device

An implantable cardiac therapy device collects patient ECG and device status information, including cardiac event interval information, why therapy was or was not applied, and patient response to therapy, in connection with an arrhythmic episode and correlates such information in a data frame that may be stored for later telemetric transmission to an external instrument or that may be transmitted in real time to the external instrument. The data frame is decoded by the external instrument for presentation to an attending physician in a time correlated format.

RFID system and method for instant rebates

A method and system for electronically processing and redeeming rebate offers is disclosed. RFID smart tags are associated with products where each distinct product is associated with at least one smart tag. The smart tags contain product information including product identification information and/or rebate related information. The disclosed method and system allows for a rebate redemption and processing system that (1) more fully automates the rebate process by minimizing or eliminating the need for a customer to perform any task to initiate the rebate redemption process after leaving a point of sale, (2) provides the ability for manufacturers to offer real-time (or near real-time) rebate offers, (3) eliminates the need for a rebate check and (4) provides the customer with some level of instant gratification related to the purchase price of the product.

Blockers of parp for the prevention and treatment of helicobacter pylori induced gastric cancer

This invention relates to the prevention and treatment of Helicobacter pylori induced gastric cancer comprising administering a blocker of Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP), and the use of such blockers in said prevention and treatment and in the manufacture of medicaments for preventing and treating Helicobacter pylori induced gastric cancer.

Pharmaceutical screens and antibodies

Abstract This invention describes a series of assays useful in evaluating the efficacy of agents which inhibit the neurotoxic effects of .beta.-amyloid peptide. These assays employ .beta.-amyloid peptide which is in a predominantly .beta.-sheet conformation. This invention also encompasses antibodies having a specificity for .beta.-amyloid peptide which is predominantly in a .beta.-sheet conformation as well as pharmaceutic formulations containing these antibodies. These antibodies show poor reactivity with .beta.-amyloid peptide which has a great deal of random coil or .alpha.-helix secondary structure.

Wear-resistant liquid-based coatings for glass

A sol-gel method for forming durable, scratch-resistant coatings on glass substrates. Zirconia coatings, for example, are formed from a solution of zirconium oxychloride octahydrate in an organic, polar, aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamide. Annealed coatings, which optionally include an additive such as graphene, have a low coefficient of friction and can exhibit high hardness and hydrophobicity.

Scratch-resistant liquid based coatings for glass

A sol-gel method for forming durable, scratch-resistant coatings on glass substrates. Zirconia coatings, for example, are formed from a solution of zirconium oxychloride octahydrate in an organic, polar, aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamide. Annealed coatings, which optionally include an additive such as graphene, have a low coefficient of friction and can exhibit high hardness and hydrophobicity.

Group III nitride based light emitting diode

Methods of fabricating group iii nitride based light emitting diode structures with a quantum well and superlattice, group iii nitride based quantum well structures and group iii nitride based superlattice structures

A light emitting diode is provided having a Group III nitride based superlattice and a Group III nitride based active region on the superlattice. The active region has at least one quantum well stricture. The quantum well structure includes a first Group III nitride based barrier layer, a Group III nitride based quantum well layer on the first barrier layer and a second Group III nitride based barrier layer. A Group III nitride based semiconductor device and methods of fabricating a Group III nitride based semiconductor device having an active region comprising at least one quantum well structure are provided. The quantum well structure includes a well support layer comprising a Group III nitride, a quantum well layer comprising a Group III nitride on the well support layer and a cap layer comprising a Group III nitride on the quantum well layer. A Group III nitride based semiconductor device is also provided that includes a gallium nitride based superlattice having at least two periods of alternating layers of In X Ga 1−X N and In Y Ga 1−Y N, where 0≦X<1 and 0≦Y<1 and X is not equal to Y. The semiconductor device may be a light emitting diode with a Group III nitride based active region. The active region may be a multiple quantum well active region.

Group III nitride based light emitting diode

A Group III nitride based light emitting diode comprises an n-type Group III nitride layer (14), a Group III nitride based superlattice (16) on the n-type Group III nitride layer, the superlattice having at least two periods of alternating layers; a Group III based active region (125) comprising a plurality of quantum wells on the superlattice opposite the n-type Group III nitride layer (14); and an undoped Group III nitride capping layer (22) comprising aluminium on the active region and remove from the superlattice.

Group III nitride based light emitting diode

A Group III nitride based semiconductor device is disclosed, comprising: a doped Group III nitride layer; and a gallium nitride based superlattice directly on the doped Group III nitride layer, the gallium nitride superlattice being doped with an n-type impurity and having at least two periods of alternating layers of In X Ga 1-X N and In Y Ga 1-Y N, where 0 ‰¤ X < 1 and X is not equal to Y and wherein a thickness of a first of the alternating layers is less than a thickness of a second of the alternating layers.

Group III nitride based light emitting diode structures with a quantum well and superlattice, group III nitride based quantum well structures and group III nitride based superlattice structures

A light emitting diode is provided having a Group III nitride based superlattice and a Group III nitride based active region on the superlattice. The active region has at least one quantum well structure. The quantum well structure includes a first Group III nitride based barrier layer, a Group III nitride based quantum well layer on the first barrier layer and a second Group III nitride based barrier layer. A Group III nitride based semiconductor device and methods of fabricating a Group III nitride based semiconductor device having an active region comprising at least one quantum well structure are provided. The quantum well structure includes a well support layer comprising a Group III nitride, a quantum well layer comprising a Group III nitride on the well support layer and a cap layer comprising a Group III nitride on the quantum well layer. A Group III nitride based semiconductor device is also provided that includes a gallium nitride based superlattice having at least two periods of alternating layers of In X Ga 1-X N and In Y Ga 1-Y N, where 0≦X<1 and 0≦Y<1 and X is not equal to Y. The semiconductor device may be a light emitting diode with a Group III nitride based active region. The active region may be a multiple quantum well active region.

Connectors for use in systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a spinous process of a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis using a bone anchor or other attachment point

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a bone anchor implanted in a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.

RFID system and method for managing out-of-stock items

An RFID method and system for preventing product out-of-stock conditions in a retailer supply chain is disclosed. RFID smart tags are associated with products in a place of purchase or a place of selection of such products. Each distinct product may be associated with at least one smart tag, the smart tags containing identification information regarding their respective product. RFID smart tag readers are used to obtain real time inventory data that may be used in a method for prevent product out-of-stock conditions thereby reducing the number of lost sales that may result from out-of-stock events. In addition, such real time inventory data is also be used in a process to reduce the number of lost sales resulting from out-of-stock events.

Ribbon cassette

A cassette for an endless thermal ribbon is utilized in a thermal printer with the ribbon being unwound from the inside of a coil (54) thereof which is supported by a spool (52) and rewound on the outside of the coil. A plurality of guide plates (84) are disposed in radial manner to guide the ribbon in its winding and hold the ribbon coil (54) in position.

Thermal printer

A thermal printer has carriage means supporting a print head for travel along a platen and has camming means operably associated with the carriage means for providing a predetermined pressure of the print head against the platen in one direction of travel of the print head and for releasing or reducing such pressure in the other direction of travel.

Light-polarizing article and process for making same

A process wherein a polymer, such as DNA, having a defined chemical composition and size is used to template the alignment of polarizing species, such as optically active organic dyes or metal nanoparticles having defined compositional characteristics and/or size and shape characteristics, on a surface to manufacture a thin film polarizer; a process where metal nanorods are aligned on a substrate surface or inside a substrate to make a polarizer; and a polarizer thus made. Multi-layered polarizing structure can be created by using the process of the present invention.

COMPOSITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE TREATMENT OF FATTY COLLECTIONS

DEVICE FOR DRYING AND GUIDING A PIECE OR BAND

L'INVENTION CONCERNE UN DISPOSITIF PAR LEQUEL UNE PIECE QUI SE DEPLACE LONGITUDINALEMENT LE LONG D'UN TRAJET DEFINI EST SUPPORTEE ET GUIDEE FLOTTANTE LORS D'UN CHANGEMENT DE DIRECTION SUR CE TRAJET. SELON L'INVENTION, IL COMPREND DES BARRES A AIR 12 AYANT DES PAROIS LATERALES ET OPPOSEES 27 ET UNE PAROI AVANT 28 COOPERANT AVEC LES PAROIS LATERALES POUR DEFINIR DES FENTES DE SORTIE, LES BORDS DE LA PAROI AVANT ETANT COURBES POUR QUE CHAQUE FENTE DE SORTIE FORME UNE TUBULURE DE COANDA 29, ET UNE CHAMBRE DE VENTILATION 10 ET DES PLAQUES FORMANT BARRAGES D'AIR. L'INVENTION S'APPLIQUE NOTAMMENT AU SECHAGE DE BANDES OU PIECES DE PAPIER. THE INVENTION CONCERNS A DEVICE BY WHICH A PART WHICH MOVES LONGITUDINALLY ALONG A DEFINED PATH IS SUPPORTED AND FLOATING GUIDED DURING A CHANGE OF DIRECTION ON THIS PATH. ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION, IT INCLUDES AIR BARS 12 HAVING SIDE AND OPPOSITE WALLS 27 AND A FRONT WALL 28 COOPERATING WITH THE SIDE WALLS TO DEFINE OUTLET SLOTS, THE EDGES OF THE FRONT WALL BEING CURVED SO THAT EACH OUTLET SLOT FORM A TUBING OF COANDA 29, AND A VENTILATION CHAMBER 10 AND PLATES FORMING AIR DAMS. THE INVENTION APPLIES IN PARTICULAR TO THE DRYING OF STRIPS OR PIECES OF PAPER.

Heterocyclic-substituted alkyl amide acat inhibitors

Pharmaceutically useful compounds having ACAT inhibitory activity of formula (I), wherein n is 0, 1 or 2, for X other than tetrazole and n = 2 then R2 = R3 = H; R1 is phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, a heteroaromatic group or a hydrocarbon group having from one to 18 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, a heteroaryl, or form a spiroalkyl group; X is a heteromonocyclic 5-membered ring containing one to four heteroatoms, said heteroatoms being nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, and combination thereof; and R4 is a hydrocarbon group having from one to 20 carbon atoms are described as well as methods of their manufacture.

Tricyclic sulfonamides and their derivatives as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases

Tricyclic sulfonamide compounds and derivatives are described as well as methods for the preparation and pharmaceutical compositions of same, which are useful as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, particularly gelatinase A, collagenase-3, and stromelysin-1 and for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, atherosclerotic plaque rupture, aortic aneurysm, heart failure, left ventricular dilation, restenosis, periodontal disease, or other autoimmune or inflammatory disorders dependent upon tissue invasion by leukocytes or other activated migrating cells, acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders including stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, prion diseases, myasthenia gravis, and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.

HETEROBIARYL DERIVATIVES AS MATRIX METALOPROTEINASE INHIBITORS

SE REFIERE A UN COMPUESTO DE FORMULA I DONDE R1 Y R2 SON CADA UNO H, ALQUILO C1-C6, ALQUENILO C2-C6, ENTRE OTROS; V ES HETEROARILENILO DE 5 MIEMBROS; Q ES OCH2, OC(O), SC(O), ENTRE OTROS; S, T, U Y W SON CADA UNO CR4, N; R4 ES H, F, CH3, ENTRE OTROS. SON COMPUESTOS PREFERIDOS: ACIDO 4-(5-{3-[3-(4-FLUOROFENIL)PROP-1-INIL]FENIL}TETRAZOL-2-ILMETIL)BENZOICO; ACIDO [4-(5-{3-[3-(4-FLUOROFENIL)PROP-1-INIL]FENIL}TETRAZOL-2-ILMETIL)FENIL]-ACETICO Y ACIDO 1-[4-(5-{3-[3-(4-FLUOROFENIL)PROP-1-INIL]FENIL}TETRAZOL-2-ILMETIL)FENIL]-CICLOPROPANOCARBOXILICO; ENTRE OTROS. SE REFIERE TAMBIEN A UNA COMPOSICION FARMACEUTICA EN LA QUE DICHOS COMPUESTOS SON INHIBIDORES DE METALOPROTEINASAS DE LA MATRIZ UTILES EN EL TRATAMIENTO DE CARDIOPATIAS, ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL, ARTRITIS REUMATOIDE, ENTRE OTROS REFERS TO A COMPOUND OF FORMULA I WHERE R1 AND R2 ARE EACH H, C1-C6 ALKYL, C2-C6 ALKENYL, AMONG OTHERS; V IS 5-MEMBER HETEROARYLENYL; Q IS OCH2, OC (O), SC (O), AMONG OTHERS; S, T, U AND W ARE EACH CR4, N; R4 IS H, F, CH3, AMONG OTHERS. PREFERRED COMPOUNDS ARE: 4- (5- {3- [3- (4-FLUOROPHENYL) PROP-1-INYL] PHENYL} TETRAZOL-2-ILMETYL) BENZOIC ACID; [4- (5- {3- [3- (4-FLUOROPHENYL) PROP-1-INYL] PHENYL} TETRAZOLE-2-ILMETHYL) PHENYL] -ACETIC ACID AND 1- [4- (5- {3- [ 3- (4-FLUOROPHENYL) PROP-1-INYL] PHENYL} TETRAZOL-2-ILMETYL) PHENYL] -CYCLOPROPANOCARBOXYL; AMONG OTHERS. IT ALSO REFERS TO A PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITION IN WHICH SUCH COMPOUNDS ARE INHIBITORS OF METALOPROTEINASES OF THE MATRIX USEFUL IN THE TREATMENT OF HEART DISEASE, INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, AMONG OTHERS

Expandable while-in-use electrical box cover

An electrical box cover including a base having a back wall perimetrically bounded by an upwardly extending side wall. The back wall having an opening for receiving an electrical device. A lid pivotally connected to the base. The lid having a lid plate with an opening that is defined by a collar. A housing having a front wall and a plurality of contiguous side walls extending therefrom to a distal edge to define a housing interior. The housing has a flange extending from the side walls and is slidably disposed in the lid opening and moveable between a retracted and extended position with respect to the collar. A plurality of lugs can extend inwardly from the collar and the flange engages the lugs when the housing is in the extended position.

Acat inhibitors

ABSTRACT This invention relates to novel compounds which are ACAT inhibitors rendering them useful in lowering blood cholesterol levels. The compounds contain two urea or thiourea, amide, or amine moieties or combinations of said moieties and have the following general formula: wherein Ar is an aryl group, m and n are zero or one, W and YNH and

Optical resin composition

The present invention is directed to a novel polymerizable organic composition comprising one or more radically polymerizable monomers with at least one radically polymerizable monomer having at least two (meth)acryloyl groups that have backbone linkages selected from thiourethane linkages, dithiourethane linkages, combinations of thiourethane linkages and dithiourethane linkages. The present invention is also directed to polymerizates prepared from the polymerizable organic composition, shaped articles prepared from the polymerisable compositions, and photochromic articles that may be prepared from the polymerizable organic composition of the present invention.

Thermal print head

A cable connection mechanism for a thermal print head includes an integral carriage and clamp assembly which is formed to receive the leads of a flat cable and which contains the print head in position to engage the cable leads. Pressure required to maintain contact of the cable leads with the print head is provided by resilient means carried in a slot in the clamp assembly.

Scratch-resistant liquid based coatings for glass

A sol-gel method for forming durable, scratch-resistant coatings on glass substrates. Zirconia coatings, for example, are formed from a solution of zirconium oxychloride octahydrate in an organic, polar, aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamide. Annealed coatings, which optionally include an additive such as graphene, have a low coefficient of friction and can exhibit high hardness and hydrophobicity.

Enhanced surgical driver

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for applying a controlled amount of torque during a surgical procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, after the amount of torque applied reaches a threshold amount, a modular driver tip can be deformed, for instance by breaking into pieces. A containment shield disposed around at least a portion of the tip is configured to receive at least a portion of the tip after it is deformed. In one aspect, multiple modular driver tips can be disposed in a cartridge, with a distal-most tip being held by a driver tip holder that has a holding force that is greater than a threshold torque value of the tip. Exemplary methods for operating surgical drivers and systems that include tips that deform at a threshold torque value, and a multitude of embodiments of tools and systems, are also provided.

Toy spring-type projectile launcher having directional controlling joy stick

A toy launcher is provided for launching airplanes, missiles or the like, the launcher being provided with a base having a drum member pivotally mounted within the base, the periphery of the drum having a bearing for receiving the axis of a joy stick handle which is pivotally mounted with respect to the drum member. A gimbal mechanism within the drum is operatively connected to the handle and to a launch arm extending out from the drum, the launch arm containing a launch mechanism for releasably receiving airplanes or the like for launching the same in response to actuation of a trigger mechanism in the handle. Manipulation of the joy stick angularly displaces the surface of the launch arm to permit pre-positioning of the intended flight path and bank angle of the projectiles to a given attitude prior to launching.

Connectors for use in systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis

Torque-based shift scheduling during traction control for an automotive vehicle

A method for controlling the capacity of friction clutches and brakes in a multiple-ratio vehicle transmission and for simultaneously establishing ratio shift point scheduling to effect a desired vehicle speed at which ratio changes occur while the vehicle is in a traction control mode. The method includes calculating a synthetic throttle setting that is used to establish clutch and brake capacity control and wherein separate ratio shift schedules are used for normal operation and for traction control operation, the engine torque required during operation in the traction control mode determining the vehicle speed at which shifts occur for each gear ratio whereby the shift schedule during operation in the traction control mode can be calibrated independently of the throttle position required for optimum clutch and brake capacity control.

Optical resin composition

Low dn/dT optical adhesives

Embodiments of an optical adhesive are provided. The optical adhesive includes about 20% to about 60% by volume of first monomers. The first monomers have at least two acrylate or methacrylate groups. The optical adhesive also includes about 40% to about 80% by volume of second monomers. The second monomers have at least one fluorine atom and at least one acrylate or methacrylate group. The optical adhesive has a refractive index of from about 1.40 to about 1.55, and in the temperature range of about 10° C. to about 85° C., the refractive index of the optical adhesive has a thermal drift dn/dT of less than about −4×10 −4 /° C. Embodiments of a mechanical joint between two optical fiber segments using the optical adhesive and embodiments of a method for joining two optical fiber segments are also provided.

Process for particle doping of scattering superstrates

A reagent cuvette

Water Dispenser

A water dispensing unit comprising: a housing; 5 a reservoir mounted in the housing, the reservoir being adapted to receive water from an external source, said reservoir having an outlet aperture; a pump mounted to the reservoir, the pump having a pump inlet, a pump outlet and a pump chamber, wherein the pump inlet is mounted at the outlet aperture, so that the pump chamber is in open fluid communication with the reservoir; 10 a water filter mounted to the housing, the water filter having a water filter inlet and a water filter outlet, the water filter inlet being in fluid communication with the pump outlet; and a spout mounted on the housing, the spout being in fluid communication with the water filter outlet. *~- A Figure 1

Femoral component of a modular knee prosthesis

The present invention provides a femoral component of a modular knee prosthesis having a first condylar portion, a second condylar portion and a box structure having a radiused superior surface, an inferior surface, and an aperture extending therebetween. The box structure may be modular to accommodate varying femoral geometries. Pairs of opposing surface features, such as grooves, are formed on the box structure and allow for anterior-posterior positioning of a stem component such as a femoral stem, sleeve or sleeve adapter. Additional surface features may be provided to centrally locate the stem component.

Stabilized, high-doped silicon carbide

Stabilized, high-doped silicon carbide is described. A silicon carbide crystal is grown on a substrate using chemical vapor deposition so that the silicon carbide crystal includes a dopant and the strain compensating component. The strain compensating component can be an isoelectronic element and/or an element with the same majority carrier type as the dopant. The silicon carbide crystal can then be cut into silicon carbide wafers. In some embodiments, the dopant is n-type and the strain compensating component is selected from a group comprising germanium, tin, arsenic, phosphorus, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the strain compensating component comprises germanium and the dopant is nitrogen.

Tire having expandable tread portion

A tire structure (16) includes a secondary chamber (32) formed between a tire casing (38) and road engaging tire tread (14). A first air passage (20) is provided from the tire interior to the secondary chamber (32) and a second air passage (24) through a side wall of the tire casing (38) is substantially adjacent a bead portion of the tire. An air line (22) extends between the two air passages (20, 24) and is bonded to the interior side wall of the casing (38), and a valve unit (26) is associated with the second passage (24) to provide controlled air inlet and relief to the chamber (32).

Method of preparing a polymerizate

Describes polymerizing with actinic radiation a cationically polymerizable organic composition comprising (a) at least one polyfunctional thiirane having at least two groups represented by the following general formula (I), wherein X is selected from S and O, the number of functional groups wherein X is S constituting at least 50 percent of the total number of such functional groups present in said first polyfunctional thiirane, and R8, R9 and R10 are each independently selected from hydrogen and C1-C10 alkyl; and (b) at least one actinic radiation activated cationic polymerization initiator.

Biphenyl sulfonamides useful as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

Inhibitors of MMP enzymes are cyclic sulfonamides of Formula I <SEE FORMULA I> or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and cyclic sulfonamides of Formula III <SEE FORMULA III> III or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 include hydrogen, alkyl, and substituted alkyl; R3 and R4 include hydrogen, halo, and alkyl; X is OH or NHOH. The compounds of Formulas I and III are useful for the treatment of diseases mediated by an MMP enzyme, including cancer, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure, and inflammation.

Universal self-regulating mammalian cell line platform for the production of biologics

Disclosed are genetic control circuits, cells, and methods that use a repressor polypeptide to reduce the transcription rate of an exogenous therapeutic polypeptide encoding gene in response to a change in condition.

Oral neurotherapeutic cefazolin compositions

The treatment of neurological disorders using cefazolin compositions and pharmaceutical compositions including oral dosage forms that include cefazolin compositions are described.

Nucleus pulposus trial device and technique

A nucleus pulposus trial device for assessing the size, shape and location of a disc space.

Method of preparing an optical polymerizate

The present invention is directed to a novel method of preparing a polymerizate, which includes the step of polymerizing a two-component composition, which includes: a first component containing at least one polycyanate reactant having at least two functional groups selected from isocyanate, isothiocyanate and combinations thereof, the polycyanate reactant being the reaction product of: a polythiol monomer having at least two thiol groups; and a polycyanate monomer having at least two functional groups selected from isocyanate, isothiocyanate and combinations thereof; and a second component containing at least one polyamine reactant having at least two functional groups selected from primary amine, secondary amine and combinations thereof. The present invention is also directed to polymerizates prepared according to the method of the present invention. The present invention is further directed to photochromic articles that may be prepared from the polymerizates of the present invention.

Detecting service provider state based on received and historic telematics data and service provider characteristics

A network system is configured to facilitate a safe service coordination environment. The network system detects abnormal user states (e.g., sleepiness, inebriation, etc.) and provides corrective recommendations to those users. To do so, client devices executing an application send information associated with the service to the network system. The network system determines an aggregate set of service characteristics based on the aggregate telematics data. The network system also determines a provider profile for a provider providing service in the environment describing the deviation of the user's driving characteristics from the aggregate service characteristics. Based on the difference between the aggregate characteristics and the user profile, the network system determines the provider state using a state verification process. Based on the determined provider state, the network system determines a set of corrective recommendations and sends the corrective recommendations to the provider device.

Integrated fuse device and integrated circuit protection device

Electrowetting devices

An electrowetting device can have a chamber with a first fluid and a second fluid and an interface between the first and second fluids. Signals can be applied to one or more electrodes, such as to control the shape or position of the interface. The chamber can include a raised portion, which can function to position one or both the first and second fluids in the chamber. The raised portion can also affect the shape of the interface. The device can include interdigitated electrodes. The device can be an optical switch, in some implementations. The device can be a liquid lens in some implementations.

Tricyclic sulfonamides and their derivatives as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases.

Tricyclic sulfonamide compounds and derivatives are described as well as methods for the preparation and pharmaceutical compositions of same, which are useful as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases, particularly gelatinase a, collagenase-3, and stromelysin-1 and for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, atherosclerotic plaque rupture, aortic aneurysm, heart failure, left ventricular dilation, restenosis, peridontal disease, corneal ulceration, treatment of burns, decubital ulcers, wound healing, cancer, inflammation, pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, renal disease, or other autoimmune or inflammatory disorders dependent upon tissue invasion by leukocytes or other activated migrating cells, acute and chronic neurodegnerative disorders including stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injury, alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, aids parkinson's disease, huntington's disease, prion disease, myastenia gravis, and duchennes's muscular dystrophy.

Post-processing of polylactic acid article

Methods are provided for making a polylactic acid article. The methods may include the steps of providing an article comprising polylactic acid; supporting the article using a carrier support system; and curing the article with heat. The step of curing the article is effective to improve one or more properties of the article. Articles comprising polylactic acid also are provided having improved properties. Methods also are provided for preparing a beverage including the steps of providing a pod comprising polylactic acid, wherein the pod has been cured with heat while being supported by a carrier support system; placing a beverage material in the pod; placing a hot liquid into the pod; brewing the beverage material and hot liquid in the pod to create a beverage; and removing the beverage from the pod.

Method and system for compiling demographic data

A computer-implemented method and system for compiling demographic data is provided. This comprises maintaining in a computer, having a memory, a database of demographic data about existing and/or prospective customers, and interactions between customers and merchants; updating the database with data about new interactions between customers and merchants; retrieving from the database demographic data about existing and/or prospective customers; and generating a report on demographic data about existing and/or prospective customers.

Oral neurotherapeutic cefazolin compositions

System and method for pre-processing waveforms

A technique is provided for processing a physiological signal. The technique includes performing one or more multi-resolution decompositions on a physiological signal and one or more morphological operations on some or all of the respective decomposition components. In one embodiment, the technique is implemented as iteratively wavelet transformations where morphological operations, such as erosions and dilations, are applied to modify some or all of the respective wavelet coefficients. The modified wavelet coefficients may then be reconstructed to generate a clean version of the physiological signal from which some or all of the noise and/or artifacts have been removed.

Convertible traction shoes

A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis using a bone anchor or other attachment point

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a bone anchor implanted in a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.

Method for producing carbonaceous material

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Particulized coal is subjected to a series of processing operations to produce a formed coke product. Among the operations are a single stage heating process comprising both carbonizing and calcining operations or, alternatively, a heating process in which carbonizing alone or carbonizing and calcining are conducted in separate stages. At least the carbonizing operation is conducted in the absence of extraneous gas so that the valuable by-product gases driven off from the coal during heating are unadulterated; and the carbonizing operation is conducted with gradual heating in the single stage heating process.

Wire comb

The present invention is directed to a wire comb. The wire comb includes a flat body which includes a first end and a second end. The ends are connected by an arcuate section which has an upper and lower surface. The upper surface of the arcuate section has a wire mount area that includes at least one opening formed in the upper surface with each opening including a shape selected to receive and hold a wire within. A mounting feature extends from at least one of the first end and the second end. The mounting feature is adapted to engage a printed circuit board.

Methods for viral inactivation by environmentally compatible detergents

The invention provides methods of using environmentally compatible detergents in the field of recombinant protein manufacturing for inactivating viruses in a product feedstream in the manufacturing process of proteins intended for administration to a patient, such as therapeutic or diagnostic proteins. The invention further provides methods wherein the environmentally compatible detergent used in the present invention maintains product quality of the therapeutic or diagnostic protein whilst effectively inactivating viruses.

System and method for waveform morphology comparison

A ventricular tachycardia (VT) complex is distinguished from a sinus tachycardia or a supraventricular tachycardia. A template based on morphology of a normal sinus rhythm is collected. A test signal is compared against the template to determine how closely the test and template signals correspond based on morphology. The comparison is done based on peak information in the template and the test signal. A score is generated to indicate the degree of similarity between the template and the test signal. The peak information is extracted as follows. First, a group of three consecutive peaks having a largest cumulative peak amplitude is located in the template and in the test signal. The polarity, position and area of each peak within the group is then determined. The area of each peak is normalized. The polarities, positions and normalized areas represent the peak information that is used for comparison.

Hydroxamic acid compounds useful as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors

Compounds of formula (I), are useful for inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase enzymes in animals, and as such, prevent and treat diseases resulting from the breakdown of connective tissues. Also disclosed are methods for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the same, and methods of treating diseases in which matrix metalloproteinases are involved including multiple sclerosis, atherosclerotic plaque rupture, restenosis, aortic aneurysm, heart failure, periodontal disease, corneal ulceration, burns, decubital ulcers, chronic ulcers or wounds, cancer metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, renal disease, left ventricular dilation, or other autoimmune or inflammatory diseases dependent upon tissue invasion by leukocytes.

System for removing vehicles having unsafe tires from public roadways

A four step process for removing vehicles from the public roadways having worn tires including establishing a standard for end of life tire conditions (30), converting the standard to relate correspondingly to tread wear (32), providing a visual indication of end of life tread wear (34) and providing for inspection and vehicle disqualification where end of life tire wear is indicated (36).

High impact poly(urethane urea) polysulfides

The present invention relates to a sulfur-containing polyureaurethane and a method of preparing said polyureaurethane. In an embodiment, the sulfur-containing polyureaurethane when at least partially cured can have a refractive index of at least 1.57,an Abbe number of at least 35 and a density of less than 1.3 grams/cm3. Further, the sulfur-containing polyureaurethane can be prepared by reacting a polyureaurethane prepolymer comprising a polycyanate and at least one hydrogen-containing material, at least one episulfide-containing material; and an amine-containing curing agent.

UTEIS HYDROXAMIC ACID COMPOUNDS AS MATRIX METALOPROTEINASE INHIBITORS

Method for storing EGM and diagnostic data in a read/write memory of an implantable cardiac therapy device

A method for storing digitized electrogram and diagnostic data in a read/write memory of an implantable cardiac therapy device which includes the steps of configuring the memory into first and second memory blocks, configuring the first memory block into a plurality of successive EGM data records for storage of the electrogram data, and the second memory block into a plurality of successive diagnostic data records for storage of the diagnostic data, storing successive electrogram data corresponding to successive EGM trigger events in respective, successive ones of the EGM data records, and, storing successive diagnostic data corresponding to successive diagnostic trigger events in respective, successive ones of the diagnostic data records. The electrogram data is preferably written into the EGM data records in a wraparound, FIFO manner. The memory preferably includes an EGM directory having a plurality of cross-indexed entries each containing several fields of relational data concerning associated ones of the electrogram data records, and a diagnostic directory having a plurality of cross-indexed entries each containing several fields of relational data concerning associated ones of the diagnostic data records, to thereby provide a relational database of electrogram and diagnostic data for subsequent telemetric interrogation by an external instrument.

The packaging of articles

A pack 10 of bottles 14 comprises a plurality of layers 12. Each layer 12 has its bottles 14 packed in a close packed side-by-side array, the array being hexagonal. The layers 12 are packed in a sleeve 18 of a plastics material. The sleeve 18 is selected to have a perimetral dimension slightly less than a peripheral dimension of each layer 12 such that the layers 12, once packed in the sleeve, are constrained against movement.

Connectors for use in systems and methods for reducing the risk of proximal junctional kyphosis

Systems and methods for reducing the risk of PJK, PJF, and other conditions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a longitudinal extension can be added to a primary fixation construct to extend the construct to one or more additional vertebral levels. The extension can be attached to a first attachment point, such as a spinous process of a vertebra that is superior to the primary construct. The extension can also be attached to a second attachment point, such as a component of the primary construct or an anatomical structure disposed inferior to the first attachment point. The extension can be more flexible than the primary construct and/or can limit motion to a lesser degree than the primary construct, thereby providing a more-gradual transition from the instrumented vertebrae to the natural patient anatomy adjacent thereto. The extension can be placed with little or no soft tissue disruption.