Abstract: A threaded center line cage assembly includes a cylindrical intervertebral spacer member to which is attached a winged end cap. The spacer member is implanted along a center line or median plane between a pair of adjacent vertebrae to engage inner regions of mutually facing surfaces of the vertebrae. The end cap engages edge regions of the vertebrae to provide lateral support thereto, in cooperation with the spacer member. The spacer member is provided with threads having roots which vary in a conically diminishing manner in a posterior direction and then become constant to form an effectively funnel shaped profile to the thread roots. The funnel shaped profile of the roots tends to promote a desired lordosis between the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A simulator for providing a user with a simulated burning log display having a generated flickering flame image. The flame image is generated by rotating a shaft with a helically wound light array such that the lights reflect off of a flame shaped mirror onto a partially transparent screen so as to give the impression to a viewer of flickering flames appearing on a front side of the screen and behind a non burning pile of logs.

Abstract: A nested fastener and set screw combination for securing a spinal fixation rod to a bone screw includes a fastener base receivable into an open channel of a bone screw. The fastener base has a central threaded bore to receive a threaded set screw. The set screw is provided with projecting structure, such as a ring, point or dome-shaped structure, for positive engagement with the surface of a rod. Uploaded and downloaded set screw embodiments are disclosed. In an uploaded set screw embodiment, the fastener base is provided with a radially inwardly extending abutment shoulder to engage and abut the set screw, prohibiting advancement of the set screw out of a top of the fastener and allowing for simultaneous removal of the set screw and the fastener. In an embodiment, the fastener includes a break-off head that separates from the fastener when a pre-selected installation torque is exceeded.

Abstract: Compositions and products for emitting fragrance include at least one fragrance, perlite, and sodium silicate or water glass. Compositions used to make urinal blocks and other products may further include at least one of: lime (calcium oxide), gypsum, enzymes and colorant agents. Chlorophyl and alfalfa may also be included, as well as calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, bicarbonate of soda, sodium sulfate, sodium talloate, nonionic surfactants, ethyl alcohol, hexylene glycol (1-hexene) ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: A convex spinal fusion interbody space device includes spaced apart superior and inferior abutment surfaces which are effectively medially convex. The peak of such convexity is displaced anteriorly of a central plane through the device. The spacer device has a height which is greater than the width of the device. The spacer device is implanted between a pair of adjacent vertebrae by insertion in a tipped-over orientation and then reoriented to an upright orientation for engagement by facing surfaces of the vertebrae. Fusion promoting bone material is packed between the vertebrae and about and within the spacer device subsequent to implantation.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws. The tool set includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Intermediate guide tools having guiding pass through slots are utilized to guide intermediate locations along the rod toward associated bone screws. An attachment structure operably connects the guide tools to the bone screws. The guide tools each include a lower guide and advancement structure to allow a closure top with mating structure to be rotated and driven downward against the rod and to cooperate with similar structure in the bone screw to seat and lock the rod therein. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the rod in the patient.

Abstract: An anaerobic digester for use in wastewater treatment systems having a fixed cover including a central tower for controlling gas and foam. A constant operating level is maintained in the digester by utilization of an overflow weir located in the tower. The fixed cover having an under flat surface that is in direct contact with contents of the digester. The tower has a number of spray nozzles that operably direct movement of foam toward discharge locations.

Abstract: An inspectable tunnel comprises two opposite, vertical trays (1), whereof one is equipped with pallets (2) used to hold cables or conduits whilst the other has supports (26) whereon a plurality of hinged lids (15) can rest. The latter are connected to the pallets (2) and can have two positions; an appreciably vertical one to form an independent compartment joined to the two adjacent pallets, and the other position is appreciably horizontal and resting on the supports (26), so that the compartment thus defined is accessible from the outside.

Abstract: A modular, multi-articulated patient support system includes independently adjustable columns connected by an adjustable base and supporting a patient support structure. Each column includes rotation, angulation and separation adjustment structure. The patient support may be raised, lowered and rotated about a longitudinal axis in either horizontal or tilted orientation. The patient support includes a body support rotatably coupled with right and left leg supports disengageable at the outboard ends, that can be tilted, rotated and locked in place. An intermediate brace engages the base when the outboard ends of the leg supports are disengaged. The patient support structure may include two pairs of patient supports, each attached at the outboard end of a column and having a free inboard end. A coordinated drive system raises, lowers, tilts and rotates the patient supports, which may be positioned in overlapping relation.

Abstract: The hydrothermal treatment is based on placing the crude residual plant material in contact with hot water in a closed reactor, comprising the following steps: a) placing the material to be treated in contact with water in a closed reactor, and adjusting the solid/liquid ratio so that it ranges from 1/5 to 1/15 (w/v): b) stirring; c) heating to a temperature between 180 and 240° C., and at a pressure so that the water is maintained in liquid phase; d) constantly stirring the mixture for a time period between 4 and 30 minutes; and e) cooling the reactor to approximately 40° C., unloading the mixture, filtering and recovering the liquid fraction.

Abstract: A fireworks stand for elevating fixed-position fireworks, especially cone type fountains, having a body with an inner cavity for storing the fireworks and an upper platform for supporting the fireworks during discharge. The platform is nested into an upper end of the body and receives an upper keeper that is sized and shaped to fit inside of the nested platform in order to secure the fireworks. The cavity has a lower keeper and base structure that is removed to provide access to a plurality of inserts, which house the fireworks.

Abstract: A utility trailer having a low profile storage configuration. The trailer includes a frame, wheels, mounting assemblies for the wheels, a removable tongue and a wiring system. Each mounting assembly includes a swing arm and a shock absorber that are joined by a hub that is easily removable and in turn is rotatably joined to a wheel. Each swing arm is pivotally joined to an underside of a side rail of the frame. Each shock absorber is pivotally attached to an inner side of the side rail and each wheel is positioned outwardly of a respective side rail opposite a respective shock absorber. The wiring system includes a harness located in the interior of the tongue. The wiring system also includes a plug mounted on the frame and a receptacle mounted on the tongue that automatically mate when the tongue is joined to the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing hydroperoxides from their corresponding hydrocarbons which comprises oxidizing said hydrocarbons, particularly ethylbenzene, with an oxygen containing gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising a cyclic imide compound and a compound selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal compound or mixture thereof.

Abstract: A mower deck assembly which essentially “flips up” or raises from a mowing configuration to an access configuration with minimal manipulation of controls and manual lifting. A deck is connected to a frame by a parallelogram suspension which includes front and rear support arms. A rear of the deck removably connects through a height adjustment mechanism that includes the hook and capture device selectively allows the rear of the deck to swing freely so that when the mower is in a non mowing configuration. The deck has mounted thereon a plurality of pulleys, including blade pulleys connected by a single drive belt and driven by a single motor. One of the pulleys is a tension pulley that can be manipulated to disengage the pulley system. The front of the suspension includes a fine height adjustment mechanism.