Abstract: An interrogator for a plurality of sensor fiber optic gratings. The interrogator includes a broadband optical source; at least one beam splitter directing output of the optical source to the sensor fiber optic gratings; at least one linear filter for converting changes in peak reflection wavelength to changes in intensity; at least one optical receiver; and at least one amplifier associated with each optical receiver. The interrogator also includes, alternatively, a driver/modulator for the optical source providing on/off pulses; an analog integrator following the at least one amplifier; or a mechanism compensating for masking of one sensor fiber optic grating by another.

Abstract: A sling for industrial lifting comprising a cover having fibers twisted in a first direction; and a load-bearing core within the cover, the core having a helical twist of a plurality of core strands, each core strand twisted in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical method or procedure for securing a prosthesis to bone. More particularly, the present invention relates to (i) a surgical method or procedure for securing a low load bearing prosthesis such as, for example, an adhesion barrier, to a patient's bone, (ii) a tack or drive screw for securing the low load bearing prosthesis and (iii) associated instrumentation for driving the tack or drive screw into the patient's bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for provisional cardiac stimulation during replacement of pacemakers (PMs). Said device enables fitting on an electrode catheter separated from the pocket of the PM of a radio-frequency coil (2) connected to an external apparatus (3) for generating variable-frequency pulsed signals. The device according to the invention can be used in the case of both unipolar and bipolar electrodes. According to a preferential embodiment, a sterile plate or electrode is set subcutaneously and connected to the external generator (3) for completing reclosing for cardiac stimulation, hi the event where there is the need to intervene in order to replace of a PM with bipolar electrodes, the subcutaneous plate is preferentially used; the subcutaneous plate is preferentially used as positive electrode, used RF stimulation will in this case be performed in a unipolar way by the combined action of the plate and of the electrode probe of the electrode catheter.

Abstract: A stable and sterile adhesive composition with a controlled level of high viscosity is disclosed in the present invention. Adhesive compositions with different ranges of viscosity could be prepared by heating the adhesive monomer composition at mild temperature in the presence of pluronic polymer. The viscosity of the adhesive composition is able to be controlled to any desired level. A method of stabilizing the adhesive composition with a desired level of high viscosity is provided by using the combination of free radical and acid stabilizers. Methods for packaging, sterilizing and applying the adhesive in the medical field are also provided.

Abstract: A monomeric adhesive composition includes a stabilized polymerizable monomer, such as a 1,1-disubstituted monomer, including a cyanoacrylate, and a wound healing agent, wherein the wound healing agent is 5,5-disubstitutedhydantoin, including phenyloin; and a method for making said composition.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk is an expandable container having flexible walls, the container being adapted to be inserted into a central cavity of an intervertebral disk through a narrow cannula, and the flexible walls are made from a biocompatible hydrogel. A preferred hydrogel is a cryogel formed from an aqueous solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone). The prosthesis may be prepared by dip-coating a mandrel with an aqueous solution of a hydrogel-forming polymer or mixture of such polymers, gelling the coated solution by chilling, and subjecting the gelled coating to a series of repeated freeze-thaw treatments. In use, the prosthesis is inserted into a central cavity of an intervertebral disk and filled with biocompatible material, e.g., a biocompatible liquid, a biocompatible polymer, and a biocompatible hydrogel, particularly a thermogelling hydrogel.

Abstract: Implants and methods for osteopathic augmentation and repositioning of vertebrae may comprise a chain having one or more beads or bodies configured for insertion into a vertebral body. The one or more bodies may be expandable. As the chain is inserted into the vertebral body, it may fill a central portion thereof and can push against the inner sides of the endplates of the vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the vertebral body to its original height. The one or more bodies may have a first configuration dimensioned to pass through a catheter or other introducer, and may expand to a second, larger configuration after insertion into the bone in order to secure the chain within the bone.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic clamp is provided for use in attaching a bone anchor to a support rod. The clamp comprises a carrier with a first portion adapted for connection to the anchor and with a second portion for connection to the rod. A clamping hook defines a bight in which the rod can be located and a head that passes through an aperture defined by the second portion of the carrier. The head of the hook passes through a collar, which is attached to the second portion of the carrier by engaging, complementarily shaped parts. These parts are defined respectively by the second portion of the carrier and by the collar and together form a joint permitting sliding translational movement of the collar relative to the carrier. A fastener can be secured to the head of the clamping hook and tightened in order to clamp the rod within the bight.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, a substantially hollow center, and a single vertical aperture. The single vertical aperture extends from the top surface to the bottom surface, has a size and shape predetermined to maximize the surface area of the top surface and the bottom surface available proximate the anterior and posterior portions while maximizing both radiographic visualization and access to the substantially hollow center, and defines a transverse rim. The body may be non-metallic and may form one component of a composite implant; the other component is a metal plate disposed on at least one of the top and bottom surfaces of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant domain antibody (dAb) which binds to human TNF?, the dAb comprising an immunoglobulin heavy or light chain variable domain comprising at least one complementarity determining region (CDR) having a sequence derived from a New World primate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming a portion of a blow molded plastic container includes directing energy from a heater onto the portion of the container so as to heat the portion while leaving the remainder of the container relatively unheated. The heated portion of the container is then engaged by a reforming tool having an embossed or imprinted characteristic on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and form a three-dimensional feature thereon which is not reproducible without using the method and/or apparatus of the present invention. Alternatively, the heated portion of the container is engaged by a reforming tool having a transferable element on a contact surface of the reforming tool so as to reform the portion of the container and transfer the transferable element to the portion of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a colored toner comprising the steps of: providing a polymer composition comprising at least one polymer wherein the at least one polymer has a softening temperature from about 30° C. to about 160° C.; and a colorant; forming an aqueous mineral suspension of at least one multivalent metal phosphate by contacting a water-soluble salt of the multivalent metal with an aqueous solution comprising: a water-soluble phosphate salt; and at least one crystal growth inhibitor which controls the growth of the at least one multivalent metal phosphate, wherein the pH of the aqueous mineral suspension is from 5.5 to 14; and forming a dispersion of the polymer composition by adding the polymer composition to the aqueous mineral suspension under agitation to form a solid portion comprising dispersed particles of the polymer composition, wherein the temperature of the aqueous mineral suspension during the dispersing step is at least about 70° C.

Abstract: An optical sensor in which acceleration, acoustic velocity, or displacement (vibration) causes a corresponding shift in the center wavelength of the sensor output. The sensor can be coupled to a high-speed interferometric interrogator through an unbalanced fiber interferometer. The unbalanced interferometer functions to translate optical wavelength shift into phase shift, which is easily demodulated by the interrogator. A method of measuring acceleration uses the sensor.

Abstract: A vertebral implant for fusing adjacent vertebrae or for replacing vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant is a biocompatible metal, resorbable, or radiolucent implant conforming substantially in size and shape with an end plate of a vertebra. The implant preferably has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have areas with a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability and areas devoid of any protrusions to receive implantation instrumentation. The implant also has a stackability feature. The implant provides initial stability needed for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polymer compounds and a method for preparing thereof. More specifically, provided are polymer compounds with well-connected, narrow size distribution free-volume element and a method for preparing the polymer compounds by thermal rearrangement for aromatic polyimides containing ortho-positioned functional groups in the solid state.

Abstract: A bone anchor (100) for attaching a rod (108) to a bone has an anchor member (106) for attachment to the bone and an anchor head (104) having a U-shaped opening for receiving the rod. The bone anchor also includes a locking cap (102) that has a main body (900) and a set screw (1000). Advantageously, in one embodiment the locking cap preferably is designed such that a single tool can be used to lock the locking cap in place on the anchor body preferably with a 90° turn and preferably then drive the set screw to clamp the rod. The locking cap also preferably non-threadingly engages the anchor body. The anchor body preferably has an inclined surface on its top surface which elastically deflects extending tabs on the main body to secure the locking cap to the anchor body. A method of implantation and assembly of the bone anchor are also described.