Abstract: A propulsion module including a wave rotor detonation engine having a rotor with a plurality of fluid flow channels. The fluid flow channels extend between an inlet rotor plate, which has a pair of fixed inlet ports, and an outlet rotor plate, which has a pair of fixed outlet ports. The propulsion module includes a pair of inlet ducts have a stowed mode and a deployed mode. The pair of inlet ducts include a fluid flow passageway adapted to convey air to the pair of inlet ports. A fueling system is positioned prior to the inlet ports to deliver fuel into the air introduced through the pair of inlet ducts and into the pair of inlet ports. A pair of ignition chambers are disposed adjacent to the inlet rotor plate.

Abstract: A screw delivery system and method are disclosed for use in a variety of surgical indications. The screw delivery system generally comprises an outer cannula, a guide, and various interventional devices such as bone drill bits and taps as well as an implant driver for inserting a screw. The method disclosed varies by indication, but is ordinarily intended for use as a minimally invasive procedure which is a combination of percutaneous and open techniques wherein a small midline incision is made over a surgical site and the screw delivery system provides a percutaneous portal through an incision distant from the small midline incision over the surgical site.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for infiltrating a liquid composition, such as a molten metal or thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, into a porous solid material, such as a ceramic or porous metal, by contacting the porous material with the liquid composition at a first pressure and then increasing the pressure by at least the critical capillary pressure for the liquid composition/porous solid material system to effect infiltration. The infiltrated liquid composition may then be solidified inside the porous material, such as by cooling, to produce composite materials including ceramic-metal composites as well as ceramic-polymer, metal-polymer, and metal—metal composites.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the coating of a human body with a tanning composition, such as a sunless tanning composition, wherein an arm with a plurality of nozzles thereon traverses within a booth to spray coat a body in the booth. The spray nozzles are oriented to avoid opposing air flows and excessive air flows which cause inefficient and uneven, dripping or streaking in the deposition of tanning composition on the skin. In another aspect, the apparatus provides for a foot rinser to rinse the feet of a user while the apparatus applies a sunless tanning composition to the user to avoid overly darkening the user's feet. In yet another aspect, the apparatus provides for a sanitation system to wash-down the spray booth between successive uses.

Abstract: The present invention contemplate a seal assembly for reducing the passage of fluid between a combustor liner and a turbine vane segment in a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, the turbine vane segment has a lip portion defining a sealing surface. A seal element having first and second seal portion is coupled to the turbine vane segment by a support element. The support element urges the first seal portion into engagement with an aft edge of the combustor liner and positions the second seal portion adjacent the sealing surface of the turbine vane segment, while allowing relative movement between the second seal portion and the sealing surface in a direction substantially parallel to the sealing surface.

Abstract: A postage stamp which has a unique identifier bar code is provided which allows the prevention of various fraudulent stamp usages. A system for identifying mail pieces with stolen stamps is provided in which a database of unique identifiers of stolen stamps is maintained, and in which the unique identifiers of stamps on originating mail pieces are compared to the unique identifiers in the database and with the mail piece being segregated if one of the stamps has been stolen. A method of preventing stamp reuse is also provided in which at an originating mail processing apparatus unique identifier bar codes on stamps are read and sent to a national circulation database together with an identification tag applied to the mail piece and information identifying a destination mail processing plant. The national circulation database makes a determination of whether the stamp has been reused, and if so sends a message to the destination mail processing plant which segregates the mail piece when it arrives.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to advantageous devices and methods for treating patients suffering from renal insufficiency and/or hepatic insufficiency. More particularly, the invention relates in certain aspects to devices and methods for performing continuous flow-through peritoneal dialysis (CFPD). In other aspects of the invention, peritoneal dialysis systems are provided which utilizes a bioreactor to regenerate peritoneal fluid for re-infusion into a peritoneal cavity. The invention, therefore, provides advantageous systems for passing fluid through a patient's peritoneal cavity at a relatively high flow rate, while maintaining in the peritoneal cavity an optimal dialysate pressure, to thereby alter the contents of the patient's blood by diffusion of molecules through the peritoneal membrane.

Abstract: One embodiment of a spinal fixation system 10 including a pair of longitudinal members 11, 12 positionable adjacent the spine, means for engaging longitudinal members to the spine 13, 14, a pair of wedge members 16 each having a bearing surface 38 configured to bear on a longitudinal member 11, 12, and a connector 20 configured to span a distance between the longitudinal members 11, 12. The connector 20 includes a pair of engaging members 25, 26 each having a fixation surface 33 and a connecting surface 30, and a bridge member 21 attached to the connecting surfaces 30. The engaging members 25, 26 each define a thru-hole 35 for receiving one of the wedge members 16. The thru-holes 35 are aligned so that wherein one of the wedge members 16 is advanced through the thru-hole 35, the bearing surface 38 will bear on a corresponding longitudinal member 11, 12 to force the longitudinal member 11, 12 into contact with the fixation surface 33 and engage the longitudinal member 11, 12 to the connector 20.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device defines truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. The side walls are provided with vascularization openings, and the body wall device includes opposite bone ingrowth slots extending through the interrupted thread portion of the body. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant.

Abstract: Spinal spacers 20 are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member 21 having a wall 22 sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition 30 is packed within a chamber 25 defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings.

Abstract: Multipanel rollstops mountable on the outboard end of a wheelchair lift platform in which at least one upper panel of the rollstop folds down or telescopes to reduce the rollstop profile for stowage. Preferred embodiments include bifold, trifold or telescoping rollstops for underfloor or under vehicle lifts. In the extended multipanel position, rollstops of the invention provide increased rollstop height and occupant security in the intermediate and transfer positions of the lift as compared to non-folding or telescoping rollstops of the same stowage profile. The folding of telescoping of the rollstop is automatic upon lift stowage. In a preferred embodiment, the rollstop upper panel is folded or unfolded by a direction-reversing mechanical actuator through a contact arm which engages structure of the lift or stowage compartment, and operates automatically without requiring operator intervention.

Abstract: A method and device for forming hinges between components of jewelry with the components having a tongue and a pin. A jig with a curved surface supports the two components while a die is moved into engagement with the tongue and pin to force them against the jig causing the tongue to curl around the pin.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing percutaneous spinal surgery under direct visualization and through a single cannula are shown. A device (10) is provided which includes an elongated cannula (20) having a first inner diameter (DI) and an outer diameter (DO) sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient. The cannula (20) defines a working channel (25) between its ends (21, 22) which has a second diameter (D2) equal to the diameter (DI) of the cannula sized for receiving a tool therethrough. An elongated viewing element (50) is engageable to the cannula (20) adjacent the working channel (25), preferably by a fixture (30). The fixture (30) includes a housing (31) attachable to the proximal end (22) of the cannula (20) that defines a working channel opening (35) which is in communication with the working channel (25). The housing (31) also defines an optics bore (60) adjacent the working channel opening (35).

Abstract: A tool for use in a well bore has a housing attachable to a work string or drill string wherein the housing supports a floating component that is free to move in the lateral or radial members relative to the housing within predetermined limits. The floating component is suitable for supporting active tool components such as wire bristles, scraper blades or other functional apparatus. Typically, the floating component is provided as a sleeve around the housing held within axial limits, while enabling radial movement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal fixation assembly includes an elongated member, such as a spinal rod, configured for placement adjacent the spine and a bone engaging fastener, such as a bone screw having a lower portion configured for engaging a vertebra and a head that is at least partially spherical. The assembly further includes a receiver member defining a bore therethrough from a top end to a bottom end, a recess for receiving the head of the bone screwing fastener therein, and a lower opening at said bottom end of the receiver member through which the bone screw extends. The recess is configured to at permit pivoting of the bone screw within the receiver member until the head is fixed within the recess. The receiver member also includes a channel communicating with the bore and having an upper opening at the top end of the receiver member for insertion of the spinal rod into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods relating to the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease ("IBD"), most notably, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Colitis and Diverticulitis. The invention relates to the discovery of a parasitic microsporidia infecting the epithelium cells lining the gastrointestinal tract of patients suffering from IBD. The discovery of this correlation between the disease and the microsporidia, described herein, led to the development of methods for the accurate diagnosis of patients suffering from IBD, and also of methods for treating such a patient in accordance with the invention. This discovery also provides for the development of animal models to further elucidate the mechanism of the disease and potential additional cures therefor.

Abstract: For use with a toilet having a toilet bowl and a lid mounted to pivot between a closed position covering the bowl and an open position pivoted approximately 90.degree. from the bowl, an apparatus for automatically closing the lid includes a control mechanism engageable with the lid for locking the lid in the open position when the lid is pivoted to the open position and a timer mechanism for actuating the control mechanism to release the lid from the open position after the passage of a predetermined time. Where the toilet includes a toilet seat pivotally mounted to the toilet bowl between the bowl and the lid and is pivotable from a closed position resting atop the bowl, a timer suspension system temporarily suspends operation of the timer mechanism while at least a predetermined weight is applied to the seat in the closed position.

Abstract: An engine control system is operable to provide an engine fueling rate equal to the larger of a first engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine torque is limited by a maximum input torque capacity of a presently engaged gear ratio of the transmission and a second engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine torque is limited by a nominal input torque capacity of the transmission. The foregoing technique can be enabled at all times, or alternatively only after determination that the vehicle is experiencing deceleration under heavy engine load conditions. The engine control system may be further operable to determine a third engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine output torque is limited by a maximum operating torque capacity of the transmission propeller shaft, as well as a fourth engine fueling rate at which the resulting engine output torque is limited by a maximum operating torque capacity of the drive axle connected thereto.