Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.

Abstract: In some embodiments a method comprises disposing an implant into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion, the implant having (1) a first interface configured to receive a restraining member, and (2) a second interface. The method further comprises inserting a portion of the fastener member into the first interface. The method further comprises securing the fastener member such that the first bone portion and the second bone portion are fixed to each other, at least in part by a substance after the securing, at least a portion of the substance disposed through the second interface.

Abstract: A device, system and method, according to various embodiments, for processing a granular material to produce a flowable granular composition having a flowable form, without the addition of an additive. The granular material is passed between multiple rotating screws, the particles within the granular material are broken down, and moisture within the granular material is released until it assumes a condition such that the flowable granular composition will not substantially clump or form bridges when the flowable granular composition is in a humid environment, in a subsequent process, during transport or during storage.

Abstract: System and method for single-action time and attendance record generation and processing via computing devices. The record is generated via a computing device (“Client System”) and received by a server system or other computing device (“Server System”). The user utilizes the Client System to execute a simultaneous or near-simultaneous process of authenticating his or her identity, recording time data and location data, and then sending this data to the server system.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An integrated fixation plate and spacer having a retaining structure within the screw holes of the fixation plate to resist backout of screws attaching the fixation plate to the bone is provided. A movable joint may be provided between the fixation plate and spacer. In some embodiments, a screw hole insert is also provided to resist shear forces acting between the screw and fixation plate. In some embodiments, an integrated fixation plate and spacer system is provided, comprising two or more integrated fixation plate and spacer implants, wherein the fixation plates of each implant has a complementary configuration to allow attachment of the implants at adjacent intervertebral spaces. Alternative fixation systems are also contemplated.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for immobilizing facet joints of the vertebral column. Embodiments of the invention provide an implant that is inserted in a facet joint from which cartilage has been removed, and which retains the approximate original spacing of the facets in the joint. A retaining arrangement, such as an adhesive, a threaded fastener, or a screw is then used to secure the implant in the joint.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods are disclosed for electronic key provisioning and access management in connection with mobile devices. The electronic keys can be time-denominated and event-denominated, thereby increasing the security and ease of use of access management for physical or virtual resources. The access management is granted in a protocol based on biometric features, contextual data, electronic keys, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device for reinforcement of a facet joint is provided. The device comprises a lumen configured to receive a fastener member. In some embodiments, a second segment comprises a second lumen configured to receive a fastener member or fastener. In some embodiments, kits are provided with a fastener member and a facet reinforcement device. Methods are also provided for treating a spine. In some embodiments, the fastener member is placed through both articular processes of a facet joint and a facet reinforcement device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises forming a lumen in a first bone portion and forming a lumen in a second bone portion. The method further includes inserting a portion of a flexible fastening band through the lumen in the first bone portion and through the lumen in the second bone portion, and inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener mechanism monolithically formed with the flexible fastening band. The method further includes advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener mechanism until the first bone portion and the second bone portion are stabilized.

Abstract: A method for making graphene comprising the steps of reacting a catalyst with a plurality of source carbon solids; creating a graphene precursor from the reaction of the catalyst with the plurality of source carbon solids; pyrolyzing the graphene precursor; and extracting graphene from the pyrolyzed graphene precursor. Creating a graphene precursor comprises the steps of creating a solution comprising deionized water and the catalyst; reacting the catalyst with the plurality of source carbon solids by mixing the plurality of source carbon solids into the solution comprising deionized water and the catalyst; heating the solution; and stirring the heated mixture until substantially all liquid has evaporated. Pyrolyzing the graphene precursor is done by placing the graphene precursor in a furnace; creating an un-oxidizing environment within the furnace; heating the furnace; and annealing the graphene precursor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises disposing a portion of a flexible fastening band into contact with a first bone portion and into contact with a second bone portion. The portion of the flexible fastening band having a substantially uniform shape configured to substantially compliment a shape of the first bone portion and a shape of the second bone portion. The method further includes inserting the portion of the flexible fastening band into a fastener and advancing the portion of the flexible fastening band through the fastener until the first bone portion and the and the second bone portion are stabilized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer implemented processes affected through a set of computer operations stored in a memory device and executed using a hardware processor. The embodiments disclosed herein comprise methods as well a computer hardware system comprising a hardware processor capable of executing the method steps. The computer operations facilitate processes for (1) automating the creation of encoders or decoders integral to a protocol wrapper within a wireless network configured to transmit and receive Diameter based protocol data; and (2) transmitting agnostic Diameter based protocol data in a wireless network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer implemented processes affected through a set of computer operations stored in a memory device and executed using a hardware processor. The embodiments disclosed herein comprise methods as well a computer hardware system comprising a hardware processor capable of executing the method steps. The computer operations facilitate processes for automating the creation of call flows and the instantaneous routing of calls within a wireless network operating over a Diameter protocol or a Diameter protocol extension. The call flows are generated by reading metadata stored in a finite state machine, which is required to be kept by the Diameter protocol standards.

Abstract: The invention comprises a computer-based method for automatically generating a user interface (“UI”) and an application program interface (“API”) that can be used by TCP/IP network administrators. Embodiments herein send a query to a network device seeking metadata for each of the attributes supported thereon. When an answer is returned, which in some embodiments can be sent to devices supporting a Redfish protocol, the response is used to populate a relational database containing metadata for the device, as well as each attribute supported thereon. This metadata is organized in a hierarchical relational database, which is then used to automatically generate a user interface and an application program interface. The user interface and the application program interface are used to manage the settings on the network device. The user interface and application program interface or created using a proprietary data modeling language that is easy to use because it eliminates the need to code every action.

Abstract: An expandable interbody device for placement between adjacent vertebrae having an upper structure, a lower structure and a screw mechanism, wherein actuation of the screw mechanism moves the upper and lower structures between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A deployment tool couples to the expandable interbody device for positioning the device between adjacent vertebrae, actuating the screw mechanism and delivering a material to a chamber of the expandable interbody device.

Abstract: An articulating rod inserter is configured for use in delivering a fixation rod to an orthopedic fixation system through a cannula or tower. The articulating rod inserter is releasably coupled to a rod and can move the rod from a generally aligned configuration, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rod and rod inserter are generally aligned, to an angled configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis of the rod is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rod inserter. The rod is inserted into the patient through a first tower and then articulated to a second tower such that the rod extends between two or more fixation devices.

Abstract: Devices for fixing interbody fusion devices to bone by helically or corkscrew-shaped elements are provided. Methods for surgically implanting an interbody fusion device using helically-shaped fixation wire are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a drill head comprising a frame, punch arm with punch tip and opposing plate. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.