Abstract: In a remote communication environment, a method for real-time presentation of information to one or more users accessing one or more websites using an electronic communications device. Various aspects of the method comprise at least the following. Communication is established via the electronic communications device between the user and the website to conduct one or more primary transactions. One or more electronic identifiers associated with the user are obtained. One or more further or additional data elements related to the user are obtained from a third party using the at least one electronic identifier. Based at least on the electronic identifier and the further data element, the information is selected for presentation to the user in real time with the primary transaction. The information is presented to the user in real time with the primary transaction.

Abstract: An interbody spacer includes concave lateral surfaces extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the interbody spacer includes upper and lower convex surfaces defined by an arc extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. In another aspect, lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces are also defined by convex arcs extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and a grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method for connecting a bone fastener, for example a spinal screw, to an elongated member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a body having channels to receive the fastener and elongated member is tapered and has an aperture for a locking member. A tapered washer slides over the body. The tapered washer has an inner diameter that is smaller than part of the tapered portion of the body allowing it to engage the body. The fastener passes through the body and engages the washer. An offsetting member slides over the body. The body slides over the elongated member and the offsetting member offsets the elongated member from the spinal fastener and contacts each in two differing locations. A locking member is inserted into a threaded aperture in the body to apply a compressive force that compresses all of the members preventing relative motion of the components.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and an grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device.

Abstract: A push-push type fluid pressure actuated motor has one or more radial opposed cylinder sets each having a pair of pistons, a connecting rod, and a Scotch-yoke connection to a crankshaft. An intake rotor valve at one face of the cylinder block and an exhaust rotor valve at an opposite face of the cylinder block are mounted on and rotate with the crankshaft. The rotor valves admit pressurized fluid to the cylinder and allow discharge of spent fluid from the cylinders.

Abstract: An adjustable laser light beamsplitter and fiber optic coupler apparatus and method comprising a plurality of splitter modules placeable into an optical path, each module comprising: a splitter to split off a selectable portion of an incident polarized laser beam; a fiber coupler to capture the split-off portion into an optical fiber; and a beam transmitter element to transmit a remainder of the incident beam to serve as an incident polarized laser beam for any subsequent splitter module.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing a remote user with a virtual presence to an office. The method allows a user operating a remote computer system to receive a fax on a first communication line while simultaneously performing voice communications on the first communication line. The first communication line has an associated first telephone number. The remote computer system includes a user telephony communication device coupled to the first communication line. The method includes establishing a connection between the user telephony communication device and a virtual presence server. The user telephony communication device connects through the first communication line to the virtual presence server. The virtual presence server is located remotely from the user telephone communication device. A fax transmission is made to a second telephone number. The fax transmission is forwarded to the virtual presence server.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a subscriber to receive incoming telephone calls on a telephone line and ring all of the telephones connected to a first conductor pair inside the subscriber's premises, wherein the first conductor pair would have normally been connected to the line. The telephones may be rung even when the subscriber is performing data communications with a remote data site on the telephone line. This obviates the necessity of the subscriber having to purchase a second telephone line for incoming calls while data communications are being performed, thus reducing access costs. The system and method shown advantageously employs a wiring device to reroute the telephone line from the first conductor pair connected to the phones to a second conductor pair normally not used. The system and method further employs a modem which receives telephone signals from the telephone line via the second conductor pair.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a remote user to maintain a virtual presence at a corporate office and behave substantially as if the user were physically present at the corporate office. First the remote user establishes a virtual presence connection at the corporate office, including providing identification and security information. Once the remote user is connected, the virtual presence server instructs the corporate PBX to automatically forward all calls to the remote user. The virtual presence server also routes email, faxes, and LAN data to the remote user. The virtual presence server also extends the corporate PBX and corporate LAN features to the remote user, just as if the remote user were physically located in the corporate office. According to the invention, the remote user makes outgoing telephone calls, sends faxes, transmits data, sends email and performs Internet access as if the remote user were physically present in the corporate office.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a remote user to maintain a virtual presence at a corporate office and behave substantially as if the user were physically present at the corporate office. The remote user's telephone behaves as a PBX extension, and the remote user may send and receive faxes and email, have Internet access and maintain LAN connectivity, substantially as if the user were present at the corporate office. The remote computer system includes an individual remote worker unit or communication device, and the remote computer executes virtual presence software according to the present invention. The corporate office includes a virtual presence server according to the invention which connects to the corporate PBX and also to the corporate LAN. The virtual presence server executes software which enables the remote user to maintain a virtual presence at the corporate office.

Abstract: A single locking point vehicle security device having U-shaped arms which are adjustable in width to accommodate the tire width of the vehicle. The arms are non-rotatably mountable in a central body over the tread of a tire thereby rendering the wheel inoperable. The central body renders the wheel mounting to the vehicle inaccessible. The point of adjustment of the width of the U-shaped end of the arms and the attachment point of the arms to the central body are also inaccessible when the device is mounted and locked onto the wheel thereby making removal difficult. A second set of arms may be installed in the central body in place of the security arms. This second set is fabricated to have a low profile and traction enhancing surface over the tread to improve maneuverability of the vehicle on a slippery surface.

Abstract: A tube dryer system is used to remove moisture from solid commercial products. The present apparatus includes a condensate vessel that separates condensed steam from excess steam. The excess steam is passed through a thermocompressor and combined with incoming fresh steam to produce a combined steam feed stream having a higher flow rate at only slightly reduced pressure and reduced superheat content, resulting in increased dryer capacity and reduced steam losses with no increase in energy costs.

Abstract: A process for treating nitrophenolic by-products contained in nitration waste water including the steps of solvent extraction, solvent and nitrophenolic residue recovery by distillation, and incineration of the nitrophenolic residue is disclosed. The extraction process involves the extraction of the nitrophenolic by-products from the nitration waste water utilizing a solvent in the presence of an acid at an elevated temperature and acidic pH. The extraction produces a nitrophenolic solvent solution which is subjected to a distillation to recover the solvent for reuse and produce a residue containing the nitrophenolic materials. The residue can be disposed of by incineration.

Abstract: An improved animal waterer which provides a cover having a depending polygonal basin with ports in the sidewalls of the basin. The cover overlies a water container such that the basin engages water in the container. A float which glides vertically along a pair of guides allows an animal to depress the float angularly while preventing removal of the float from the basin. A sloped, ribbed bottom of the container facilitates draining and cleaning of the container.