Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a memory architecture for optimizing memory performance and size. Memory optimization is realized by configuring the memory to a particular logic state; that is, restricting memory data storage to either logic “0” or “1.” The opposite logic state, “1” or “0,” can be available through initialization and, therefore, may be presumed. Accordingly, the presumed, initialized logic state is available unless the configured logic state in memory changes the initialized data during memory access. Memory size reduction is realized by restricting physical memory to contain only cells that store data. Memory size can be further reduced by eliminating redundant data rows and columns. By reducing memory size, processing speed can be enhanced and power consumption reduced relative to conventional memory structures.

Abstract: A high performance logic circuit optimizes a digital logic function by dividing the function into smaller blocks. Thus, the logic circuit is divided into smaller blocks. The smaller blocks are implemented with read-only memory (ROM), in which outputs corresponding to input combination are pre-stored. Inputs to each of the smaller blocks are used as an address to access the ROM.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and lordosis, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumber regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior at least partially filled with a fluid; a valve for injecting fluid into the interior of the disk; a central region having a stiffness that is preferably greater than the stiffness of the outer regions thus enabling the disc to pivot about the central region. The central pivot may be formed by a center opening, a central chamber, an inner core or a central cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and natural disc curvature, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumbar regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior including at least one spring member preferably incorporating a arcuate surface member, a flexible core, the flexible core preferably being a slotted core, a ring spring, a winged leaf spring, or a leaf spring, or The articulating member preferably being attached to one of the endplate by an intermediate shock absorbing element.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns a spine stabilization system having one or more flexible elements having an opening or slit. The flexible element may be integrally formed in a rod having ends capable of receiving fasteners. The flexible element may limit rotation, flexion-extension, or lateral bending of the spine. The slit or opening may form helical pattern on the rod, and more than one slit or opening may be provided. The flexible element may be conformable to the natural spinal movement.

Abstract: A method for forming electrically conductive patterns to provide an electrically conductive path on a polymer tube is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing a polymer tube and mounting such in a displaceable and rotatable mounting that is adapted to provide both axial and rotational motion. This is followed by forming at least one channel having a predetermined pattern in the polymer tube with a focused energy beam, the channel then being filled with an electrically conductive paste or electrically conductive slurry material. The polymer tube is then heated to temperatures less than 250° C. to cure the electrically conductive paste or electrically conductive slurry material. The electrically conductive paste or electrically conductive slurry material is then covered with a polymer layer.

Abstract: An integrated circuit radio transceiver and method therefor comprises circuitry that is operable to up-convert an outgoing continuous waveform signal to RF and that is further operable to down-convert and ingoing RF signal to one of a baseband or intermediate frequency in a manner that provides a linearized output current having an amplified current magnitude for mixing with a local oscillation in a mixer block. Specifically, a circuit portion is operable to produce a linearized current based upon an input signal. The linearized current is then produced to a current mirror block that produces a scaled and amplified output current. The scaled and amplified output current is then produced to a mixer block for mixing with a local oscillation to create the outgoing RF signal or the ingoing baseband or intermediate frequency signal.

Abstract: A smart-card chip arrangement comprises: a smart-card chip (148); an organic semiconductor layer (166, 168, 170, 172) disposed on a surface of the chip, and at least one transistor (150, 152, 154, 156) formed in the organic semiconductor layer. The at least one transistor is configured so as to enable an invasive attack on the chip to be detected.

Abstract: A smart-card chip arrangement includes a smart-card chip, an organic conductive layer disposed on a surface of the chip, and signal-deriving means for deriving a signal dependent on one or more properties of the organic conductive layer. The organic conductive layer and the signal-deriving means are configured such as to detect an invasive attack on the chip. By this means the unauthorized detection of a cryptographic key, which is employed by the chip, can be prevented.

Abstract: Skeletal reconstruction cages include a central body having first and second ends, a first end cap coupled to one end of the central body, and a second end cap coupled to the other end of the central body. At least two of the central body, first end cap, and second end cap are formed from bone. Each of the central body, first end cap, and second end cap may be provided in different sizes so that cages with varying overall heights, and related angulations, may be created.

Abstract: Selectively demineralized bone-derived implants are provided. In one embodiment, a bone sheet for implantation includes a demineralized field surrounding mineralized regions. In another embodiment, a bone defect filler includes a demineralized cancellous bone section in a first geometry. The first geometry is compressible and dryable to a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, and the second geometry is expandable and rehydratable to a third geometry larger than the second geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to use a gain control network across source terminals of cascode transistors that drive a differential current to control gain. The drains of the cascode transistors are coupled to a load such as a mixer. The cascode arrangement provides high impedance coupling to the load and the proximity of the gain control network allows offsets to be gain tracked to signal gain.

Abstract: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Abstract: A CNT transistor has source extension 36a and drain extension 36b that shunt electrical current and reduce the effective CNT resistance and allow significant reductions in fringe capacitances 28 30. The extensions 36a 36b are electrically conductive, and are electrically connected to the source electrode 22 and drain electrode 24. The extensions each span a portion of gaps 35a 35b. Consequently, the source and drain can be located relatively far from the gate electrode 26, thereby reducing the fringe capacitances 28 30. Nanotube 20 is a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube, and the extensions 36a 36b comprise metallic-conducting nanotubes surrounding and coaxial with the nanotube 20. The nanotube 20 and extensions 36a 36b are fabricated from a multiwalled nanotube by selectively removing outer nanotubes in a region near the gate electrode. Alternatively, the extensions 36a 36b can comprise metal deposited on peripheral portions of the semiconducting CNT 20.

Abstract: A method for forming electrically conductive patterns to provide an electrically conductive path on a polymer tube is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing a polymer tube and mounting such in a displaceable and rotatable mounting that is adapted to provide both axial and rotational motion. This is followed by forming at least one channel having a predetermined pattern in the polymer tube with a focused energy beam, the channel then being filled with an electrically conductive paste or electrically conductive slurry material. The polymer tube is then heated to temperatures less than 250° C. to cure the electrically conductive paste or electrically conductive slurry material. The electrically conductive paste or electrically conductive slurry material is then covered with a polymer layer.

Abstract: The invention is a strap rolling device that provides the end user with the capability of winding long cargo straps either manually or with an electric drill. An end of the tool has a shape that accommodates the chucks of most electric drills. Should no electric drill be available, the end user can manually crank the winch and wind up the long cargo straps with the handle, which is integrated into the body of the tool.

Abstract: An allogenic intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant is a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plate of a vertebra. The implant 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 a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability. The implant according to the present invention provides initial stability need for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: An allogenic intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant is a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plate of a vertebra. The implant 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 a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability. The implant according to the present invention provides initial stability need for fusion without stress shielding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to use a shunt network across source terminals of cascode transistors that drive a differential current to control gain. When the gates of the cascode transistors and transistors of the shunt network are activated by a same bias voltage, the gain control is substantially independent of process, voltage and temperature variations.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for use in an airbag inflation system are disclosed. An explosively formable projectile piece is positioned adjacent to an opening and, upon deployment of an initiator, is forced through the opening, thereby changing the shape of the projectile piece. The projectile piece is projected towards a rupturable wall. Once the projectile piece has ruptured the wall, the airbag inflation gas can pass through the opening in the wall and inflate the airbag.