Abstract: A device for clamping and unclamping tools in a collet comprises a tool holder, a collet and a movable tensioner. The tool holder has a machine side and a tool side that is configured to accommodate a tool shank of a tool. The collet is arranged for clamping the tool shank inside the collet, the collet having a conical outer surface, which rests against a correspondingly shaped inner surface of the tool holder. The tensioner is configured to effect an axial movement of the collet with respect to the tool holder when the tool holder is thermally expanded, for clamping and unclamping the collet with the tool shank therein. The tensioner is arranged inside the tool holder on the machine side of the collet. A method is used to clamp tools in a collet of a tool holder.

Abstract: A birefringent device, which is configured to be mounted in an optical path of an optical system, has an effective area in a pupil plane. The birefringent device affects different polarization states differently and position-dependently. The birefringent device realizes a first pupil function assigned to a first polarization state and a second different pupil function assigned to a second polarization state. The pupil functions may be optimized to achieve various specific optical properties like extended depth of field.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes for use as delivery agents for hydrophobic and/or aqueous insoluble therapeutic compounds. In one aspect, provided herein is a vault complex comprising a modified major vault protein (MVP), wherein the modified major vault protein comprises a fusion peptide, wherein said fusion peptide is fused to the N-terminus of the major vault protein, and wherein said peptide provides enhanced sequestering of a hydrophobic and/or aqueous insoluble therapeutic compound within the vault complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes for use as delivery agents for hydrophobic and/or aqueous insoluble therapeutic compounds. In one aspect, provided herein is a vault complex comprising a modified major vault protein (MVP), wherein the modified major vault protein comprises a fusion peptide, wherein said fusion peptide is fused to the N-terminus of the major vault protein, and wherein said peptide provides enhanced sequestering of a hydrophobic and/or aqueous insoluble therapeutic compound within the vault complex.

Abstract: A birefringent device, which is configured to be mounted in an optical path of an optical system, has an effective area in a pupil plane. The birefringent device affects different polarization states differently and position-dependently. The birefringent device realizes a first pupil function assigned to a first polarization state and a second different pupil function assigned to a second polarization state. The pupil functions may be optimized to achieve various specific optical properties like extended depth of field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing the bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.

Abstract: A birefringent device, which is configured to be mounted in an optical path of an optical system, has an effective area in a pupil plane. The birefringent device affects different polarization states differently and position-dependently. The birefringent device realizes a first pupil function assigned to a first polarization state and a second different pupil function assigned to a second polarization state. The pupil functions may be optimized to achieve various specific optical properties like extended depth of field.

Abstract: An intramedullary implantation system includes a nail with a head having a first locking element. A targeting guide includes a tubular body and a bore with first and second open ends. A locking device includes a shaft with a distal end having a non-threaded second locking element such that the locking device has a first angular orientation relative to the tubular body in which the first and second locking elements are engaged to secure the nail to the targeting guide. The locking device has a second angular orientation relative to the tubular body in which the first locking element is disengaged from the second locking element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing he bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.