Abstract: An intra-osseous support structure can be used to fixate opposed portions of bone. In some examples, the intra-osseous support structure is positioned in openings formed in adjacent portions of bones. Fasteners are inserted through the bone portions to secure the intra-osseous support structure in the bones. Depending on the application, one or more external bone plates may also be applied to the bone portions. The external bone plate may be in compression while the intra-osseous support structure is in tension under load in situ.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for organizing execution of distributed operating systems for network devices. A device comprising hardware computing nodes may be configured to perform the techniques. The hardware computing nodes may execute a protocol by which to discover a topology of the plurality of hardware computing nodes, and determine, based on the topology, a subset of the plurality of hardware computing nodes to manage execution of a distributed operating system. The determined subset of the plurality of hardware computing nodes may execute a communication bus by which to synchronize operating system state information between the subset of the plurality of hardware computing nodes. The hardware computing nodes may further execute, based on the operating system state information, the distributed operating system to provide an execution environment in which one or more applications execute.

Abstract: A system of receiving prerecorded media discs from users is disclosed. The system may include a control system having a processor capable of accessing a library associating a native bar code with the content of a prerecorded media disc and receiving the identification of a native bar code of a media disc from an optical disc identification system. The system may also include a user interface system having a buy-back activator and being adapted to receive a media disc from a user, where the user interface is capable of communicating a buy-back price to the user. An optical disc identification system may include a disc holder, a light source, a sensor capable of capturing a digital image of the hub of a media disc including a native bar code, and an image processor capable of reading the native bar code from a digital image.

Abstract: A system of receiving prerecorded media discs from users is disclosed. The system may include a control system having a processor capable of accessing a library associating a native bar code with the content of a prerecorded media disc and receiving the identification of a native bar code of a media disc from an optical disc identification system. The system may also include a user interface system having a buy-back activator and being adapted to receive a media disc from a user, where the user interface is capable of communicating a buy-back price to the user. An optical disc identification system may include a disc holder, a light source, a sensor capable of capturing a digital image of the hub of a media disc including a native bar code, and an image processor capable of reading the native bar code from a digital image.

Abstract: A system of receiving prerecorded media discs from users is disclosed. The system may include a control system having a processor capable of accessing a library associating a native bar code with the content of a prerecorded media disc and receiving the identification of a native bar code of a media disc from an optical disc identification system. The system may also include a user interface system having a buy-back activator and being adapted to receive a media disc from a user, where the user interface is capable of communicating a buy-back price to the user. An optical disc identification system may include a disc holder, a light source, a sensor capable of capturing a digital image of the hub of a media disc including a native bar code, and an image processor capable of reading the native bar code from a digital image.

Abstract: A system of receiving prerecorded media discs from users is disclosed. The system may include a control system having a processor capable of accessing a library associating a native bar code with the content of a prerecorded media disc and receiving the identification of a native bar code of a media disc from an optical disc identification system. The system may also include a user interface system having a buy-back activator and being adapted to receive a media disc from a user, where the user interface is capable of communicating a buy-back price to the user. An optical disc identification system may include a disc holder, a light source, a sensor capable of capturing a digital image of the hub of a media disc including a native bar code, and an image processor capable of reading the native bar code from a digital image.

Abstract: A protocol-configurable isometric hand grip recording dynamometer with user guidance. The apparatus employs a grip within which is mounted a load cell. The load cell, in turn, is coupled to a rigid printed circuit board which is compressively squeezed during an exercise regimen. A readout is integrally formed with the battery operated system to provide aural and visual cuing at an angle facilitating the user's reading of a display. Visual cues are provided at the display throughout an exercise regimen prompting the user as to which hand to use and the amount of compressive squeezing force to be applied. The system and method includes a technique for scoring the efforts of the user. The microprocessor-driven device includes archival memory and a data communications port such that may be employed interactively with a trainer or physician.