Abstract: A system for protecting and de-identifying healthcare data includes a storage device for storing the healthcare data and personally identifiable information for a person and a processor in communication with the database. The processor generates an anonymous linking code using a keyed hash function and a second hash function. The anonymous linking code is based at least in part on a portion of the personally identifiable information. The processor further appends the anonymous linking code to the healthcare data for the person.

Abstract: A process for forming a multi-layer sheet for forming an expanded foam container, the process comprising: extruding a first layer comprising a first polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer and at least one blowing agent; providing a second layer comprising a second polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer onto a first side of the first layer; and expanding the first layer to form the multi-layer sheet comprising an expanded first layer and an unexpanded second layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer sheet for forming an expanded foam container, the multi-layer sheet comprising a first layer of an expanded foam material comprising a first polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer and a second layer of an unexpanded material comprising a second polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer that is co-extruded, extrusion coated, or laminated on a first side of the first layer, wherein an exterior surface of the second layer has a low gloss level.

Abstract: A multi-layer sheet for forming an expanded foam container, the multi-layer sheet comprising a first layer of an expanded foam material comprising a first polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer and a second layer of an unexpanded material comprising a second polyolefin-based material comprising at least one polypropylene-based polymer that is co-extruded, extrusion coated, or laminated on a first side of the first layer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions, methods and/or apparatus of central administration of various CNS-active agents. In particular embodiments, intrathecal administration is advantageous for decreasing the systemic concentrations of CNS agent, thereby decreasing side effect toxicity, while allowing more effective delivery of the agent to the site of action, simultaneously decreasing the dosage delivered to the subject. In particular embodiments, ICV delivery may be of use for patients who have previously proven to be refractory to systemic administration of CNS agents, in some cases due to systemic side effects, or for those patients whose symptoms are of sufficient severity to warrant more aggressive therapeutic intervention. ICV administration allows not only lower systemic concentration but also higher therapeutically effective concentration within the CNS.

Abstract: A micromechanical resonator is disclosed. The resonator includes a resonant micromechanical element. A film of annealable material can be deposited on a facial surface of the element. The resonance of the element can be tuned by annealing the deposited film. Also disclosed are methods of applying a film on a resonator and annealing the film, thereby tuning one or more resonant properties of the resonator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for collecting and providing reports of activities of medical service providers, while encrypting confidential information. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods for collecting and providing information from medical claim transactions without information for specifically identifying the particular medical service provider. The present invention also allows for correlation of medical claim transactions with providers' information without using information that can be used to specifically identify the particular medical service provider (provider identifier).

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixation device for spinal fixation. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through a first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into positioned within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebra. In other embodiments, the device is used to secure stabilization devices across two or more vertebra.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing access to data storage. Certain embodiments provide a data storage device comprising a network infrastructure including a network device configured to be communicatively coupled to a network controller, a file server module coupled with the network device and configured to receive file-level or object-level commands from the host system via the network device after the host system has acquired the network address assigned by the network address server module. The data storage device further includes a boot image server module enabling the host system to boot from the data storage device.

Abstract: A screw comprising a drive part, a threaded part, and a retaining ring is disclosed herein. Each of the drive part and the threaded part comprises a plurality of interface surfaces that transmit torque from the drive part to the threaded part and prevent the parts from disengaging from one another during use. Each plurality of interface surfaces forms one or more geometric shapes that create additional friction between the drive and threaded parts, and may further include mating pins and holes to prevent the parts from detaching from one another. The retaining ring, which removably connects the screw to a wrench during assembly of the screw with a receptacle, is disposed within a cavity formed when the drive part is assembled with the threaded part.

Abstract: A probe deployment mechanism of a coordinate measuring machine provides for extending and retracting a probe. The probe is displaceable with respect to the actuator body connected to the measuring machine. A locator coupling secures the probe to the actuator body at the extended position for taking measurements. A drive coupled to the probe displaces the probe between the extended and retracted positions but at the extended position, the drive is releasable from the probe for kinetically isolating the locator coupling.

Abstract: An image format and method are presented for storing a digital image in the image format. The image format includes image data and executable computer instructions. Displaying a digital image stored in this image format requires executing the stored executable instructions which generate the image data for the associated digital image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixation device for spinal fixation. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through a first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into positioned within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebra. In other embodiments, the device is used to secure stabilization devices across two or more vertebra.

Abstract: A screw comprising a drive part, a threaded part, and a retaining ring is disclosed herein. Each of the drive part and the threaded part comprises a plurality of interface surfaces that transmit torque from the drive part to the threaded part and prevent the parts from disengaging from one another during use. Each plurality of interface surfaces forms one or more geometric shapes that create additional friction between the drive and threaded parts, and may further include mating pins and holes to prevent the parts from detaching from one another. The retaining ring, which removably connects the screw to a wrench during assembly of the screw with a receptacle, is disposed within a cavity formed when the drive part is assembled with the threaded part.

Abstract: A disposable skin cleansing finger sleeve cleans and maintains a clean face, removes facial make up, and applies medicine to the face in the treatment of skin conditions. The skin cleansing finger sleeve includes an elongated body formed from water impermeable material wherein the body has an open proximal end and a closed distal end capable of being removably positioned about a user finger. A viscous skin cleansing agent may be pre-applied (impregnate, coated, soaked, etc.) or applied after-the-fact (applied by the user) to the body for treating the user skin. Advantageously, the finger sleeve is capable of cleaning a user face by applying the skin cleansing agent to the user face and removing facial makeup therefrom.

Abstract: A foldable conveyor having a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section pivotally connected to the first conveyor section. The pivotal connection allows the second conveyor section to articulate about the first conveyor section. The foldable conveyor also includes a pivoting mechanism operatively connected to the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section. The pivoting mechanism includes a first link having one end pivotally connected to the first section. The pivoting mechanism also includes a second link having one end pivotally connected to the second section. A second end of the second link is pivotally connected with a second end of the first link. The pivoting mechanism further includes an actuator configured to pivot the second conveyor section about the first conveyor section by allowing a relative movement between the first link and the second link.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed in which at least one resistive switching element is interposed between at least a first and a second conducting electrode element. The resistive switching element comprises a metal oxynitride. A method for making such a resistive switching element is also disclosed.