Abstract: A system and method for accommodating financial risk calculations in a relational database schema is disclosed. The database schema scales to accommodate a variety of risk calculations by utilizing a name/value pair approach associated with a market factor. Risk calculation definitions are explicitly and unambiguously defined by associating risk numbers with market factors that have been perturbed while calculating them.

Abstract: An implantable spacer body (44) configured to be positioned between the spinous process portions of adjacent vertebrae in such a manner that the spinous process of the superior vertebra rests on and is supported on the spacer body. A pair of extension arms (54, 56) extend from each side of the spacer body and are adapted to be fixed to bone fasteners (86) which engage a region of the inferior vertebral body in locations other than the spinous process, preferably engaging the pedicle regions of the inferior vertebra. Alternatively, the extension arms can be fixed to spinal rods (90, 92) that are fastened to multiple vertebrae in a typical spinal rod assembly.

Abstract: A system of reconstruction for a spinal joint is directed to a modular implant assembly that includes an upper part and a lower part. The upper and lower parts each comprise a unitary body having an approximately ninety degree bend defining vertical and horizontal components. Each vertical component has a fastener hole for attaching it to a bone segment using a bone fastener. The horizontal sections each have a complementary contact surfaces in order to transmit compressive load therebetween and to accommodate sliding and pivoting relative movement therebetween. The vertical sections of each of the upper and lower part are offset with respect to a vertical centerline so that successive assemblies bridging more than one adjacent vertebral space can have an upper part and a lower part according to the present invention coexist on a single vertebra in a space-efficient manner wherein the vertical sections nest spatially.

Abstract: A cross-connector system for connecting two rods of an implantable vertebral rod system utilizes relatively low-stress concentration contact areas between the connector elements and the rods. The cross-connector system includes a two-piece, elongated member (100) that is adjustable lengthwise and has, at each end, hook-shaped ends (103, 112) which each cooperate with a rotatable, eccentric cam plug (117, 126) having a curved surface (118, 128) that engages and secures a rod to the hook-shaped end in a manner that optimally distributes load to minimize stress concentrations.

Abstract: An implantable vertebral motion preservation system has upper and lower parts that are inserted into a vertebral space, wherein the upper part or lower part has a generally arcuate raised ridge that forms an arcuate shape and the other of the upper or lower part has a corresponding generally arcuate groove that receives the ridge. The ridge and groove are positioned with respect to the upper and lower parts, as well as the adjacent vertebrae, to share a common imaginary central axis such that during twisting motion of the body the upper and lower parts rotate relative to each other about said axis which sliding relative to each other along the ridge and groove contact areas.

Abstract: A tulip-shaped rod-receiving member in a spinal rod system is provided with a transverse slot accessible from the top of the tulip member for placing the rod therein until the rod seats. A locking assembly includes a cap having inclined surfaces that cooperate with inclined surfaces on the rod-receiving member to lock and bias inwardly the rod-receiving member relative to the cap. A novel seating ring is provided for the bone screw to be supported in the tulip in a manner that maximizes support and optimizes axial alignment of forces.

Abstract: A system and method for accommodating financial risk calculations in a relational database schema is disclosed. The database schema scales to accommodate a variety of risk calculations by utilizing a name/value pair approach associated with a market factor. Risk calculation definitions are explicitly and unambiguously defined by associating risk numbers with market factors that have been perturbed while calculating them.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching a bone plate to bone using specialized bone screws. A bone plate is provided that contains at least one screw aperture. The wall that defines the screw aperture is torically curved. A similarly torically curved collar element is inserted into each screw aperture. Bone screws are provided. Each bone screw has a top end, a bottom end and external threads that extend between the top end and the bottom end. The threads have a constant pitch and thread diameter between the first end and the second end. However, each bone screw has a shaft diameter that increases from its bottom end to its top end. As the coil element advances on the bone screw, its diameter increases. Eventually, the coil element engages the collar element and expands the collar element.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for incorporation into a key telephone system control unit, in at least one station port, for operating an at least one key type set and an at least one tip and ring device simultaneously bridged onto the same station port without the use of any special service circuits or adaptors. The ability to signal alerting indepenedntly via ringing signal on a TR-pair, via messages indicating alerting transmitted on a service pair for a key set or via both techniques simultaneously is also disclosed. Further, the alerting ability disclosed in combination with control by a key system controller of the access of a key set to voiceband communications over the TR-pair allows for incorporation of additional features into a key telephone system.