Abstract: A retractor system and related methods for use in spinal surgery procedures, including but not limited to fusing or repairing damaged or deteriorated intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies in the lower lumbar levels. The retractor system includes a plurality of blade assemblies coupled to a handle assembly, wherein each of the blade assemblies may be independently adjusted (e.g. length blade and/or blade angulation and/or blade rotation relative to the handle assembly) to provide unprecedented customization of an operative corridor extending to the surgical target site of the patient such that any number of spinal surgery procedures may be undertaken by a surgeon, including but not limited to spinal fusion procedures at the L5-S1 disc space.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention concern the discovery of a transdermal delivery composition that can deliver low, medium and high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents. Embodiments include transdermal delivery compositions with therapeutic and cosmetic application, transdermal delivery devices for providing said transdermal delivery compositions to subjects in need thereof, and methods of making and using of the foregoing.

Abstract: An antenna comprising a layer of conductor having an edge, and a slot in the layer of conductor wherein conductor is absent, the slot having first and second opposing longitudinal ends and being opened to the edge at the first longitudinal end and not open to the edge at the second longitudinal end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a monopole extending substantially along an axis that may be vertical. However, the monopole may have a loop portion that deviates from the axis. Further, the apparatus includes multiple conductive elements, each having a substantially linear first segment that is coupled to the monopole. The first segments may be coplanar and/or perpendicular to the axis. Each of the conductive elements may further include a second segment that is substantially parallel to the axis. One or more of these segments may be connected to a ground potential. Also, the conductive elements may each include a third segment having a loop pattern.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention concern the discovery of a transdermal delivery composition that can deliver low, medium and high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents. Embodiments include transdermal delivery compositions with therapeutic and cosmetic application, transdermal delivery devices for providing said transdermal delivery compositions to subjects in need thereof, and methods of making and using of the foregoing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a monopole extending substantially along an axis that may be vertical. However, the monopole may have a loop portion that deviates from the axis. Further, the apparatus includes multiple conductive elements, each having a substantially linear first segment that is coupled to the monopole. The first segments may be coplanar and/or perpendicular to the axis. Each of the conductive elements may further include a second segment that is substantially parallel to the axis. One or more of these segments may be connected to a ground potential. Also, the conductive elements may each include a third segment having a loop pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a transdermal delivery system that can deliver high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents to skin cells. A novel transdermal delivery system with therapeutic and cosmetic application and methods of use of the foregoing is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a composition and method for decreasing the emissions from combustion of fuel that contains biodiesel, where the composition contains at least one ignition accelerator and at least one plant extract or synthetic component similar to a portion of a plant extract. The ignition accelerator is preferably a peroxide, for example, di-tert-butyl peroxide. The composition may optionally contain meadowfoam oil or jojoba oil. The composition may also enhance the lubricity of the fuel that contains biodiesel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a transdermal delivery system that can deliver high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents to skin cells. A novel transdermal delivery system with therapeutic and cosmetic application and methods of use of the foregoing is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a transdermal delivery system that can deliver high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents to skin cells. A novel transdermal delivery system with therapeutic and cosmetic application and methods of use of the foregoing is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a transdermal delivery system that can deliver high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents to skin cells. A novel transdermal delivery system with therapeutic and cosmetic application and methods of use of the foregoing is disclosed.

Abstract: Fuel additives, fuel formulations, and processes for their preparation and use are provided. The additives improve the combustion properties of hydrocarbon fuels. The enhanced combustion indicates reductions in certain emissions.

Abstract: Fuel additives, fuel formulations, and processes for their preparation and use are provided. The additives improve the combustion properties of hydrocarbon fuels. The enhanced combustion indicates reductions in certain emissions.

Abstract: A diesel fuel additive is provided that includes beta-carotene stabilized with 2,2,4-trimethyl-6-ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-quinoline. The additive may be added to any liquid hydrocarbon fuel, solid hydrocarbon fuel, or other hydrocarbonaceous combustible fuel to reduce emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel, provide improved fuel economy, engine cleanliness, and/or performance. A method for preparing the additive is also provided.

Abstract: A compact, aesthetically pleasing, multi-band antenna for use in conjunction with communication systems used in automotive applications, comprising a radiating element capable of operating in several frequency bands in combination with an electrically short reflector to provide superior gain characteristics while shielding the interior of the automobile from exposure to high levels of radiated signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a transdermal delivery system that can deliver high molecular weight pharmaceuticals and cosmetic agents to skin cells. A novel transdermal delivery system with therapeutic and cosmetic application and methods of use of the foregoing is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible antenna comprising a plurality of strands of a nickel-titanium alloy, mountable on a base assembly of an antenna system, for transmitting signals from and receiving signals to said antenna. In one embodiment, the strands of nickel-titanium alloy may be configured as one or more selected from the group consisting of 7×1 and 9×3. A mast stud in the base assembly may be used for receiving a signal cable for communication with the antenna element. The assembly may also include a printed circuit board. A sleeve may be mounted over at least a portion of the antenna element and a radome mounted over at least a portion of the antenna element and the base assembly.

Abstract: A method for RF grounding glass mounted antennas to metal automotive frames comprising the steps of (1) providing an RF grounding path on said glass from the antenna mounting location to an edge of said glass located proximate to said metal frame, wherein said path is provided prior to installation of said glass into said metal automotive frame; (2) providing a first RF grounding contact from said antenna to said RF path; and (3) providing a second RF grounding contact of said RF path to said metal frame upon installation of said glass in said metal frame.

Abstract: A compact, aesthetically pleasing, multi-band antenna for use in conjunction with communication systems used in automotive applications, comprising a radiating element capable of operating in several frequency bands in combination with an electrically short reflector to provide superior gain characteristics while shielding the interior of the automobile from exposure to high levels of radiated signals.

Abstract: A method for RF grounding glass mounted antennas to metal automotive frames comprising the steps of (1) providing an RF grounding path on said glass from the antenna mounting location to an edge of said glass located proximate to said metal frame, wherein said path is provided prior to installation of said glass into said metal automotive frame; (2) providing a first RF grounding contact from said antenna to said RF path; and (3) providing a second RF grounding contact of said RF path to said metal frame upon installation of said glass in said metal frame.