Abstract: A rod reducer assembly is provided. The rod reducer includes a pedicle screw housing defining a rod-receiving passage therethrough. A tab is removably coupled to the pedicle screw housing by a frangible member. An extension is secured to the tab. The extension and the tab are separable from the pedicle screw housing upon application of a threshold force to the frangible member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of treating a subject with aberrant cytokine release from a disease or condition or at risk of developing aberrant cytokine release from a disease or condition. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a compound represented by structural formula (I): (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The variables in structural formula (I) are as described herein.

Abstract: A rod reducer assembly is provided. The rod reducer includes a pedicle screw housing defining a rod-receiving passage therethrough. A tab is removably coupled to the pedicle screw housing by a frangible member. An extension is secured to the tab. The extension and the tab are separable from the pedicle screw housing upon application of a threshold force to the frangible member.

Abstract: A rod reducer assembly is provided. The rod reducer includes a pedicle screw housing defining a rod-receiving passage therethrough. A tab is removably coupled to the pedicle screw housing by a frangible member. An extension is secured to the tab. The extension and the tab are separable from the pedicle screw housing upon application of a threshold force to the frangible member.

Abstract: A computer system for an inventory management tool using a criticality measure is disclosed. The computer system has a memory, at least one input device, and a central processing unit in communication with the memory and the at least one input device. The central processing unit calculates an amount of existing inventory for one or more parts used to produce a product and determines a lead time to receive the one or more parts. The central processing unit also determines a build time to produce the parts into the product and receives a criticality measure for the product, the criticality measure indicating an order time for delivering the product. Further, the central processing unit adjusts a supply chain process for the parts based on the lead time, the build time, and the criticality measure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus comprise a conveyance structure to carry a tool into a wellbore. The conveyance structure contains an optical fiber line to enable communication between the tool and well surface equipment. In one implementation, the conveyance structure comprises a slickline. In another implementation, the conveyance structure includes another type of conveyance device that does not convey power and data separate from the fiber optic line.

Abstract: A stir friction pin tool has at least a portion of its distal end or tip which is either more rough than the cylindrical portion of the pin tool, or which has a surface roughness greater than 128 &mgr;″ regardless of the roughness of the cylindrical portion. The pin tool may include machined holes or slots, or may have an etched tip surface. The roughness aids in generating heat during the plunging portion of a stir friction welding or heating operation, to thereby reduce the overall time required for the operation.

Abstract: A stir friction pin tool has at least a portion of its distal end or tip which is either more rough than the cylindrical portion of the pin tool, or which has a surface roughness greater than 128&mgr;″ regardless of the roughness of the cylindrical portion. The pin tool may include machined holes or slots, or may have an etched tip surface. The roughness aids in generating heat during the plunging portion of a stir friction welding or heating operation, to thereby reduce the overall time required for the operation.

Abstract: A high pressure water gun for washing electrical insulators and other related articles, which gun has a barrel, a water inlet, a water outlet (nozzle), a pistol grip and a main body portion, which portion communicates with both the inlet and with a lower valve chamber separated from an upper piston chamber. A piston is vertically slidably mounted in the upper chamber. A check valve is slidably mounted horizontally in the lower chamber and is spring biased, when the gun is in the inoperative position. A port extends between the lower chamber and communicates with the upper chamber. Another port in the lower chamber communicates with the barrel. Water introduced into the inlet follows a dual path and ejects out of the nozzle with relatively little pull required on the trigger.

Abstract: A water gun having a barrel, a water inlet, a pistol grip and and a main body portion with an upper piston chamber in the main body portion communicating with the inlet and a lower valve chamber separated from the upper piston chamber. A piston is slidably mounted in the upper chamber and has an upper land engaging the inner wall of the upper chamber in non-sealing relationship and a lower land engaging the inner wall of the upper chamber in sealing relationship. A valve is slidably mounted in the lower chamber and includes a pair of spaced lands in sealing engagement with the inner wall of said lower chamber normally disposed on both sides of a port in a wall separating the upper chamber from the lower chamber when the gun is in inoperative position. A port also extends through the lower land and communicates the port in the wall with the area in the upper chamber above the lower land. A port in the body portion communicates the barrel with the lower chamber.

Abstract: Folding blank processing apparatus with scarifying means to scar, or distort, the surface of the paper or board of the blank to produce pock marked surface scarring on the blank adjacent a score line fold for the purpose of holding adhesive at the scarified area to complete the construction of a box, or other means, out of the folded blank.