Abstract: A pedicle screw system and methods of using same, the system including a pedicle screw with a screw head and a rod support housing with a head capture opening surrounded by relief slots. The rod support housing has an interior gripping ridge and an exterior locking groove. Pressing the screw head into the head capture opening results in regions of the rod support housing between the relief slots flexing outwardly to allow the screw head to pass over the gripping ridge, and the regions to cease flexing outwardly after the screw head is seated within the rod support housing. Pressing a locking ring over the head capture opening causes regions of the rod support housing between the relief slots to flex inwardly and allow a locking tab of the locking ring to pass into the locking groove, after which the regions cease flexing inwardly.

Abstract: In a hydrocracking process, the hydrocarbon feed is processed by a guard reactor operating at maximum severity temperatures. The processing in the guard reactor maximizes the removal of metals and performs hydrodenitrogenation steps and hydrodesulfurization steps. The demetallized and partially desulfurized and denitrogenized hydrocarbon feed is then sent to a treating reactor for further hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodesulfurization before being sent further downstream for further hydrocracking processing.

Abstract: An electronic switching module for connecting first and second throttle assemblies to an electronic control module of a vehicle that controls an engine of the vehicle includes first throttle assembly ports adapted to receive first throttle primary sensor position data and first throttle secondary sensor position data and second throttle assembly ports adapted to receive second throttle primary sensor position data and second throttle secondary sensor position data. A controller is connected to the first and second throttle assembly ports and an electronic control module port and is adapted to receive and compare the first throttle primary sensor position data and the first throttle secondary sensor position data and send an engine idle signal to the electronic control module via the electronic control module port when the comparison does not show a first predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An electronic switching module for connecting first and second throttle assemblies to an electronic control module of a vehicle that controls an engine of the vehicle includes first throttle assembly ports adapted to receive first throttle primary sensor position data and first throttle secondary sensor position data and second throttle assembly ports adapted to receive second throttle primary sensor position data and second throttle secondary sensor position data. A controller is connected to the first and second throttle assembly ports and an electronic control module port and is adapted to receive and compare the first throttle primary sensor position data and the first throttle secondary sensor position data and send an engine idle signal to the electronic control module via the electronic control module port when the comparison does not show a first predetermined relationship.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for providing protected computer communications. The present invention may provide for computer communications where in response to a receipt of a communication at a first computing facility from a second computing facility, the first computing facility may be caused to send a request to a compliance center for security compliance information relating to the second computing facility. In response to the request for security compliance information, the first computing facility may receive compliance information related to the second computing facility, which may cause the first computing facility to perform an action regulating further communications from the second computing facility if the second computing facility security compliance information indicates that the second client computing facility is not compliant with a current security policy.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for accessing a DNS server, where the DNS server may be a DNS server within the control of a administrator. A pair of name and IP address may be stored on the DNS server. A client may then transmit the name to a DNS server to request the DNS server to lookup the IP address related to the client transmitted name. This client to DNS server communication may be performed as part of a network request from the client. The IP address may then be returned to the client in response to the connection request, which may allow the client to interpret the return of the security IP address as an indication of a known DNS server and therefore a known network. As a result, the client may then be able to set its security rules according to known network rules.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for providing protected computer communications. The present invention may provide for computer communications where in response to a receipt of a communication at a first computing facility from a second computing facility, the first computing facility may be caused to send a request to a compliance center for security compliance information relating to the second computing facility. In response to the request for security compliance information, the first computing facility may receive compliance information related to the second computing facility, which may cause the first computing facility to perform an action regulating further communications from the second computing facility if the second computing facility security compliance information indicates that the second client computing facility is not compliant with a current security policy.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for accessing a DNS server, where the DNS server may be a DNS server within the control of a administrator. A pair of name and IP address may be stored on the DNS server. A client may then transmit the name to a DNS server to request the DNS server to lookup the IP address related to the client transmitted name. This client to DNS server communication may be performed as part of a network request from the client. The IP address may then be returned to the client in response to the connection request, which may allow the client to interpret the return of the security IP address as an indication of a known DNS server and therefore a known network. As a result, the client may then be able to set its security rules according to known network rules.

Abstract: A unique one piece container cover (20) made from a single blank of flexible insulating material (36) and constructed so the tubular container cover (20) is closed at the bottom and open at the top with a flap (28) that when pulled over the enclosed container (39), integrally forms a complete seal (38) with the cover body (22) thus encapsulating the container (39) providing insulation to keep the container (39) contents either hot or cold while also protecting container (39) from outside contamination. The container cover (20) works with various sizes and shapes of bottles, containers or cans. The multipurpose cover (20) can be used without attachments for use in a bike cage, diaper bag, travel bag or the like. The cover (20) can also be fitted with various attachments for hiking, running, backpacking, golf, carrying baby bottles or the like. The cover (20) is efficient, cost effective, lightweight, durable, easy to use and clean, and can be produced in many colors with graphics.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical mirror assembly comprising; a mirror disc tapered on its a rear surface to a reduced thickness at the outer perimeter, a puller attached to the central region of the rear surface, a tensioner applying axial tension to the puller, and a perimeter support engaging the perimeter of the disc and reacting the axial tension into an axial compression force on the perimeter of the mirror disc and flexing it into a desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a structure for holding and forming an optical mirror disc. A puller plate is attached to an elastic layer to the back surface of the mirror. A tensioner applies axial tension to the puller plate. A perimeter support engages the perimeter of the disc and reacts the axial tension into an axial compression force acting on the perimeter of the disc, flexing the disc into a desired shape.