Abstract: Systems and methods for EMC, EMI and ESD testing are described. A probe comprises a center conductor extending along an axis of the probe, a probe tip, and a shield coaxially aligned with the center conductor and configured to provide electromagnetic screening for the probe tip. One or more actuators may change the relative positions of the probe tip and shield with respect to a device under test, thereby enabling control of sensitivity and resolution of the probe.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for tensioning a surgical wire with a tensioning device and/or fixing bone with a surgical wire tensioned with a tensioning device.

Abstract: A method for categorizing body shape is provided comprising the steps of providing a data set of body shape-defining measurements of a portion of the body of interest from a plurality of subjects' bodies, wherein the measurements define a silhouette and profile (front and side) perspectives of the portion of the body of interest; conducting a principal component (PC) analysis of the data set of measurements to calculate and generate PC scores; conducting cluster analysis using the PC scores as independent variables to produce cluster analysis results; and establishing one or more body shape categories from the cluster analysis results, thereby categorizing body shapes of the plurality of subjects. A shape prototyping system is also provided for designing a custom fit garment for an individual subject, the system being based on the method for categorizing body shape.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for tensioning a surgical wire with a tensioning device and/or fixing bone with a surgical wire tensioned with a tensioning device.

Abstract: A method and device for percutaneously mating a spinal connecting rod to spinal screws utilizing guide wires. Numerous embodiments are described whereby a connecting rod is passed over a guide wire through the skin and into the heads of spinal screws.

Abstract: A method for treating disorders of the spine by placing a stimulating electrode into the disc space. The method of treatment and means of applying the technique are given.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement prosthesis for placement between a first vertebra and a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra. In one embodiment, the intervertebral disc replacement prosthesis includes a resilient member, which is formed from a single flat member, and three support members. The support members are housed in the resilient member that is arranged, in use, to be secured to the first and second vertebrae. The intervertebral disc prosthesis can generate a coupled motion in more than one possible direction responsive to a possible movement of at least one of the first and second vertebrae, among the resilient member, the first support member, the second support member, and the third support member.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous interbody preparation and placement of an interbody device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a guide mechanism into the disc space from a posterolateral orientation and then working over the guide mechanism with cannulated, self-distracting tools and implants to prepare and place the desired implant. Means for performing the percutaneous interbody preparation and implant placement procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous interbody preparation and placement of an interbody device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting dilators into the interbody space and then working through a tube to prepare the interbody space and place an implant. Once the device is placed, the tube is removed.

Abstract: A device, or series of devices, for use in stabilizing two or more vertebrae of the spine—specifically, a wire rope which is used with pedicle screws as a dynamic spinal stabilization system, thereby allowing limited motion of the vertebrae. The system may also allow load transfer to an intervertebral bone graft or bone graft substitute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating, preventing, or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and/or dementia in mammals. More particularly, the invention relates to method of administration of compositions containing defined chemical species useful for treating, preventing, or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and/or dementia in mammals. In some embodiments, a composition used in connection with such methods comprises one or more of 1) thyroid hormone and 2) cyclo(His-Pro) and a zinc salt. Such compositions may also be used to treat metabolic syndrome and cerebrovascular diseases.

Abstract: A light generating device such as a VCSEL includes a light generation layer, a top reflector, a bottom reflector, and a high thermal conductivity (HTC) layer between the light generation layer and the bottom reflector. The light generation layer is adapted to generate light having a first wavelength. Heat produced at the light generation layer is more efficiently dissipated due to the presence of the HTC layer. Alternatively, a light generating device such as a VCSEL includes a light generation layer, a top reflector, and a high thermal conductivity (HTC) bottom reflector. Heat produced at the light generation layer is more efficiently dissipated due to the fact that the bottom reflector is a HTC DBR reflector having lower thermal resistivity than a conventional DBR reflector.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis for placement between a first vertebra and a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra. In one embodiment, the intervertebral disc prosthesis includes a resilient member, a first support member and a second support member. The first support member and the second support member are housed into the resilient member that is arranged, in use, to be secured to the first vertebra and the second vertebra, respectively. The intervertebral disc prosthesis can generate a coupled motion in more than one possible direction responsive to a possible movement of at least one of the first vertebra and the second vertebra, among the resilient member, the first support member and the second support member.

Abstract: A system for illustrating sound and text including a book with pages having illustrations and/or text, at least some of the pages including a magnetic signature; a book holder adapted to accept the book, the book holder having a reading surface with a magnetic signature sensor, cartridge slot, a reading controller, a speaker, and a power supply; and a cartridge adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot, the cartridge including stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages; wherein the magnetic signature sensory is predisposed to detect and make direct contact with the magnetic signature on the pages as they are turned by a user viewing the book, and wherein the reading controller is adapted to interact with the magnetic signature sensory to determine a given page that the user is viewing responsive to the direct contact between the magnetic signature sensor and the magnetic signature on the given page, and to retrieve audio representations and/or text stored on the cart

Abstract: The present invention relates to dietary supplementing methods useful for controlling obesity. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of administration of compositions containing defined chemical species useful for prevention and treatment of obesity. In a preferred embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions used in connection with the present invention comprise: (1) a zinc salt, (2) cyclo-Hispro and/or (3) arachidonic acid, and (4) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of manufacturing of preparing a soybean protein hydrolysate (SPH) comprising cyclo-Hispro.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fastening a percutaneous medical device to bone is presented, comprising an anchor which comprises an outer threaded segment and an inner cavity comprising an inner threaded segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dietary supplementing methods useful for controlling obesity. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of administration of compositions containing defined chemical species useful for prevention and treatment of obesity. In a preferred embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions used in connection with the present invention comprise: (1) a zinc salt, (2) cyclo-Hispro and/or (3) arachidonic acid, and (4) at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of manufacturing of preparing a soybean protein hydrolysate (SPH) comprising cyclo-Hispro.

Abstract: A system for illustrating sound and text including a book with pages having illustrations and/or text, at least some of the pages including a magnetic signature; a book holder adapted to accept the book, the book holder having a reading surface with a magnetic signature sensor, cartridge slot, a reading controller, a speaker, and a power supply; and a cartridge adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot, the cartridge including stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages; wherein the magnetic signature sensory is predisposed to detect and make direct contact with the magnetic signature on the pages as they are turned by a user viewing the book, and wherein the reading controller is adapted to interact with the magnetic signature sensory to determine a given page that the user is viewing responsive to the direct contact between the magnetic signature sensor and the magnetic signature on the given page, and to retrieve audio representations and/or text stored on the cart

Abstract: A method and system (10) for illustrating sound and text comprising a book (18) with pages (20) including illustrations and/or text, wherein at least some of the pages (20) include magnetic signatures (24). The system further includes a book holder (12) adapted to accept the book (18). As such, the book holder (12) has a reading surface (14) with a magnetic signature sensor (16), a cartridge slot (36), a reading controller (42), a speaker (44), and a power supply (46). The system also comprises a cartridge (34) adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot (36). The cartridge (34) includes stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages (20). The magnetic signature sensor (16) is predisposed to detect the magnetic signatures (24) on the pages (20) as they are turned by a user viewing the book (18).

Abstract: A method and system (10) for illustrating sound and text comprising a book (18) with pages (20) including illustrations and/or text, wherein at least some of the pages (20) include magnetic signatures (24). The system further includes a book holder (12) adapted to accept the book (18). As such, the book holder (12) has a reading surface (14) with a magnetic signature sensor (16), a cartridge slot (36), a reading controller (42), a speaker (44), and a power supply (46). The system also comprises a cartridge (34) adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot (36). The cartridge (34) includes stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages (20). The magnetic signature sensor (16) is predisposed to detect the magnetic signatures (24) on the pages (20) as they are turned by a user viewing the book (18).