Abstract: The present invention includes intervertebral prosthetic devices and methods for installing intervertebral prosthetic devices into an intervertebral space. In one embodiment, an intervertebral prosthetic disc includes a superior endplate; an inferior endplate; and at least one protrusion element, wherein at least one of the superior endplate and the inferior endplate is adapted to receive the protrusion element. In another embodiment, the invention includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc having a superior endplate including a core retaining member; an inferior endplate including a core retaining member; and an asymmetric core positioned between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate, wherein the superior endplate and the inferior endplate are adapted to accommodate the core. The present invention also includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc system that includes an intervertebral prosthetic disc and at least one spring element.

Abstract: A feedthrough device includes a conductive ferrule having an outer peripheral surface defining the outermost boundary of the feedthrough device, an insulator, a lead wire electrically isolated from the ferrule extending through the insulator, a filter capacitor adjacent the insulator through which the lead wire extends in conductive relation therewith, and a ground wire coupled to the ferrule and to the insulator within the outermost boundary of the feedthrough device. The ferrule has an inner peripheral surface defining an opening therethrough and each of the insulator and the filter capacitor has an outer peripheral surface proximate the inner peripheral surface, a counterbore in the outer peripheral surface of each of the insulator and filter capacitor, an end of the ground wire being received in the counterbore and brazed to the ferrule and insulator. Alternatively, an end of the ground wire is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule.

Abstract: A connector system for use with a sealed implantable medical device has a lead receiving channel with an open end for slidably receiving a connecting lead tip pin of an electrical lead and includes an electrically conductive connector body and a tip assembly coaxial with the connector body mounted on the proximal end thereof for slidably engageably receiving the lead tip pin. The tip assembly includes an electrically conductive retention mechanism for achieving and maintaining electrical continuity with the lead tip pin and for firmly engaging the lead tip pin as it is inserted into the lead receiving channel. The retention mechanism includes a tubular carrier coaxial with the connector body, a plurality of bearing members rotatably mounted on the tubular carrier engageable with the lead tip pin, and a resilient member biasing the bearing members into engagement with the lead tip pin.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for repairing and/or restoring function to a damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy facet joint, lamina, posterior ligament, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are effective to mimic the natural function of the posterior elements, preferably without necessarily mimicking the anatomy, by allowing a high degree of flexibility between two adjacent vertebrae when the vertebrae are moved within a first range of motion, and by controlling movement of the adjacent vertebrae within a second range of motion beyond the first range of motion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one logic storage unit which has a clock input. The apparatus also includes a logic circuit associated with the at least one logic storage unit. The logic circuit is capable of selectively preventing a clock signal from being applied to the clock input of the at least one logic storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds useful as selective serine protease or dual-serine protease inhibitors, compositions thereof and methods for treating serine protease or dual-serine protease mediated disorders.

Abstract: Electronic asset disposal request forms are created, approved, and forwarded to a surplus property disposal professional who then may modify and supplement the electronic request forms to create electronic postings that are accessible over a computer network to interested potential buyers. The potential buyer may then create an offer which is processed electronically. The surplus property professional may have discretion to determine which potential buyers are eligible to participate and whether to invoke an automated “last and final” bidding process, as well as the ability to select between a simple “for sale” posting and a “closed bid” posting. Details of pending auctions may be automatically circulated to participants in prior auctions of similar items and to other registered buyers who have expressed interest in those types of items. The result is a flexible mechanism that is fair and efficient for all concerned.

Abstract: The invention provides a fusion protein including a reporter polypeptide, a linker polypeptide comprising a protease cleavage site, and a repressor polypeptide. The repressor polypeptide represses the activity of the reporter polypeptide by conferring a specific localization in a cell that reduces activity of the reporter activity until the cleavage site is cleaved. A method is also provided for identifying a protease that recognizes a specific protease cleavage site. The invention further provides a method of identifying a compound that activates a protease.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one logic storage unit which has a clock input. The apparatus also includes a logic circuit associated with the at least one logic storage unit. The logic circuit is capable of selectively preventing a clock signal from being applied to the clock input of the at least one logic storage unit.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant genetics and biochemistry. More specifically, the present invention relates to genes affecting the level and composition of oil in plants. In particular, the present invention is directed to methods for increasing the oil level in plants and seeds. Moreover, the present invention includes and provides methods for producing plants and obtaining seeds with altered fatty acid composition.

Abstract: An opt-in based system for displaying targeted content (e.g. advertisements) to a viewer is described. Viewer profiles and content profiles are automatically generated from forms filled out by viewers and content providers respectively. In a preferred client-based embodiment, content that best matches a viewer profile is downloaded from a server and stored on the corresponding viewer's set top box. When a trigger signifying a content-insertion break (e.g. a commercial break) is detected, locally stored targeted content is selected and displayed to the viewer via the set top box. In a server-based embodiment, content that best matches a viewer profile is embedded in program content and sent to a viewing unit for display to the viewer.

Abstract: A manipulator for servicing tubes extending through a tube sheet having three major components: a base member, a block member, and a foot member. The base member has a holder for supporting tooling or inspection devices. The base member also has at least one gripper for releasably gripping a tube extending through the tube sheet. The block member is connected to the base member for linear movement and rotation relative to the base member. The foot member is connected to the block member for linear movement relative to the block member. The foot member has at least one, and preferably two grippers, for releasably gripping a tube extending through the tube sheet. The manipulator supports itself using the two sets of expandable and translatable grippers that anchor into the tube ends and can move from tube to tube by alternately engaging each set of grippers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to substituted heterocyclic acyl-tripeptides useful as thrombin receptor modulators, their use in wound healing and preventing platelet aggregation. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the substituted heterocyclic acyl-tripeptides of the present invention and methods of treating conditions mediated by the thrombin receptor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to phosphonic acid compounds useful as serine protease inhibitors, compositions thereof and methods for treating inflammatory and serine protease mediated disorders.

Abstract: A hook and torpedo head weight are inserted through a narrow passageway into a cavity shaped to receive the weight in a cast rubber simulation of a live bait. The hook protrudes out the passageway. A fish line attaching eyelet on the head protrudes through a pre-cast forward opening in the simulated bait lure. The bait lure is cast of rubberized material in a variety of sizes and shapes depending on the target fish and its environment. The head is molded in a variety of sizes and weights to match the fish component and to account for the versatility for fishing the lure in shallow or deep waters. The bait lure simulates the look, posture, and motion of the live bait.

Abstract: The invention is directed to substituted heterocyclic acyl-tripeptides useful as thrombin receptor modulators, their use in wound healing and preventing platelet aggregation. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the substituted heterocyclic acyl-tripeptides of the present invention and methods of treating conditions mediated by the thrombin receptor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds useful as selective serine protease or dual-serine protease inhibitors, compositions thereof and methods for treating serine protease or dual-serine protease mediated disorders.

Abstract: A method and assembly are provided for cleaning and refilling wares for delivering food, e.g. trays, plates, bowls and cutlery, as might be used on airlines and in the health care industry. The wares are provided in sets and kept together in sets. After washing of each set, it is cooled if necessary and is allocated to one of a plurality of distinct refilling lines for refilling and reuse. This can be achieved by providing a conveyor line along which are arranged a washer, dryer and cooling unit to keep the wares together, and a refilling station downstream of the conveyor. The invention provides a basket including a base portion and a frame portion. The frame portion is insertable into the base portion, and may be replaced by other frames to accommodate different sets of wares. Separate lines can be provided for galley and business class wares, and, simultaneously, commissary carts can be replenished in a separate area.

Abstract: A system and method of predicting disease behavior is disclosed that includes one or more independent components that also interact to produce a prediction of disease behavior based on mathematical modeling of the biological mechanisms and historical patient data.

Abstract: A system for detecting a digital camera failure captures an image with the digital camera. The system compresses the image into a compressed image file and compares the size of the compressed image file with a predetermined file size. A digital camera failure is indicated if the size of the compressed image file is greater than a predetermined upper limit file size or less than a predetermined lower file size limit. The system may also compare the number of pixels of a predetermined color with the total number of pixels of the captured image. A digital camera failure is indicated if the number of pixels of the predetermined color is greater than a predetermined percentage of the total number of pixels of the captured image.