Abstract: An irrigation mitigation runoff system that includes an irrigation system having at least one water outlet and a sensor that detects flow of water through a boundary. A controller is operatively coupled to the irrigation system and the sensor. Responsive to the sensor detecting flow of water through the boundary above a pre-defined threshold, the controller signals the irrigation system to pause irrigation.

Abstract: An irrigation mitigation runoff system that includes an irrigation system having at least one water outlet and a sensor that detects flow of water through a boundary. A controller is operatively coupled to the irrigation system and the sensor. Responsive to the sensor detecting flow of water through the boundary above a pre-defined threshold, the controller signals the irrigation system to pause irrigation.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for downloading an application over a network from a remote server to a client device, where the application includes a plurality of modules. A class for each module is created, where the class includes a constructor. A request to use a module of the application is received. Upon receiving the request, a determination is made as to whether the received request is a first request to use the module. If the received request is the first request to use the module, then the requested module is downloaded, the constructor is overwritten with the downloaded module and the constructor within the created class for the requested module is executed.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for downloading an application over a network from a remote server to a client device, where the application includes a plurality of modules. A class for each module is created, where the class includes a constructor. A request to use a module of the application is received. Upon receiving the request, a determination is made as to whether the received request is a first request to use the module. If the received request is the first request to use the module, then the requested module is downloaded, the constructor is overwritten with the downloaded module and the constructor within the created class for the requested module is executed.

Abstract: An automatic computer operated ramping method and system for extrusion coating wire by an extrusion coating system has an extruder that is driven by an extruder motor and a capstan that draws a wire through the extruder and that is driven by a capstan motor. The automatic ramping method and system determines the speed of the capstan motor while monitoring the extruder head pressure of the extruder with a pressure gage, accelerates the speed of the capstan motor and the speed of the extruder motor while continuously monitoring the extruder head pressure so long as the extruder head pressure is below a predetermined limit, and stops the acceleration of the speed of the capstan motor and the speed of the extruder motor when the extruder head pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure limit, and resumes the acceleration when the extruder head pressure is below the predetermined pressure limit until a desired production speed is reached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and fixing vertebral bodies is provided. The vertebral alignment system of the current invention comprises an integrated system of alignment rods, cannulated pedicle screws, filler plugs and fixation hardware. The components are designed such that a surgeon can accurately manipulate and align vertebral bodies using the removable alignment rods attached to the cannulated pedicle screws and to enable the installation of fixation system hardware while the alignment rods are still in place. A system and method for aligning vertebral bodies using the vertebral alignment system of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A fan (10) is disclosed having a downrod (11), a motor (12), a motor housing (13) substantially encasing the motor (12), and blades (14) mounted to the motor housing (13). Each blade (14) has an air intake scoop (16 adjacent to and extending from the motor housing (13). The interior space (17) created by the intake scoop (16) is in fluid communication with an opening (18) extending through the motor housing (13). Rotational movement of the air intake scoops (16) create airstreams which are directed to the electric motor for ventilation purposes.

Abstract: Expandable implants for repair of a defect in an intervertebral disc or in a cancellous bone fracture, and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the defect. The implants [generally comprise a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion into the defect, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the defect. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the defect. The composition used to make the implant can include a shape memory alloy (SMA), Elasthane™ polyetherurethane, or any other suitable material. Further, multiple implants can be used to repair a single defect. The implants can be inserted into the defect by various types of insertion devices, including a needle that provides for percutaneous delivery.

Abstract: Expandable implants for intervertebral disc repair, and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the disc. The present implants can also be used for repair of bone fractures. The implants generally comprise a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion into a defect in the intervertebral disc, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the defect. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the defect in the disc. The defect in the disc can be an annular defect that resulted from repair of a herniation of the disc, or a nucleus that needs to be repaired. The composition used to make the implant can comprise a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other suitable material.

Abstract: A screw-clamp assembly is useful for connecting a pair of spine rods in a spinal fixation system. The screw-clamp assembly includes an upper half-clamp, a lower half-clamp, an anchor screw, and a nut for clamping the half-clamps together. The upper and lower half-clamps mate to define a pair of openings for receiving the spine rods. The anchor screw is placed through an aperture in the lower half-clamp, an aperture in the upper half-clamp, and is threaded into a nut. By tightening the nut, the half-clamps are drawn together to securely grip the spine rods. A pair of screw clamp assemblies are arranged with perpendicular openings to be combined with a transverse rod to form a transverse connector assembly for bridging a pair of generally parallel spine rods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining a credit card account with a medical services or insurance account. A client establishes a credit card account and links the credit card account to an insurance policy or medical services account. The client uses the credit card and generates rebates used to offset the cost of the insurance policy or make payments into the medical services account. The form of the rebate depends on the type of insurance policy or medical services account selected by the client. An interactive Web site is provided for creation, coordination, and monitoring of the linked credit card accounts and insurance policies. A client uses the interactive Web site to explore different insurance policies and the effects of using credit card rebates to offset the price of an insurance policy. The interactive Web site also provides services for the client to maintain and monitor the linked accounts.

Abstract: A display case is provided for displaying collectible items such as photographs, trading cards, stamps or coins. The display case includes a compartment for holding the collectible and a magnifying lens for viewing the details of at least one side of the collectible. An opening is provided in the compartment to allow the insertion of the collectible. The collectible is sealed in the compartment by a seal. By sealing the collectible within the compartment of such a display case, the collectible is not only protected from physical damage, it is also protected from exposure to moisture, air and any airborne contaminants. The magnifying lens permits the details of the collectible to be viewed without fear of damage to the collectible as may occur with physical handling. The seal may be either temporary or permanent. A temporary seal is useful where a collector desires to display different collectibles in a single display case at different times.

Abstract: An electrically conductive substrate (20) is etched by providing an etchant solution having finely divided, electrically conductive particles (40) mixed therein. The electrically conductive particles (40) are made of a material that is cathodic to the substrate (20) and does not dissolve into the etchant solution, with a preferred such material being graphite. The substrate (20) is placed into the etchant solution having the particles (40) therein so that the particles (40) contact the substrate (20), and etched for a period of time sufficient to remove a desired amount of the substrate material. The substrate (20) may be provided with an apertured mask (24) prior to being placed into the etchant solution.