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: 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: The present invention relates to an intervertebral prosthetic disk. The prosthesis includes a male component with a support plate, an attachment element allowing fixation to a vertebra, and an articulating projection defining a concave lower surface. The prosthesis also includes a female component with a support plate, an attachment element allowing fixation to a vertebra, and a circular pocket with a flat bottom and angled walls suitable for receiving the articulating projection. A generally hemispheric bearing is provided between the male and female components. The hemispheric bearing includes an upper convex surface for cooperating with the concave lower surface of the articulating projection of the male component and a flat lower surface for cooperating with the flat bottom surface of the circular pocket of the female component.

Abstract: A transverse connector is provided that is useful for adding rigidity to a spinal fixation system employing a pair of generally parallel spine rods. The transverse connector includes a body portion with a longitudinal aperture for receiving a shaft of an adjusting arm such that the adjusting arm can slide into and out of the longitudinal aperture. The body and adjusting arm, while being in sliding engagement for adjustment of the length of the transverse connector, are secured to one another by a set screw threaded into a threaded aperture provided on the body portion. The threaded aperture is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal aperture so that the tip of the set screw will form an interference fit against the shaft of the adjusting arm. Each of the body and adjusting arm includes a clamping assembly consisting of a pair of clamp halves which cooperate to grip one of the spine rods. Each pair of clamp halves fastens to a different one of the spine rods.