Abstract: A method for making a fluid-processing apparatus involves mixing a colloidal suspension with a matrix material, applying the mixture to a surface of a conduit, and curing the applied mixture to provide a conductive coating. A fluid-processing apparatus includes a conduit and a conductive layer adjacent to a surface of the conduit. The conductive layer includes graphite particles embedded in a matrix. The fluid-processing apparatus supports, for example, electrospray-ionization for mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, or capillary electro-chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to bioactive composites of polymer and glass and, more particularly, to bioactive implants. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing bioactive composites. The bioactive composite finds utility in a variety of load-bearing clinical applications including spine, orthopaedic and dental procedures.

Abstract: Methods of preparing bioactive composites are described. Also described are methods of molding such composites. Shaped bodies comprising bioactive composites are further described.

Abstract: A union for coupling two or more segments of tubing or optical fiber, having an elastomeric core with two or more tubular sections encased in a through bore of a union body, the ends of the union body bore having compression nuts having through bores for insertion of segments of tubing or optical fiber to be coupled, which, tubular sections, when compressed by the compression nuts, deform radially inwardly to hold and seal the segments of tubing or optical fiber inserted therein.

Abstract: Devices and kits, and methods of their use, for the delivery of viscous compositions are described.

Abstract: Devices for facilitating access to a surgical situs, as well as methods of their use, are described.

Abstract: A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The level of precious-metal inclusions in glass products, e.g., glass substrates for liquid crystal displays, is reduced by stirring molten glass in a stir chamber (11) under conditions such that the magnitude of the shear stress ? on the chamber's wall (19) and on the surfaces of the stirrer (13) is reduced while at the same time, the Q•E product for the system is kept high, where Q is the flow of glass through the stirring system and E is the system's stirring effectiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of a biological composite and a method, kit, and system for preparing a biological composite is described herein. The biological composite includes both inorganic and biological materials.

Abstract: An access control system for an electronic entertainment device includes a processor and a memory comprising access control instructions for execution by the processor. The instructions periodically present a set of working queries during execution of an entertainment software application, accept answers to the working queries, and allow access to, or terminate, the entertainment software application based on the answers. Access is allowed for a supervisor configurable time period for each user and each entertainment software title.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing glass sheets with manufacturing systems that including platinum-containing components are provided. The method includes providing a barrier coating to reduce the hydrogen permeability of the platinum-containing components which reduces the propensity for blistering of glass sheets made using the components.

Abstract: Bioactive spinal implant materials having optimized radiopacity, stiffness, and bioactivity properties for formulation of shaped bodies capable of withstanding large dynamic, compressive loads are provided. The invention also provides methods of making the optimized implant materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of a biological composite and a method, kit, and system for preparing a biological composite is described herein. The biological composite includes both inorganic and biological materials.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing glass sheets with manufacturing systems that including platinum-containing components are provided. The method includes providing a barrier coating to reduce the hydrogen permeability of the platinum-containing components which reduces the propensity for blistering of glass sheets made using the components.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a body adapted to snugly and removably attach to the end of a person's finger, and has an extension tip forming a blunt tip extending from the front thereof and of sufficient size to interact with prompts on a small electronic device touchscreen. This device preferably has an opening in a bottom portion to allow full finger touch sensation and to allow a user to make direct contact with any interfaces of the electronic device, such as the touchscreen, or buttons, knobs, volume control, rollers, etc. Preferably, the preferred embodiment is constructed in one piece of resilient, but inexpensive, plastic or other material for universal sizing and practicality.

Abstract: A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The level of precious-metal inclusions in glass products, e.g., glass substrates for liquid crystal displays, is reduced by stirring molten glass in a stir chamber (11) under conditions such that the magnitude of the shear stress &tgr; on the chamber's wall (19) and on the surfaces of the stirrer (13) is reduced while at the same time, the Q•E product for the system is kept high, where Q is the flow of glass through the stirring system and E is the system's stirring effectiveness.

Abstract: Bioactive spinal implant materials having optimized radiopacity, stiffness, and bioactivity properties for formulation of shaped bodies capable of withstanding large dynamic, compressive loads are provided. The invention also provides methods of making the optimized implant materials.

Abstract: An adjustable picture hanger including a fixed length or a two-piece, adjustable, horizontal bar formed of two bar members having longitudinal slots and secured together by screw assemblies through the slots, holes in opposite ends of the horizontal bar for attaching the horizontal bar to a wall surface, and two vertical, horizontally spaced bars each having longitudinal slots and attached with screw assemblies to the horizontal bar members through the longitudinal slots in the horizontal bar members for vertical and horizontal adjustment of the vertical bars, and a picture hanger bracket screw along the upper end portion of each of the vertical bars for hanging the picture having two spaced hanger brackets along the back of the picture. The adjustable picture hanger may be made of lathe members which are rectangular in cross section or may be constructed of channel-shaped members forming either the horizontal and/or the vertical bars.