Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X and X1 are as defined herein. These compounds are useful in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the prevention or treatment of a fungal disease. Compounds of formula (I), and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, may also be used as agricultural fungicides.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus includes a first C-shaped beam frame spaced apart from a second C-shaped beam frame. A first air cylinder is suspended from the first beam frame and a second air cylinder is mounted on the second beam frame. A carriage assembly is situated adjacent to the first and the second air cylinders. At least two pairs of guide members are supported on opposing corners of a support member of the carriage assembly. The pairs of guide members guide the carriage assembly along a longitudinal extent of the first and the second beam frames. The guide members travel along distal edges of flanges of the beam frames. A power operated means actuates movement of the carriage assembly along the first and second beam frames. A rope guide sheave is supported by the carriage assembly for free rotation.

Abstract: A cervical spinal fixation system that offers a strong and stable construct for maximum fusion augmentation and yet is versatile enough for any patient and is easy to use. A method of implanting a fusion plate is disclosed where the plate includes at least two primary fastener openings. In one embodiment the method includes the step of the throat of the patient being opened which provides access to the spinal column of the patient. The fusion plate can be inserted into the throat opening, and the fusion plate is then positioned on the spinal column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spinal fusion at the facet joint using an irregularly shaped implant where the orientation of the implant can be preselected before implantation.

Abstract: An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate collecting data within a wireless communications network. A device can be connected to a wireless communications network. A retrieval component incorporated into the wireless communications network can automatically collect identification data associated with the device, the identification data specifies the type of device connected to the wireless communications network.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for staking a hardened shaft in bores in a hydraulic lifter body, the shaft is inserted into the bores such that the shaft ends are substantially flush with the bore exits which are slightly chamfered to receive staked material displaced from the shaft. Mechanical rams that also define a first electrode are advanced axially of the shaft into contact with the shaft ends. A second electrode is brought into contact with the lifter body. Electric current is passed between the electrodes, causing resistive heating of the body and the shaft ends. The time and applied amperage are sufficient to cause softening of the shaft ends, at which time the current is switched off, and the first electrode is then driven against the shaft ends, causing the ends to be radially expanded into the chamfers. The remainder of the shaft is not softened nor retempered.

Abstract: What is provided is a fixation system that offers a strong and stable construct for maximum fusion augmentation and yet is versatile enough for any patient and is easy to use. Disclosed is a connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant, the assembly comprising: a body, the body including a body opening for receiving at least a portion of a first connector; a swivel having first and second ends and being operatively connected to the body, the first end including a swivel opening for receiving at least a portion of a second connector; a locking plate having an arm at least partially extending into the body opening; a locking unit operatively connected to the body and contacting the second end of the swivel; and whereby activation of the locking unit causes the arm to engage the first connector and swivel opening to engage the second connector thereby preventing relative rotation between the first and second connectors.

Abstract: One method of the invention is for welding and includes obtaining first and second members each including an extrusion having a through hole and includes obtaining first and second electrodes each having an electrode portion. The second member is positioned to have the second extrusion nest in the first through hole against the first extrusion. The first electrode is positioned to have the first-electrode portion nest in the second through hole against the inside of the second extrusion. The second electrode is positioned to have the second-electrode portion contact the outside of the first extrusion. Another method of the invention is for welding and includes obtaining a tube having an end form and a member having first and second portions. The tube and the member are positioned with the end form contacting the first portion while leaving a recess between the end form and the second portion.

Abstract: One method for welding includes obtaining a heat-exchanger tube having an outward fold. The tube is inserted at least partially through the orifice of a tubesheet with the fold contacting one of the outward and inward facing sides of the tubesheet. A first electrode is positioned in contact with the outward fold and a second electrode in contact with the one side of the tubesheet. Another method for welding includes obtaining a heat-exchanger tube having a tube end. The tube is inserted at least partially through the orifice of a tubesheet. A first electrode is positioned in contact with the first tube end and a second electrode is positioned in contact with one of the outward and inward facing sides of the tubesheet. The first electrode is moved against the first tube end to create an outward fold with the outward fold contacting the one side of the tubesheet.

Abstract: Welding apparatus includes a first electrode having an electrode surface adapted to contact an outward end fold of a heat-exchanger tube which is positioned in an orifice of a tubesheet with the fold contacting an outward-facing side of the tubesheet. A second electrode has an electrode surface adapted to contact the outward-facing side of the tubesheet. Another welding apparatus includes a first electrode having an electrode surface adapted to contact an end of a heat exchanger tube positioned in an orifice of a tubesheet. The first electrode is movable to create an outward end fold in the tube and deform the fold against the outward-facing side of the tubesheet. Another welding apparatus includes a second electrode having an electrode surface adapted to contact the outward-facing side of a tubesheet and having cutouts which surround each of a plurality of heat-exchanger tubes and which are adapted to receive a first electrode.

Abstract: A nitrile compound is prepared by treating a solid supported amide to dehydrate it and cleave it from the support in one operation. The preparation involves acetylation of the amide compound in the presence of a base at a temperature of less than 100° C.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing thermoplastic sheet products. The product produced from the method consisting of at least three layers with the inner layer being a foamed core. The product having significant cost and weight reduction and improved performance properties over solid sheet products currently being produced by standard industry practices.