Abstract: To protect sensitive data in program code, a method includes providing a programming interface with a capability of allocating a protected region of memory which can only be accessed by authorized code. Sensitive data present in program code is stored in the protected region of memory. The method includes marking parts of code in a program as authorized or not authorized to access the sensitive data, and determining if that part of a program which is executing is authorized to access protected data by reference to the marking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linerless closure cap for a container, especially a resealable linerless closure cap for a container.

Abstract: An intervertebral distraction tool has a clamshell head with upper and lower halves, each having a curvate outer surface and a flat inner surface. The distal side of the head is hinged so that the head opens and closes from the proximal side of the head. The hinge is a separating hinge that allows the halves to not only angulate with respect to one another about the hinge axis, but also to vertically separate from one another at the hinge. A distraction separator has decreasing taper at its distal end and a longitudinal bore that accommodates the elongate shaft of the trial so that the separator can be moved longitudinally relative to the shaft. Upon forward movement of the separator, the tapred upper and lower surfaces engage the flat inner surfaces of the head, causing the halves to angulate about the hinge axis of the head, thereby opening the head.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that provide regulatory data associated with chemical products. Methods and systems are provided for identifying constituents of the chemical products and for obtaining regulatory data and other information associated with the chemical products. Regulatory data and other chemical data can be obtained from various sources, including government agencies and other regulatory authorities in plural jurisdictions, states and countries. Included in the regulatory data is information that governs handling, shipping, selling, storing, use and disposal of the chemical products. Systems and methods are described that provide improved and automate access to relevant regulatory data.

Abstract: A process for producing a stable polymer such as poly(hydroxystyrene) which comprises the decarboxylation of a corresponding phenolic in the presence of a non-amine basic catalyst and a polar organic solvent, followed by the polymerization thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting particulate bone from the operating site during an osteotomy or bone drilling procedure so that it can be used subsequently to augment the bone fusion process. A bone cutting or drilling tool is provided with a module for collecting particulate bone simultaneously with cutting or drilling the bone. The collected particulate bone is transferred continuously to a sterile containment module and maintained under sterile conditions until it is prepared for re-use in the patient.

Abstract: The invention pertains to adjustable bone plates which comprise one or more sets of first members and second members. The first members and second members are releaseably secured to each other by attachment means and locking means, and two or more set of first members and second members are connected by bridging means. The longitudinal and lateral dimensions of the bone plates may be adjustable.

Abstract: Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull flap or they can be installed after the skull flap is reattached using the strip fasteners. In some embodiments, the cranial plug(s) and strip fasteners can be installed at the same time. The strip fasteners and cranial plugs are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement compositions to the surgical site.

Abstract: An orthopedic spacer device comprising a spacer body having an external surface that includes at least two relative angle designation marks such that a rotational angle of the spacer body relative to a known reference is determinable.

Abstract: Longitudinal plates and center plates for a bone plate assembly which comprise one or more protrusions. The bone plate assemblies comprise longitudinal plates and optional center plates with connecting rods and further have observation windows and protrusions. Also, methods for treating broken bones of a patient by applying the longitudinal plates and center plates.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of polycarbonate by combining methane and inlet water to produce methanol, converting the methanol to propylene, gasoline aromatics, and gasoline olefins, converting the propylene and gasoline olefins to hydrogen, first benzene, and toluene, reacting the first benzene with propylene to form cumene, reacting the cumene with oxygen to form cumene hydroperoxide, cleaving the cumene hydroperoxide to produce acetone and phenol, reacting the phenol, additional phenol, and acetone to produce a dihydric aromatic compound, and reacting the dihydric aromatic compound with a carbonate precursor to form polycarbonate.

Abstract: A polyaxial drill guide includes a body, a collet and a stem. The collet includes a collet shaft having distal and proximal ends and a longitudinal bore. The body includes a conical bore having narrow and wide ends. The distal end of the collet shaft rotatably mounts within the narrow end of the conical bore, with the collet shaft extending toward the wide end of the conical bore, such that the collet shaft (and consequently the longitudinal bore) can be angled within the conical bore at a plurality of angles. The stem includes a shaft having distal and proximal ends and a longitudinal bore. The distal end of the stem shaft mounts to the proximal end of the collet shaft such that the longitudinal bores are co-linear and a drill bit can be inserted into and rotated within the longitudinal bores during a drilling procedure.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device includes a first plate and a second plate, each plate having an outer surface for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces. The device includes a ball captured in a central opening of a coupling element, the coupling element being maintained against the first plate by a retaining ring coupled with the first plate.

Abstract: A bipolar plate supported solid oxide fuel cell with a sealed anode compartment is provided. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a cathode, an electrolyte, and an anode, which are supported on a metallic bipolar plate assembly including gas flow fields and the gas impermeable bipolar plate. The electrolyte and anode are sealed into an anode compartment with a metal perimeter seal. An improved method of sealing is provided by extending the metal seal around the entire perimeter of the cell between an electrolyte and the bipolar plate to form the anode compartment. During a single-step high temperature sintering process the metal seal bonds to the edges of the electrolyte and anode layers, the metal foam flow field and the bipolar plate to form a gastight containment.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable drug delivery devices including modular drug delivery devices having shapes and sizes adapted to be inserted within a recess on the surface of an implantable prosthesis are disclosed. The devices may be attached to one another to create custom drug delivery devices having controllable drug release characteristics that depend on the composition of individual modules comprising the device. The modules may be cylinders, disks, tiles or tubes comprised of a bioabsorbable polymer and/or hydrogel and a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent(s) may be homogeneously distributed throughout the polymeric body of the device or contained within a cavity within a module comprising the device, or both and may also include timed release and/or other controllable properties. The device(s) may be threaded or attached to a prosthesis by a biodegradable adhesive. The modular devices may also be formed into tapered plugs for insertion into a mating receptacle.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, a ball shaped protuberance projecting from the inner surface and an annular groove surrounding the ball shaped protuberance. The implant includes a second plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, a curvate socket formed in the inner surface of the second plate and a raised rim surrounding the curvate socket. The first and second plates are assembled together so that the inner surfaces of the plates oppose one another and the ball shaped protuberance is disposed in the curvate socket and the annular groove aligned with the raised rim. The assembled first and second plates angulate and rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: A biocompatible surgical fastener, comprising a sleeve and a screw or a pin, which expands when it is implanted in a patient. The sleeve is first implanted in a pre-drilled hole in the operating area of a patient, usually in a bone, cartilage or a bone and cartilage. When a screw or a pin is installed in the sleeve, the sleeve is caused to expand thereby stabilizing the fastener in the operating area. In many embodiments the screw or pin can be removed and reinserted without disturbing the tissue in the operating area. The surgical fastener can be used to repair tissue or to secure other implant devices in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the carrier that should be used for a particular AIN call. The following information is derived for each call: the originating calling party number, the terminating called party number, the originating LATA, the terminating LATA. Using these components, pre-defined tables are accessed that contain local calling plan information. These tables contain rate center and dial plan information that provides the local calling scope that is available to the originator of the call. Based on the information contained in the tables, the appropriate type of carrier for the call is selected and the call is routed using this carrier.

Abstract: Surgical implants including fasteners and related devices which are partially bioabsorbable. The implants are constructed of a non-bioabsorbable base comprising metals and or high strength plastic materials. The base is partially or completely coated with a bioabsorbable material which can have its own mechanical features, such as the threads on a screw. Attachment elements are provided on the base to enhance the mechanical attachment of the bioabsorbable material to the base. The implants can withstand the torques and stresses encountered during surgery and, following implantation, in the body.

Abstract: VacciniumבRobeson’ is a new and distinct pentaploid variety of blueberry plant that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. A ripening season that bridges the gap between highbush and rabbiteye blueberry varieties. 2. Consistent yields of medium size fruit best suited for local direct marketing. 3. Very good fruit quality and good color. 4. Very vigorous plants with upright plant habit and broad soil adaptation, including higher pH soils.