Abstract: An access device for providing access from a skin incision to a surgical site is described. The access device has a first section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a first path therethrough. The access device has a second section having a proximal end and a distal end defining a second path therethrough, the second section is movable relative to the first section, and the first and second sections cooperate to form a continuous path such that movement of the second section changes the length of the path.

Abstract: Identifier-based signcryption methods and apparatus are disclosed both for signing and encrypting data, and for decrypting and verifying data. The signcryption methods use computable bilinear mappings and can be based, for example, on Weil or Tate pairings. A message sender associated with a first trusted authority carries out integrated signing/encryption processes to send a signed, encrypted message to an intended recipient associated with a second trusted authority. The recipient then carries out integrated decryption/verification processes to recover the original message and verify its origin.

Abstract: An implant comprises a photocatalytic layer on at least one surface. In some embodiments, the photocatalytic layer is a semiconductor oxide that is doped. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a wave guide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light port. According to some embodiments, the implant comprises a reflective material on a surface of the waveguide. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a composite material comprising a first material that has a transmissivity when exposed to a predetermined wavelength of light and a second material that has photocatalytic activity when exposed to the predetermined wavelength of light. According to some embodiments the implant comprises a light source adapted to irradiate the photocatalytic surface.

Abstract: Identifier-based signcryption methods and apparatus are disclosed both for signing and encrypting data, and for decrypting and verifying data. The signcryption methods use computable bilinear mappings and may be based, for example, on Weil or Tate pairings. Known, efficient, signing/verifying processes are judiciously combined with particular encryption/decryption processes to achieve efficient, yet secure, signcryption methods.

Abstract: A trusted authority is provided for identifier-based cryptography. The trusted authority has a secret and derives first and second elements at least the second of which it publishes. The first element is derived from an identifier associated with the trusted authority; the second element is a combination of the first element and the secret. The trusted authority provides a private-key generation service involving the generation of a private key for a third party in dependence on the secret and an identifier string associated with that third party.

Abstract: Spinal fixation plates for maintaining adjacent vertebrae in and fixed position are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the plate includes opposed superior and inferior portions that are angled in a direction anterior to an anterior face of a mid-portion of the plate. The plate also includes a curvature formed therein about a longitudinal axis in a sagittal plane thereof. In use, when the plate is attached to adjacent vertebrae, the angle of the superior and inferior portions and the curvature in the plate are effective to position one or more thru-bores formed in the superior and inferior portions at the anterior rims of the adjacent vertebrae. In another embodiment, a spinal fixation plate is provided that is adapted to engage and mate to a fusion cage or other vertebral implant disposed between adjacent vertebra. The present invention also provides spinal fixation kits or assemblies, and methods for implanting the same.

Abstract: Signcryption methods and apparatus are provided that combine the functions of signing and encrypting data to obtain private and authenticated communications. The signcryption methods are based on RSA and permit compact ciphertexts to be produced and non-repudiation to be provided in a straightforward manner.

Abstract: A bow dock for use in a two-step docking method to allow the repair or recement of a sonar-dome rubber window on a variety of classes of full draft vessels in harbors and other water of limited depth. The bow dock is provided with docking pedestals and alignment fenders which mate with docking brackets and fenders on the vessel to be docked. Each docking pedestal is provided with an electronic load cell to monitor the pedestal load during docking. The stern gate is fitted with an auxiliary gate and inserts designed to mate with the hull configuration of each vessel class. The stern gate is also provided with a slotted pivot hinge to facilitate sealing of the stern gate to the dock by hydrostatic pressure.