Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses.

Abstract: A method includes forming a group of first structures on a semiconductor device and forming spacers adjacent side surfaces of each of the first structures to form a group of second structures. The method further includes using the group of second structures to form at least one sub-lithographic opening in a material layer located below the group of second structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods incorporate implant structures, and/or implantation devices, and/or surgical implantation techniques, to make possible the treatment of physiologic conditions, such as sleep disordered breathing, with enhanced effectiveness.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra.

Abstract: A novelty candy dispenser assembly that includes a hollow housing member having a candy storing section and a candy dispensing section. A stack of candy tablets can be biased towards the dispensing section. An operator input lever can be activated to selectively release an uppermost candy tablet from the stack of candy tablets. The manually operated lever member also rotates a multi-faceted member above the dispensing section that can support an ornamental feature for display to the user. The ornamental feature is moved in coordination with a user activation of the operator input member. A shutter can initially close an opening in a cover member extending over the rotatable member so that the viewer does not see the rotation of the ornamentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to immobilized or encapsulated enzyme and/or cells to lower bile acids and cholesterol. The invention also relates to methods of quantitatively measuring bile acids. The invention provides a composition for decreasing the amount of a target compound in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, comprising: a) a biologically active agent which decreases the amount of the target compound; b) a retainer for retaining the biologically active agent by contacting the agent to limit movement of the agent; and c) a carrier.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and devices for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. A facet joint restoration device of the invention for use in a restoring a facet joint surface comprises: a cephalad facet joint element comprising a flexible member adapted to engage a first vertebrae and an artificial cephalad joint; and a caudad facet joint element comprising a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebrae and an artificial caudad joint adapted to engage the cephalad facet joint.

Abstract: This invention provides remote audio surveillance by recording audio data via three microphones and storage on a removable digital mass storage device, operating on battery power. The housing is of a weather resistant design to withstand outdoor conditions. Recording can be done in person or recording times can be defined so that the unit will only ‘listen’ during the desired times of the day, on a day to day basis. The user does not have to be in the vicinity but simply programs the record time(s) and leaves the device in the woods. The device also has play back capabilities for any recorded audio data and can interface with personal computers via the removable digital mass storage device. In addition to the audio collection and playback capabilities, PC software will be provided with the device which will analyze the data and provide direction of sound (based upon relative amplitude of the 3 microphones) and distance of sound (based on absolute and relative recorded amplitudes).

Abstract: A system and method to update a patch index such that one or more properties in the patch index are associated with the patch, wherein the patch includes one or more components for the target software system; updating a class path at run-time for the target software system such that the patch associated with each one of the one or more properties supersedes prior patches for the same property; and wherein a component can include a class.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a first reference node and a second reference node communicatively coupled to the first reference node by at least one network path, the reference nodes being configured to support transmission of a packet flow between one another over the network path. Each of the reference nodes is configured to count data packets received, the data packets being associated with the packet flow, and to latch a count of a number of the data packets received. The system includes a monitoring protocol configured to request the reference nodes to latch the respective counts. The monitoring protocol is further configured to retrieve the respective counts from the reference nodes and use the counts to determine a packet delivery measurement associated with the transmission of the packet flow between the reference nodes.

Abstract: Illuminated tongs include a pair of arm members joined together at a hinged end for relative moment to grasp an object such as a translucent confectionary item. A battery compartment is connected to at least one of the arm members, and a spring is mounted in the battery compartment to bias the tongs to an open position. A light source is hidden within one of the arm members adjacent the grasping end. A switch member, associated with the battery compartment, is automatically closed when the grasping end is moved to grasp a confectionary member whereby light will glow from the interior of the confectionary member.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation.

Abstract: A method of applying a UV resistant coating to a substrate surface includes the steps of preparing the substrate surface, and applying a liquid to the substrate surface. During application of the liquid, the liquid is allowed to cascade across the substrate surface to form a UV-resistant coating upon the surface once dry. An apparatus for storing and supplying a UV-resistant coating liquid suitable for application to a substrate surface is also described. The apparatus has a least one supply chamber connected to an outlet port. The supply chamber is adapted to receive the liquid via at least one water removal device. The chamber is also adapted to provide the liquid with a pressure greater than ambient pressure conditions as it exits the outlet port.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation.

Abstract: A process for preparing a gas permeable flexible graphite sheet is presented. The process includes providing graphite flakes; admixing the graphite flakes with a sacrificial additive to form a graphite mixture; compressing the graphite mixture into a sheet having sacrificial additive dispersed therethrough; and treating the sheet to at least partially remove the sacrificial additive to form a permeable flexible graphite sheet.

Abstract: A process for producing a flexible graphite sheet having two major surfaces includes compressing particles of exfoliated graphite to form a sheet; impregnating a resin composition into the sheet so as to form a resin-impregnated sheet; curing the resin-impregnated sheet; and thereafter treating the cured, resin-impregnated sheet to provide a structure thereon or therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods incorporate implant structures, and/or implantation devices, and/or surgical implantation techniques, to make possible the treatment of physiologic conditions, such as sleep disordered breathing, with enhanced effectiveness.

Abstract: Cellar or bulk head doors having sidewalls are provided which are made of a polymer and which are strong, durable, attractive, virtually maintenance free, easily assembled, have connection and anchorage points which allow the door assembly to be used over a wide temperature range without damage to the polymer parts making up the assembly and which has an opening preferably in one or both of the sidewalls for inserts such as a window, louver, screen or blank and which insert may be easily changed without tools for the purpose of providing light, ventilation, or security. The doors also may be extended from the structure being enclosed using opposed vertical extenders mated with a horizontal extender.

Abstract: Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra.