Abstract: An improved implant inserter and implant where the inserter includes a set of prongs for gripping the implant and the implant includes a plurality of recesses for mating with the set of prongs.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for transmitting multiple I/O requests from an input/output processor (IOP) to an I/O device. The IOP is configured with multiple I/O threads, each having a corresponding active I/O, that allow a queuing thread to coordinate the transfer of multiple I/O requests at a time from the output of the device queue to the active I/Os and their I/O threads. The queuing thread and a promotion algorithm are configured to consider the promotion of one or more I/O requests ahead of other I/O requests in the device queue, based on a set of promotion requirements. After processing by the I/O threads, multiple I/O requests are transferred at a time from the multiple active I/Os to the I/O device. Promotion of I/O requests based on the promotion requirements improves processing efficiency by making better use of the multiple I/O thread processing resources.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for restarting an emulated mainframe IOP, such as a failed or hung emulated mainframe IOP within an emulated mainframe commodity computer. The method includes a rescue process that polls a home location for Restart Request information. In response to receiving Restart Request information, the rescue process is configured to shut down the existing emulated mainframe IOP, start a new emulated mainframe IOP, and reset the home location. The Restart Request information can be provided to the home location by the mainframe computer being emulated. Alternatively, the rescue mechanism can use an interface management card instructed to restart the commodity computer hosting the failed or hung IOP, e.g., from a maintenance service and/or a maintenance program residing in an active commodity computer coupled to the commodity computers hosting one of several emulated mainframe IOPs.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for restarting an emulated mainframe IOP, such as a failed or hung emulated mainframe IOP within an emulated mainframe commodity computer. The method includes a rescue process that polls a home location for Restart Request information. In response to receiving Restart Request information, the rescue process is configured to shut down the existing emulated mainframe IOP, start a new emulated mainframe IOP, and reset the home location. The Restart Request information can be provided to the home location by the mainframe computer being emulated. Alternatively, the rescue mechanism can use an interface management card instructed to restart the commodity computer hosting the failed or hung IOP, e.g., from a maintenance service and/or a maintenance program residing in an active commodity computer coupled to the commodity computers hosting one of several emulated mainframe IOPs.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing body tissue involving the use of a brush member (12) having a plurality of bristle members defining a capacity for carrying body tissue. The brush member (12) is capable of being manipulated within said body to thereby receive body tissue within said brush member (12) such that said body tissue may be carried and thereafter removed from said body. Also provided are protective devices (90) dimensioned to be positioned near an entrance into the target site, the protective devices (90) for establishing a barrier between the brush member (12) and at least a portion of the body tissue adjacent to the entrance. The protective devices (16) may comprise one of a cannula assembly (14) and a retractor assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating information regarding input/output (IO) processing in a shared access to memory environment is disclosed. A central processing unit (CPU) and an input/output processor (IOP) are configured to write to and read from predetermined memory locations to manage the detection, performance, and completion of IOs. The CPU and the IOP may read from and write to memory as desired.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing body tissue involving the use of a brush member (12) having a plurality of bristle members defining a capacity for carrying body tissue. The brush member (12) is capable of being manipulated within said body to thereby receive body tissue within said brush member (12) such that said body tissue may be carried and thereafter removed from said body. Also provided are protective devices (90) dimensioned to be positioned near an entrance into the target site, the protective devices (90) for establishing a barrier between the brush member (12) and at least a portion of the body tissue adjacent to the entrance. The protective devices (16) may comprise one of a cannula assembly (14) and a retractor assembly.

Abstract: A system for performing spinal fusion between adjacent cervical vertebrae, including an implant and an introducer system, and related methods.

Abstract: A system and method for automated opinion leader surveying are provided. In at least one embodiment, survey respondents are enabled to provide opinion leader information to an automated system. The automated system preferably includes a system adapted to support a website through which the survey respondents can provide their opinion leader information. The system is further adapted to generate one or more reports based in part on information received from the respondents. The report(s) can include one or more lists, maps, graphs, charts and the like that may be utilized to identify opinion leaders and/or particular characteristics associated with the opinion leaders, such as geographical concentration, relationships between opinion leaders, and the like. The survey and/or the presentation of the report(s) can be conducted over a network via a website. The present invention finds particular benefit in identifying opinion leaders among medical practitioners.