Abstract: The invention comprises a combination of biological elements that will naturally remodel in vivo based on applied mechanical forces. The final composition will possess mechanical properties similar to cartilage or a disc, and significantly less stiff than bone or implants comprised of metals or plastics. The equilibrium stress conduction will minimize unnatural forces on neighboring healthy discs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a work station for use in performing processing of patient samples, storing equipment and drugs in a hospital and the like, the cart having a lower housing having caster wheels mounted on the bottom thereof, the lower housing having angular-shaped side panels therearound which may be opened for entrance into all sides of the housing, and one or more of the side panels; an upper housing mounted on top of the lower housing, the upper housing having one or more side panels therearound; and one or more work areas mounted on top of the upper housing, the shelf adapted for receiving point-of-care equipment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for isolating stromal cells to form a therapeutic composition; and administering said therapeutic composition to the subject. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to therapeutic compositions comprising isolated stromal cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to concentrating autologously-derived plasma, using the concentrated plasma fluid to dilute the patient's cells and applying the combination of concentrated fluid with cells at a site of pathology or mixing the combination of concentrated fluid with cells with a particulate material like a bone void filler prior to placing the mixture at a site of pathology.

Abstract: A device for sealing an aperture in a tissue includes: a foot including a distal portion configured to be disposed distal to the tissue when the device is implanted in a position to seal the aperture; and a flexible wing positionable against a distal surface of the tissue adjacent the aperture such that the flexible wing is disposed between the distal portion of the foot and the distal surface adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: A device for sealing an aperture in a tissue includes: an implant configured to seal the aperture when positioned adjacent to the aperture; and a delivery shaft configured to engage the implant to allow the implant to be maneuvered into sealing engagement with a distal surface of the tissue, the delivery shaft comprising a retaining sleeve comprising a locking projection engagable with the locking recess of the implant to secure the implant to the delivery shaft, and a release sleeve axially slideable relative to the retaining sleeve between a first axial position in which the release sleeve is configured to maintain locking engagement between the locking recess and the locking projection, and a second axial position in which the release sleeve permits the locking projection to disengage the locking recess.

Abstract: A method for washing platelets includes introducing anticoagulant into a platelet product container, drawing re-anticoagulated platelet product from the platelet product container, and introducing it into a centrifuge bowl. The centrifuge bowl separates the platelets from the supernatant in which they are suspended. The method then washes the platelets by introducing wash solution into the centrifuge bowl. As the wash solution is introduced into the bowl, it displaces the supernatant from the bowl and into a waste container. The method then introduces platelet additive solution into the centrifuge bowl, which displaces the wash solution from the centrifuge bowl and into the waste container and further wash the platelets. The method then repeatedly accelerates and decelerates the centrifuge bowl to resuspend the platelets in the platelet additive solution.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for referring goods and services via a social media feed. More particularly, the computer program, method, and system provide for a user to refer goods or services through a social media feed and to receive a benefit, such as a monetary amount or a coupon, for referring the goods or services. For instance, a user may request to electronically refer at least one good or service offered by a retailer. Upon receiving such a request, a unique referral link may be generated that is operable to direct third parties to an electronic resource hosted by the retailer. After the user embeds the unique referral link in the user's social media feed, then third parties may select the unique referral link, such that the third party is provided access to the electronic resource hosted by the retailer. Finally, a virtual credit may be provided to the electronic referral account of the user upon the third party selecting the unique referral link.

Abstract: A device for delivering an implant configured to seal an aperture in a tissue includes: a delivery shaft configured to engage the implant to allow the implant to be maneuvered into sealing engagement with a distal surface of the tissue, the delivery shaft comprising a retaining sleeve comprising a locking projection engagable with a locking recess of the implant to secure the implant to the delivery shaft, and a release sleeve axially slideable relative to the retaining sleeve between a first axial position in which the release sleeve is configured to maintain locking engagement between the locking recess and the locking projection, and a second axial position in which the release sleeve permits the locking projection to disengage the locking recess.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a desk structure. The desk structure comprises a writing surface, and a book box which is secured to the writing surface. A plurality of receiver sleeves are integrally molded with the book box. Each receiver sleeve has an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall of the receiver sleeve has a slot and a plurality of radially spaced ribs. The inner wall defines an opening. The desk structure further comprises a plurality of legs. Each leg has an upper leg portion. The upper leg portion of each leg is received by the inner wall opening of a corresponding receiver sleeve. Additionally, each upper leg portion includes a detent. The detent is adapted to engage a corresponding inner wall slot when the upper leg portion is received by the inner wall opening of the corresponding receiver sleeve. Thus, the detent both secures the leg to the book box and positions the upper leg portion within the opening.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a desk structure. The desk structure comprises a writing surface, and a book box which is secured to the writing surface. A plurality of receiver sleeves are integrally molded with the book box. Each receiver sleeve has an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall of the receiver sleeve has a slot and a plurality of radially spaced ribs. The inner wall defines an opening. The desk structure further comprises a plurality of legs. Each leg has an upper leg portion. The upper leg portion of each leg is received by the inner wall opening of a corresponding receiver sleeve. Additionally, each upper leg portion includes a detent. The detent is adapted to engage a corresponding inner wall slot when the upper leg portion is received by the inner wall opening of the corresponding receiver sleeve. Thus, the detent both secures the leg to the book box and positions the upper leg portion within the opening.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates, as well as methods and uses for such substrates.

Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic component includes dispersing an alpha-alumina nanopowder whose diameter is above 100 nm in water, using 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) or 4,5-Dihydroxy-m-benzenedisulfonic Acid, Disodium Salt (Tiron™) as dispersant. The pH is shifted towards the isoelectric point (IEP) by adding a mixture of acetic anhydride and ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, drying in a controlled atmosphere (humidity, temperature) and post compacting using cold isostatic pressing and sintering the three-dimensional structure thus formed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a desk structure. The desk structure comprises a writing surface, and a book box which is secured to the writing surface. A plurality of receiver sleeves are integrally molded with the book box. Each receiver sleeve has an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall of the receiver sleeve has a slot and a plurality of radially spaced ribs. The inner wall defines an opening. The desk structure further comprises a plurality of legs. Each leg has an upper leg portion. The upper leg portion of each leg is received by the inner wall opening of a corresponding receiver sleeve. Additionally, each upper leg portion includes a detent. The detent is adapted to engage a corresponding inner wall slot when the upper leg portion is received by the inner wall opening of the corresponding receiver sleeve. Thus, the detent both secures the leg to the book box and positions the upper leg portion within the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst that may be used to facilitate the formation of dimethylchlorosilanes. A catalyst in which copper oxide and zinc oxide are in intimate contact and form agglomerated particles allows for the increased selectively of the production of dimethylchlorosilanes.

Abstract: A locker for securing one or more tensioning members includes a locker body having a first aperture, a second aperture, and a passageway extending therebetween. A pin is coupled to the locker body so as to traverse the passageway and is movable between a latent condition wherein the tensioning members are movable with respect to the locker body, and an activated condition wherein the tensioning members are prevented from moving relative to the locker body. A method of using a suture locker includes delivering the suture locker to a surgical site via a catheter assembly and actuating the pin so as to move the locker from the latent condition to the activated condition.

Abstract: A pumping system 10, FIG. 1, provides a physiological pulsatile flow and includes controller 121, a pump drive head 50 coupled to a motor 12 and a fluid housing 52 having at least one port 60. The port 60 includes a ball valve retainer region 69, a valve seat 73, and an occluder ball 71 disposed in the ball valve retainer region 69. During operation, the motor 12 forces the fluid in and out the fluid housing 52 and causes the occluder ball 71 to move from a first position whereby the fluid cannot pass through the port 60, to a second position whereby the fluid moves annular to and generally around the occluder ball 71. This movement creates a slight flow reversal that “breaks up” any blood clots that may form. The pumping system may be used as part of a cardiopulmonary bypass system, a ventricular assist device (VAD) and/or a heart pump.

Abstract: A stand for use with a syringe is disclosed. The stand includes a base and a clip affixed to the base. The clip engages a portion of the syringe so as to removably secure the syringe to the stand in a position such that the distal end of the syringe is spaced vertically away from the base. Preferably, the syringe includes a handle extending outwardly from a barrel of the syringe, and the feature which the clip engages includes the handle of the syringe.