Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.

Abstract: Various medical systems and methods are described, including a medical monitoring system. The medical monitoring system can have a fluid system configured to receive bodily fluid and optically analyze said fluid to determine analyte concentration. The fluid system can have a removable portion. The removable portion can have an opening with a port. The system can also have a container configured to contain anticoagulant. The container can have a portion configured to mate with the port of the removable portion. The container can be further configured to not fit into a conventional luer fitting. An anti-coagulant insertion apparatus is also described. The apparatus can have a syringe, a dock with a port, and an adapter configured to connect the syringe to the port. The dock can also have a tab configured to move with the port.

Abstract: Fitting that is compatible with standard fittings is described. In one embodiment, the end of one of a matched set of fittings is provided with an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material deforms when the matched fittings are coupled, resulting in a reduced volume. In certain embodiments, a tube is provided through the tube which is attached at a proximal end and extends to the distal end of the elastomeric material. When the fitting are coupled the tube protrudes past the end of the elastomeric material and into the coupled fitting. In certain embodiments the fitting otherwise conforms to International Standard ISO 594.

Abstract: A digital multimedia presentation appliance is provided having a display for displaying at least one digitized image. The digital multimedia presentation appliance further includes a processor configured to communicate and receive commands, including a digital multimedia presentation appliance print job command, from an external processor capable of executing a software application program for displaying a printing utility. The processor executes a program having instructions for processing the print job command and displaying the at least one digitized image by the display of the digital multimedia presentation appliance. The print job command is transmitted after selection of a digital multimedia presentation appliance printing icon corresponding to the digital multimedia presentation appliance following selection of the printing utility to print the at least one digitized image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identification of outlier semiconductor devices using data-driven statistical characterization are described herein.

Abstract: N-level internally dynamizing cervical plates and cervical plate constructs in accordance with the present principles, provide unconstrained sliding interconnection between the various plate components after installation on a cervical spine. A tongue-and-groove configuration between the various plate segments provides a constant thickness over the dynamizing portions. Detents provided relative the tongue-and-groove portions allows the various plate components to be permanently joined, but movable relative to one another. Various bone screw anti-backing, anti-rotation or locking devices for cervical bone plates are also provided that allow releasable locking of bone screws relative to the cervical plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process for production of carbohydrate containing particles, which are coated, embedded or encapsulated by at least one biopolymer, characterized in that the process is carried out in an emulsion, as well as for the use of these particles in food products.

Abstract: A food product is provided comprising at least 50 grams of a pH responsive hydrogel comprising a cross-linked globular protein having an unfolding transition pH in the range pH 2 to 6. Also provided are a process for manufacturing the food product and use of a pH responsive hydrogel to provide an enhanced feeling of satiety to a person consuming the hydrogel and/or to aid adherence to a weight loss or weight control plan.

Abstract: A multi-axial spinal cross-connector is configured for connection between spinal fixation devices such as spinal fixation rods. The cross-connector has first and second connection members that are joinable at a fixable pivot junction. The pivot junction allows the connection members to assume various positions relative to one another. A clamp is provided on each end of the first and second connection members whose open and closed states are controlled by fixation of a pivot structure which also fixates the positions of the first and second connection members relative to each other. The cross-connector provides single and/or multi-step locking of both end clamps at the pivot joint. The cross-connector also provides easy in situ sizing, positioning and adjustability.

Abstract: The welding process includes in a single pass heating and melting a filler wire of gamma-prime strengthened nickel-based superalloy along a major portion of the weld followed by a weld using a solid solution strengthened nickel-based superalloy for the remaining portion of the weld pass. Both filler materials are particularly useful for welding a single crystal gamma-prime strengthened nickel-based superalloy based metals.

Abstract: A pedicle screw coupling construct for a pedicle screw construct provides fixation of angular orientation thereof relative to a pedicle screw independent of fixation of a received spinal rod to the coupling construct. The pedicle screw construct forms one component or element in a spinal fixation system. The independent fixation coupling construct also provides for fixation of the angular orientation of the coupling construct while the coupling construct has received the spinal rod. In another form, a coupling head or construct is configured to allow a pedicle screw shaft to pass therethrough but retain the pedicle screw head for rotation of the coupling head about the pedicle screw head. The coupling head or construct is also configured to allow at least a 45° arc of pivot or articulation about a pedicle screw shaft relative to a longitudinal axis of a spinal rod received in the body.

Abstract: To provide a tool for the efficient and collaborative treatment of cardiovascular disease, a comprehensive report is created which includes clinical data, ECG data and ECHO data, all presented in a comprehensive format for the easy review an analysis by care givers. The systems are configured to deal with the different data formats involved and subsequently generate the reports in a manner that specifically allows for ease of use. Further, the format of the report is specifically conducive to the transmission of this data over networks to allow remote analysis and evaluation by specialists, including cardiologists.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an IR spectrometer includes a light source adapted to illuminate a sample, a grating adapted to spectrally disperse a light that has illuminated the sample, a MEMS array adapted to be electrostatically actuated by a controller to control a diffraction of the light, a detector configured to detect the light, and a power source adapted to supply power to the light source and to the MEMS array, wherein the controller is adapted to control the MEMS array so as to manage a power consumption of the IR spectrometer. In one embodiment, the IR spectrometer includes a housing sized and arranged to house the light source, the grating, the MEMS array, the controller, the detector, and the power source in a hand-held device.

Abstract: Spine fixation constructs are configured to receive and retain a spinal rod onto a vertebral bone screw. The spine fixation constructs provide for 360° rotation about a bone screw and variable axial placement about the bone screw. In one form, a rod holder of the spine fixation construct is configured to be axially received onto the bone screw. Axial positioning of the rod holder on the bone screw is fixed through cooperation of the rod holder with a fixation component. The fixation component is axially received onto the bone screw. Retention of the spinal rod by the spinal rod holder is also provided via the fixation member. In one form, spinal rod retention is provided upon axial retention of the spinal rod holder onto the bone screw through cooperating action between the fixation mechanism and the spinal rod holder. According to an embodiment, a member of the rod holder is caused to pivot and capture the spinal rod upon receipt of the fixation member onto the bone screw and rod holder.

Abstract: A method for forming flexible temporary component-carrier tapes, which are used for storing, transporting and supplying components, includes forming apertures for receiving the components in a device-retaining layer, securing a top cover layer to a surface of the device-retaining layer, and securing a bottom layer to an opposite surface of the device-retaining layer. Weakened regions may be formed in one or more of the layers.

Abstract: A method for producing a frozen confection having an overrun of at least 15%, which method comprises quiescently freezing a mix comprising a carbon dioxide generating composition, characterised in that the mix does not comprise a gel.

Abstract: A dynamic spine stabilization element of a spine stabilization assembly includes first and second spinal rod segments that are coupled to one another via a connector. The connector allows movement of a spinal rod segment with respect to the coupling device and/or with respect to another spinal rod segment. This provides limited angulation (e.g. bending) between spinal rod segments allowing for limited movement of the vertebra connected by the present dynamic stabilization element. The connector may allow pivoting motion of the rod segments relative to the coupling device and relative to the other rod segment such as pivoting motion of one rod segment in a first plane and pivoting motion of the other rod segment in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane. The connector may also be bendable or flexible. In this form, the connector allows limited flexing, bending or angulation as between the associated spinal rod segments during use.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a spinal fixation system includes a bone screw having a longitudinal access and a fixation rod configured to connect the bone screw to at least one additional bone screw. The fixation rod is lateral to the longitudinal axis. A coupling mechanism includes a bone screw securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the bone screw and a fixation rod securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation rod. The spinal fixation system further includes a fastening mechanism. Rotation of the fastening mechanism secures the bone screw securing device to the bone screw and the fixation rod securing device to the fixation rod.

Abstract: An expandable vertebral interbody/intravertebral (spinal) body device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is provided. The interbody/intravertebral body device is expandable from a first circumference to a second circumference through axial compression of segments of the vertebral interbody/intravertebral body device, particularly once the interbody/intravertebral body device has been properly situated within a vertebral space. The interbody/intravertebral body device is characterized by a plurality of axially stacked, individual segments that are provided on a central insertion and deployment rod. Each segment includes a central plate or body to which are pivotally attached plate or leaf structures. Pivoting of the structures provides a collapsed or unexpanded position of the first circumference and an open or expanded position of the second circumference. The vertebral interbody/intravertebral body device may be formed of a bio-compatible radiolucent material.