Abstract: Implantable vertebral staples and tools for use with the same are provided. In general, an exemplary vertebral staple according to the present invention includes a staple body having at least one long spike formed thereon for allowing rotation of the body when the long spike is partially inserted in bone. The staple body can also include one or more short spikes formed thereon and adapted to prevent rotation of the body when the long and short spikes are fully inserted into bone. The present invention also provides an inserter tool that can be used to implant the vertebral staple, and also a drill guide that can be used, preferably in combination with the inserter tool, to drill holes through the bone in alignment with one or more holes formed in the vertebral staple.

Abstract: Implantable vertebral staples and tools for use with the same are provided. In general, an exemplary vertebral staple according to the present invention includes a staple body having at least one long spike formed thereon for allowing rotation of the body when the long spike is partially inserted in bone. The staple body can also include one or more short spikes formed thereon and adapted to prevent rotation of the body when the long and short spikes are fully inserted into bone. The present invention also provides an inserter tool that can be used to implant the vertebral staple, and also a drill guide that can be used, preferably in combination with the inserter tool, to drill holes through the bone in alignment with one or more holes formed in the vertebral staple.

Abstract: A platform and trailer assembly which permits a user to load an object on a cargo platform at ground level and hoist the platform onto a trailer. Also, a kit for adaptation of the standard trailer is shown with the subassemblies of the trailer.

Abstract: A table assembly which permits a table top to have a first use position and a second stored position is disclosed. In the first position the table top may serve as a conference table, desk, dining table or the like and in the second position be positioned essentially parallel with an upright wall of a room in which it is installed. The storage unit may also be a furniture piece comprising a variety of optional features. In one embodiment, a storage unit furniture piece comprises a deeper cabinet structure that may be fitted with, for example shelves for books and the like or a bar for hanging clothing. Generally, the table assembly is secured to a wall of a room or installed between the studs which frame the wall of a room. The table assembly may have its own upright wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a terminating connector comprising a terminating connector housing, fastening means that are embodied monolithically with the connector housing and are used for fixing the terminating connector to a socket, and an insulating member which is rotatably mounted in the terminating connector housing and is used for retaining contact elements that can engage with corresponding contact elements in a socket insulating member.

Abstract: An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating, delaying and/or preventing renal dysfunction/failure in a mammal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a substance capable of inducing and/or enhancing Pax2 expression. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of an effective dose of a substance capable of inducing and/or enhancing Pax2 expression in a mammal for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating, preventing or delaying a renal dysfunction/failure in a mammal. Additionally, the present invention provides for a method for converting mesenchymal tissue into an epithelial tissue comprising the administration of an effective amount of a substance capable of inducing and/or enhancing Pax2 expression in said mesenchym and for a method for the regeneration of renal stemcells comprising the administration of an effective amount of a substance capable of inducing and/or enhancing Pax2 expression.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic manipulation device is formed using a plastic material or glass. There is at least one well in the device. The well has a base and a side wall and is dimensioned to receive a cell. There is at least one base fluid port in the base of the well and side fluid ports in the side wall. Each of the base fluid port and the side fluid ports are of a cross sectional area to prevent a cell passing therethrough. Selected flow of fluid through the base port in use assists in supporting a cell in the well and selected flow of fluid through the base port and the side ports in use assists in rotating the cell in the well. The well can have a retention section and a loading section, the loading section being above and larger than the retention section. The loading section can have a loading channel extending to it or alternatively an access hatch. The side fluid ports open into a lower region of the loading section.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing knowledge is disclosed. The method and system comprises receiving information input into a database and organizing items of information in the database. The method and system further includes collecting ratings and comments associated with each item of information and allowing users to access and sort items of information according to selected rating criteria in order to find the most reliable and/or valuable information from the database. In a second aspect, the present invention including an interface for providing information concerning a subject is disclosed. The interface comprises a first area that shows the subject and contributor name; and a second area that shows the content of the information item. The interface includes a third area that shows rating related to the subject; and a fourth area that allows users to submit ratings for the information item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellular therapy of renal failure, i.e. preventing, delaying, and treating acute/chronic renal failure via the use of an effective dose of a substance capable of inducing and/or enhancing Pax2 expression in a mammal for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating, preventing or delaying a renal dysfunction/failure in a mammal. Additionally, the present invention provides for a method for converting mesenchymal tissue into an epithelial tissue comprising the administration of an effective amount of a substance capable of inducing and/or enhancing Pax2 expression in mesenchymal tissue and for a method for the regeneration of renal stem cells comprising the administration of an effective amount of a substance capable of inducing and/or enhancing Pax2 expression.

Abstract: A method and system for sharing knowledge is disclosed. The method and system comprises receiving information input into a database and organizing items of information in the database. The method and system further includes collecting ratings and comments associated with each item of information and allowing users to access and sort items of information according to selected rating criteria in order to find the most reliable and/or valuable information from the database. In a second aspect, the present invention including an interface for providing information concerning a subject is disclosed. The interface comprises a first area that shows the subject and contributor name; and a second area that shows the content of the information item. The interface includes a third area that shows rating related to the subject; and a fourth area that allows users to submit ratings for the information item.

Abstract: A pH sensitive indicator device comprises a body including at least a portion of a translucent or transparent gas permeable material and an acid base colour change or halochromic material in or associated with the gas permeable material. The halochromic material can be received in a recess within the body of a gas permeable material or incorporated into the body of a gas permeable material. The gas permeable material can comprise a silicone elastomer.

Abstract: A table assembly which permits a table top to have a first use position and a second stored position is disclosed. In the first position the table top may serve as a conference table, desk, dining table or the like and in the second position be positioned essentially parallel with an upright wall of a room in which it is installed. The storage unit may also be a furniture piece comprising a variety of optional features. In one embodiment, a storage unit furniture piece comprises a deeper cabinet structure that may be fitted with, for example shelves for books and the like or a bar for hanging clothing. Generally, the table assembly is secured to a wall of a room or installed between the studs which frame the wall of a room. The table assembly may have its own upright wall.

Abstract: A drawbar pin adapter which can allow a smaller drawbar pin to be used with a larger drawbar. A drawbar pin adapter is provided for a tractor drawbar having a lower strap, an upper strap and a drawbar pin bore which extends through the upper and lower straps and which receives a drawbar pin. The adapter includes a cylindrical bushing mountable in the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap and a hollow housing which is mountable over the lower strap. The housing includes a lower plate, an upper plate and left and right side plates. The upper plate has an upper bore formed therein, and the lower plate has a lower bore formed therein. The upper and lower bores have a diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the bushing so that the upper and lower plates hold the bushing within the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap. The bushing and the upper and lower bores receive the drawbar pin when it is inserted through the upper and lower straps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drawbar pin adapter. There is a need for a drawbar pin adapter which can allow a smaller drawbar pin to be used with a larger drawbar. A drawbar pin adapter is provided for a tractor drawbar having a lower strap, an upper strap and a drawbar pin bore which extends through the upper and lower straps and which receives a drawbar pin. The adapter includes a cylindrical bushing mountable in the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap and a hollow housing which is mountable over the lower strap. The housing includes a lower plate, an upper plate and left and right side plates. The upper plate has an upper bore formed therein, and the lower plate has a lower bore formed therein. The upper and lower bores have a diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the bushing so that the upper and lower plates hold the bushing within the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap. The bushing and the upper and lower bores receive the drawbar pin when it is inserted through the upper and lower straps.

Abstract: An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector.

Abstract: An aspiration and flushing needle assembly having separable flushing and aspiration assemblies. The flushing assembly (2) has a flushing needle (27) extending from a handle (25) and a flushing fluid line (35) which can be connected to a source of flushing liquid. The aspiration assembly (1) has an aspiration needle (5) with a connector (9) which connects into the rear of the handle and an aspiration line (13) which can be connected to an aspiration arrangement. The flushing and aspiration needle assemblies are joined for use with the aspiration needle extending coaxially within the flushing needle to the distal end (29) of the flushing needle.

Abstract: A mould assembly (60) and a method of use in injection moulding of a part having a functional cavity therein. The mould assembly has a recess (72) to receive a hollow tubular insert (48) intended to be placed in the mould assembly before the injection of a mouldable material into the cavity and to remain in the part after moulding. A gas supply arrangement supplies pressurised gas to the hollow tubular insert at a selected stage during the injection process whereby to form the functional cavity in the part.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle windshield assembly for assisting a vehicle defroster in melting ice or snow on a vehicle windshield by engaging and heating an outer circumference area of an inner side of the windshield using a flexible electrical heating element, an adhesive for adhering the heating element to the windshield, an electrical conductor for electrically connecting the heating element to an electrical outlet in the vehicle, and an electrical control device for controlling operation of the heating element at a plurality of heating levels. The heating element may be capable of plugging directly into a universal vehicle power outlet, lighter socket, fuse box, or the vehicle's electrical system. A heating element is held to an outer perimeter of the windshield using a flexible adhesive tape, a permanent adhesive, or may be sandwiched between two panels of glass forming the windshield.

Abstract: An ovum collection device (20) includes a handle (4) and a collection needle (3) extending from the handle. The collection needle has a sharpened tip (44) for insertion into a follicle of an ovary. A collection duct (5) in fluid communication with the collection needle extends from the handle to a collection bottle (6). A heating arrangement (14) is used to maintain the collection needle at a selected temperature to prevent damage to an oocyte. The heating arrangement may be associated with a needle guide (72) on an ultrasonic probe such as a transvaginal ultrasonic probe (70).