Abstract: A system for regulating an axial biasing force applied to a stacked set of packing elements mounted within stationary equipment, comprising a packing loading assembly for sealing a process fluid within the stationary equipment and for applying the axial biasing force to the packing elements via a pressurized fluid from a pressure regulator. The packing loading assembly includes a gland element for mounting to the stationary equipment by a plurality of gland bolts, and an external actuation subsystem for coupling to at least one of the plurality of gland bolts for applying an axial actuation force directly to the gland element in response to the pressurized fluid. The gland element in response to the axial actuation force applies the axial biasing force to the packing elements.

Abstract: A data processing service facilitates the creation and processing of data processing pipelines that process data processing jobs defined with respect to a set of tasks in a sequence and with data dependencies associated with each separate task such that the output from one task is used as input for a subsequent task. In various embodiments, the set of tasks include at least one cleanroom task that is executed in a cleanroom station and at least one non-cleanroom task executed in an execution environment of a user where each task is configured to read one or more input datasets and transform the one or more input datasets into one or more output datasets.

Abstract: A data processing service facilitates the creation and processing of data processing pipelines that process data processing jobs defined with respect to a set of tasks in a sequence and with data dependencies associated with each separate task such that the output from one task is used as input for a subsequent task. In various embodiments, the set of tasks include at least one cleanroom task that is executed in a cleanroom station and at least one non-cleanroom task executed in an execution environment of a user where each task is configured to read one or more input datasets and transform the one or more input datasets into one or more output datasets.

Abstract: A data processing service facilitates the creation and processing of data processing pipelines that process data processing jobs defined with respect to a set of tasks in a sequence and with data dependencies associated with each separate task such that the output from one task is used as input for a subsequent task. In various embodiments, the set of tasks include at least one cleanroom task that is executed in a cleanroom station and at least one non-cleanroom task executed in an execution environment of a user where each task is configured to read one or more input datasets and transform the one or more input datasets into one or more output datasets.

Abstract: A data processing service receives a request from a first collaborator to create a clean room for data sharing collaboration with at least a second collaborator. In response, the data processing service creates an execution environment separate from the data environment of the first collaborator and the second collaborator. The first and second collaborators can then add content into the clean room in the form of data tables and executable notebooks. Approval from each collaborator is required before a notebook can be executed using any data table shared into the clean room. Upon receiving notebook approval from each collaborator, the data processing service creates a notebook job to execute the notebook on one or more cluster computing resources of the data processing service to generate an output.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a braided dual-sided compression packing seal, methods for producing and using such a seal, and apparatuses suitable for producing such a seal. The braided dual-sided compression packing seal is made up of two or more different materials that are braided together in such a way that, in cross-section, the compression packing seal has an asymmetrical configuration relative to a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is substantially perpendicular to a side of the compression packing seal. Accordingly, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane, the compression packing seal may expose substantially only a first material along a first side of the seal, and substantially only a second material along a second side of the seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A Front-Opening Unified Pod (FOUP), and more particularly an injection molded liquid crystal polymer article used in making the FOUP which both positive CTE value and shrinkage values and similar expansion and shrinkage of the article in both the MD and TD directions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an implant having a protrusion. The protrusion aids in the insertion and placement of the implant as well as the spinal fixation element. In certain embodiments the protrusion may be configured as a guide for the insertion of the spinal fixation element as well as closure mechanisms for connecting the spinal fixation element to the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a braided dual-sided compression packing seal, methods for producing and using such a seal, and apparatuses suitable for producing such a seal. The braided dual-sided compression packing seal is made up of two or more different materials that are braided together in such a way that, in cross-section, the compression packing seal has an asymmetrical configuration relative to a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is substantially perpendicular to a side of the compression packing seal. Accordingly, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane, the compression packing seal may expose substantially only a first material along a first side of the seal, and substantially only a second material along a second side of the seal.

Abstract: A spinal implant with at least one flexible elongated extension element is provided. The spinal implant has a profile that is lower than standard spinal implants. The spinal implant includes a bone anchor with a head portion and a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. A head plate is coupled to the bone anchor. The head plate includes a first elongated extension element and a second elongated extension element. The first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element may be formed as a single monolithic element that is attached to the head plate by passing through a pair of openings provided on the head plate. At least one of the first elongated extension element and the second elongated extension element is flexible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: Techniques for providing and using a text beacon are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method comprising the steps of receiving a communication from an initiating client device to initiate a beacon, the communication designating at least one recipient for the beacon and at least one trigger condition for the beacon; sending a communication to a recipient client device associated with the at least one designated recipient, the communication designating the initiating client device; receiving a request for location information associated with the beacon; determining that the request for location information matches the at least one trigger condition for the beacon; and responding to the request for location information by sending position information, based at least on determining that the request matches the trigger conditions for the beacon.

Abstract: The present application pertains to a braided dual-sided compression packing seal, methods for producing and using such a seal, and apparatuses suitable for producing such a seal. The braided dual-sided compression packing seal is made up of two or more different materials that are braided together in such a way that, in cross-section, the compression packing seal has an asymmetrical configuration relative to a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is substantially perpendicular to a side of the compression packing seal. Accordingly, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane, the compression packing seal may expose substantially only a first material along a first side of the seal, and substantially only a second material along a second side of the seal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a hot press and methods of using the hot press. In an embodiment, the hot press can include a pressing element including a flared body. In another embodiment, the hot press can include a compression surface. The compression surface can include a first layer including a monocrystalline material and a second layer including a polycrystalline material, wherein the monocrystalline material and the polycrystalline material include a same primary compound. In a further embodiment, a sample including more than one layer of ceramic oxide material can be hot pressed without a die.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.