Abstract: A bone anchoring system having a flexible member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A fastener provided at a first end of the flexible member for retaining the flexible member within a bone. A rigid member is provided to ensure movement or pull-through of the flexible member does not occur.

Abstract: Bone anchoring methods and systems employed by such methods. The bone anchoring methods involve implanting a vertebral adjustment system into a vertebral body of a patient. The vertebral adjustment system includes a flexible member and a tensioning mechanism coupled to the flexible member. The tensioning mechanism is capable of imparting a force on the flexible member to change the tension of the flexible member. The methods include the step of engaging the tensioning mechanism to the flexible member, enabling the flexible member to be tensioned and secured in place.

Abstract: Bone anchoring methods and systems employed by such methods. The bone anchoring methods involve implanting a vertebral adjustment system into a vertebral body of a patient. The vertebral adjustment system includes a flexible member and a tensioning mechanism coupled to the flexible member. The tensioning mechanism is capable of imparting a force on the flexible member to change the tension of the flexible member. The methods include the step of engaging the tensioning mechanism to the flexible member, enabling the flexible member to be tensioned and secured in place.

Abstract: A bone anchoring system having a flexible member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A fastener provided at a first end of the flexible member for retaining the flexible member within a bone. A rigid member is provided to ensure movement or pull-through of the flexible member does not occur.

Abstract: A bone anchoring system having a flexible member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A fastener provided at a first end of the flexible member for retaining the flexible member within a bone. A rigid member is provided to ensure movement or pull-through of the flexible member does not occur.

Abstract: A bone anchoring system having a flexible member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A fastener provided at a first end of the flexible member for retaining the flexible member within a bone. A rigid member is provided to ensure movement or pull-through of the flexible member does not occur.

Abstract: A bone anchoring system having a flexible member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A fastener provided at a first end of the flexible member for retaining the flexible member within a bone. A rigid member is provided to ensure movement or pull-through of the flexible member does not occur.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for coupling a spatial frame and a brace using a coupling device having a quick-release mechanism. The spatial frame may be secured to an appendage, and the brace may support the appendage. The coupling device may include a linkage that comprises: a mounting member adapted to be detachably coupled to the brace and to a fixator post adapted to be detachably coupled the spatial frame; a position fixing member adapted to adjustably immobilize the fixator post in a coupled position when the fixator post is coupled to the mounting member; and a quick-release mechanism adapted to detachably couple the mounting member to the brace; wherein the quick-release mechanism is further adapted to be engaged and disengaged repeatedly by hand and without separate tools. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Described is a linkage for coupling an external fixtaor to a brace supporting an appendage. The linkage comprises, a pair of mounting members, a pair of first elongate members, a pair of position fixing members, a second pair of elongate members and a pair of quick release mechanisms. The mounting members are selectively coupleable to the external fixator. Each of the first elongate members is rotatably coupled to a corresponding one of the mounting members. Each of the position fixing members includes first and second locking channels for slidably receiving a corresponding one of the first elongate members in the first locking channel. Each of the second elongate members is slidably received in a corresponding one of the second locking channels. The quick release mechanisms couple the pair of the first elongate members to the pair of mounting members.

Abstract: A method of performing work on a communication system in accordance with a work assignment includes a step of identifying a data file associated with the work assignment, the data file including subscription information and network location information. The method also includes a step of preparing at least a first set of test parameters for performing a network test, the first set of parameters based on, at least in part, the subscription information and the network location information. The test parameters are then communicated to a test device. Thereafter, the test device performs a first test using the first set of test parameters.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for providing specialized e-mail services to a sender, recipient or both, over a communications network. The method is composed of the following steps. On a computer operated by an e-mail sender, an online session with a computer at an e-mail center is established. The sender then sends an e-mail packet including an e-mail message destined to a recipient together with a request for a specified verification of e-mail service to the e-mail center. This e-mail is then transmitted from the e-mail center computer to an e-mail address accessible by a computer operated by a recipient, and when the recipient at least receives said e-mail, the e-mail center receives notification. And, in its turn, the e-mail center provides at least the requested e-mail notification to the sender. The apparatus provides the means for performing these steps.