Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for identifying differences in objects of a computing device using definitions expressed in vulnerability assessment languages such as Open Vulnerability and Assessment Language (OVAL). In one example of the disclosed technology, a method includes receiving criteria for evaluating the computing device using an agent. The criteria specify object tests used to generate associated state values based on states or status of the tested objects. The criteria are evaluated and first state values generated by performing the object tests are stored as expected values for object tests. The criteria are then evaluated by re-performing the object tests, and second state values thereby generated are compared to the first state values. One or more differences between the first and second state values can be identified and reported to, for example, a monitor server.

Abstract: A connector system includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a standoff arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The standoff includes a first part with an external threading and a second part with an internal threading configured to engage with the external threading of the first part. The first part is configured to engage with the first substrate, the second part is configured to engage with the second substrate, and the external threading of the first part and the internal threading of the second part are configured such that the first part and the second part are configured to be unscrewed from each other to cause the distance between the first and second substrates to increase.

Abstract: A connector system includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a standoff arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The standoff includes a first part with an external threading and a second part with an internal threading configured to engage with the external threading of the first part. The first part is configured to engage with the first substrate, the second part is configured to engage with the second substrate, and the external threading of the first part and the internal threading of the second part are configured such that the first part and the second part are configured to be unscrewed from each other to cause the distance between the first and second substrates to increase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method to perform 1) disc fusion, 2) artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4) artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the intervertebral space following discectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an substantially fixed sized mesh loop with a lumen within the mesh loop and a center hole. The mesh loop partially self expands diametrically in diameter upon removal of the introducer sheath and can be further expanded by mechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method to perform 1) disk fusing, 2) an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4), an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh and a center hole. The mesh can be diametrically expanded in diameter into the disc space whereby various materials can be injected into the lumen and/or the center hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method to perform 1) disk fusing, 2) an artificial replacement of the nucleus, 3) artificial replacement of the annulus, or 4), an artificial replacement of both the nucleus and annulus. The device is designed to be placed into the inter-vertebral space following discectomy. The invention includes a delivery catheter and an expandable continuous mesh that has a torus configuration with a lumen within the mesh and a center hole. The mesh can be diametrically expanded in diameter into the disc space whereby various materials can be injected into the lumen and/or the center hole.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a tooling apparatus that facilitates the positioning of a work piece in a particular angular configuration with respect to a longitudinal axis of the securing surface. The tooling apparatus comprises a substantially rectangular body having a one or more steps embedded along the length of an inner facing surface. In practice, the present invention tooling apparatuses mounted typically to the hard jaw of a machining vice. The present invention apparatus body can be manufactured from a variety of metallic or polymeric materials. If there are more than one step, then the steps are arranged to be a fixed distance between each step. The tooling apparatus haves the function to facilitate the mounting of work pieces in a vice for performing precise milling, grinding cuts or drilling operations ninety degrees perpendicular to the longitudinal or horizontal axis of a machining vice.

Abstract: An olfactory card (10) comprises a PC card housing (12) and a PC card connector (14) supported by the PC card housing (12). The olfactory card (10) includes a scent-producing member (20) and an electrical component (24) to activate the scent-producing member (20).

Abstract: A device for removing deer ticks and similar insects from a person's skin is disclosed. The device includes a heatable pointed needle and a spoon member located in spaced relationship alongside the needle with the bowl of the spoon facing the needle. The needle is used for poking the tick in order to cause it to retract its stinger and back off of the skin, at which point the tick may be removed in its entirety by scooping it with a spoon member located next to the hot needle. In a first embodiment of the invention, the needle and spoon member are carried on a body unit or base member in the form of a hand held gun, and the needle may be heated by an internal, self-electrical power source and heating element, or by a secondary heat source. In a second embodiment, the needle and spoon are mounted on a base member which may be attached to a flame-type cigarette lighter to heat the needle.

Abstract: Polymeric carboxy hydroxamic acids useful as detergent additives are disclosed which are advantageously prepared from polyacrylic acid by first dehydrating the polyacrylic acid to form polyacrylic anhydride followed by reaction with a hydroxylamine compound.

Abstract: A heat and pressure consolidated structure comprising, in superimposed relationship,(A) a self-supporting substrate and(B) a decorative, .alpha.-cellulose paper sheet impregnated with a resin composition comprisingA mixture of a melamine/formaldehyde resin and an elastomer comprising either an ethylene/vinyl chloride copolymer containing amide groups or a polyurethane resin containing carboxyl groups, is disclosed.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a mixture of a melamine/formaldehyde resin and an elastomer comprising either an ethylene/vinyl chloride copolymer containing amide groups or a polyether-based, polyurethane resin containing carboxyl groups, is disclosed.