Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed comprising a thermoplastic composite body having anterior, first lateral, second lateral, posterior, superior, and inferior surfaces, and at least one dense portion and at least one porous portion which are integrally formed. The at least one dense portion is formed of a first thermoplastic polymer matrix that is essentially non-porous, and which is continuous through a thickness dimension from the superior surface to the inferior surface. The at least one porous portion is formed of a porous thermoplastic polymer scaffold having a second thermoplastic polymer matrix which is continuous through the thickness dimension. A method for forming the thermoplastic composite body is disclosed comprising disposing a first powder mixture in a first portion of a mold, disposing a second powder mixture in a second portion of the mold, simultaneously molding the first powder mixture and the second powder mixture, and leaching porogen.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed comprising a thermoplastic composite body having anterior, first lateral, second lateral, posterior, superior, and inferior surfaces, and at least one dense portion and at least one porous portion which are integrally formed. The at least one dense portion is formed of a first thermoplastic polymer matrix that is essentially non-porous, and which is continuous through a thickness dimension from the superior surface to the inferior surface. The at least one porous portion is formed of a porous thermoplastic polymer scaffold having a second thermoplastic polymer matrix which is continuous through the thickness dimension. A method for forming the thermoplastic composite body is disclosed comprising disposing a first powder mixture in a first portion of a mold, disposing a second powder mixture in a second portion of the mold, simultaneously molding the first powder mixture and the second powder mixture, and leaching porogen.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed comprising a thermoplastic composite body having anterior, first lateral, second lateral, posterior, superior, and inferior surfaces, and at least one dense portion and at least one porous portion which are integrally formed. The at least one dense portion is formed of a first thermoplastic polymer matrix that is essentially non-porous, and which is continuous through a thickness dimension from the superior surface to the inferior surface. The at least one porous portion is formed of a porous thermoplastic polymer scaffold having a second thermoplastic polymer matrix which is continuous through the thickness dimension. A method for forming the thermoplastic composite body is disclosed comprising disposing a first powder mixture in a first portion of a mold, disposing a second powder mixture in a second portion of the mold, simultaneously molding the first powder mixture and the second powder mixture, and leaching porogen.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is disclosed comprising a thermoplastic composite body having anterior, first lateral, second lateral, posterior, superior, and inferior surfaces, and at least one dense portion and at least one porous portion which are integrally formed. The at least one dense portion is formed of a first thermoplastic polymer matrix that is essentially non-porous, and which is continuous through a thickness dimension from the superior surface to the inferior surface. The at least one porous portion is formed of a porous thermoplastic polymer scaffold having a second thermoplastic polymer matrix which is continuous through the thickness dimension. A method for forming the thermoplastic composite body is disclosed comprising disposing a first powder mixture in a first portion of a mold, disposing a second powder mixture in a second portion of the mold, simultaneously molding the first powder mixture and the second powder mixture, and leaching porogen.

Abstract: An orthosis includes dynamic tensioning elements, recreating and/or improving on the load sharing typically provided by soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, muscle and a capsule at a joint of a patient or wearer, thereby providing support and preventing further injury from joint instability and/or joint laxity. The orthosis can support a glenohumeral joint of the shoulder brace and can prevent additional injury from various shoulder instabilities, for example, anterior, inferior, posterior and/or multidirectional instabilities. This can be accomplished by dynamically tensioning posterior, anterior and/or humeral head straps of the orthosis. The straps can be primarily adjustable only in tension forces stored there within, rather in orientation relative to the shoulder. This can simplify setup and use, and can ensure the orthosis has a low profile. Related methods of use also are provided.

Abstract: An orthosis includes dynamic tensioning elements, recreating and/or improving on the load sharing typically provided by soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, muscle and a capsule at a joint of a patient or wearer, thereby providing support and preventing further injury from joint instability and/or joint laxity. The orthosis can support a glenohumeral joint of the shoulder brace and can prevent additional injury from various shoulder instabilities, for example, anterior, inferior, posterior and/or multidirectional instabilities. This can be accomplished by dynamically tensioning posterior, anterior and/or humeral head straps of the orthosis. The straps can be primarily adjustable only in tension forces stored there within, rather in orientation relative to the shoulder. This can simplify setup and use, and can ensure the orthosis has a low profile. Related methods of use also are provided.

Abstract: Techniques include performing text mining on a set of case reports in text format to determine a set of grammar rules to be used to determine whether case reports meet a medical condition. The text mining includes performing feature selection, used to determine the set of grammar rules, that combines standardized case definitions with experience of medical officers for the medical condition and outputting the set of grammar rules. Another technique includes applying grammar rule(s) to new case report(s), the grammar rule(s) previously determined at least by performing text mining comprised of performing feature selection, used to determine the set of grammar rules, that combines standardized case definitions with experience of medical officers for the medical condition. Indication(s) are output of whether the new case report(s) meet or do not meet the medical condition. The techniques may be performed by a method, an apparatus, and a program product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing insurance related activities are provided. Software can be implemented to provide a (optionally networked) application that includes an interactive interface for use by insurance professionals in managing clients. Personal data can be received for computing a client's financial condition. Business data of the client can be received for computing a business financial condition of the business at the death of the client. An assumption of the business financial condition, including levels of business owned life insurance can be modified. A selection mechanism can also be provided, which when selected displays a representation of a death benefits to the client and to the business, based on the modified assumption. The personal financial and business financial condition can change in relation to a change in the personal death and business death benefit as the assumptions are interactively modified, thereby showing the benefit of business owned life insurance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing insurance related activities are provided. Software can be implemented to provide an application that includes an interactive interface for use by insurance professionals in managing clients, marketing insurance, and storing information. The application can include multiple layers directed to particular stages of the insurance-client relationship. Aggregation services can also be incorporated into the application. Interactive insurance-and-client specific display pages can be incorporated to aid in understanding a client's current insurance information and to generate presentations. “Value” calculators may be implemented to illustrate a comparison of a client's current level of protection to a client's current financial state. Interactive tools for evaluating a customer's financial condition during retirement and how life insurance affects a customer's financial condition are also provided.

Abstract: An interactive financial tool is disclosed for assisting agents such as, for example, insurance professionals, estate planners, financial planners, and the like in performing activities such as, for example, marketing products or services to new or existing clients, managing client relationships, prospecting for new clients, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing insurance related activities are provided. Software can be implemented to provide an application that includes an interactive interface for use by insurance professionals in managing clients, marketing insurance, and storing information. For example, a network application can be implemented that a user can access via a web browser and which is intuitive for quick comprehension and interaction by users. The application can include multiple layers directed to particular stages of the insurance-client relationship. The application can include a Workflow Wizard® to aid the user in managing and maintaining client information and tracking progress. Aggregation services can also be incorporated into the application. Interactive insurance-and-client specific display pages can be incorporated to aid in understanding a client's current insurance information and to generate presentations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing insurance related activities are provided. Software can be implemented to provide an application that includes an interactive interface for use by insurance professionals in managing clients, marketing insurance, and storing information. For example, a network application can be implemented that a user can access via a web browser and which is intuitive for quick comprehension and interaction by users. The application can include multiple layers directed to particular stages of the insurance-client relationship. The application can include a workflow wizard to aid the user in managing and maintaining client information and tracking progress. Aggregation services can also be incorporated into the application. Interactive insurance-and-client specific display pages can be incorporated to aid in understanding a client's current insurance information and to generate presentations.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a method to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a system to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ester, an amine, and optionally an alcohol. The composition can be used as a purge solution to clean paint equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing insurance related activities are provided. Software can be implemented to provide a (optionally networked) application that includes an interactive interface for use by insurance professionals in managing clients. Personal data can be received for computing a client's financial condition. Business data of the client can be received for computing a business financial condition of the business at the death of the client. An assumption of the business financial condition, including levels of business owned life insurance can be modified. A selection mechanism can also be provided, which when selected displays a representation of a death benefits to the client and to the business, based on the modified assumption. The personal financial and business financial condition can change in relation to a change in the personal death and business death benefit as the assumptions are interactively modified, thereby showing the benefit of business owned life insurance.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ester, an amine, and optionally an alcohol. The composition can be used as a purge solution to clean paint equipment.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol ester, an amine, and optionally an alcohol. The composition can be used as a purge solution to clean paint equipment.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a method to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a system to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided.

Abstract: A method of securing a soft tissue implant to damaged tissue of a patient is provided. The method includes preparing a layer of extracellular matrices (ECM) for surgery. The method further includes stretching the layer on a frame and securing the layer to the frame. The method includes placing a top surface of the layer adjacent the damaged tissue, drilling multiple holes generally simultaneously through the layer and tissue, and simultaneously inserting a fastener into each drilled hole.