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: 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.