Abstract: Authentication method and systems using RFID-enabled payment cards are disclosed herein where a server receives a request corresponding to authorization of a payment associated with a payment card from an electronic terminal. The server identifies an electronic device of a user associated with the payment card. The server then transmits an instruction to the electronic device to cause an RFID reader of the electronic device to determine whether an RFID tag corresponding to the payment card is located within a predetermined proximity to the electronic device. When the payment card is located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a first authentication protocol. Moreover, when the payment card is not located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a second authentication protocol, wherein the second authentication protocol is more restrictive than the first authentication protocol.

Abstract: An implant delivery device may include an implant holding portion proximate the distal end, the implant holding portion being configured to retain a sheet-like implant during implantation of the implant. In addition, the implant holding portion may be configured to receive the implant with a fixed implant supporting flange member configured to support the implant on one side, and a movable implant supporting flange member. The movable implant supporting flange member may be configured to be slidable between a distal position and a proximal position, wherein, in the distal position, the movable implant supporting flange member and secures the implant against the fixed implant supporting flange member, and in the proximal position, the movable implant supporting flange member is withdrawn from the distal end of the implant delivery device, thus enabling release of the implant.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: A pallet for supportively carrying and transporting goods as a unit load in a stable efficient manner is disclosed. The pallet can be configured as a rigid or easily disassemblable compact collapsed structure. Interlocking frame members form an upper planar surface with one or more gap or void areas. A sheet of flexible material operatively secured to the frame is tautly stretched to overlie the void areas and forms a structural part of the upper planar surface to counteract downward load forces applied to the fabric over the pallet surface void areas. The sheet material preferably comprises woven polypropylene material.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk material container and sleeve configuration thereof are disclosed. The container includes a forming member assembly that provides container rigidity and stability and forms an internal geometric volumetric cavity for containing a bulk material load. A continuously woven sleeve having contiguous woven zones of selectable varied fabric weight and strength engage the forming member and provide the primary containment strength of the container. The sleeve engages the forming member either externally or internally. The sleeve includes a fabric weight zone of greatest strength adjacent the lower portion of the container.

Abstract: A collapsible, reusable bulk material container assembly, kit and method for assembling and using same are disclosed. Upper ring and base members are locked together by peripheral post members, forming an upright rigid framework that operatively supports a woven fabric bulk material receiving sleeve. A cover connected to the upper ring seals the container. Intermediate support bands may be attached to and along the post members to resist outwardly directed forces applied to the post members through the sleeve by contained bulk material. The container is reconfigurable to a collapsed storage or shipping module that retainably contains the post members, support bands and woven fabric sleeve. The post members may be segmentable or collapsible for containment within the collapsed module. Component parts of the container assembly are detachable, reusable and recyclable.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk material container and sleeve configuration thereof are disclosed. The container includes a forming member assembly that provides container rigidity and stability and forms an internal geometric volumetric cavity for containing a bulk material load. A continuously woven sleeve having contiguous woven zones of selectable varied fabric weight and strength engage the forming member and provide the primary containment strength of the container. The sleeve engages the forming member either externally or internally. The sleeve includes a fabric weight zone of greatest strength adjacent the lower portion of the container.

Abstract: A pallet for supportively carrying and transporting goods as a unit load in a stable efficient manner is disclosed. The pallet can be configured as a rigid or easily disassemblable compact collapsed structure. Interlocking frame members form an upper planar surface with one or more gap or void areas. A sheet of flexible material operatively secured to the frame is tautly stretched to overlie the void areas and forms a structural part of the upper planar surface to counteract downward load forces applied to the fabric over the pallet surface void areas. The sheet material preferably comprises woven polypropylene material.

Abstract: A collapsible, reusable bulk material container assembly, kit and method for assembling and using same are disclosed. Upper ring and base members are locked together by peripheral post members, forming an upright rigid framework that operatively supports a woven fabric bulk material receiving sleeve. A cover connected to the upper ring seals the container. Intermediate support bands may be attached to and along the post members to resist outwardly directed forces applied to the post members through the sleeve by contained bulk material. The container is reconfigurable to a collapsed storage or shipping module that retainably contains the post members, support bands and woven fabric sleeve. The post members may be segmentable or collapsible for containment within the collapsed module. Component parts of the container assembly are detachable, reusable and recyclable. One configuration of the container is sized to replace a conventional 55-gallon drum.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.

Abstract: A pallet for supportively carrying and transporting goods as a unit load in a stable efficient manner is disclosed. The pallet can be configured as a rigid or easily disassemblable compact collapsed structure. Interlocking frame members form an upper planar surface with one or more gap or void areas. A sheet of flexible material operatively secured to the frame is tautly stretched to overlie the void areas and forms a structural part of the upper planar surface to counteract downward load forces applied to the fabric over the pallet surface void areas. The sheet material preferably comprises woven polypropylene material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk material container apparatus, kit and method of assembly employ a forming member having a plurality of interconnected sidewalls, a locking mechanism that fixedly orients the sidewalls continuously about an internal bulk material receiving cavity, and a tubular open-ended woven fabric sleeve that supportively overlies the sidewalls. A connector system rapidly engageable during container assembly, fixedly secures the support sleeve of an unloaded container against subsequent upward movement along the sidewalls. Strategically located friction reducing surfaces of the forming member facilitates sliding assembly of the sleeve over the forming member sidewalls.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk material container with a unique outer support sleeve and method of manufacture thereof are disclosed. The initial inner circumference of an oversized continuous woven tubular support sleeve is adjustably sized to mattingly match the outer peripheral circumference of a bulk material container forming member which it is designed to support. One or more adjustment tails are formed from the continuous sleeve material to accurately reduce the initial inner sleeve circumference to an adjusted inner circumference. The sizing operation can be performed during initial manufacture of the sleeve or prior to assembly of the sleeve to the forming member.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk material container with a unique outer support sleeve and method of manufacture thereof are disclosed. The initial inner circumference of an oversized continuous woven tubular support sleeve is adjustably sized to mattingly match the outer peripheral circumference of a bulk material container forming member which it is designed to support. One or more adjustment tails are formed from the continuous sleeve material to accurately reduce the initial inner sleeve circumference to an adjusted inner circumference. The sizing operation can be performed during initial manufacture of the sleeve or prior to assembly of the sleeve to the forming member.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk material container apparatus, kit and method of assembly employ a forming member having a plurality of interconnected sidewalls, a locking mechanism that fixedly orients the sidewalls continuously about an internal bulk material receiving cavity, and a tubular open-ended woven fabric sleeve that supportively overlies the sidewalls. A connector system rapidly engageable during container assembly, fixedly secures the support sleeve of an unloaded container against subsequent upward movement along the sidewalls. Strategically located friction reducing surfaces of the forming member facilitates sliding assembly of the sleeve over the forming member sidewalls.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for automatically accessing data in a database based on query information. In use, query information is received from a user interface, the query information including at least one selection of a preconfigured set of queries that are grouped logically based on a team or an application and the query information further including input parameters defined by a user utilizing the user interface. Additionally, data to access in at least one database is identified based on the query information. Further, a connection with the at least one database is automatically established, the connection with the at least one database being established utilizing a predefined database connection for one or more environments with which the user interface is associated. Moreover, the data in the at least one database is automatically accessed based on the query information.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for allowing users to access information from a plurality of external systems utilizing a user interface. In use, a plurality of external systems with which to communicate are identified. Additionally, a connection type associated with each of the plurality of external systems is identified. Further, information associated with each of the plurality of external systems to access is identified. In addition, a plurality of logical modules are configured based on the identified information. Furthermore, user groups are identified for each of the plurality of logical modules. Moreover, access levels associated with each of the plurality of logical modules are defined for each of the identified user groups.