Abstract: A system for providing secure data storage, data transfer, and communication, the system communicably coupled with a global communications network, comprises a data repository configured for accessing an external overlay network consisting of a network of volunteer nodes that utilize onion routing to send and receive data, wherein the data repository is further configured for storing data and applications belonging to users, a database management system configured for: 1) accessing the overlay network; 2) controlling user access to the data repository via the overlay network, and 3) sending and receiving data via the overlay network using onion routing, and a client application configured for: 1) controlling user access to the client application by requiring security credentials; 2) accessing the overlay network over the global communications network, and 3) sending and receiving data via the overlay network using onion routing.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a chamber is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a stopper disposed within the chamber of the syringe barrel and a plunger rod having an inner member engaged with the stopper and an outer member adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the inner member. The plunger rod is transitionable from a collapsed position, in which a portion of the inner member is nested within the outer member, to an extended position, in which the same portion of the inner member extends outside the outer member. The syringe assembly also includes a stop member configured for cooperation with a portion of the syringe barrel, upon relative movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member, to limit the outward travel of the plunger rod from the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel defining a chamber having a stopper therein is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a plunger rod associated with the stopper, the plunger rod includes an outer sleeve having a distal end interconnected to the stopper and a sidewall portion defining an opening therein. The plunder rod also includes an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve including a longitudinally extending track in alignment with the opening in the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the outer sleeve. The plunger rod also includes a spring mounted in association with the inner sleeve. The syringe assembly further includes a holding mechanism associated with the plunger rod and configured for cooperation with the inner and outer sleeves. Relative movement between the inner and outer sleeves causes the plunger rod to transition from a collapsed position to an extended position.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for use as a pre-filled syringe is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel defining a chamber and having a stopper disposed therein. A plunger rod includes an inner member engaged with a portion of the stopper and an outer member adapted for rotational advancement with respect to the inner member to axially displace the outer member with respect to the inner member. The plunger rod is transitionable from a collapsed position in which a portion of the inner member is nested within the outer member, to an extended position in which the same portion of the inner member extends outside the outer member. The inner member includes a radial extension and the outer member defines a helical track adapted to receive the radial extension therein.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a plunger rod having a first end, a second end, and a rod portion extending therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the rod portion is flexible is disclosed. The flexible portion of the rod portion allows a stopper to be moved between a first position and a second position within a syringe barrel while the overall length of the syringe assembly remains the same throughout the movement between the first position and the second position. In another embodiment, a syringe assembly including a restraining member adapted to communicate with the flexible portion of the rod portion such that movement of the first end of the plunger rod in a first direction actuates movement of the second end of the plunger rod in a second direction different than the first direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A syringe assembly for use as a pre-filled syringe is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel defining a chamber and having a stopper disposed therein. A plunger rod includes an inner member engaged with a portion of the stopper and an outer member adapted for rotational advancement with respect to the inner member to axially displace the outer member with respect to the inner member. The plunger rod is transitionable from a collapsed position in which a portion of the inner member is nested within the outer member, to an extended position in which the same portion of the inner member extends outside the outer member. The inner member includes a radial extension and the outer member defines a helical track adapted to receive the radial extension therein.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a chamber is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a stopper disposed within the chamber of the syringe barrel and a plunger rod having an inner member engaged with the stopper and an outer member adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the inner member. The plunger rod is transitionable from a collapsed position, in which a portion of the inner member is nested within the outer member, to an extended position, in which the same portion of the inner member extends outside the outer member. The syringe assembly also includes a stop member configured for cooperation with a portion of the syringe barrel, upon relative movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member, to limit the outward travel of the plunger rod from the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining a chamber is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a stopper disposed within the chamber of the syringe barrel and a plunger rod having an inner member engaged with the stopper and an outer member adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the inner member. The plunger rod is transitionable from a collapsed position, in which a portion of the inner member is nested within the outer member, to an extended position, in which the same portion of the inner member extends outside the outer member. The syringe assembly also includes a stop member configured for cooperation with a portion of the syringe barrel, upon relative movement of the outer member with respect to the inner member, to limit the outward travel of the plunger rod from the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a plunger rod having a first end, a second end, and a rod portion extending therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the rod portion is flexible is disclosed. The flexible portion of the rod portion allows a stopper to be moved between a first position and a second position within a syringe barrel while the overall length of the syringe assembly remains the same throughout the movement between the first position and the second position. In another embodiment, a syringe assembly including a restraining member adapted to communicate with the flexible portion of the rod portion such that movement of the first end of the plunger rod in a first direction actuates movement of the second end of the plunger rod in a second direction different than the first direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a plunger rod having a first end, a second end, and a rod portion extending therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the rod portion is flexible is disclosed. The flexible portion of the rod portion allows a stopper to be moved between a first position and a second position within a syringe barrel while the overall length of the syringe assembly remains the same throughout the movement between the first position and the second position. In another embodiment, a syringe assembly including a restraining member adapted to communicate with the flexible portion of the rod portion such that movement of the first end of the plunger rod in a first direction actuates movement of the second end of the plunger rod in a second direction different than the first direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel defining a chamber having a stopper therein is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a plunger rod associated with the stopper, the plunger rod includes an outer sleeve having a distal end interconnected to the stopper and a sidewall portion defining an opening therein. The plunder rod also includes an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve including a longitudinally extending track in alignment with the opening in the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the outer sleeve. The plunger rod also includes a spring mounted in association with the inner sleeve. The syringe assembly further includes a holding mechanism associated with the plunger rod and configured for cooperation with the inner and outer sleeves. Relative movement between the inner and outer sleeves causes the plunger rod to transition from a collapsed position to an extended position.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a syringe barrel defining a chamber having a stopper therein is disclosed. The syringe assembly includes a plunger rod associated with the stopper, the plunger rod includes an outer sleeve having a distal end interconnected to the stopper and a sidewall portion defining an opening therein. The plunder rod also includes an inner sleeve disposed within the outer sleeve including a longitudinally extending track in alignment with the opening in the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the outer sleeve. The plunger rod also includes a spring mounted in association with the inner sleeve. The syringe assembly further includes a holding mechanism associated with the plunger rod and configured for cooperation with the inner and outer sleeves. Relative movement between the inner and outer sleeves causes the plunger rod to transition from a collapsed position to an extended position.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a plunger rod having a first end, a second end, and a rod portion extending therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the rod portion is flexible is disclosed. The flexible portion of the rod portion allows a stopper to be moved between a first position and a second position within a syringe barrel while the overall length of the syringe assembly remains the same throughout the movement between the first position and the second position. In another embodiment, a syringe assembly including a restraining member adapted to communicate with the flexible portion of the rod portion such that movement of the first end of the plunger rod in a first direction actuates movement of the second end of the plunger rod in a second direction different than the first direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A syringe assembly including a plunger rod having a first end, a second end, and a rod portion extending therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the rod portion is flexible is disclosed. The flexible portion of the rod portion allows a stopper to be moved between a first position and a second position within a syringe barrel while the overall length of the syringe assembly remains the same throughout the movement between the first position and the second position. In another embodiment, a syringe assembly including a restraining member adapted to communicate with the flexible portion of the rod portion such that movement of the first end of the plunger rod in a first direction actuates movement of the second end of the plunger rod in a second direction different than the first direction is disclosed.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.

Abstract: Methods and systems to modify an audio signal, such as a speech signal, while preserving aural distinctions between sounds of the audio signal. Methods and systems disclosed herein may be implemented with respect to cellular telephones and portable music devices, such as to reduce and/or prevent hearing loss due. Audio modification may include sweeping through one or more frequency ranges of a speech signal and modifying frequencies within the frequency range as a function of a pattern, such as an infinite rising wave pattern. Speech modification may include adding and subtracting one or more equalization curves to and from the speech signal to vary amplitudes substantially without lateral movement in pitch.

Abstract: A knee orthosis comprises an upper leg attachment and a lower leg attachment. In addition, the knee orthosis includes a hinge joint extending between the upper leg attachment and the lower leg attachment. The hinge joint includes an upper arm having a first end fixed to the upper leg attachment and a second end opposite the first end. The second end including a semi-spherical surface. Further, the hinge joint includes a lower arm having a first end fixed to the lower leg attachment and a second end opposite the first end. The second end including a semi-spherical surface that mates with the semi-spherical surface of the second end of the upper arm.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.