Abstract: A method and system for grouping and manipulating windows in a window system is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of displayed windows are grouped into a project group. A project group has associated information regarding which windows belong to the project group, an associated project group appearance for differentiating the windows in the project group from other windows, and a set of project group commands for operating upon the project group. A window is designated as a project group folder, this window containing indicators to the other windows belonging to the project group. For each window belonging to the project group, project group commands are added to menus of the windows belonging to the project group. Later, when a window is activated and a project group command selected for operating upon the project group, certain behaviors occur.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric bone fixation devices and processes for making the devices. In making the bone fixation devices, a polymeric material having a crystalline portion is deformed by a compressive force along a particular direction which causes molecular chains contained within the polymer to orient. The resulting polymer has increased mechanical properties including increased tensile strength and modulus. The polymeric material used to make the bone fixation device can be a bioabsorbable polymer which, once implanted, is broken down and absorbed by the patient's body, eliminating the need for removal.

Abstract: A linear force actuator system for stabilizing a support structure employs a linear dc motor whose primary winding is driven by a pulse width modulation control signal representative of a force input, through which the secondary member of the motor which acts as an inertial mass, is to be controllably translated. For improved control accuracy, the actuator system of the invention employs a pair of feedback loops, one of which monitors the current in the motor's primary winding to maintain a constant force output to the secondary member and a secondary of which monitors long term deviations from the center of the secondary member and corrects for centering offsets. An opto-electronic position sensing arrangement monitors the movement of the secondary member whereby precise control of commutation of the coils of the primary winding and a smooth translation of the secondary member are obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting an annular groove about a rotating cylindrical member includes a rotating cutter positioned in cutting relation to the outer surface of the cylindrical member and including a plurality of cutting edges, each forwardly angled in relation to the direction of rotation of the cutter. The cylindrical member and cutter rotate in the same direction so that an annular groove or channel is cut in and along the outer surface of the cylindrical member. Sealing apparatus is included for providing sealing between the outer surface of such member and the inner surface of a member overlying such first-mentioned member. The sealing apparatus is of resilient material and is seated in the channel. The sealing apparatus includes a pair of elongated ribs angled in the same direction, and in contact with each other when in such sealing situation, with the elongated side surface of one of such ribs in sealing contact with the inner surface of such overlying member.