Abstract: A luminal prosthesis comprises a plurality of radially expandable prosthetic stent segments arranged axially. Two or more of the prosthetic stent segments are separable upon expansion from the remaining prosthetic stent segments and a coupling structure connects at least some of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to each other. The coupling structure permits a first group of the adjacent prosthetic stent segments to separate from a second group of the prosthetic stent segments upon differential radial expansion of the first group relative to the second group and the coupling structure maintains or forms an attachment between the adjacent prosthetic stent segments in the first group which have been expanded together. A delivery system and methods for deploying the multiple coupled prosthetic stent segments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fusion implant apparatus, in for the replacement of a vertebra or an intervertebral disc, having at least one biocompatible structure. The structure is made of a composite material having reinforcing fibers, and has a first and second face to engage adjacent bone structures to be fused, struts extending between the first and second faces, and a hollow interior space for reception of bone growth inducing substances. The fibers are long fibers and the majority of these long fibers have a direction that follows the longitudinal forces upon the first and second faces, which is the direction of trabecular structures of the adjacent bone structure, so that a majority of long fibers are essentially an extension of these trabecular structures.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for analyzing signals within an integrated circuit are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, internal IC signals are tapped, sampled and stored according to one or more sampling criteria. The signals may be taken from multiple locations within the IC and the information stored may include data, timing information, control data and other such information related to the tapped signals. The stored information may be provided to an external device for analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of preparing fiber preforms disperses fibers and binder on a forming support surface such that the materials are conditioned and then applied to the surface where the composite material solidifies. Reinforcing material, such as fiber, is mixed with binder, such as thermoplastic or thermoset materials, so that the materials adhere. Then, the adhesive mixture is dispersed in a controlled pre-determined weight ratio on the support surface where the mixture sticks to the support surface, cools and solidifies. The deposited mixture can be an open mat having interstices between fibers. The deposited mixture can also be shaped further into a final desired shape before complete solidification. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their associated problems. The process does not require a vacuum or plenum system to hold the reinforcing material in place.

Abstract: A personal computer system having a retractable cable system or mechanism for use in connecting a first computing device to a second computing device. The retractable cable mechanism is disposed adjacent to a front panel of the either the first or second computing devices. The retractable cable mechanism is coupled to an extendable cable 26 that allows a user to interconnect the first and second computing devices using a cable that may be retracted inside of the personal computer when not in use.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of preparing fiber preforms disperses fibers and binder on a forming support surface such that the materials are conditioned and then applied to the surface where the composite material solidifies. Reinforcing material, such as fiber, is mixed with binder, such as thermoplastic or thermoset materials, so that the materials adhere. Then, the adhesive mixture is dispersed in a controlled pre-determined weight ratio on the support surface where the mixture sticks to the support surface, cools and solidifies. The deposited mixture can be an open mat having interstices between fibers. The deposited mixture can also be shaped further into a final desired shape before complete solidification. This method eliminates the need for solvents and their associated problems. The process does not require a vacuum or plenum system to hold the reinforcing material in place.

Abstract: A fusion implant apparatus, in for the replacement of a vertebra or an intervertebral disc, having at least one biocompatible structure. The structure is made of a composite material having reinforcing fibers, and has a first and second face to engage adjacent bone structures to be fused, struts extending between the first and second faces, and a hollow interior space for reception of bone growth inducing substances. The fibers are long fibers and the majority of these long fibers have a direction that follows the longitudinal forces upon the first and second faces, which is the direction of trabecular structures of the adjacent bone structure, so that a majority of long fibers are essentially an extension of these trabecular structures.

Abstract: The cylindrical fiber reinforced implant is designed to be inserted between two adjacent vertebrae. The implant having an outer wall with a general cylindrical or oval shape and preferably an open volume for bone filling. Said wall having reinforcing fibers which at least in part are oriented in a first direction. A support extending within said volume having reinforcing fibers which are at least in part oriented in a second direction, said first and said second directions are different. Preferably the fibers of the outer wall are at least partly concentrically oriented. The support is preferably a separately formed part, that is inserted into the outer wall.

Abstract: A system with methodology for performing relational operations over relational data and data retrieved from Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) operations is described. In one embodiment, a method of the present invention is described for performing database operations on data obtained from a web service, the method comprises steps of: creating at least one proxy table in a database, each proxy table mapping to a method of the web service; in response to a database operation on a particular proxy table, converting the database operation into a format for invoking a particular method of the web service based upon the corresponding mapping; invoking the particular method of the web service; converting results obtained from invoking the particular method into data for use at the database based upon the corresponding mapping; and performing the database operation on the data at the database.

Abstract: A brake (10) having particular application for a linear motion device (12) includes a channel (82) secured to the base plate (14) in which a body (120) secured to the sliding plate (16) partially extends. A tape seal (112) of the channel (82) extends through a slot (180) formed in the body (120) so that the calipers (15) moveably mounted to the body (120) are located within a hollow interior of the channel (82). The calipers (152) include cylindrical carriers (154) slideably received in cross bores (130) in the body (120) and are biased to a disengaged position by a spring (164) sandwiched between a snap ring (162) in the cross bore (130) and the carrier (152). A diametric groove (156) is formed on the inner axial end of the carrier (154) and slideably receives a side (140) of an actuator element (138) which extends in a non-axial direction.

Abstract: A policy caching method for use in a communication device is provided. The communication device determines which instance of protocol data unit (PDU) network policy from a plurality of policies is to be applied to related-received PDUs based on contents of one of the related-received PDUs. Subsequently, policy identification information identifying the instance PDU policy is cached for future application to other of the related-received PDUs. Also, a communication device which implemented this policy caching method is provided.