Abstract: A system of toggle type suture anchors is disclosed. The plurality of suture anchors is connected in series by a plurality of independently cinchable working suture loops with one working suture loop connecting each pair of anchors in series to form a chain. Each of the suture anchors as connected by working suture loops allows tensioning of the working suture between itself and the prior anchor implanted in the serial string. Further, each anchor includes a loop type locking mechanism to lock the cinchable working suture loop subsequent to tensioning so that the loop remains fixed in size during cyclic loading during joint use. This creates an independently tensioned suture stitch between each implanted suture anchor and the just previously implanted anchor. In total the system as implanted creates a high density, continuous array of anchor-to-anchor stitches for robust securement of soft tissue to bone.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for optimizing a process of manufacturing a product. In one aspect, the method comprises repeatedly performing the following: i) selecting a configuration of input settings for manufacturing a product, based on a causal model that measures causal relationships between input settings and a measure of a quality of the product; ii) determining the measure of the quality of the product manufactured using the configuration of input settings; and iii) adjusting, based on the measure of the quality of the product manufactured using the configuration of input settings, the causal model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transtendinous implantation of a toggle-type bone anchor. Measured from the top surface of the tendon, the entire bone anchor is inserted to a depth of greater than or equal to 20 mm. during a rotator cuff repair on the humeral head. The anchor is pushed by the same bone punch that formed the initial hole to assure proper depth of placement. Further, the apparatus includes a nub portion that, in use, protrudes into the bone hole formed by the bone punch and maintains registration with the bone hole when the bone punch is retracted. An angled distal end on the anchor initiates toggling during insertion into the bone and at least one proximal projecting fin prevents the anchor from backing out of the bone hole while facilitating further rotation of the anchor when a suture is pulled to complete toggling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for persistent volatile computer memory. In one embodiment, the memory of a computer in partitioned into two regions, one directly accessible to the operating system and one accessible to the operating system only through an intermediary program such as a device driver. In another embodiment, the partitioning of computer memory is achieved through modifications to the computer's BIOS, preventing the operating system from directly addressing a region of volatile computer memory and protecting the contents of the region from modification during a boot cycle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing improved maintenance of consistent, redundant mass storage images. In one embodiment, one feature of the invention is the presence of non-volatile storage and persistent volatile memory, where the persistent volatile memory is used to store write transactions posted to non-volatile storage. Another feature of the invention is an intermediary program, such as a device driver, that serves as an intermediary between the operating system and non-volatile storage that processes write requests from the operating system directed to non-volatile storage, stores their contents in persistent volatile memory, and then completes the write to non-volatile storage. Yet another feature of the invention is that the contents of the persistent memory region are resistant to initialization or modification during a boot cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the assembling, testing, and inspection of a product is provided comprising a plurality of kits, wherein each kit contains a plurality of parts to be assembled together to form a product. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of cue cards with each card having a status indicator corresponding to the assembly progress of a particular kit. A display device is further provided to visually display the plurality of cue cards. The status indicator of each cue card can indicate to load the parts into the kits, that the parts are ready to be assembled, that the parts are being assembled, and that the parts in the kit are assembled. A movable indicator, such as a pin, is movable between the status positions to visually indicate the same. The cue card further includes a priority level indicator that corresponds to the priority level of a particular kit.

Abstract: Two mutations in the human cardiac actin gene are disclosed which have been associated with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) in two families. These mutations cosegregate with IDC in the two families. Both mutations affect universally conserved amino acids in domains of actin that attach to Z bands and intercalated discs. Analysis of the cardiac actin gene can be used to determine the presence in a patient of IDC resulting from mutations in this gene. Such analysis is useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease in patients with mutations in this gene.