Abstract: An adjusting device having a front plate and a stabilizing bracket extending generally transversely from the front plate. An adjusting slot, a centerline slot, and a plurality of lateral slots are defined in the front plate. The stabilizing bracket extends generally transversely from the front plate. The device is affixed to a horizontal member and may be horizontally adjusted on the horizontal member to determine the location of a string, the string determining the outer boundary of a footing to be poured. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: Modular bone implants include first and second components removably attached to one another. In one embodiment, the components include a rotational alignment mechanism within the junction between the components. In another embodiment, the components include fins on each component that align without touching.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A method for generating and distributing mail items includes creating a first and a second mail file, wherein each of the first and second mail files includes recipient address information, and wherein the first mail file is generated by a first user, and the second mail file is generated by a second user. The first and second mail files are then transmitted to a mail service computer over a global computer network and printed, on a single sheet of media, a first mail item in accordance with the first mail file, and a second mail item in accordance with the second mail file. The first and second mail items are then placed into a surface mail system. The first mail item is addressed in accordance with the first recipient address information, and the second mail item is addressed in accordance with the second recipient address information. The mail item is then placed into the surface mail system in such a way as to minimize handling damage, and to leverage available postal technology.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: An electronic merchandizing system including a merchandising center having a large feature screen theatre located in a shopping area for display of product feature productions and advertisements of goods, orders for which can be placed via a computer network. The theatre includes an individual touch screen display terminal for each participant, allowing access to a merchandizing center web site through which orders can be placed and products viewed in addition to those being featured on the large feature screen. The center has a lobby area in which are placed additional lobby terminals for use by members in accessing the center web site. The member can also access the center web site and its features from a remote terminal at home or office over the internet. In order to access the web site, a consumer must become a member of the center and be presented with a smart card having member personal data for identification of the member as well as a listing of individual interests.

Abstract: A screw, driving device, and method are provided for repairing a tissue injury of a patient, such as a meniscal tear in a knee or osteochondritis dissecans. The screw has a root, a distal section having a narrowing cross section toward the distal end, and a thread along at least a portion of the root between the proximal end and the distal end. Along a leading section extending from the distal end, the helical pitch is substantially constant; along a trailing section between the leading section and the root's proximal end, the helical pitch decreases. The substantially constant pitch along the leading section assists in preventing a stripping of the helical section. At the proximal end is a head having a diameter greater than a major root diameter of the central section. The head is for improving the tissue retention characteristics of the screw.

Abstract: A method for generating and distributing mail items includes creating a first and a second mail file, wherein each of the first and second mail files includes recipient address information, and wherein the first mail file is generated by a first user, and the second mail file is generated by a second user. The first and second mail files are then transmitted to a mail service computer over a global computer network and printed, on a single sheet of media, a first mail item in accordance with the first mail file, and a second mail item in accordance with the second mail file. The first and second mail items are then placed into a surface mail system. The first mail item is addressed in accordance with the first recipient address information, and the second mail item is addressed in accordance with the second recipient address information. The mail item is then placed into the surface mail system in such a way as to minimize handling damage, and to leverage available postal technology.

Abstract: A ligament mounting and method for its use for endosteally mounting an end of a ligament graft in a prepared bone tunnel section in a surgical procedure to replace a patient's ligament. The ligament mounting includes a strap and footing combination that are suitable for human implanting and may be formed from a material that is absorbed by the patient's body during the healing process. The strap is formed as a section of flexible material, includes a proximal end for passage through a footing that is for arrangement across a cortex end of the ligament tunnel section, and with the strap distal end arranged to connect to a ligament graft end. The strap and footing are formed to allow for passage of the strap in one direction and to bind when the footing is compressed to crimp onto said strap, prohibiting it from being pulled back through the footing when a pulling force is applied, maintaining a ligament graft under tension in the tunnel section endosteum.

Abstract: The device for affixing a flexible load-bearing element within a bone tunnel includes a securing element that attaches to the flexible element. A bone tunnel fixation element has an outer surface that is adapted to movably engage the bone tunnel. A deformable biasing element is positionable within the fixation element bore adjacent the proximal end. A locking member is dimensioned for movement within the fixation element bore and is positionable adjacent the distal end thereof. The locking member is lockable to the securing element, and the biasing means is for biasing the locking member toward the bore's distal end. Thus as a tension is applied to the securing means, a deformation of the biasing element is caused that is indicative of a magnitude of the applied tension. Therefore, a common element serves to perform pretensioning, and the need for a separate tensioning system is obviated.

Abstract: A bone fixator for a ligament anchor system and a process its use in an arthroscopic procedure for mounting a ligament graft end in a tunnel formed into a bone. The bone fixator includes threaded footing member for mounting in a bone tunnel, that includes a longitudinal opening formed therethrough, and a ligament carrying member that has a forward of proximal portion for fitting through the threaded footing member longitudinal opening and including a coupling arrangement for securing the ligament carrying member in the threaded footing member.

Abstract: A connector delivery device and method include a rod frangibly affixed to an inner member and a support member slidable around the rod. The support member is adapted to support an outer member for movement relative to the inner member for forming a snap fit therebetween, the snap fit for trapping flexible material such as suture at a surgical site. In an alternate embodiment a pistol-type handle and trigger operate to move a push rod seated within an outer barrel against the outer member to push the outer member over the inner member to form the snap fit. A collet is attached to a collet barrel slidable within the outer barrel, the collet barrel positioned in surrounding relation to the push rod. The collet, which is spring biased into a closed position, supports the outer member prior to activation of the delivery device.

Abstract: A connector for joining sections of flexible material includes inner and outer members that snap fit together by passing the bore of the outer member over the inner member to capture and secure ends of flexible material such as sutures. The flexible material is fitted into a bore in the inner member and project out a side portal to pass between the shared or opposing inner and outer member surfaces. This serpentine pathway locks the flexible material in place. The invention further provides a delivery instrument to maintain the outer member in alignment with a receiving end of the inner member loaded with flexible material. The delivery instrument further includes cooperating elements for urging the outer member over the inner member to lock the flexible material in place.

Abstract: A cerclage cable system comprises a cable in conjunction with a biasing mechanism for maintaining cable tension. Inadvertent loss of cable tension is compensated for by the biasing mechanism. In one embodiment, cerclage cable system includes a leaf spring disposed between the cable and the bone. Alternative embodiments include other biasing mechanisms, such as helical compression springs and resilient materials. Further embodiments include biasing mechanisms in line with the cable to maintain tension. Such a cerclage system maintains cable tension by taking up inadvertent slack in the cable with the biasing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method are provided for neutralizing poison, acquired through venomous snake bites, insect bites and stings, or the like, within a localized wound area. The apparatus is preferably comprised of a housing (12) completely containing a voltage generator (14) and partially containing a cathode (16) electrically communicating with the voltage generator, the cathode having a tip (16a), and an electrical receiver (18) mounted to the housing. The electrical receiver has a distal portion (18c) bent so as to circumscribe a localized area around the cathode tip. By contacting the localized wound area with the cathode tip, by contacting a nearby skin surface with the distal portion of the electrical receiver, and by then actuating the voltage generator, such as by depressing a plunger (15), a high voltage is applied from the cathode tip, across a portion of the localized wound area, and to the distal portion of the electrical receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method are provided for neutralizing poison, acquired through venomous snake bites, insect bites and stings, or the like, within a localized wound area. The apparatus is preferably comprised of a housing (12) completely containing a voltage generator (14) and partially containing a cathode (16) electrically communicating with the voltage generator, the cathode having a tip (16a), and an electrical receiver (18) mounted to the housing. The electrical receiver has a distal portion (18c) bent so as to circumscribe a localized area around the cathode tip. By contacting the localized wound area with the cathode tip, by contacting a nearby skin surface with the distal portion of the electrical receiver, and by then actuating the voltage generator, such as by depressing a plunger (15), a high voltage is applied from the cathode tip, across a portion of the localized wound area, and to the distal portion of the electrical receiver.

Abstract: A safety syringe is disclosed and claimed. The safety syringe has a hollow barrel and a plunger. The plunger enters the barrel from one end and a needle leaves the barrel from the other end. A thin blunt sheath is positioned over the needle. The sheath has an exposed position in which the point of the needle is exposed and a covered position in which the point of the needle is covered. A connector functionally joins the sheath to the plunger so that the sheath is advanced from the exposed position to the covered position as the plunger is advanced. In operation, the safety syringe is filled like a conventional syringe by placing the needle in a vial of medication and drawing back on the plunger. Once the safety syringe is filled, the needle is inserted into the patient. The needle should be inserted a sufficient distance to insert the end of the sheath into the patient as well. The medication is then injected into the patient by depressing the plunger.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantially simultaneous shredding and crimping of smoking material, such as reconstituted tobacco, into strips of the material. The crimped strips provide tobacco smoking material having substantially increased fill value.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper pivotably attached to a motor vehicle capable of being used to support a motorcycle. While in the bumper position, the support serves to cushion the vehicle upon collisions; however, upon pivoting to the carrier position it can be used to support a motorcycle for transportation.