Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for preparing a surface of a bone proximate a joint, in which the preparation includes boring a plurality of arced channels/troughs in the bone surface using an arch drill assembly guided by plural guide bores along a predetermined longitudinal arc. The bored troughs create a scalloped surface on the bone to which an inverse contoured joint insert/implant having cooperating convex ridges engages. The plural guide bores are also defined by the predetermined longitudinal arc which may be circular or helical. The disclosed subject matter minimizes bone removal and allows greater access options for preparing the bone surface.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for preparing a surface of a bone proximate a joint, in which the preparation includes boring a plurality of arced channels/troughs in the bone surface using an arch drill assembly guided by plural guide bores along a predetermined longitudinal arc. The bored troughs create a scalloped surface on the bone to which an inverse contoured joint insert/implant having cooperating convex ridges engages. The plural guide bores are also defined by the predetermined longitudinal arc which may be circular or helical. The disclosed subject matter minimizes bone removal and allows greater access options for preparing the bone surface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plasticizer composition comprising an epoxidized fatty acid C1-C6 alkyl ester component wherein the epoxidized fatty acid C1-C6 alkyl ester component contains (i) less than 6% saturated fatty acid residues and (ii) less than 2% monoacylglycerols. The disclosure further relates to a plasticized polymer composition, comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of at least one polymer resin; and (b) about 10 to 150 parts by weight of a plasticizer compounded with the at least one polymer resin, wherein the plasticizer comprises an epoxidized fatty acid C1-C6 alkyl ester component wherein the epoxidized fatty acid C1-C6 alkyl ester component contains (i) less than 7% saturated fatty acid residues and (ii) less than 2% monoacylglycerols.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are reference bodies for an external fixation frame and methods for using reference bodies for external fixation frame placement and arrangement. An external fixation frame according to the present disclosure may include first and second support rings, one or more wires coupled to any of the first and second support rings, one or more struts extending between the first and second support rings, and a reference body including a plurality of markers. The reference body may contact the one or more wires or the one or more struts. The plurality of markers may be arranged in a pattern to identify an orientation of the external fixation frame.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for preparing a surface of a bone proximate a joint, in which the preparation includes boring a plurality of arced channels/troughs in the bone surface using an arch drill assembly guided by plural guide bores along a predetermined longitudinal arc. The bored troughs create a scalloped surface on the bone to which an inverse contoured joint insert/implant having cooperating convex ridges engages. The plural guide bores are also defined by the predetermined longitudinal arc which may be circular or helical. The disclosed subject matter minimizes bone removal and allows greater access options for preparing the bone surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving the esophagus includes an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section. A handle is coupled to the flexible section to adjust the curvature of the controlled curvature section. The length of the controlled curvature section is less than the length of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. Further, a method of adjusting the curvature of the esophagus during a therapeutic procedure in a treatment area outside of the esophagus includes positioning within the esophagus an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section and adjusting the curvature of the controlled curvature section to increase the distance between the esophagus and a treatment area outside of the esophagus.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus for moving the esophagus having an elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a flexible section. A handle is coupled to the flexible section having means for adjusting the curvature of the controlled curvature section. Additionally, the length of the controlled curvature section is less than the length of the thoracic portion of the esophagus. Alternatively, there is an apparatus for moving the esophagus having a flexible elongate body having a distal tip, a controlled curvature section, and a proximal section. A bendable element is within the controlled curvature section that, when bent, moves and holds the controlled curvature section into a corresponding bent shape. There is provided various methods of adjusting the curvature of the esophagus during a therapeutic procedure in a treatment area outside of the esophagus.

Abstract: The invention facilitates optical signals generated from customer premise equipment (CPE) at the edges of the metro domain networks. The CPEs are connected to extension terminals that transform the optical signal originating at the CPE into a suitable format for long haul transmission. The optical signal then propagates to a primary terminal where the signal is multiplexed with other optical signals from other extension terminals. The multiplexed signals are then transmitted over LH or ULH network to a second primary terminal where the signal is then demultiplexed from other optical signals and transmited to the proper extension terminal. At the extension terminal, the demultiplexed optical signal is transformed from its LH format back into a format suitable for inter-connection to a CPE. Using this architecture, the signal under goes optical-to-electrical conversion only at the extension terminals or end points. These end points can be located in lessee's facility.