Abstract:
Matches between search queries and potential targets of such search queries are automatically brokered by (i) comparing search criteria specified in the search queries with profile criteria describing the potential targets, and (ii) reporting instances of acceptable correspondence between the search criteria and the profile criteria, provided that access controls associated with the profile criteria of the targets permit such reporting in light of access levels assigned to the search inquiries. Initiators, using client applications at various remote locations, may formulate the search queries and the brokering may be performed at one or more server locations communicatively coupled (e.g., via the Internet) thereto. The profile criteria may include portions of rich descriptive profiles of the potential targets.
Abstract:
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention overcome the shortcomings of existing trading systems by providing an invoiceless trading system that creates incentives for customers to pay suppliers within a predetermined period of time, such as a settlement period. Specifically, the invoiceless trading system enables a customer to obtain a discount on orders placed with suppliers in return for an immediate payment (e.g., within 24 hours) by the customer. The supplier receives payment within the predetermined period of time, and the customer receives additional cash benefits by providing an early payment to the supplier. To communicate with and transfer funds between customers and suppliers, the invoiceless trading system may use an electronic gateway and a settlement bank. In addition to creating an incentive to embrace e-commerce, both customers and suppliers avoid the need to manually process orders and use invoices to complete transactions.
Abstract:
A system and method is provided for using an object-oriented interface for network management. An example system and method receives a management information base (MIB) including information related to one or more aspects of a network device, extracts a subset of information from the MIB describing at least one aspect of the network device, and generates a set of object-oriented classes and object-oriented methods corresponding to the subset of information in the MIB. In addition, this system and method interfaces with network management information on a network device, by providing a management information base (MIB) including information related to one or more aspects of a network device, and using a set of object-oriented classes and object-oriented methods that corresponds to the MIB and information related to one or more aspects of the network device.
Abstract:
Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.
Abstract:
A transceiver including a transmitter, a receiver, a first printed circuit board assembly, and a second printed circuit board assembly. The transmitter is configured to convert electrical signals to fiber optic signals. The receiver is configured to convert fiber optic signals to electrical signals. The first printed circuit board assembly is electrically coupled with the transmitter and configured to be electrically coupled with a host system via a first plurality of host interface pins. The second printed circuit board assembly is electrically coupled with the receiver and configured to be electrically coupled with the host system via a second plurality of host interface pins.
Abstract:
A transceiver with a housing, a transceiver receptacle, and a first and second adapter. The housing is configured for connection to a host. The transceiver receptacle is coupled to the housing, and the transceiver receptacle has a first side defining a first interface portion and a second side defining a second interface portion. The first adapter has a first connection portion configured to couple with the first interface portion. The second adapter has a second connection portion configured to couple with the second interface portion. The transceiver receptacle is configured to interface with a first front panel opening of a network device when the first and second adapters are not coupled with the transceiver receptacle. Also, the transceiver receptacle is configured interface with a second front panel opening of a network device when the first and second adapters are coupled with the transceiver receptacle. The first and second front panel openings on the network device are of different sizes.
Abstract:
Methods and instruments are provided for performing spinal disc space preparation and implant insertion in minimally invasive procedures. The instruments include cutting instruments and implant insertion instruments adapted for insertion through a minimally invasive access portal to a spinal disc space. The proximal portions of the instruments are adapted to facilitate viewing through a proximal end opening of the access portal with the instruments positioned through the access portal while also enhancing the surgeon's control of the distal working end of the instruments while in the disc space.
Abstract:
A method for surveying terrain uses transient magnetic fields transmitted from a coil in plane parallel to and above the terrain, transient voltage response from vertically spaced receiver coils coaxial with and parallel to the transmitter coil being processed to detect highly conductive objects buried in the terrain, with the ratio of the response of the coils optionally being used to estimate the depth of objects. The responses from the coils are scaled in a predetermined ratio to provide cancellation of the response from objects in a layer of terrain at a particular depth, which layer may be at the surface to remove surface responses, or beneath the surface so as to allow surface objects to be differentiated from deeper objects by providing responses of opposite polarity.
Abstract:
Concretes and mortars having improved mechanical properties and resistance to chemicals are obtained by incorporating vinyl polymers or copolymers into cementing compositions and effecting curing (after a period of initial setting) at an elevated temperature.