Abstract:
The present invention provides methods and compositions for improving the efficiency of nucleic acid amplification reactions. The invention encompasses hybrid polymerases that show increased processivity over wild type polymerases as well as decreased exonuclease activity. The invention also encompasses methods, compositions and kits for conducting nucleic acid synthesis and amplification reactions in which non-specific amplification of primers is reduced.
Abstract:
A prosthetic spinal implant having a securing member for fixing the implant relative to an adjacent bone. In one form, the securing member is deployable into a portion of the vertebral space for affixing the implant between the vertebrae. The securing member may be disposed substantially within the body of a bearing member of the implant when the securing member is in an undeployed orientation. In other forms, the securing member is provided separately from the implant such that it may be inserted into the intervertebral space after the implant has been placed in an implanted orientation between the vertebrae. In such forms, the securing member is configured for ease of insertion between an outer bearing surface of the implant and an adjacent bone via linear or rotary motion.
Abstract:
A multi-tiered approach to identifying digital content and acting upon the identification includes transmitting data from a device on which the content is stored or played to a first tier entity where the content and the device are identified. The first tier entity may use any one of many techniques for identifying the data and device. Once the identification data is determined, the information is transmitted to any one of multiple second tier entities that work in cooperation with the first tier entity. The second tier entities may then perform any desired functions based on the identification, such as providing offers, content, products and/or services to the device, or to other devices associated with the device or the device user. Other tiers may be employed for carrying out particular functions or activities, such as under the direction of the second tier entities.
Abstract:
This invention uses a novel shape of airfoil to achieve an improved lift to drag ratio and to improve performance at higher angles of attack. The airfoil has a three dimensional wave pattern that modifies the shape of a traditional airfoil to coordinate the airflow through channels on both the top and bottom sides. The uniquely shaped airfoil of this invention could have many uses including a wind turbine blade. This invention not only provides for a more efficient device by improving the effective angle of attack and lift/drag ratio, but also provides for a quiet airflow thus greatly reducing nuisance noise over conventional devices.
Abstract:
Spinal rods are provided that transition from one diameter to another without an extended transition region to which coupling devices may not be attached, allowing coupling devices for mounting the spinal rod to the spine to be secured almost anywhere along the rod's length without having a weakened transition point.
Abstract:
An insulating can cooler, which plays sounds. The cooler consists of a cylindrical enclosure, which is open on top and enclosed on the bottom. The cooler also consists of a sound device that will activate when a can or bottle is inserted in or extracted from the cooler. Have the ability to record a sound when a button is held in for a period of time; and the ability to download music from the Internet or other devices; and the ability to shut off and change the sound with a switch.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for setting up an action on an electronic device before an input is confirmed and performing the action once the input is confirmed are provided. The amount of time needed to perform the action in response to detecting an input may be reduced by an amount of time equivalent to the lesser of the wait time used to confirm the input or the time needed to set up the action. The electronic device may set up a predicted action to be performed substantially immediately following confirmation of the input.
Abstract:
A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model data storage device containing geospatial model data including a plurality of groups of tree crown vegetation points and a display. The system may further include a processor cooperating with the geospatial model data storage device and the display for displaying a simulated tree trunk beneath a group of tree crown vegetation points, and displaying at least one level of simulated tree branches for the simulated tree trunk. Each tree branch may be positioned based upon determining a branch distal reference point beneath a cluster of tree crown vegetation points from among the group of tree crown vegetation points.
Abstract:
A system and method for autonomically maintaining group referential integrity across a distributed directory. When a server receives an operation request from a client regarding an entry in the distributed directory, the server sends a request to the particular server containing the entry to be modified that instructs the server to modify the entry, but without performing a referential integrity check. The server then determines whether the request returned successfully. If so, the server sends a request to each server in the network to perform the requested operation on all group references for the entry, but without actually performing the requested operation on the entry itself. If all of these requests return successfully, the server notifies the requesting client that the requested operation has been performed.