Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided having a frame that releasably couples two retractor blades. The retractor blades are coupled to the frame via a pair of mobile carriages that engage a track on the frame. A third retractor blade is configured to be independent of the frame with the first two retractor blades. The independent blade may be fixably positionable in the patient by a direct coupling to a rigid table mount. The retractor assembly may be utilized for creating anterior access to spinal target site while the patient is oriented in the lateral decubitus position.

Abstract: A surgical retractor assembly is provided that can assume both open and closed positions, and is easily convertible from one position to the other. The retractor assembly involves an arcuate frame member that can be engaged to an arcuate connector, which together form a generally circular or elliptical retractor frame assembly. The frame member has a groove for the insertion of one or more mobile carriages that hold retractor blade posts and allow the posts to move in multiple directions. The carriages may be locked to prevent movement in one or more directions, as well.

Abstract: In an example, web service deployments may be scaled dynamically by monitoring service level metrics relating to a worker and a job queue. Based on the monitored service level metrics, values are calculated for an average worker capacity, a number of workers required to process the incoming jobs, and a number of workers required to process queued jobs. A target number of workers to process the incoming and the queued jobs is then determined at a particular point in time based on the calculated values. Accordingly, the number of workers is adjusted to match the determined target number of workers by provisioning new workers or terminating active workers as required.

Abstract: Systems and methods of digitally recording and reproducing tactile drawings are disclosed. The method includes moving a stylus over a path on the first tactile drawing medium to form a tactile feature thereon, and digitally recording the path of the moving stylus to generate digital path data. The method also include reproducing the tactile feature on a second tactile drawing medium operably disposed in a tactile printer based on the digital path data. The systems and methods include forming tactile drawings based on a digital graphics file, including filtering the digital graphics file to form a .RLD file suitable for forming a tactile drawing having features capable of being tactilely sensed.

Abstract: A thermal eraser for erasing tactile drawing features from a tactile drawing medium, along with methods of erasing tactile drawing features formed on a tactile drawing medium, are disclosed. The thermal eraser has a heated tip that can be heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the tactile drawing feature to flow back into the surface of the tactile drawing medium. The heated tip has a tip temperature that can be controlled by a temperature-regulating circuit. A set-point temperature can be used to set the tip temperature and maintain the tip temperature. The thermal eraser can be controlled by hand or by an electro-mechanical device such as a tactile printer.

Abstract: A smart device is disclosed which contains a digital camera with an active electronic viewscreen that displays the detected image, in which the camera can sense laser light beams. The smart device has the capability receiving and executing an application program that allows the camera to be used as a grade elevation detector, in which the camera can sense a laser light beam that effectively forms a plane of laser light which defines an “on-grade” elevation for a jobsite. The user can determine this on-grade elevation by running the APP and viewing the display screen to find the (rotating or static) laser beam. An automated APP system can capture the on-grade elevation using a sequence of images that include a grade rod measurement paired with laser beam intensity detection images.

Abstract: An audio video system is described that includes an AV receiver with a wireless audio module (WAM) host and without audio amplifier functionality. The system further includes a plurality of wireless speakers each having a WAM device to enable unidirectional or bidirectional communications with the WAM host. Each wireless speaker includes an amplifier that may be matched to a driver of the speaker to optimize the frequency response of the driver.

Abstract: Some embodiments can include a barbed tape stack formed from a planar strip of flexible material and comprising a plurality of barbs disposed therealong, said barbs being sufficiently resilient so as to impede, by entanglement with or otherwise, the passage of an object therepast. The tape is folded in concertina-like folds to form a stack. Apparatus for deployment of barbed tape stacks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smart device is disclosed which contains a digital camera with an active electronic viewscreen that displays the detected image, in which the camera can sense laser light beams. The smart device has the capability receiving and executing an application program that allows the camera to be used as a grade elevation detector, in which the camera can sense a laser light beam that effectively forms a plane of laser light which defines an “on-grade” elevation for a jobsite. The user can determine this on-grade elevation by running the APP and viewing the display screen to find the (rotating or static) laser beam. An automated APP system can capture the on-grade elevation using a sequence of images that include a grade rod measurement paired with laser beam intensity detection images.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a barbed tape can be formed from a planar strip of flexible material and include a plurality of barbs disposed therealong, the barbs being sufficiently resilient so as to impede, by entanglement with or otherwise, the passage of an object therepast. Apparatus for deployment of barbed tape is also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an access point security unit which, when deployed, provides a hindrance for passing through an access point. Such a unit includes a deployment apparatus and a plurality of lengths of barbed strip material which can be moved between a stowed position, in which the access point is not obstructed by barbed strip material and a deployed position, in which the plurality of lengths of barbed strip material lie across the access point. In the deployed position, the barbed strip material is, in some embodiments, fully enclosed unless the access point is breached.

Abstract: A method for performing a payment from a payer to a payee, wherein the method includes receiving a payment request for the payment, the payment request being generated in response to the payee requesting funds from the payer; generating a transaction code and payment details using the payment request, the transaction code being obtained by the payer; receiving the transaction code from the payer; and, in response to receiving the transaction code, providing at least some of the payment details to the payer including a payment amount and an indication of the payee, thereby allowing the payer to authorise the payment.

Abstract: A multimedia device is described. The multimedia device includes a multiplexer. The multimedia device also includes a plurality of high-definition interface inputs coupled with the multiplexer and an output coupled with the multiplexer. Moreover, the multimedia device includes a processor coupled with the multiplexer to configure the multiplexer to provide one of the plurality of high definition multimedia interface inputs to the output based on the detection of a clock signal on one of the plurality of high-definition multimedia interface inputs. Furthermore, methods related to embodiments of a multimedia device are described herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic configuration of wireless speakers are disclosed. A system is described whereby a wireless speaker is configured to use an audio tone to generate a sound wave. The sound wave is received by an audio input/output device, which uses the received sound wave to generate audio information. A processor is configured to use the audio information to determine a distance between the wireless speaker and the audio input/output device, and to configure an audio parameter of the wireless speaker as a function of the distance.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fiber Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: A method and system for message delivery in messaging networks is provided. The system provides a group of replicated queues for messages that are operable to be identified by an application before a message is read. The group of replicated queues are defined in association with a group of message managing systems, where a message is sent to each of the group of replicated queues to be accessible using any one of the group of message managing systems. The method includes creating a message including a unique identifier, and sending the message to each of a group of replicated queues with the message identifiable by the unique identifier information prior to the message being consumed.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a resettable manual entry combination and key operated cam lock. Methodologies are provided for enabling changing of the manual entry resettable combination given knowledge of the previous combination and possession of an operable key. In alternative embodiments, provisions are made to prohibit forced opening of the lock by way of the use of foreign objects.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to electronic circuitry and associated hardware configured to electronically control directional signals, i.e., neutral, forward and reverse signals, to the transmission of a watercraft. The circuitry provides for electronic control of the throttle position of the watercraft engine and electronic override of the transmission shifting circuitry to allow throttling up (i.e., revving) of the engine without placing the transmission into gear. In an alternative embodiment, directional control is effected by operation of a lever mechanism and override functionality is effected by manual disengagement of a drive mechanism for the directional control while maintaining operation of the electronic throttle control.