Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises crowd-sourced computer-implemented methods and systems of collecting and transforming portable device data. One embodiment of the invention may be implemented as a system including an electronic device including a sensor configured to collect data, the device configured to begin collection of data based on a command from a user of the electronic device; and a server configured to issue a command to the electronic device to turn on the sensor and transmit data collected by the sensor to the server without any input by the user of the electronic device when a condition is met.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing an article. The method comprises placing an article in a sterilization container, generating oxidizing plasma radicals at atmospheric pressure, and providing the oxidizing plasma radicals to the sterilization container to sterilize the article in the container.

Abstract: A food storage container includes a bowl that connects to a lid in a closed position. Upon movement of the bowl and lid into the closed position, an audible sound or signal is generated as well as visual and tactile indications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilising an article. The method comprises placing an article in a sterilisation container, generating oxidizing plasma radicals at atmospheric pressure, and providing the oxidizing plasma radicals to the sterilisation container to sterilise the article in the container.

Abstract: A food storage container includes a bowl that connects to a lid in a closed position. Upon movement of the bowl and lid into the closed position, an audible sound or signal is generated as well as visual and tactile indications.

Abstract: A film dispenser includes a housing configured to receive and hold a roll of film. The housing has a dispensing opening through which a section of film can pass. The housing also has a lid that is movable between an open position where the dispensing opening is open and a closed position in which the dispensing opening is substantially closed. The lid has a film presentation member that is positioned to contact and hold a portion of the film when the lid is in the closed position and to present the portion of film within the dispensing opening for grasping when the lid is moved to the open position.

Abstract: A film dispenser that includes a housing configured to receive and hold a roll of film. The housing has a dispensing opening through which a section of film can pass. The housing also has a lid that is movable between an open position where the dispensing opening is open and a closed position in which the dispensing opening is substantially closed. The lid has a film presentation member that is positioned to contact and hold a portion of the film when the lid is in the closed position and to present said portion of film within the dispensing opening for grasping when the lid is moved to the open position.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first plate including a socket and a second plate comprising a recess. A core is sandwiched between the socket and the recess. The core includes a domed surface and a plug portion. The first plate is configured to rotate upon the domed surface of the core. The second plate is substantially fixed to the core, with the plug portion engaging the recess. The core may be press-fit into the second plate during assembly of the intervertebral disc prosthesis. The first plate and second plate both include tabs that define notches, wherein the notches are configured to engage prongs of a disc insertion tool. Teeth provided on the first plate and the second plate assist in fixing the first plate and the second plate to the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A system having replaceable components, each with a MAC address provided by its manufacturer, includes a central system controller which generates predetermined MAC addresses each associated with a slot into which the components are inserted. When a component (card) is inserted into a slot, the controller checks the MAC address of the card and compares it with the MAC address of the slot. If it is not the same (as when a new card is inserted, rather than the same card being re-inserted), the controller instructs the card to store the predetermined MAC address associated with that slot and to use that address as its MAC address. The original MAC address provided by the manufacturer is not deleted but is maintained in a memory location so that it can be accessed when necessary.

Abstract: The coupler has a pair of spaced side frames (25a) in each of which a first hook like aperture (13) is provided for engagement with a first pivot pin provided on an excavator bucket and wherein a locking pin (23) is moveable from and into a locking position in which it prevents the latching hook (17a) from disengage from a second pivot pin (9a), (9b) or (9c) on the bucket there being a plurality of locking positions for the pin to accommodate different buckets. Preferably, a plurality of spaced apertures (27), (29), (31) are formed on each of the side frames (25a), those in one frame being transversely aligned with those in the other frames, and preferably also a plurality of spaced apertures (33, 35) and/or latching surfaces are formed on the latching hook or on an extension thereof, through or against which the locking pin (23) can be passed or can bear to prevent relative movement between the hook (17a) and side frames.

Abstract: A retractor blade assembly includes a fixed blade having a longitudinal axis and an adjustable blade operatively coupled to the fixed blade and adjustable relative to the fixed blade along the longitudinal axis of the fixed blade. The adjustable blade may include a flexible tab that is movable between a first position, in which the tab is generally co-planar to the adjustable blade, and a second position, in which the tab is oriented generally transverse to the adjustable blade.

Abstract: The coupler has a pair of spaced side frames (25a) in each of which a first hook like aperture (13) is provided for engagement with a first pivot pin provided on an excavator bucket and wherein a locking pin (23) is moveable from and into a locking position in which it prevents the latching hook (17a) from disengage from a second pivot pin (9a), (9b) or (9c) on the bucket there being a plurality of locking positions for the pin to accommodate different buckets. Preferably, a plurality of spaced apertures (27), (29), (31) are formed on each of the side frames (25a), those in one frame being transversely aligned with those in the other frames, and preferably also a plurality of spaced apertures (33, 35) and/or latching surfaces are formed on the latching hook or on an extension thereof, through or against which the locking pin (23) can be passed or can bear to prevent relative movement between the hook (17a) and side frames.

Abstract: A pouring spout which can be selectively opened or closed to pass materials therethrough. The spout includes a threaded end which is adapted to engage a container, a spout body for conducting the materials from the container and an adjustable end which is adapted to selectively interrupt the flow of materials through the spout.