Abstract: A system for the end-to-end delivery of digital television signals. In a preferred embodiment a digital television signal is: received from production equipment, typically in BD format at approximately 1.4 gigabits per second (Gbps); the received signal is transmitted to a venue point-of-presence; converted for transmission via a 270 Mbps local loop; transmitted to a fiber network point of presence/video service edge; packetized into TCP/IP packets in a video gateway; and routed to one or more destination addresses via the fiber network; received at one or more video service edge destinations; converted to a digital television format, typically SDI; and either transmitted via a second 270 Mbps local loop for delivery to a customer site and subsequent conversion to a 1.4 Gbps HD signal, or converted directly to a 1.4 Gbs HD signal at the receiving video service edge.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to help train speech recognizers for improving generalized voice experience quality in a chat bot system. In some embodiments, the system provides users with games to play to increase user engagement with the chat bot system.

Abstract: A telecommunications satellite including a receiver that receives a first stream of data packets transmitted by a first transmission site and a second stream of data packets transmitted by a second transmission site, a stream analyzer that aligns the data packets in the first stream and the data packets in the second stream, analyzes corresponding data packets in the first stream and the second stream to identify missing or corrupted data packets, and selects data packets to place into forward transmission based upon the analysis, and a transmitter that transmits the selected data packets to at least one receive site.

Abstract: A power supply module implemented within a first device and including a voltage regulator and an authentication module. The voltage regulator receives power from a power source and supplies the power to devices within the first device. The power source is separate from the power supply module. The authentication module includes a regulator module and a generation module. The regulator module controls operation of the voltage regulator based on operation in one of multiple operating modes. The generation module: receives an authentication request signal from a host device; in response to the authentication request signal, transmits an authentication response signal to the host device; and receives a notification signal from the host device based on the authentication response signal. The notification signal indicates whether the power supply module is an authorized device. The regulator module is configured to transition between the operating modes based on the notification signal.

Abstract: The self-contained force magnifying tool disclosed herein includes a tool portion, a striker, at least a portion of which is disposed within the tool portion, and a spring, a least a portion of which is disposed within the tool portion. The spring attaches to both the tool portion and the striker. When the striker is pulled by a user, the spring stores mechanical energy. When the user releases the striker, the striker impacts on the tool portion transferring the mechanical energy stored in the spring into a driving force. The force is magnified by a tool disposed on the tool portion of the self-contained force magnifying hand tool and applied to a workpiece.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: Guide blades for use with oscillating and reciprocating power tools and provide improved speed and safety, as well as protection against the cutting blades protruding outside of a desired area or beyond a specified surface depth are disclosed. The guide blades include a blade portion with a cutting edge, an adapter corresponding to a particular type oscillating power tool, an attachment base for attaching the guide blade to the oscillating power tool, the attachment base including an offset portion for attachment of the blade portion to the attachment base, and an accessory attachment portion with an opening for securing the adapter to the attachment base, and a rounded guide affixed to the blade portion between the cutting edge and the offset portion, the rounded guide extending from side-to-side and curved away from the offset portion and toward the cutting edge, wherein the rounded guide provides for variable cutting depth.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil. A rod reducer may be secured to the polyaxial pedicle screw to secure a spinal rod within the housing.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: The self-contained force magnifying chisel disclosed herein includes a chisel portion, a striker, at least a portion of which is disposed within the chisel portion, and a spring, a least a portion of which is disposed within the chisel portion. The spring attaches to both the chisel portion and the striker. When the striker is pulled by a user, the spring stores mechanical energy. When the user releases the striker, the striker impacts on the chisel portion transferring the mechanical energy stored in the spring into a driving force. The force is magnified by a chisel blade on the chisel portion of the self-contained force magnifying chisel and applied to a workpiece.

Abstract: A retention member for a spinal plate system where at least one or more segments of the retention member cover the head portion of a bone anchor member to inhibit movement of the bone anchor member that is inserted into the plate. The retention member allows for ease of insertion of the bone anchor member and once the bone anchor member is fully seated the retention member is in place.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil. A rod reducer may be secured to the polyaxial pedicle screw to secure a spinal rod within the housing.

Abstract: A method and system for bringing together online and offline advertising uses anonymous links that are associated with consumer data. The anonymous links allow processing without personally identifiable information (PII) in a secure environment. Data is matched using the anonymous links, and further using identifiers that are encrypted for use in connection with individual match distribution partners. The method and system allows a marketer to utilize offline data to precisely target advertisements without the use of PII, and to perform analytics concerning the use of the online advertisements to more precisely determine the effectiveness of multichannel marketing efforts.

Abstract: A method and system for bringing together online and offline advertising uses anonymous links that are associated with consumer data. The anonymous links allow processing without personally identifiable information (PII) in a secure environment. Data is matched using the anonymous links, and further using identifiers that are encrypted for use in connection with individual match distribution partners. The method and system allows a marketer to utilize offline data to precisely target advertisements without the use of PII, and to perform analytics concerning the use of the online advertisements to more precisely determine the effectiveness of multichannel marketing efforts.

Abstract: A health risk assessment device includes a mouthpiece, a flow path in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, a sensor disposed in the flow path and configured to generate a representation of a spirometric parameter of air flow in the flow path exhaled by a user through the mouthpiece, a user interface configured to allow the user to provide user profile data including smoking history data, and a processor coupled to the sensor and the user interface and configured to determine an output indicative of a risk that the user develops a respiratory, cardiopulmonary, or cardiovascular disease based on the spirometric parameter representation and the smoking history data.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for transferring changes in animation data between geometric models of a character having different resolutions. For example, systems and techniques are provided for transferring changes in geometric properties between the geometric models. A method may include obtaining a first geometric model of the character and a second geometric model of the character, the geometric models having different resolutions with different numbers of data points. The method may further include determining one or more correspondences between data points of the first geometric model and data points of the second geometric model. The correspondences include one or more data points of the first geometric model that overlap with one or more data points of the second geometric model.

Abstract: A shaped package formed of a blank of paper card stock. The blank may be a single panel which is cut to have two shaped, substantially symmetrical portions, which when bent along a hinge, forms the shaped package. The panel includes tongues or flaps extending from one end of the panel that secure the product within the package.