Abstract: A method for manual welder training that includes providing a welding training apparatus that includes both hardware and software components and that is operative to gather and process data in real time, wherein the data is derived from an actual training exercise conducted by a welding trainee; selecting training objectives from a predetermined number of predefined objectives; initializing a curriculum, wherein the curriculum is based on the selected training objectives; performing at least one training exercise, wherein the training exercise is a component of the curriculum; providing real-time feedback to the trainee, wherein the real-time feedback is based on the performance of the trainee during the training exercise; evaluating the performance of the trainee based on data gathered and processed during the training exercise; optionally, adapting the curriculum based on the trainee's performance evaluation; and awarding credentials or certifications to the trainee following successful completion of the cu

Abstract: The present invention provides group performance monitoring systems and methods.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent (=50) including a bladder portion (=52) positioned in a bladder of a patient, a kidney portion (=54) positioned in a kidney and ureteral passageway of the patient, and one or more tethers (=56) coupling the bladder portion to the kidney portion. The ureteral stent allows urine to pass around a blockage, and allows a ureter orifice connecting the ureteral passageway to the bladder to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state to prevent or minimize urinary reflux, flank pain, blood in the urine, etc., while allowing the bladder portion to move freely in the bladder to prevent the bladder portion from irritating the trigone muscle.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, driver awareness may be calculated, inferred, or estimated utilizing a saliency model, a predictive model, or an operating environment model. An awareness model including one or more awareness scores for one or more objects may be constructed based on the saliency model or one or more saliency parameters associated therewith. A variety of sensors or components may detect one or more object attributes, saliency, operator attributes, operator behavior, operator responses, etc. and construct one or more models accordingly. Examples of object attributes associated with saliency or saliency parameters may include visual characteristics, visual stimuli, optical flow, velocity, movement, color, color differences, contrast, contrast differences, color saturation, brightness, edge strength, luminance, a quick transient (e.g., a flashing light, an abrupt onset of a change in intensity, brightness, etc.).

Abstract: A multi-modal interaction modeling system can model a number of different aspects of a human interaction across one or more temporal interaction sequences. Some versions of the system can generate assessments of the nature or quality of the interaction or portions thereof, which can be used to, among other things, provide assistance to one or more of the participants in the interaction.

Abstract: A method for manual welder training that includes providing a welding training apparatus that includes both hardware and software components and that is operative to gather and process data in real time, wherein the data is derived from an actual training exercise conducted by a welding trainee; selecting training objectives from a predetermined number of predefined objectives; initializing a curriculum, wherein the curriculum is based on the selected training objectives; performing at least one training exercise, wherein the training exercise is a component of the curriculum; providing real-time feedback to the trainee, wherein the real-time feedback is based on the performance of the trainee during the training exercise; evaluating the performance of the trainee based on data gathered and processed during the training exercise; optionally, adapting the curriculum based on the trainee's performance evaluation; and awarding credentials or certifications to the trainee following successful completion of the cu

Abstract: A spinal distractor for distracting opposed vertebrae in which a pair of elements are threadably connected by a screw having opposing threads, wherein actuating the screw spreads the elements apart and pushes the vertebrae apart.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects relating to a bone-tendon-bone graft and components thereof. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an intermediate bone block that is used to adjustably secure soft tissue (e.g., tendon) in a patient. The present invention further relates to an assembled bone-tendon-bone graft suitable for implantation in humans comprising the intermediate bone block and a length of soft tissue. In a preferred embodiment, a bone-tendon-bone graft comprises a length of soft tissue (e.g., tendon) extending from a first assembled bone block to a second bone block and then doubles back to said first assembled bone block. Depending upon the embodiment, the second bone block fixedly or slideably attaches to the length of soft tissue and facilitates it doubling back to the first assembled bone block.

Abstract: A tissue removal device and method of using the device to remove tissue from a patient is provided. The tissue removal device comprises a tissue removal probe and a sheath slideable relative to the probe. The probe has a tissue removal element, and the sheath has a portion that exposes the tissue removal element. The sheath distal end may be pre-shaped to bend when slid distal to the probe. The probe may have a window through which the tissue removal element is exposed.

Abstract: A metal container with a combustible liner for use as a portable firefighting training unit. The combustible liner is formed of particle board sections loosely assembled inside the metal container with an opening in the liner in registry with an access opening in the metal container. The unit may be used to demonstrate various phenomena associated with a developing fire including the flammability of unburned products of combustion, hose stream techniques with a spray bottle filled with water, flashover and backdraft.

Abstract: A method of dynamically establishing an auto-advance interval of a refreshable braille display. The method involves the step of establishing a default auto-advance value, during which a full line of braille characters remains displayed on the braille display prior to being replaced by the next line. The method further involves determining whether a current line of braille characters ends with a blank cell or a used cell and calculating the current auto-advance interval based on the number of used cells in the current line. The next line of braille characters is output after the current auto-advance interval has lapsed.

Abstract: An adjustable construct for fixation of a tendon or ligament graft in a tunnel. The construct comprises a flexible, adjustable loop connected to tissue (for example, graft, ligament or tendon). The adjustable loop may be integrated with an additional tissue supporting device (for example, a wedge or a plug). The tissue is secured within a bone socket/tunnel by adjusting the length of the flexible adjustable loop.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, software, and apparatuses provide an interactive application, such as a video game, that presents gaming and driving challenges to facilitate improvement of driving skills and development of safe driving behavior. Drive data may be collected while a user is driving a vehicle and the drive data may be used to define a graphically simulated virtual world. A drive score may also be calculated based on the drive data. Portions of the graphically simulated virtual world may be unlocked based on the drive score. Also, attributes of a character within the graphically simulated virtual world may be modified based on the drive score.

Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of displaying the simulated weld puddle on the display device in real-time.

Abstract: A system for an anatomical joint includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a prosthetic ligament member, and a biasing member associated with at least one of the first and second fasteners. The first fastener is operable to be connected to a first bone portion. The second fastener is operable to be connected to a second bone portion. The prosthetic ligament member is flexible and is directly coupled to both the first and second fasteners to support the first bone portion and the second bone portion for relative movement. A portion of the prosthetic ligament member extends from the first fastener to the second fastener and has an adjustable length. The biasing member is operable to bias the prosthetic ligament member to thereby maintain tension in the prosthetic ligament member.

Abstract: A system for characterizing manual welding exercises and providing valuable training to welders that includes components for generating, capturing, and processing data. The data generating component further includes a fixture, workpiece, at least one calibration devices each having at least two point markers integral therewith, and a welding tool. The data capturing component further includes an imaging system for capturing images of the point markers and the data processing component is operative to receive information from the data capturing component and perform various position and orientation calculations.

Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may include receiving an image of printed material from a device associated with a user, receiving a request from the user to generate a training aid utilizing the printed material, generating the training aid utilizing the printed material; and providing access to the training aid to the user, wherein providing access includes one of transmitting the training aid to a device associated with the user or providing notification regarding access to the training aid to a device associated with the user.

Abstract: A wireless computer-aided occupational therapy and education tool for young children or children with developmental delays. The tool comprises a wireless input device and preferably a covering. The wireless input device of the tool comprises a switch, a transmitter, and identification code. The covering can be made in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The wireless input device is removably attachable to the covering.

Abstract: An expansible ear canal insert for treating TMJ disorders and headaches which acts directly on the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures to reduce stress and loads placed on the articulator disc located between the temporal bone and the mandible, as well as supportive muscles and ligaments near the TMJ. The insert is adapted to expand by application of body heat. In the expanded condition, the insert provides support to the TMJ and associated ligament and muscle structures.

Abstract: New types of controllers allow a player to make inputs to a video game or simulation by moving the entire controller itself or by gesturing or by moving the player's body in whole or in part. This capability is typically accomplished using a wireless input device having accelerometers, gyroscopes, and a camera. The present invention exploits these wireless motion-sensing technologies to modulate the player's movement inputs to the videogame based upon physiological signals. Such biofeedback-modulated video games train valuable mental skills beyond eye-hand coordination. These psychophysiological training technologies enhance personal improvement, not just the diversion, of the user.