Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a handle mechanism that permits control of linear motion of a shaft secured within the handle via two different interfaces for actuating the linear motion. In some aspects, a rotational interface can allow for fine control linear positioning of the shaft, for example by allowing a user to rotate the rotational interface to extend or retract the shaft. In some aspects, a plunging interface can enable a faster linear motion, for example by implementing a biasing mechanism that releases to drive rapid linear motion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and computer readable storage media for interacting with one or more data objects in an online social network. A user interface includes a publisher with a custom action. The custom action is defined in accordance with custom action instructions provided by a first entity via an application programming interface (API). Such custom action instructions may declaratively or programmatically define the data object, the interaction to be performed with the data object, and other attributes associated with the custom action. A user may request to interact with the data object via selection of the custom action by a second entity. Information may be submitted through the publisher to interact with the data object to update a database system associated with the data object. A feed item may be presented for inclusion in the information feed based on the update.

Abstract: A performance monitor determines a performance characteristic of a plurality of dispensers receiving fluid from a reservoir. Each of the plurality of dispensers has an actuator that, when actuated, causes the each of the dispensers to generate a droplet of the fluid. A driver generates a drive command to the actuator to adjust a physical attribute of the droplet based on the performance characteristic to satisfy a performance criteria.

Abstract: A cannula for providing a pathway for surgical instruments in a minimally invasive procedure having a flexible body portion having a flexible flange extending radially outwardly from the distal region of the flexible body portion. A first seal is positioned within the body portion to prevent egress of fluids from the body of the patient. A rigid ring is positioned at the distal region of the body portion, the ring having an opening dimensioned to receive at least a distal portion of an obturator tip therethrough and a surface surrounding the opening in the ring onto which at least a portion of the obturator contacts to prevent further passage of the obturator.

Abstract: A cannula for providing a pathway for surgical instruments in a minimally invasive procedure including a flexible body portion having a lumen extending from the proximal region to the distal region, a proximal opening, a distal opening and a flange extending radially outwardly from the distal region and being flexible for insertion through an incision in a body of a patient. A rigid body portion extends proximally of the flexible body portion which is more flexible than the rigid body portion. A first seal is positioned within the rigid body portion and spaced proximally of a region of the flexible body portion distal of the rigid body portion, the seal preventing egress of fluids from the body of the patient.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a dispenser including a faceplate comprises translating a sensor across the faceplate while measuring a distance between the sensor and the faceplate. The sensor is oriented such that a longitudinal axis of the sensor extends at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the faceplate. The method may include translating another sensor across the faceplate while measuring the same distance. Or the method may include another translating of the sensor across the faceplate while measuring the same distance. In either case, the sensor is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the sensor extends at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the faceplate. The method includes determining, based on the measured distances, whether an amount of accumulated formable material on the surface of the faceplate is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a dispenser including a faceplate comprises translating a sensor across the faceplate while measuring a distance between the sensor and the faceplate. The sensor is oriented such that a longitudinal axis of the sensor extends at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the faceplate. The method may include translating another sensor across the faceplate while measuring the same distance. Or the method may include another translating of the sensor across the faceplate while measuring the same distance. In either case, the sensor is oriented such that the longitudinal axis of the sensor extends at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the faceplate. The method includes determining, based on the measured distances, whether an amount of accumulated formable material on the surface of the faceplate is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a handle mechanism that permits control of linear motion of a shaft secured within the handle via two different interfaces for actuating the linear motion. In some aspects, a rotational interface can allow for fine control linear positioning of the shaft, for example by allowing a user to rotate the rotational interface to extend or retract the shaft. In some aspects, a plunging interface can enable a faster linear motion, for example by implementing a biasing mechanism that releases to drive rapid linear motion.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a handle mechanism that permits control of linear motion of a shaft secured within the handle via two different interfaces for actuating the linear motion. In some aspects, a rotational interface can allow for fine control linear positioning of the shaft, for example by allowing a user to rotate the rotational interface to extend or retract the shaft. In some aspects, a plunging interface can enable a faster linear motion, for example by implementing a biasing mechanism that releases to drive rapid linear motion.

Abstract: A performance monitor determines a performance characteristic of a plurality of dispensers receiving fluid from a reservoir. Each of the plurality of dispensers has an actuator that, when actuated, causes the each of the dispensers to generate a droplet of the fluid. A driver generates a drive command to the actuator to adjust a physical attribute of the droplet based on the performance characteristic to satisfy a performance criteria.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a handle mechanism that permits control of linear motion of a shaft secured within the handle via two different interfaces for actuating the linear motion. In some aspects, a rotational interface can allow for fine control linear positioning of the shaft, for example by allowing a user to rotate the rotational interface to extend or retract the shaft. In some aspects, a plunging interface can enable a faster linear motion, for example by implementing a biasing mechanism that releases to drive rapid linear motion.

Abstract: An example system and method for managing behavior change applications for mobile users is disclosed. In an embodiment of the system and method, data on a plurality of users in a behavioral change program is received from a plurality of devices operating in a communications network. The data is used to determine plurality of user segments. Each user of the plurality of users is classified into a one of the plurality of user segments. Then a plurality of behavioral models is determined, where each of the plurality of behavioral models comprises a statistical model of relations between behaviors of users within a corresponding one of the plurality of user segments. An intervention model is then determined for a user, where the intervention model is based on a behavior model of the user segment to which the user belongs. Interventions are then sent to a device of the user according to the intervention model.

Abstract: An example system and method for managing behavior change applications for mobile users is disclosed. In an embodiment of the system and method, data on a plurality of users in a behavioral change program is received from a plurality of devices operating in a communications network. The data is used to determine plurality of user segments. Each user of the plurality of users is classified into a one of the plurality of user segments. Then a plurality of behavioral models is determined, where each of the plurality of behavioral models comprises a statistical model of relations between behaviors of users within a corresponding one of the plurality of user segments. An intervention model is then determined for a user, where the intervention model is based on a behavior model of the user segment to which the user belongs. Interventions are then sent to a device of the user according to the intervention model.

Abstract: Items may be displayed on a selection list and at least a portion of a virtual wheel displayed on a user interface. The selection list and virtual wheel may be configured to operate in conjunction with one another. The virtual wheel may be rotationally repositioned by a first input received at the user interface to change items displayed concurrently with the rotation of the virtual wheel. A second input received at the user interface may be used to select one of the items displayed on the at least a portion of the virtual wheel as a selection associated with an item displayed on the selection list for further processing. As selections are made on the virtual wheel the selection list displays selections being made to provide a status of activity using the virtual wheel.

Abstract: An example system and method for managing behavior change applications for mobile users is disclosed. In an embodiment of the system and method, data on a plurality of users in a behavioral change program is received from a plurality of devices operating in a communications network. The data is used to determine plurality of user segments. Each user of the plurality of users is classified into a one of the plurality of user segments. Then a plurality of behavioral models is determined, where each of the plurality of behavioral models comprises a statistical model of relations between behaviors of users within a corresponding one of the plurality of user segments. An intervention model is then determined for a user, where the intervention model is based on a behavior model of the user segment to which the user belongs. Interventions are then sent to a device of the user according to the intervention model.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for propagating data between multiple terminal devices includes determining the functional operability of a plurality of devices to assess which devices are properly configured. If a device is properly configured, operating the device in a transmit-mode to transmit functional operability data. If a device is not properly configured, operating the device in a receive-mode to receive the functional operability data. Coupling a transmitting device and at least one receiving device to a plurality of ports that are operably connected together so that the transmitting device and receiving device share the functional operability data.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a customer in choosing among commodities based on a business profile of the customer that includes asking the customer for a definition of its business; searching a decision rules database and applying decision rules to the business definition; creating a set of business requirement questions based upon the applied decision rules database; answering the set of business requirement questions by the customer; implementing a business rule filter to the answers of the set of business requirement questions; recommending to the customer commodity types based upon the business rule implementation; and optimizing the recommended commodity types to find the best value commodity, which can be a product or service.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a customer in choosing a combination of commodities based on preferences of the customer. A combination is a set of related commodities, wherein bundling discounts may be applied to particular bundles of related commodities. Combination options are created by optimizing the categories within the combination in parallel, and then selecting the best value options from each category into a grouping. The effective cost of a grouping is calculated as a total of the effective costs of each option within the grouping. The effective costs consider weighted values of performance features in addition to the actual cost of a commodity. The groupings are ranked and presented to the user, so that the user may select a grouping as combination of commodities for purchase.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a customer in choosing a combination of commodities based on preferences of the customer. A combination is a set of related commodities, wherein bundling discounts may be applied to particular bundles of related commodities. Combination options are created by optimizing the categories within the combination in parallel, and then selecting the best value options from each category into a grouping. The effective cost of a grouping is calculated as a total of the effective costs of each option within the grouping. The effective costs consider weighted values of performance features in addition to the actual cost of a commodity. The groupings are ranked and presented to the user, so that the user may select a grouping as combination of commodities for purchase.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a customer in choosing a combination of commodities based on preferences of the customer. A combination is a set of related commodities, wherein bundling discounts may be applied to particular bundles of related commodities. Combination options are created by optimizing the categories within the combination in parallel, and then selecting the best value options from each category into a grouping. The effective cost of a grouping is calculated as a total of the effective costs of each option within the grouping. The effective costs consider weighted values of performance features in addition to the actual cost of a commodity. The groupings are ranked and presented to the user, so that the user may select a grouping as combination of commodities for purchase.