Abstract: A pillow relies on a shell containing two types of fill material, one comparatively smaller, granular, and characterized by a comparatively larger spring constant, and another comparatively larger, more chunky in shape, and characterized by a comparatively smaller spring constant. Below a threshold level of force (or pressure, which is force per unit area) the larger, softer, second fill material resists flow of the smaller, harder, stiffer fill material. However, upon application of a force (or pressure) above some threshold, the mixture of the two fill materials will flow to conform the pillow to the shape of a user. The pillow will then substantially stabilize in that shape in the absence of forces above the threshold level.

Abstract: A CPAP pillow relies on a shell shaped to provide large reservoirs of fill particles near or against the shoulders of a user and around and under the neck. The system and method uncouple the spring forces supporting a user from the forces used to configure the shape of the pillow in use. Thus, a user can fit the pillow to the body profile in three dimensions with substantially no residual pre-loading to cause discomfort, pressure points, or unsupported regions. The pillow supports, contacts, and cradles the head and neck. It accommodates shoulder intrusion without moving the pillow away from supporting the neck.

Abstract: A pillow relies on a shell containing two types of fill material, one comparatively smaller, granular, and characterized by a comparatively larger spring constant, and another comparatively larger, more chunky in shape, and characterized by a comparatively smaller spring constant. Buckwheat hulls or polymeric granules with concavities or flutes may serve as the smaller granules and chunks of expanded elastomeric polymer may serve as larger granules. Below a threshold level of force (or pressure, which is force per unit area) the larger, softer, second fill material resists flow of the smaller, harder, stiffer fill material. However, upon freefall or else application of greater than threshold pressure, the pillow will conform non-resiliently to the gravity or pressure, and then remain in that shape, even under the pressure of the head and neck of a user.

Abstract: A CPAP pillow relies on a shell shaped to provide large reservoirs of fill particles near or against the shoulders of a user and around and under the neck. The system and method uncouple the spring forces supporting a user from the forces used to configure the shape of the pillow in use. Thus, a user can fit the pillow to the body profile in three dimensions with substantially no residual pre-loading to cause discomfort, pressure points, or unsupported regions. The pillow supports, contacts, and cradles the head and neck. It accommodates shoulder intrusion without moving the pillow away from supporting the neck.

Abstract: A CPAP pillow relies on a shell shaped to provide large reservoirs of fill particles near or against the shoulders of a user and around and under the neck. The system and method uncouple the spring forces supporting a user from the forces used to configure the shape of the pillow in use. Thus, a user can fit the pillow to the body profile in three dimensions with substantially no residual pre-loading to cause discomfort, pressure points, or unsupported regions. The pillow supports, contacts, and cradles the head and neck. It accommodates shoulder intrusion without moving the pillow away from supporting the neck.

Abstract: A CPAP pillow relies on a shell shaped to provide large reservoirs of fill particles near or against the shoulders of a user and around and under the neck. The system and method uncouple the spring forces supporting a user from the forces used to configure the shape of the pillow in use. Thus, a user can fit the pillow to the body profile in three dimensions with substantially no residual pre-loading to cause discomfort, pressure points, or unsupported regions. The pillow supports, contacts, and cradles the head and neck. It accommodates shoulder intrusion without moving the pillow away from supporting the neck.

Abstract: A CPAP pillow relies on a shell shaped to provide large reservoirs of fill particles near or against the shoulders of a user and around and under the neck. The system and method uncouple the spring forces supporting a user from the forces used to configure the shape of the pillow in use. Thus, a user can fit the pillow to the body profile in three dimensions with substantially no residual pre-loading to cause discomfort, pressure points, or unsupported regions. The pillow supports, contacts, and cradles the head and neck. It accommodates shoulder intrusion without moving the pillow away from supporting the neck.

Abstract: A pillow relies on a shell containing two types of fill material, one comparatively smaller, granular, and characterized by a comparatively larger spring constant, and another comparatively larger, more chunky in shape, and characterized by a comparatively smaller spring constant. Below a threshold level of force (or pressure, which is force per unit area) the larger, softer, second fill material resists flow of the smaller, harder, stiffer fill material. However, upon application of a force (or pressure) above some threshold, the mixture of the two fill materials will flow to conform the pillow to the shape of a user. The pillow will then substantially stabilize in that shape in the absence of forces above the threshold level.

Abstract: A surgical system for cutting tissue of a patient includes an outer housing and a reciprocating assembly structurally configured to carry a cutting tool in a reciprocating motion. An actuator knob is manually accessible to the user and may be fixed axially to the outer housing. The reciprocating assembly may reciprocate relative to the actuator knob. The actuator knob may be configured for rotational movement between a lock position and an unlock position. The system may also include a locking mechanism configured to retain a cutting tool within the reciprocating assembly. The locking mechanism may be responsive to movement of the actuator knob to maintain the tool within the output shaft when the actuator knob is in the lock position and permit removal of the tool when the actuator knob is in the unlock position. Surgical cutting tools, such as blades include thickness enhancing features.

Abstract: A surgical system for cutting tissue of a patient includes an outer housing and a reciprocating assembly structurally configured to carry a cutting tool in a reciprocating motion. An actuator knob is manually accessible to the user and may be fixed axially to the outer housing. The reciprocating assembly may reciprocate relative to the actuator knob. The actuator knob may be configured for rotational movement between a lock position and an unlock position. The system may also include a locking mechanism configured to retain a cutting tool within the reciprocating assembly. The locking mechanism may be responsive to movement of the actuator knob to maintain the tool within the output shaft when the actuator knob is in the lock position and permit removal of the tool when the actuator knob is in the unlock position. Surgical cutting tools, such as blades include thickness enhancing features.

Abstract: A CPAP pillow relies on a shell shaped to provide large reservoirs of fill particles near or against the shoulders of a user and around and under the neck. The system and method uncouple the spring forces supporting a user from the forces used to configure the shape of the pillow in use. Thus, a user can fit the pillow to the body profile in three dimensions with substantially no residual pre-loading to cause discomfort, pressure points, or unsupported regions. The pillow supports, contacts, and cradles the head and neck. It accommodates shoulder intrusion without moving the pillow away from supporting the neck.