Abstract: An computer item banking system for standards-based assessments has test items used in standards-based assessments wherein a plurality of item specifications are developed using a specification building feature to create new, edit, move, and delete specifications and to assign specifications to one or more standards; a plurality of test items are constructed and edited using a test building feature to specify the type of item being constructed, points available for the item, and the type of bank to which the item is assigned; bank types include agency-wide assessments including benchmark tests and end-of-course examinations, and formative assessments such as classroom quizzes. The system includes means for certification of test items and preventing use of uncertified test items to be used in agency-wide assessments under construction.

Abstract: An computer item banking system for standards-based assessments has test items used in standards-based assessments wherein a plurality of item specifications are developed using a specification building feature to create new, edit, move, and delete specifications and to assign specifications to one or more standards; a plurality of test items are constructed and edited using a test building feature to specify the type of item being constructed, points available for the item, and the type of bank to which the item is assigned; bank types include agency-wide assessments including benchmark tests and end-of-course examinations, and formative assessments such as classroom quizzes. The system includes means for certification of test items and preventing use of uncertified test items to be used in agency-wide assessments under construction.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may comprise a primary inflation balloon and a secondary inflation balloon located to one side of the primary inflation balloon. The secondary balloon comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion located closer to the primary balloon. The second portion has a greater size than the first portion, and a portion of the second portion extends outwardly beyond the first portion and overhangs the first portion. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the secondary balloon in an inflated state comprises a mushroom shape.

Abstract: A system of online communications among students and the teacher (“Dialogs”) within an educational management system, includes dialogs comprised of integration of online interactions between students and teachers, to be included in K-12 curriculum. Interactions may include lesson plans, assignments, benchmark and formative assessments. The system provides a permanent record of instruction indicating what has been taught and learned, and providing actionable information that can inform future instruction. The system has the ability to record the extent to which intervention has been implemented. Manual and automated scheduling of online interactions provide for real-time and asynchronous communications, and the ability to suspend interactions prior to completion.

Abstract: An computer item banking system for standards-based assessments has test items used in standards-based assessments wherein a plurality of item specifications are developed using a specification building feature to create new, edit, move, and delete specifications and to assign specifications to one or more standards; a plurality of test items are constructed and edited using a test building feature to specify the type of item being constructed, points available for the item, and the type of bank to which the item is assigned; bank types include agency-wide assessments including benchmark tests and end-of-course examinations, and formative assessments such as classroom quizzes. The system includes means for certification of test items and preventing use of uncertified test items to be used in agency-wide assessments under construction.

Abstract: A computer integrated assessment system for standards-based assessments wherein the assessments conform to recorded standards, the system includes algorithms for directing the generation of a plan of a series of customized assessments aligned to respective selected standards of the recorded standards wherein each of the customized assessments are set for different times within a period of time; and algorithms for enabling a user to generate a test in one of the customized assessments wherein one of the selected standards of the one customized assessment is displayed to the user during generation of questions for the test. During generation of tests, repeating of questions or questions on selected subject matter can be prevented. Individuals or groups can be selected to the customized assessments. Accuracy in grading of answer sheets by scanning is improved by an algorithm determining the lightest and darkest answer mark to determine the intended answer.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may comprise a primary inflation balloon and a Secondary inflation balloon located to one side of the primary inflation balloon. The secondary balloon comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion located closer to the primary balloon. The second portion has a greater size than the first portion, and a portion of the second portion extends outwardly beyond the first portion and overhangs the first portion. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape of the secondary balloon in an inflated state comprises a mushroom shape.

Abstract: A cervical collar that allows varying mobility to the cervical region with the range of motion or degree of mobility being adjustable and quantifiable. The customizable collar having adjustable and quantifiable mobility allows not only graduated mobility for the patient and consequently progressive strengthening but still protects the injured or diseased cervical segments. The cervical collar may also provide a user-defined and adjustable distraction force that in the medical setting allows physicians or rehabilitating specialists to adjust, graduate and monitor the amount of distraction force being applied to the cervical column. In a home use setting, patients are able to select a comfortable amount of force to counter the weight of the head. In addition to graduated rotation and/or an adjustable distraction force, a minimalist cervical collar configuration is provided that is less obtrusive, less conspicuous, light weight and can be worn in part under clothing.

Abstract: A computerized education management system for users classified into hierarchical levels of administrative, super agency, agency, center and class levels employs a plurality of files classified into a plurality of different types of files with rights of access to the different types of the files for the different hierarchical levels. The different rights including read only access, copy access and full access with rights to modify and create records. Copy access enables a user to copy files to a level permitting the user with full access rights. The different file types including a teacher assignment file type, a student class assignment file type, a lesson plan file type and a student achievement file type.

Abstract: A ratchet driven continuous chain accumulator conveyor and an accuumulating and retrieval system includes a frame having a pair of continuous chains. The chains are mounted on sprockets on either end of the accumulating conveyors and run in upper and lower chain channels. A hydraulic drive cylinder is supported by the frame of each accumulating conveyor and includes gravity dogs on an operable piston end thereof. The gravity dogs provide for imparting a ratcheting motion to each pair of chains through extension and retraction of the drive cylinder. Each accumulating conveyor includes a plurality of lift means along the length thereof for lifting cases from contact with the driving chains for relieving weight pressure thereon. The accuumulating and retrieval includes a computer control and loading mechanisms for automatically loading the accumulator conveyors with product.