Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for flexible data ingestion. Data including a file including a database table may be received at a computing device. The file may be in a non-standard binary format. The data including the file may be stored unaltered as a source data chunk. A processed data chunk may be generated from the source data chunk by converting the file to a standard binary format and storing the file in the processed data chunk without altering the source data chunk. A materialized data chunk may be generated from the processed data chunk by performing, with a database server engine of the computing device, a database operation on the database table of the file of the processed data chunk and storing the file in the materialized data chunk without altering the processed data chunk. The database table of the file of the materialized data chunk may be made available for querying by the database server engine.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for flexible data ingestion. Data including a file including a database table may be received at a computing device. The file may be in a non-standard binary format. The data including the file may be stored unaltered as a source data chunk. A processed data chunk may be generated from the source data chunk by converting the file to a standard binary format and storing the file in the processed data chunk without altering the source data chunk. A materialized data chunk may be generated from the processed data chunk by performing, with a database server engine of the computing device, a database operation on the database table of the file of the processed data chunk and storing the file in the materialized data chunk without altering the processed data chunk. The database table of the file of the materialized data chunk may be made available for querying by the database server engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and an improved method of combining multiple laser beams into a single output beam, using a Gradient-Index (GRIN) rod with a negative, radial gradient. Using a rod of sufficient diameter and length, the input angle of a laser could be increased to allow room for a second laser to be placed beside the first laser, such that the beam enters the rod at any point within a certain acceptance cone, and at an angle determined by its place within that cone, ranging from zero degrees to the maximum acceptance angle. This can be used to allow an almost unlimited number of lasers to be use to boost the energy, power, or altering the apparent color of lasers by combining multiple beams along a single axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating adherence with a prescribed medication. A method for notifying a user about a prescribed medication and recording adherence with that prescribed medication includes the steps of: (i) installing a mobile application on a computing device; (ii) setting one or more medication reminders; (iii) receiving, by a user via the mobile application, a medication reminder; (iv) receiving a request for input regarding whether the medication was taken; (v) providing input regarding whether the medication was taken; and (vi) receiving a medication routine adherence report which includes information about the user's adherence with the medication routine.

Abstract: An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member.

Abstract: An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member.

Abstract: An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member.

Abstract: An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member.