Abstract: An adjustable spinal stabilization system for maintaining preselected spacing and movement between adjacent vertebrae in a spinal column and for providing overall stability thereto. The system includes at least one interlaminar member positioned in the spaces intermediate a first vertebra and the vertebrae positioned immediately above or immediately below and adjacent to the first vertebra. The interlaminar member is operatively connected to an adjustable support structure and cooperates therewith to maintain the preselected spacing between adjacent vertebrae and to provide overall stability to the spinal column.

Abstract: Surgical tools and assemblies are employed for use in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures. A surgical tool assembly includes a handle assembly and a frame assembly. The handle assembly and frame assembly are designed and constructed to have an articulation input joint and a grounding joint between them. A pitch rotational degree of freedom and a yaw rotational degree of freedom are provided by way of the articulation input joint. The handle assembly is translationally constrained relative to the frame assembly by way of the grounding joint. Intermediate bodies and joints can be provided in certain surgical tool assemblies and architectures.

Abstract: For determining whether oil waste at a field testing site is exempt from selected naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) waste regulations, a measurement apparatus including a detection module that determine radioactivity counts per minute for an oil waste sample is utilized. The measurement apparatus includes an analysis module that uses a first nonlinear transfer function to determine a mass for the oil waste based on a volume of solids determined via BS&W testing. The analysis module uses a second nonlinear transfer function to determine a maximum radioactivity level for the sample which is then normalized to picoCuries/g. The normalized maximum radioactivity level per gram is compared to a NORM exemption level for a selected region and communicated to entities at the field-testing site and optionally to other entities. A system and a method perform the functions of the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A portable automated toilet cleaning apparatus includes a frame that fits over the toilet, and mechanical brushes or scrubbing implements that apply a scrubbing motion to surfaces of the toilet. The cleaning apparatus also includes spray jets or nozzles for directing fluid at surfaces to be cleaned. Straps may be provided to raise and hold the toilet seat and lid at angles relative to the toilet bowl, so that upper and lower surfaces of the seat and lid can be accessed by the brushes or scrubbing implements and the spray jets. A mat may also be provided at a lower side of the apparatus to collect wastewater and allow it to be poured or siphoned into the toilet bowl and disposed of by flushing.

Abstract: A technology is described for determining an intended movement from neuromuscular signals. An example method (800) includes receiving electromyography (EMG) data corresponding to single-ended channels of an electrode array (810), where EMG signals are detected by electrodes comprising the single-ended channels of the electrode array and the EMG signals are converted to the EMG data. Determining differential channel pairs for the single-ended channels of the electrode array (820) and extracting feature data from the EMG data of the differential channel pairs (830). Thereafter a feature data set is selected from the feature data of the differential channel pairs (840) and the feature data set is input to a decode model configured to correlate the feature data set to an intended movement (850). Decode output is received from the decode model indicating the intended movement (860) and the decode output is provided to a device (870).

Abstract: A technology is described for determining an intended movement from neuromuscular signals. An example method (800) includes receiving electromyography (EMG) data corresponding to single-ended channels of an electrode array (810), where EMG signals are detected by electrodes comprising the single-ended channels of the electrode array and the EMG signals are converted to the EMG data. Determining differential channel pairs for the single-ended channels of the electrode array (820) and extracting feature data from the EMG data of the differential channel pairs (830). Thereafter a feature data set is selected from the feature data of the differential channel pairs (840) and the feature data set is input to a decode model configured to correlate the feature data set to an intended movement (850). Decode output is received from the decode model indicating the intended movement (860) and the decode output is provided to a device (870).

Abstract: A handbag includes interior pockets or audible compartments that, when touched, provide an audible identification of contents, enabling objects to be easily retrieved despite the number of objects stored in the handbag and in a dark environment. The audible content identification may additionally be combined with a variety of additional “smart” or convenience features, such as audible reminders of items on a checklist input through a smartphone interface or memo pad or suggestions for hairstyles based on a weather report.

Abstract: A technology is described for an electronic peripheral nerve stimulation system. The electronic nerve stimulation system can include a stimulation device and an electrode array. The stimulation device can be operable to generate a high-frequency alternating current. The electrode array can be operable to apply the high-frequency alternating current received from the stimulation device to selected subpopulations of peripheral nerve fibers within a peripheral nerve to block transmission of neural signals along the selected subpopulations of peripheral nerve fibers within the peripheral nerve.

Abstract: A technology is described for an electronic nerve stimulation system. The electronic nerve stimulation system can include a stimulation device operable to generate a high-frequency alternating current. The electronic nerve stimulation system can include one or more wearable electrodes operable to apply the high-frequency alternating current from the stimulation device to peripheral nerves to provide an electrical stimulation of neuronal tissue to treat pain. The one or more wearable electrodes can interface with the stimulation device via a connection system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for switching between computing devices during an online meeting are described herein. A collaboration server may receive a token from a first computing device connected to an online meeting hosted by the collaboration server. The collaboration server may receive another token from a second computing device and determine whether the received tokens match. If so, the collaboration server may establish an association between the second computing device and the meeting participant attending the online meeting via the first computing device. The collaboration server may accept a request from the second computing device to join the online meeting thus allowing the meeting participant to continue the online meeting from the second computing device.

Abstract: A technology is described for an electronic peripheral nerve stimulation system. The electronic nerve stimulation system can include a stimulation device and an electrode array. The stimulation device can be operable to generate a high-frequency alternating current. The electrode array can be operable to apply the high-frequency alternating current received from the stimulation device to selected subpopulations of peripheral nerve fibers within a peripheral nerve to block transmission of neural signals along the selected subpopulations of peripheral nerve fibers within the peripheral nerve.

Abstract: A technology is described for an electronic nerve stimulation system. The electronic nerve stimulation system can include a stimulation device operable to generate a high-frequency alternating current. The electronic nerve stimulation system can include one or more wearable electrodes operable to apply the high-frequency alternating current from the stimulation device to peripheral nerves to provide an electrical stimulation of neuronal tissue to treat pain. The one or more wearable electrodes can interface with the stimulation device via a connection system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for switching between computing devices during an online meeting are described herein. A collaboration server may receive a token from a first computing device connected to an online meeting hosted by the collaboration server. The collaboration server may receive another token from a second computing device and determine whether the received tokens match. If so, the collaboration server may establish an association between the second computing device and the meeting participant attending the online meeting via the first computing device. The collaboration server may accept a request from the second computing device to join the online meeting thus allowing the meeting participant to continue the online meeting from the second computing device.

Abstract: A system is for identifying a selected target in a geographic model. The system includes a database configured to store electronically a geographic model, different target model types with respective model-type metadata associated therewith, and different unique targets with unique target metadata associated therewith. A processor cooperates with the database and determines a proposed type-match between a selected target, with selected target metadata associated therewith, and one of the plurality of different target model types stored in the database based upon the selected target metadata and the model-type metadata. The processor also generates updated selected target metadata based upon confirmation of the proposed type-match, and determines a proposed unique target-match between the selected target and one of the different unique targets based upon confirmation of the proposed type-match and based upon the updated selected target metadata and the unique target metadata.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the height of semiconductor structures are disclosed. Amorphous carbon is used as a stopping layer for controlling height variability. In one embodiment, the height of replacement metal gates for transistors is controlled. In another embodiment, the step height of a shallow trench isolation region is controlled.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the height of semiconductor structures are disclosed. Amorphous carbon is used as a stopping layer for controlling height variability. In one embodiment, the height of replacement metal gates for transistors is controlled. In another embodiment, the step height of a shallow trench isolation region is controlled.

Abstract: A communications system includes an image data server configured to store a three dimensional (3D) geospatial model, and generate a series of two dimensional (2D) images corresponding to different vantage points for a given area of the 3D geospatial model. A mobile electronic device is configured to cooperate with the image data server and includes a display, and a processor coupled to the display. The processor is configured to present an initial image from the series of 2D images on the display corresponding to an initial vantage point, permit selection of a next vantage point, and display a next image of the series of 2D images on the display corresponding to the next vantage point.

Abstract: A system is for identifying a selected target in a geographic model. The system includes a database configured to store electronically a geographic model, different target model types with respective model-type metadata associated therewith, and different unique targets with unique target metadata associated therewith. A processor cooperates with the database and determines a proposed type-match between a selected target, with selected target metadata associated therewith, and one of the plurality of different target model types stored in the database based upon the selected target metadata and the model-type metadata. The processor also generates updated selected target metadata based upon confirmation of the proposed type-match, and determines a proposed unique target-match between the selected target and one of the different unique targets based upon confirmation of the proposed type-match and based upon the updated selected target metadata and the unique target metadata.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing sag in drilling and completion fluids and in workover fluids. The method employs a drilling fluid comprising a low molecular weight polyalkyl methacrylate with an average molecular weight ranging from about 40,000 to about 90,000. This additive does not result in significantly increased viscosity of the fluid.