Abstract: Improved backup and storage operations are disclosed for virtual computing environments using a backup proxy server to perform storage operations on one or more virtual machine disks. The proxy server can include a module that intercepts application programming interface (API) calls, for writing backup data to a first location, prior to the data arriving on the proxy disk. During the intercept process, the data can be compressed in memory pages of the proxy server and redirected to an alternative backup disk location. The proxy server can also include a differential engine that identifies changes to the virtual machine disk at the block level since the last full backup. The differential engine can advantageously leverage memory pages of the proxy server to compare differences between signatures of blocks of the last full backup with signatures of new blocks. Subsequently, only blocks with non-matching signatures are processed for backup.

Abstract: A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.

Abstract: A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids.

Abstract: A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.

Abstract: A novel canister storage system, mixing system, canister assembly, dispensing system, and tracking system. In one or more embodiments, the systems are used for storing, mixing and dispensing fluids. In one application, the fluid includes one or more paint toners.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing savings in financial accounts, including healthcare and retirement accounts for an employee and or participant. The method includes receiving information about the participant and financial accounts for which the participant is eligible to use and or using, and generating for the participant a savings hierarchy recommending the order and amounts to be contributed to the financial accounts from the participant's budgeted savings dollars. The method also includes determining generating the savings hierarchy for both full year and partial year activity by the participant. The method further includes transmitting the recommendations to the participant via data displayed as a graphical user interface with a graphical representation of the savings hierarchy to provide the participant with ease of understanding the recommendations for optimizing the budgeted savings dollars or selected contribution amount.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing savings in financial accounts, including healthcare and retirement accounts for an employee and or participant. The method includes receiving information about the participant and financial accounts for which the participant is eligible to use and or using, and generating for the participant a savings hierarchy recommending the order and amounts to be contributed to the financial accounts from the participant's budgeted savings dollars. The method also includes determining generating the savings hierarchy for both full year and partial year activity by the participant. The method further includes transmitting the recommendations to the participant via data displayed as a graphical user interface with a graphical representation of the savings hierarchy to provide the participant with ease of understanding the recommendations for optimizing the budgeted savings dollars or selected contribution amount.

Abstract: Improved backup and storage operations are disclosed for virtual computing environments using a backup proxy server to perform storage operations on one or more virtual machine disks. The proxy server can include a module that intercepts application programming interface (API) calls, for writing backup data to a first location, prior to the data arriving on the proxy disk. During the intercept process, the data can be compressed in memory pages of the proxy server and redirected to an alternative backup disk location. The proxy server can also include a differential engine that identifies changes to the virtual machine disk at the block level since the last full backup. The differential engine can advantageously leverage memory pages of the proxy server to compare differences between signatures of blocks of the last full backup with signatures of new blocks. Subsequently, only blocks with non-matching signatures are processed for backup.

Abstract: Hybrid replication systems and methods for a virtual computing environment utilize snapshot rotation and differential replication. During snapshot rotation, data modifications intended for a source virtual machine disk (VMDK) are captured by a primary snapshot. Once a particular criterion is satisfied, the data modifications are redirected to a secondary snapshot while the primary snapshot is committed to both source and target VMDKs. The secondary snapshot is then promoted to primary, and a new secondary snapshot is created with writes redirected thereto. If the VMDKs become out-of-sync, disclosed systems can automatically perform a differential scan of the source data and send only the required changes to the target server. Once the two data sets are synchronized, snapshot replication can begin at the previously configured intervals. Certain systems further provide for planned failover copy operations and/or account for migration of a virtual machine during the copying of multiple VMDKs.

Abstract: Improved backup and storage operations are disclosed for virtual computing environments using a backup proxy server to perform storage operations on one or more virtual machine disks. The proxy server can include a module that intercepts application programming interface (API) calls, for writing backup data to a first location, prior to the data arriving on the proxy disk. During the intercept process, the data can be compressed in memory pages of the proxy server and redirected to an alternative backup disk location. The proxy server can also include a differential engine that identifies changes to the virtual machine disk at the block level since the last full backup. The differential engine can advantageously leverage memory pages of the proxy server to compare differences between signatures of blocks of the last full backup with signatures of new blocks. Subsequently, only blocks with non-matching signatures are processed for backup.

Abstract: A tissue compression shield can help minimize trauma to tissue during surgical retraction. One such shield has a shell having a rigid outer surface adapted to abut a surgical retractor and a concave inner surface defining an elongate tissue-receiving channel. The concave inner surface is adapted to deform under localized pressure to increase surface area in contact with tissue within the channel, thereby more widely distributing pressure across the tissue. If so desired, the shield can include a compressible inner pad that contacts the tissue. In an alternative design, a shield employs a shell including a central body and a pair of opposed legs defining therebetween an elongate tissue-receiving channel. An upper one of the legs has a notch along an outer edge thereof which defines a bone-seating recess which is smaller than the tissue-receiving channel.