Abstract: A patient interface system to treat a respiratory disorder of a patient, the patient interface system comprising: a positioning and stabilising structure including a back portion and a pair of upper straps extending from the back portion; and a patient interface including a patient interface frame and a pair of rigidiser arms each connected to the patient interface frame at a connection point located in a plane substantially parallel to the patient's Frankfort horizontal plane, the pair of rigidiser arms further including a pair of upper attachment points, wherein the pair of upper straps are adapted to be releasably attached to the pair of upper attachment points such that, when donned by the patient, the pair of upper straps are vertically offset relative to the upper attachment points and substantially parallel to the patient's Frankfort horizontal plane, and wherein the patient interface does not include a forehead support.

Abstract: Embodiments include receiving into one or more computer databases a plurality of cost factors associated with supplying a commodity for vehicle manufacturing. A zero-based cost estimate for the commodity is calculated based on one or more of the plurality of cost factors. A current cost for the commodity is received into the one or more computer databases, and a cost variance between the current cost for the commodity and the zero-based cost estimate is calculated. One or more actions for reducing the cost variance may be received into one or more of the computer databases. The zero-based cost estimate for the commodity, the current cost for the commodity, the cost variance, and the one or more actions for reducing the cost variance may be displayed on one or more interactive user interfaces. A cross-functional team including representatives from engineering, purchasing and finance may implement the methodology.

Abstract: Method and system for generating a report for use in buyer/supplier negotiations for purchasing a commodity. Embodiments include collecting data to define the technical capabilities of two or more suppliers to supply a commodity to a buyer, collecting data to define attributes of the commodity and the commodity market, and collecting data from the selected suppliers to identify their relative competitive position. Collected data is input into a computer configured to process at least a portion of the collected data and output a consolidated report for use in negotiations. Opportunities for improving supplier competitive position may be identified. During buyer/supplier negotiation, a supplier may be encouraged or required to (i) adopt one or more of the competitive opportunities identified in the strategy report or (ii) agree to adjusted contract terms in compensation for not adopting one or more of the competitive opportunities illustrated in the strategy report.