Abstract: A locking assembly is adapted for connecting a first respiratory tube and a second respiratory tube. The first respiratory tube has an outer surrounding surface. The locking assembly includes a sleeve and a coupling unit. The sleeve is adapted to be sleeved fittingly on the first respiratory tube and has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first locking portion. The coupling unit includes a connecting tube and a locking component that has a second locking portion. The second locking portion is pivotable relative to the connecting tube between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A method for constructing an avatar of a human subject includes acquiring a depth map of the subject, obtaining a virtual skeleton of the subject based on the depth map, and harvesting from the virtual skeleton a set of characteristic metrics. Such metrics correspond to distances between predetermined points of the virtual skeleton. In this example method, the characteristic metrics are provided as input to an algorithm trained using machine learning. The algorithm may be trained using a human model in a range of poses, and a range of human models in a single pose, to output a virtual body mesh as a function of the characteristic metrics. The method also includes constructing a virtual head mesh distinct from the virtual body mesh, with facial features resembling those of the subject, and connecting the virtual body mesh to the virtual head mesh.

Abstract: A nebulizer mouthpiece includes a hollow main body and a connecting tube. The main body is a one-piece element, and includes an annular wall defining an inner space and having a middle section, an outlet section, and a storage section connected respectively to two ends of the middle section. The middle section has an inner diameter not smaller than 30 mm. The connecting tube is adapted for interconnecting the middle section and a liquid container, and surrounding a central axis. A distance between the central axis and a distal end of the storage section is not greater than three times the inner diameter. Liquid received in the liquid container is turned into mist and introduced into the inner space through the connecting tube.

Abstract: A respirator mask device includes a frame unit, a mask shell connected pivotally to the frame unit, a mask cushion secured to the mask shell, an adjusting unit operable for adjusting relative position between an upper end of the mask shell and the frame unit, two connecting pieces disposed respectively on left and right sides of a lower end of the frame unit and connected pivotally to the mask shell, two first engaging members disposed respectively on the left and right sides of the lower end of the extension frame, and a head strip unit. The head strap unit includes a strap body, and two second engaging members disposed on the strap body and connected respectively and removably to the first engaging members.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that tracks and compensates for input signal noise at a receiver of a data communication channel. In particular embodiments, the receiver of the data communication link receives an input signal which comprises two signal levels. Next, for each of the two signal levels, the system generates an error signal by comparing the input signal value of the signal level with an expected signal value for the signal level. The system then updates a threshold signal value based on at least one of the two error signals associated with the two signal levels. Finally, the system compensates for input signal noise in the received input signal using the updated threshold signal value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are external fixation devices including at least an elongate rod, a housing and an actuation member. The housing is coupled to the elongate rod and the actuation member is rotatably coupled to the housing such that a central longitudinal axis of the actuation member is angled and offset with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the elongate rod. Rotation of an actuation portion of the actuation member about the central longitudinal axis thereof in a first radial direction causes the housing to translate along the central longitudinal axis of the elongate rod in a first direction.

Abstract: Described herein are external fixation systems for correcting bone deformities in adjacent bones or fragments thereof. The systems herein include first and second elongate rods that translate with respect to one another via rotation of an actuation member at an end of one of the rods. At least one housing is coupled along a length of one of the rods. The at least one housing includes at least one pin clamping member for clamping an end of a fixation pin therein. When the at least one pin clamping member is in an unlocked state, the fixation pin can rotate in polyaxial directions. When in a locked state, the angle of fixation wire with respect to the rods is set. The locked and unlocked state of the at least one pin clamping member is determined by the positing of a fixation member with respect to the housing it is coupled to.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a cup-shaped body having an annular flange, and a hollow face-contact body having an annular connecting end portion embedding the annular flange. The annular flange has opposite first and second annular surfaces, a plurality of angularly spaced-apart through holes, and an outer annular peripheral edge interconnecting the first and second annular surfaces. The annular connecting end portion includes outer and inner annular plates abutting against the first and second annular surfaces, respectively, a plurality of connecting ribs respectively filling the through holes and interconnecting the inner and outer annular plates, and an annular rim surrounding the outer annular peripheral edge.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus includes a main body unit, a head strap unit, a nasal prong unit, and an intake unit. The main body unit has a rearwall, a frontwall, a connecting wall connected between the rearwall and the frontwall to define a chamber thereamong. The connecting wall has a rearwall-connecting portion connected to the rearwall, and a frontwall-connecting portion connected between the frontwall and the rearwall-connecting portion and having a thickness smaller than that of the rearwall-connecting portion so as to allow for floating movement of the frontwall relative to the rearwall.

Abstract: A nasal mask includes a main body having an annular inner rim and an annular outer rim, two connection members respectively connected to two opposite sides of the main body, and two engaging holes each formed in proximity to a junction between one connect ion member and the main body. The inner rim is formed with an annular shoulder and a seal ring that projects from the shoulder. A head strap unit has two opposite ends connected to the connect ion members. A nose unit includes a main plate having a peripheral edge abutting against the shoulder and the seal ring, two nasal prong members connected to the main plate, and two engaging plates to engage the engaging holes. An air supply unit is connected to the outer rim.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and computer systems for reporting unusual or anomalous usage or spending of a commodity by consumers. A computer system retrieves a set of usage-information datasets corresponding to a set of consumers, each dataset including past usage of the commodity during at least one of a completed billing period and a current usage of the commodity during the current billing period. The computer system establishes a set of report-trigger conditions for the current billing period, each of the report-trigger conditions corresponding to a consumer. The computer system monitor usage or spending of the set of consumers to determine, for each consumer, whether an estimated usage established for each consumer fulfills the consumer's report-trigger condition. Once the report-trigger condition is fulfilled, the computer system outputs a report to the consumer.

Abstract: A method for constructing an avatar of a human subject includes acquiring a depth map of the subject, obtaining a virtual skeleton of the subject based on the depth map, and harvesting from the virtual skeleton a set of characteristic metrics. Such metrics correspond to distances between predetermined points of the virtual skeleton. In this example method, the characteristic metrics are provided as input to an algorithm trained using machine learning. The algorithm may be trained using a human model in a range of poses, and a range of human models in a single pose, to output a virtual body mesh as a function of the characteristic metrics. The method also includes constructing a virtual head mesh distinct from the virtual body mesh, with facial features resembling those of the subject, and connecting the virtual body mesh to the virtual head mesh.

Abstract: A method performed by a gaming apparatus is provided for handling hand tiles of a virtual player during a tile game. The tile game is played using plural virtual playing tiles from which the hand tiles are drawn. The gaming apparatus stores a preference parameter set associated with the virtual player and including tile points of the respective virtual playing tiles and combination points of various permissible combinations of the virtual playing tiles. During a turn of the virtual player, the gaming apparatus computes priority points of the respective hand tiles according to the preference parameter set, and then, makes the virtual player discard one of the hand tiles that is selected according to the priority points.

Abstract: An air supply tube for a nasal breathing apparatus is made of a silicone material, and includes a tubular wall surrounding an axis and defining an axial hole. The tubular wall is corrugated, and includes a plurality of annularly-shaped concave and convex wall portions alternately arranged along the length of the air supply tube. The convex wall portions are farther from the axis than the concave wall portions. The concave wall portions have a first radial thickness which is larger than a second radial thickness of the convex wall portion.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus includes a main body unit, a head strap unit, a nasal prong unit, and an intake unit. The main body unit has a rearwall, a frontwall, a connecting wall connected between the rearwall and the frontwall to define a chamber thereamong. The connecting wall has a rearwall-connecting portion connected to the rearwall, and a frontwall-connecting portion connected between the frontwall and the rearwall-connecting portion and having a thickness smaller than that of the rearwall-connecting portion so as to allow for floating movement of the frontwall relative to the rearwall.

Abstract: A method performed by a gaming apparatus is provided for handling hand tiles of a virtual player during a tile game. The tile game is played using plural virtual playing tiles from which the hand tiles are drawn. The gaming apparatus stores a preference parameter set associated with the virtual player and including tile points of the respective virtual playing tiles and combination points of various permissible combinations of the virtual playing tiles. During a turn of the virtual player, the gaming apparatus computes priority points of the respective hand tiles according to the preference parameter set, and then, makes the virtual player discard one of the hand tiles that is selected according to the priority points.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus is used to deliver gases to a wearer. The breathing assistance apparatus includes: a main body unit having a main body and two side straps connected to the main body, each of the side straps having a strap body, at least one side cushion projecting from the strap body and adapted for contact with the wearer's head, and a buffering space disposed within the side cushion; a head strap unit connected to the side straps; a nasal prong unit mounted to and disposed behind the main body; and an intake unit mounted to and disposed in front of the main body.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes: a mask body including a mask shell, and a mask cushion connected to a rear side of the mask shell; a front cover disposed in front of and hinged to the mask shell, and having a support arm extending upwardly; a forehead support unit having a forehead frame connected to a top end of the support arm, and a forehead pad connected to a rear side of the forehead frame; and an adjustment unit connected to at least one of the mask shell and the front cover, and operable to produce relative movements of the mask shell and the front cover so that the mask body can abut against the user's nose with an appropriate abutment pressure.

Abstract: A respiratory mask device includes a mask body that has a front gas inlet and a rear abutment end to contact a patient's face, left and right upper connectors disposed on left and right sides of the front gas inlet for connection with an upper head strap, left and right lower connectors respectively disposed beneath the left and right upper connectors, and left and right cantilever arms fixed at a top side of the mask body. The left and right cantilever arms extend downward and sideward from the top side and have bottom free ends carrying respective left and right upper connectors. With the cantilever arms, pulling forces can be dispersed uniformly on the mask body, and uncomfortable pressure experienced by a user may be eliminated.

Abstract: A universal smart interface and peripheral management system for portable devices such as mobile phones. The smart system includes a connector interface that connects peripherals to a phone and/or personal digital assistant (PDA), through the smart system. The smart system includes a cradle for receiving a cell phone and interfacing the phone to external systems such as peripherals, networks and other systems through a USB hub and other suitable connector interfaces. The peripheral devices to which the smart system can interface include, but are not limited to, large displays (e.g., television), external monitors, input devices such as mice and keyboards, external storage devices, and networks (wired and/or wireless). The smart system also facilitates connectivity to large display systems such as TVs, computer displays and monitors.