Abstract: A spinal retractor blade and retractor device are provided. The retractor blade may include an optional straight first leg having an end joined to an end of a shank. The blade further includes a transition extending from the straight first leg by about 90° to 180° and terminating in a free end. A width of the transition is suitable for receiving a spinous process. Retractors in accordance with the invention may optionally include a pair of such blades, and the blades themselves may optionally include a second straight leg between the transition and the free end. The legs of such blades may be non-parallel.

Abstract: A spinal retractor blade and retractor device are provided. The retractor blade may include an optional straight first leg having an end joined to an end of a shank. The blade further includes a transition arcuately extending from the straight first leg by about 90° to 180° and terminating in a free end. A width of the transition is suitable for receiving a spinous process. Retractors in accordance with the invention may optionally include a pair of such blades, and the blades themselves may optionally include a second straight leg between the transition and the free end.

Abstract: Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

Abstract: Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

Abstract: Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

Abstract: Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

Abstract: Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

Abstract: Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

Abstract: Providing of an electronic map displaying preferred real-world locations to utilize in connection with an augmented reality world. A request is received at a server computer to provide the electronic map to utilize in connection with the augmented reality world. A geolocation is received. Real-world locations in a vicinity are queried from a real-world location profile. A virtual location profile of virtual locations in the augmented reality world is accessed to generate an initial virtual location set. A participant preference profile containing virtual preferences and real-world preferences is accessed. Real-time participant data is accessed. The virtual locations in the initial virtual location set are prioritized to generate a prioritized virtual location set. The prioritized virtual location set is limited based upon the real-time participant data to generate a real-time prioritized location set. The electronic map is generated based upon the real-time prioritized location set, and transmitted.

Abstract: A modular external fixation system includes a plurality of modular components, each formed of a non-metallic material. One of the modular components is a modular rod that is provided in a single initial length and then cut to a length appropriate for a particular external fixation procedure. Another modular component is an interlocking element that can be mounted on one end of the modular rod and that includes an interlocking feature for engagement with other modular components. The system can also include a distraction arm that can be mounted at one end of the fixation framework. The arm includes a bar portion configured to be grasped to apply a distraction force along the construct. The arm can be pivotably mounted so that it can be pivoted to a distraction position, or to other positions, including one position in which the arm bears against the foot of an instrumented leg, and another position in which the arm acts to support the entire leg.

Abstract: A control device for preventing freeze damage to a solar hot water heater collector and auxiliary conduits, while insuring system operation for absorbing energy whenever sufficient useable solar energy is available, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the system. The control device includes a drain valve that may be opened as a function of ambient temperature and a drain down override circuit that insures closure of the drain down system whenever a predetermined temperature differential exists between the water in the collector and the heated water in the storage tank. The drain down will be thereby overridden in favor of increasing system energy at a predetermined temperature differential.