Abstract: A medical claim processing system and method comprising generating default rules and custom rules for inspecting healthcare claims, the default rules having general application to every healthcare claim and the custom rules being created to inspect specific requirements imposed by an insurance company or imposed to a medical code; receiving claim information related to a medical service from a healthcare provider; generating healthcare claims based on the received claim information; and inspecting the medical claims according to the default rules and the custom rules.

Abstract: A non-reusable, locking container for sterilizing and storing surgical materials and presenting surgical materials in a sterilized condition. The non-reusable, locking sterilization container includes a tray, a lid, a permeable filter, a non-reusable lock and a frangible release that limit the container to only a single sterilization cycle or single use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wearable socks, and related methods of manufacturing such socks, having selected areas of substantially greater stretchability as compared to the remaining portions of the sock that that resists removal by the wearer. In one exemplary embodiment, a sock constructed according to the disclosed principles may comprise first portions of the sock comprising a material having a first overall stretchability, and second portions of the sock comprising a material having a second overall stretchability. Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments, the second stretchability is substantially greater than the first stretchability such that one or more of the second portions are configured to continue to stretch in response to a removal force applied to the sock while adjacent one or more first portions reach their maximum stretchable length which thereby allows the removal force to overcome a compressive force of the one or more first portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a pillow with a pocket in which the hand can be inserted into the pocket, as well as related methods of manufacturing such a pillow. In embodiment, such a pillow may comprise a first side of said pillow, where the first side comprises a first outer layer and a first inner layer, and a first filling material located between the first outer and inner layers. In such an embodiment, the pillow may also comprise a second side having a second outer layer and a second inner layer, and having a second filling material located between the second outer and inner layers. Moreover, in such embodiments, said first side and said second side are attached to each other along at least a portion of their corresponding edges to create a pocket between the first and second sides. With the addition of a pocket, the pillow does not slide off or roll off the person's hand when resting or sleeping.

Abstract: The disclosed principles provide a multiple layered cloth with absorbent layers and moisture barrier layers attached together. With multiple layers attached as disclosed herein, a parent can burp a baby on the cloth several times with just one burp cloth. The layers that are moisture barriers prevent any liquid from seeping through the cloth and onto the parent's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, a cloth may comprise a first portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent portion of the first portion. Such a cloth may also include a second portion having an absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer adjacent to, and coextensive with, the absorbent portion of the second portion. At least one edge of the first portion is attached to a corresponding edge of the second portion such that the moisture barrier layer of the first portion faces the absorbent layer of the second portion, and wherein the first portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are multiple panel blankets, and related methods of construction, that allow the use of just one blanket that has multiple panels attached together, one or more of which may be removed for various applications. The user can place an infant/baby on a base panel and then cover it with the other panels attached to the base panel. Likewise, the parent could use all the panels. In one embodiment, a multiple paneled blanket may comprise a base panel and at least one upper panel located on the base panel. The at least one upper panel has at least one of a length or a width coextensive with a corresponding length or width of the base panel. The at least one upper panel is fastened to the base panel along at least a portion of corresponding sides of the base panel and the at least one upper panel that provide the coextensive length or width.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wearable socks, and related methods of manufacturing such socks, having selected areas of substantially greater stretchability as compared to the remaining portions of the sock that that resists removal by the wearer. In one exemplary embodiment, a sock constructed according to the disclosed principles may comprise first portions of the sock comprising a material having a first overall stretchability, and second portions of the sock comprising a material having a second overall stretchability. Additionally, in such exemplary embodiments, the second stretchability is substantially greater than the first stretchability such that one or more of the second portions are configured to continue to stretch in response to a removal force applied to the sock while adjacent one or more first portions reach their maximum stretchable length which thereby allows the removal force to overcome a compressive force of the one or more first portions.

Abstract: An autonomous open-ocean fish-farming structure has a submersible cage enclosure tethered to a topside buoy. The topside buoy stores feed, is equipped with radio telemetry to communicate positioning signals transmitted from external sources, and generates electrical power using, for example, a hybrid solar OTEC heat engine. The structure is navigated and maintained in a geostationary position within the ocean environment by means of position-correction technology and is propelled by thrusters attached to the cage enclosure and, optionally, to the underside of the topside buoy. The self-positioning, self-powered fish-farming structure enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor. Multiple structures can be maintained in a spaced apart configuration to comprise a flotilla of fish farming structures attended by a tender ship that is autonomous, easily serviced and conveniently relocated.

Abstract: A local positioning system which includes a video camera, a computer communicating with the video camera and a target object sighted by the video camera and having a target object coordinate system. The computer is adapted to define a relative position and orientation of the video camera with respect to the target object, determine a position and orientation of the video camera in the target object coordinate system, and determine the position of a point of interest in the target object coordinate system. The system can also be used to aim the camera at a previously recorded point of interest on the target object. Contact with, or close proximity to, the target object is not required. A local positioning method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostationary position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostationary position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

Abstract: A non-reusable, locking container for sterilizing and storing surgical materials and presenting surgical materials in a sterilized condition. The non-reusable, locking sterilization container includes a tray, a lid, a permeable filter, a non-reusable lock and a frangible release that limit the container to only a single sterilization cycle or single use.

Abstract: An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostatic position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostatic position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

Abstract: A local positioning system which includes a video camera, a computer communicating with the video camera and a target object sighted by the video camera and having a target object coordinate system. The computer is adapted to define a relative position and orientation of the video camera with respect to the target object, determine a position and orientation of the video camera in the target object coordinate system, and determine the position of a point of interest in the target object coordinate system. The system can also be used to aim the camera at a previously recorded point of interest on the target object. Contact with, or close proximity to, the target object is not required. A local positioning method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle having a body with an internal volume. A plurality of extendable legs project outwardly from the body for supporting the body on a surface and for propelling the body, in at least a partial rolling motion, over the surface. A gimbal system is supported within the body. The gimbal system has a support platform that is moveable within at least two non-parallel planes. An actuator is supported on the support platform and is positionable by the gimbal system into different positions to actuate selected ones of the extendable legs, to thus assist in propelling the vehicle.