Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: The present invention identifies the optimal genetics, environment, and management practices and predicts the probability of growing a crop with the desired attributes, quantifies the attribute, scores relative performance, and identifies actions management can take to increase probability of growing plants with specific attributes. The present invention uses an improved technique of data acquisition known as intelligent sampling. Intelligent sampling functions by identifying a minimal dataset that is used to train the model disclosed herein while still achieving acceptable accuracy.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving, by a computing device, data for a region of interest that includes growing crops. The received data for the region of interest can include image data for the region of interest. The method further includes identifying, by the computing device based on the received image data, rows of crops within the region of interest. The method further includes determining, by the computing device based on the received data for the region of interest associated with portions of the region of interest included in the identified rows of crops and excluding portions of the region of interest outside the identified rows of crops, a stand status of the growing crops within the region of interest. The stand status includes a quantity status corresponding to a population of crops within the region of interest.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving, by a crop loss determination generator (CLDG) executing on a computing device, data for a region of interest that includes growing crops. The data for the region of interest includes at least one of field data, crop data, and geographic data. The method further includes determining, by the CLDG and based on the received data for the region of interest, a stand status of the growing crops within the region of interest. The method further includes determining, by the CLDG and based on the determined stand status, a crop loss status of the growing crops within the region of interest, and outputting, by the CLDG, an indication of the crop loss status.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving, by a computing device, data for a region of interest that includes growing crops. The received data for the region of interest can include image data for the region of interest. The method further includes identifying, by the computing device based on the received image data, rows of crops within the region of interest. The method further includes determining, by the computing device based on the received data for the region of interest associated with portions of the region of interest included in the identified rows of crops and excluding portions of the region of interest outside the identified rows of crops, a stand status of the growing crops within the region of interest. The stand status includes a quantity status corresponding to a population of crops within the region of interest.

Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving, by a computing device, image data for a region of interest that includes growing crops, and identifying, by the computing device, one or more portions of the image data that correspond to the growing crops and one or more portions of the image data that correspond to an absence of the growing crops. The method further includes determining, by the computing device, based on the one or more portions of the image data that correspond to the growing crops and excluding the one or more portions of the image data that correspond to the absence of the growing crops, a nitrogen stress status of the growing crops within the region of interest.

Abstract: A computer-based system for combining data related to stand population, consistency and quality in agricultural crops and dynamically analyzing the data whereby stand determinations based on that analysis during a crop growing season can be made. The system is programmed to alert a user (farmer) or other designated parties when the stand fails to meet user-defined parameters.

Abstract: A computer-based system for combining data related to stand population, consistency and quality in agricultural crops and dynamically analyzing the data whereby stand determinations based on that analysis during a crop growing season can be made. The system is programmed to alert a user (farmer) or other designated parties when the stand fails to meet user-defined parameters.

Abstract: A method of modeling and simulation of complex relationships among entities is disclosed. The method can utilize a model that can graphically illustrate relationships among multiple hierarchical levels of entities, and can graphically illustrate information such as types of entities and areas operated by the entities. Further, the model can be based upon a relational database, and proposed or expected changes to the model can be simulated by changing the information in the relational database. An operation model can include a decision maker level, a business entity level, an entity owner level, and an operation level. These levels can be linked hierarchically, and family relationships can be graphically indicated based upon intestate succession priorities.

Abstract: An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, the system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

Abstract: An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, tae system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

Abstract: An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, the system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

Abstract: A sales presentation generation system which integrates customer specific information with a selling entity element to generate a presentation item for the sale of a product customized for a particular customer of the selling entity. The customized presentation item may be constructed in a manner which reinforces the identity of the selling entity element by integrating customer solution information with a selling entity element having an impression characteristics which indirectly conveys the identity of the selling entity. A portion of the customer solution may be presented to the customer in a manner which maintains such impression characteristics of the selected selling entity element so as to convey a desired corporate “image”. A presentation item generated using the system may be further, or in the alternative, customized in accordance with the type of customer to which the presentation is directed.

Abstract: A computer-based system for generating customized proposals relating to consumption and cost of utilities. The system receives and stores information related to a utility company's services and conservation programs, utility rates, and a customer's inventory. The system processes this information in order to determine how various factors and parameters will affect the customer's utility consumption and cost. As a result of this processing, the system generates a customized proposal for the customer relating to how the customer can reduce consumption and cost of utilities.

Abstract: A computer-based system for generating customized proposals relating to consumption and cost of utilities. The system receives and stores information related to a utility company's services and conservation programs, utility rates, and a customer's inventory. The system processes this information in order to determine how various factors and parameters will affect the customer's utility consumption and cost. As a result of this processing, the system generates a customized proposal for the customer relating to how the customer can reduce consumption and cost of utilities.

Abstract: An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, the system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

Abstract: An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, the system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

Abstract: An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, the system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

Abstract: A computerized system provides a salesperson with assistance related to training and sales of parts corresponding to particular products. More particularly, a computerized system incorporating a data storage device, a display apparatus, a part selection device and a user interface mechanism enhances the efforts of a parts salesman. The data storage device electronically stores graphic and textual partsrelated information including specifications, features and customer benefits. The display apparatus electronically displays portions of the graphic and textual information in order to provide training and sales assistance related to part features and customer benefits. The part selection device electronically selects a particular part by navigating through part choices menus based on stored part specifications. The user interface mechanism controls the operation of the display apparatus and the part selection device parts so that each of the respective parts are operatively coupled and related to one another.

Abstract: A computerized system provides a salesperson with assistance related to training and sales of parts corresponding to particular products. More particularly, a computerized system incorporating a data storage device, a display apparatus, a part selection device and a user interface mechanism enhances the efforts of a parts salesman. The data storage device electronically stores graphic and textual parts-related information including specifications, features and customer benefits. The display apparatus electronically displays portions of the graphic and textual information in order to provide training and sales assistance related to part features and customer benefits. The part selection device electronically selects a particular part by navigating through part choices menus based on stored part specifications. The user interface controls the operation of the display apparatus and the part selection device so that each of the respective system parts are operatively coupled and related to one another.