Abstract: A method of diagnosing or predicting performance of equipment includes determining values of one or more parameters associated with the equipment by monitoring the one or more parameters over a time period in which the equipment is in use. The method also includes determining, by processing the values of the one or more parameters using a classification model, a performance classification of the equipment, mapping the performance classification to a mitigating or preventative action, and generating an output indicative of the mitigating or preventative action.

Abstract: A method of facilitating real-time monitoring of conditions within a vial during a lyophilization process occurring within a lyophilization chamber includes, for each of a plurality of time intervals during the lyophilization process, determining current values of temperature and pressure within the lyophilization chamber and, after each time interval, determining current values of one or more conditions within the vial. Determining the current values of the condition(s) within the vial includes applying those current values as inputs to a heat and mass transfer balance model and solving for a current value of a temperature within the vial (and possibly water removed from or remaining within the product). The method also includes causing a display device to display the current value(s) of the condition(s) within the vial to a user, and/or controlling the temperature and/or pressure within the lyophilization chamber based on the current value(s) of the condition(s) within the vial.

Abstract: A reusable casket has a four-sided frame. A base is also provided. The base extends to the outer edges of the frame, so the frame rests on top of the base. Trim pieces surrounding the bottom of the frame are offset so that the base is hidden from view when the frame is on the base. The offset also creates a pocket that holds the base in place, in part, when attached to the frame. The base is manually secured to and released from inside of the frame by release buckles having male and female ends, each of which has an attached polypropylene strap. The straps of the male ends are secured inside of the frame. The straps of the female ends pass through openings in the base, and are secured to the underside of the base.

Abstract: A reusable casket has a four-sided frame. A base is also provided. The base extends to the outer edges of the frame, so the frame rests on top of the base. Trim pieces surrounding the bottom of the frame are offset so that the base is hidden from view when the frame is on the base. The offset also creates a pocket that holds the base in place, in part, when attached to the frame. The base is manually secured to and released from inside of the frame by release buckles having male and female ends, each of which has an attached polypropylene strap. The straps of the male ends are secured inside of the frame. The straps of the female ends pass through openings in the base, and are secured to the underside of the base.

Abstract: Methods for game aim assist are provided. In electronic games, a game player may control the actions of a game character within a game environment. The game environment, which includes a focus area, may be displayed from a perspective of or with respect to a game character. During game play, one or more objects may be detected in the focus area. One of the objects may then be selected based on the distance between the object and the center of the focus area. The aim of the game character is then automatically adjusted toward the selected object, which allows the game player to direct an attack action on the object.

Abstract: Methods for game aim assist are provided. In electronic games, a game player may control the actions of a game character within a game environment. The game environment, which includes a focus area, may be displayed from a perspective of or with respect to a game character. During game play, one or more objects may be detected in the focus area. One of the objects may then be selected based on the distance between the object and the center of the focus area.

Abstract: Methods for game aim assist are provided. In electronic games, a game player may control the actions of a game character within a game environment. The game environment, which includes a focus area, may be displayed from a perspective of or with respect to a game character. During game play, one or more objects may be detected in the focus area. One of the objects may then be selected based on the distance between the object and the center of the focus area. The aim of the game character is then automatically adjusted toward the selected object, which allows the game player to direct an attack action on the object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to automatically detect vertebrae boundaries in a spine image. A method to detect a vertebra in a spine image is described, the method comprising generating a rectangle approximation of a reference vertebra. The method also including identifying a mask similar to the rectangle approximation and labeling a mask region in the mask. The method also including comparing the mask region to the rectangle approximation and detecting a vertebra in the spine image based on the comparison.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to automatically detect vertebrae boundaries in a spine image. A method to detect a vertebra in a spine image is described, the method comprising generating a rectangle approximation of a reference vertebra. The method also including identifying a mask similar to the rectangle approximation and labeling a mask region in the mask. The method also including comparing the mask region to the rectangle approximation and detecting a vertebra in the spine image based on the comparison.

Abstract: Methods for game aim assist are provided. In electronic games, a game player may control the actions of a game character within a game environment. The game environment, which includes a focus area, may be displayed from a perspective of or with respect to a game character. During game play, one or more objects may be detected in the focus area. One of the objects may then be selected based on the distance between the object and the center of the focus area.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting game related information from a hand-held gaming device through a game console to a game controller and vice versa. In one aspect, the game related information comprises command information that causes the game controller to respond either by vibrating, rumbling or other action associated with a game being played. In another aspect, the game related information may include controller signals that cause an action at the hand-held device.

Abstract: Methods for game aim assist are provided. In electronic games, a game player may control the actions of a game character within a game environment. The game environment, which includes a focus area, may be displayed from a perspective of or with respect to a game character. During game play, one or more objects may be detected in the focus area. One of the objects may then be selected based on the distance between the object and the center of the focus area. The aim of the game character is then automatically adjusted toward the selected object, which allows the game player to direct an attack action on the object.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting game related information from a hand-held gaming device through a game console to a game controller and vice versa. In one aspect, the game related information comprises command information that causes the game controller to respond either by vibrating, rumbling or other action associated with a game being played. In another aspect, the game related information may include controller signals that cause an action at the hand-held device.

Abstract: Methods for game aim assist are provided. In electronic games, a game player may control the actions of a game character within a game environment. The game environment, which includes a focus area, may be displayed from a perspective of or with respect to a game character. During game play, one or more objects may be detected in the focus area. One of the objects may then be selected based on the distance between the object and the center of the focus area.

Abstract: A computer-implemented telecommunications spending analysis system extracts telecommunications traffic detail data from billing statements provided by telecommunications carriers and converts the traffic detail data to a generic data format for aggregation in a uniform customer traffic history database. The spending analysis system compares billed rates against estimated market prices stored in a best of class (BOC) database and notifies the user of possible cost savings attainable in a renegotiated contract. A web-based RFP system facilitates preparation of a request for proposals (RFP) and solicitation of vendors to bid on the RFP in an online reverse auction environment, both for telecommunications services and other commodities. The RFP system may access the uniform customer traffic history database to facilitate preparation of a traffic forecast of the RFP. Upon completion of an RFP auction, the RFP system updates the estimated market prices of the BOC database based on the vendor bids.

Abstract: A computer-implemented telecommunications spending analysis system extracts telecommunications traffic detail data from billing statements provided by telecommunications carriers and converts the traffic detail data to a generic data format for aggregation in a uniform customer traffic history database. The spending analysis system compares billed rates against estimated market prices stored in a best of class (BOC) database and notifies the user of possible cost savings attainable in a renegotiated contract. A web-based RFP system facilitates preparation of a request for proposals (RFP) and solicitation of vendors to bid on the RFP in an online reverse auction environment, both for telecommunications services and other commodities. The RFP system may access the uniform customer traffic history database to facilitate preparation of a traffic forecast of the RFP. Upon completion of an RFP auction, the RFP system updates the estimated market prices of the BOC database based on the vendor bids.