Abstract: The invention relates to a computer-implemented system and method for grading of a loan using chained confidence scoring. The method may comprise the steps of: scanning documents within a credit file for the loan, extracting attributes from the scanned documents and from electronic documents in the credit file, calculating a plurality of calculated attributes based on the extracted attributes, calculating a loan risk rating based on the calculated attributes and the extracted attributes, calculating an aggregated confidence value associated with the calculated loan risk rating, and enabling a user to modify the loan risk rating, the aggregated confidence value, and a number of chained confidence values. The confidence values input by the user are used as training data to train a chained confidence model and the chained confidence model is used to calculate the aggregated confidence value in connection with the automated grading of a loan.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is for movably coupling first and second members, one being movable relative to the other. A plain bearing section includes an inner ring having a bore for receiving the first member and an outer cylindrical bearing surface. An outer ring is disposed about the inner ring and has an inner cylindrical bearing surface disposed against the inner ring bearing surface, one bearing surface sliding against the other when the movable member displaces about a first axis. The two rings engage to prevent relative displacement between the rings when the movable member displaces about a second axis. An elastomeric bearing section is disposed about the plain bearing section, is connected with the second member and is formed such that at least a portion of the elastomeric bearing section flexes when the movable member angularly displaces about the second axis.

Abstract: An improved bumper system for transportation vehicles (10) comprising one or more extendable bumpers (12, 14-15). The extendable bumpers extend substantially outward from a vehicle to provide a greater distance with which to reduce the forces acting upon the occupants and/or cargo of a transportation vehicle in the event of a collision. In some embodiments, the extendable bumpers extend in response to a detected, possible, or likely collision.

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, menu, or a keyboard for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16).

Abstract: A tissue processing apparatus for processing biological tissue. The tissue processing apparatus comprises a measurement probe that includes two measurement surfaces spaced apart from each other, wherein the measurement probe is configured to be inserted into a reagent receptacle so that the two measurement surfaces are at least partially immersed in reagent contained in the reagent receptacle. The tissue processing apparatus is configured to use the two measurement surfaces of the measurement probe to obtain at least one electrical measurement of reagent contained in the reagent receptacle before reagent is taken out from the reagent receptacle by the tissue processing apparatus. The tissue processing apparatus is configured to determine, based on the at least one electrical measurement, a concentration and/or a type of reagent contained in the reagent receptacle.

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, or menu for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16) comprised of multidirectional buttons, keys, or menus.

Abstract: A portable computing device (10) with a display screen (26) that may be scrolled and/or zoomed in response to changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device. Changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device are sensed by accelerometers (20) contained in the device. Software converts signals sent by the accelerometers to scrolling or zooming commands that scroll and/or zoom the display screen. Motion of the computing device in the plane of the display screen of the computing device results in scrolling the display screen in the opposing direction of the motion of the computing device a distance greater than the distance the computing device is moved. Motion of the computing device perpendicular to the plane of the display screen zooms the display screen in or out. Motion of the computing device toward the user results in the display screen being zoomed in to reveal greater detail.

Abstract: A system and associated method are used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. A flexible pad has a length, a width and a periphery for wrapping around the instrument. An activation disc and a mixture of water and sodium acetate are used to generate heat through an exothermic reaction initiated through manual manipulation of the disc. The disc may be exposed in a flexible tab in fluid communication with the pad. A housing includes an end bore to receive the instrument such that the instrument is surrounded by the folded or rolled pad within the housing. The housing may further include a slit or narrow opening enabling the tab and activation disc to extend therethrough and outside the housing for activation.

Abstract: A system and associated method is used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. A flexible pad has a length, a width and a periphery for wrapping around the instrument and a plurality of separate chambers defined through partitions. Each of the separate chambers includes an activation disc and a mixture of water and sodium acetate to generate heat through an exothermic reaction initiated through manual manipulation of the disc for that chamber. The pad is preferably made from two plastic sheets of substantially equal size, with the chambers being formed by heat-sealing or otherwise bonding the periphery of the sheets and the partitions. At least some of the partitions establish lengthwise and/or widthwise fold lines in the pad. At least one of the partitions may include a gap to facilitate fluid transfer of the mixture. The disc is preferably made of perforated stainless steel.

Abstract: A laparoscope/endoscope warmer includes a rechargeable heater with an inexpensive, disposable casing so that the expensive portions of the system can be reused. An elongated heater has an outer wall, a closed end and an open end into a cavity having an inner wall. A heating element such as a heating coil is disposed between the inner and outer walls of the heater. A rechargeable battery within the heater powers the heating element. The heater fits into a charging base operative to recharge the rechargeable battery through cooperating electrical contacts or an inductive coupling. The sterile casing includes an inner sleeve that fits into the cavity of the heater unit, providing a receptacle to receive and warm the rod of an endoscope or laparoscope.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously heating multiple elongated surgical viewing instruments comprises a heater with a slot and an insert received by the slot. The insert has multiple elongate cavities, each configured to receive the tip of a viewing instrument. A cover, configured to cover the heater with the insert in the slot thereof, provides a plurality of openings aligned with the cavities of the insert. In the preferred embodiment, the heater is reusable and the insert and cover are disposable. The insert and cover may be integrally joined into a single unit. The system may further include a stand upon which the heater is supported, one or more cavities to receive cleaning swabs to be heated, and/or a pad to heat a cleaning wipe or other article.

Abstract: A portable computing device (10) with a display screen (26) that may be scrolled and/or zoomed in response to changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device. Changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device are sensed by accelerometers (20) contained in the device. Software converts signals sent by the accelerometers to scrolling or zooming commands that scroll and/or zoom the display screen. Motion of the computing device in the plane of the display screen of the computing device results in scrolling the display screen in the opposing direction of the motion of the computing device a distance greater than the distance the computing device is moved. Motion of the computing device perpendicular to the plane of the display screen zooms the display screen in or out. Motion of the computing device toward the user results in the display screen being zoomed in to reveal greater detail.

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, or menu for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16) comprised of multidirectional buttons, keys, or menus.

Abstract: A portable computing device (10) with a display screen (26) that may be scrolled and/or zoomed in response to changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device. Changes in the spatial orientation of the computing device are sensed by accelerometers (20) contained in the device. Software converts signals sent by the accelerometers to scrolling or zooming commands that scroll and/or zoom the display screen. Motion of the computing device in the plane of the display screen of the computing device results in scrolling the display screen in the opposing direction of the motion of the computing device a distance greater than the distance the computing device is moved. Motion of the computing device perpendicular to the plane of the display screen zooms the display screen in or out. Motion of the computing device toward the user results in the display screen being zoomed in to reveal greater detail.

Abstract: A system and associated method are used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. A flexible pad has a length, a width and a periphery for wrapping around the instrument. An activation disc and a mixture of water and sodium acetate are used to generate heat through an exothermic reaction initiated through manual manipulation of the disc. The disc may be exposed in a flexible tab in fluid communication with the pad. A housing includes an end bore to receive the instrument such that the instrument is surrounded by the folded or rolled pad within the housing. The housing may further include a slit or narrow opening enabling the tab and activation disc to extend therethrough and outside the housing for activation.

Abstract: A multidirectional button, key, or menu for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16) comprised of multidirectional buttons, keys, or menus.

Abstract: A warming gas flows through a jacket to heat an insufflation gas flowing in a separate tube, thereby reducing cost and disposable waste. The heated warming gas may be filtered to sterilize or maintain sterility and released to atmosphere after heating the flowing insufflation gas. Alternatively the warming gas may be reheated and recirculated through the jacket, with an additional tube being used within the jacket so that the warming gas flows in both directions lengthwise. As an alternative to separate tubes, a single, multi-lumen tube may be used. The insufflation gas may be CO2 and the warming gas may be room air. The heating element and sensors may be separate from the disposable unit of a heated insufflation set, and need not be re-sterilized prior to or after use in surgery. The heat is constantly maintained, thereby eliminating “cold spots” caused by the natural cycling of the resistance heaters.

Abstract: A laparoscope/endoscope warmer includes a rechargeable heater with an inexpensive, disposable casing so that the expensive portions of the system can be reused. An elongated heater has an outer wall, a closed end and an open end into a cavity having an inner wall. A heating element such as a heating coil is disposed between the inner and outer walls of the heater. A rechargeable battery within the heater powers the heating element. The heater fits into a charging base operative to recharge the rechargeable battery through cooperating electrical contacts or an inductive coupling. The sterile casing includes an inner sleeve that fits into the cavity of the heater unit, providing a receptacle to receive and warm the rod of an endoscope or laparoscope.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously heating multiple elongated surgical viewing instruments comprises a heater with a slot and an insert received by the slot. The insert has multiple elongate cavities, each configured to receive the tip of a viewing instrument. A cover, configured to cover the heater with the insert in the slot thereof, provides a plurality of openings aligned with the cavities of the insert. In the preferred embodiment, the heater is reusable and the insert and cover are disposable. The insert and cover may be integrally joined into a single unit. The system may further include a stand upon which the heater is supported, one or more cavities to receive cleaning swaps to be heated, and/or a pad to heat a cleaning wipe or other article.

Abstract: An improved device for indicating and measuring small variations in the resistance of a living body is disclosed which utilizes a central processing unit to digitally process sensed body resistances and drive a resistance-indicating display while compensating for the effects of component aging, component tolerances and component temperatures. The device includes an automatic calibration circuit that is automatically activated on each powering up of the device to measure and store measurement values for a plurality of synthesized body resistances that are used to form a compensation model against which sensed body resistances are, subsequently compared for automatic adjustment of display driving measurement values.