Abstract: In preparation for directional drilling, a wedge supported distally ahead of a tubular drill string is advanced along a parent hole. The wedge is connected to the drill string by a rigid link that extends along a central longitudinal axis through an annular cutting head. The wedge may be connected to the drill string via an inner dropper mechanism that can be engaged by a wireline lifting system. After locking the wedge at a kick-off point in the hole at a desired azimuth, the connection of the link is broken. The dropper mechanism can then be retrieved and replaced by an inner core tube, without moving the drill string. The drill string is then advanced to drill a daughter hole that branches from the parent hole on the azimuth determined by the wedge. Advantageously, there is no need to withdraw the drill string before drilling the daughter hole can commence.

Abstract: In preparation for directional drilling, a wedge supported distally ahead of a tubular drill string is advanced along a parent hole. The wedge is connected to the drill string by a rigid link that extends along a central longitudinal axis through an annular cutting head. The wedge may be connected to the drill string via an inner dropper mechanism that can be engaged by a wireline lifting system. After locking the wedge at a kick-off point in the hole at a desired azimuth, the connection of the link is broken. The dropper mechanism can then be retrieved and replaced by an inner core tube, without moving the drill string. The drill string is then advanced to drill a daughter hole that branches from the parent hole on the azimuth determined by the wedge. Advantageously, there is no need to withdraw the drill string before drilling the daughter hole can commence.

Abstract: A system for automatic categorization and assessment of billing narratives has a semantic engine that classifies billing entries with descriptions expressed in natural language into standardized categories of activity and task objective. The classification is by machine learning methods via training data that is maintained, updated and extended as needed. A rules engine applies rules to the categorized invoice data to analyze the data, report violations to a user/consumer of billed services and to perform related calculations.

Abstract: A system for automatic categorization and assessment of billing narratives has a semantic engine that classifies billing entries with descriptions expressed in natural language into standardized categories of activity and task objective. The classification is by machine learning methods via training data that is maintained, updated and extended as needed. A rules engine applies rules to the categorized invoice data to analyze the data, report violations to a user/consumer of billed services and to perform related calculations.

Abstract: In preparation for directional drilling, a wedge supported distally ahead of a tubular drill string is advanced along a parent hole. The wedge is connected to the drill string by a rigid link that extends along a central longitudinal axis through an annular cutting head. The wedge may be connected to the drill string via an inner dropper mechanism that can be engaged by a wireline lifting system. After locking the wedge at a kick-off point in the hole at a desired azimuth, the connection of the link is broken. The dropper mechanism can then be retrieved and replaced by an inner core tube, without moving the drill string. The drill string is then advanced to drill a daughter hole that branches from the parent hole on the azimuth determined by the wedge. Advantageously, there is no need to withdraw the drill string before drilling the daughter hole can commence.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for adjusting a glossopexy system are also disclosed. Adjusting a distance between two body-engaging structures can be performed without disengaging a tether from either of the body-engaging structures in some embodiments.

Abstract: In one example a replaceable tri-color ink cartridge housing includes three chambers for different colors ink. In a further example, a headland may have three parallel ink slots having a length of at least 14.4 millimeters.

Abstract: A replaceable tri-color ink cartridge, comprising three chambers for different colors ink; a headland having headland slots each fluidically connected to a respective chamber; and a printhead die attached to the headland, the die including (i) nozzle arrays having a length of at least 14.3 millimeters, and (ii) feed slots that fluidically connect the headland slots to the respective nozzle arrays, wherein each headland slot is longer than the corresponding feed slot.

Abstract: A system for automatic categorization and assessment of billing narratives has a semantic engine that classifies billing entries with descriptions expressed in natural language into standardized categories of activity and task objective. The classification is by machine learning methods via training data that is maintained, updated and extended as needed. A rules engine applies rules to the categorized invoice data to analyze the data, report violations to a user/consumer of billed services and to perform related calculations.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for adjusting a glossopexy system are also disclosed. Adjusting a distance between two body-engaging structures can be performed without disengaging a tether from either of the body-engaging structures in some embodiments.

Abstract: A replaceable tri-color ink cartridge, comprising three chambers for different colors ink; a headland having headland slots each fluidically connected to a respective chamber; and a printhead die attached to the headland, the die including (i) nozzle arrays having a length of at least 14.

Abstract: In one example a replaceable tri-color ink cartridge housing includes three chambers for different colors ink. In a further example, a headland may have three parallel ink slots having a length of at least 14.4 millimeters.

Abstract: A computer based simulation system for virtual training for vehicle crews is disclosed. The Vehicle Crew Training System (VCTS) simulates crew positions for different military ground and air vehicles. Two or more crewman modules are networked together to support a partial or full vehicle crew. The crewman modules are self-contained devices that are modular in hardware and software design, easily reconfigurable, and require minimal facility space, allowing use in restricted environments such as trailers. The VCTS is modular at the crew position level; crewman modules are added or deleted as required to meet a particular training need.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the tongue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the tongue and may be secured to other surrounding structures such as the mandible and/or hyoid bone. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace at least a portion of the posterior tongue in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the tongue. Methods and devices for adjusting a glossopexy system are also disclosed. Adjusting a distance between two body-engaging structures can be performed without disengaging a tether from either of the body-engaging structures in some embodiments.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for remodeling the tongue. One or more spaces or cavities are formed in the tongue using, for example, surgical or RF ablative techniques. The cavities can be closed or collapsed by inserting a tethered soft tissue anchor into the tongue and attaching the tethered portion of the soft tissue anchor to a bony structure such as the mandible or hyoid bone in order to exert a collapsing force on the one or more spaces or cavities. The insertion pathway of the tethered soft tissue anchor may pass adjacent to or even through one or more cavities. Also disclosed herein is a tongue remodeling system that includes means for creating a space in the tongue, and a tissue anchor configured to close the space. The tissue anchor may be tethered or expandable.

Abstract: A computer based simulation system for virtual training for vehicle crews is disclosed. The Vehicle Crew Training System (VCTS) simulates crew positions for different military ground and air vehicles. Two or more crewman modules are networked together to support a partial or full vehicle crew. The crewman modules are self-contained devices that are modular in hardware and software design, easily reconfigurable, and require minimal facility space, allowing use in restricted environments such as trailers. The VCTS is modular at the crew position level; crewman modules are added or deleted as required to meet a particular training need.

Abstract: A computer based simulation system for virtual training for vehicle crews is disclosed. The Vehicle Crew Training System (VCTS) simulates crew positions for different military ground and air vehicles. Two or more crewman modules are networked together to support a partial or full vehicle crew. The crewman modules are self-contained devices that are modular in hardware and software design, easily reconfigurable, and require minimal facility space, allowing use in restricted environments such as trailers. The VCTS is modular at the crew position level; crewman modules are added or deleted as required to meet a particular training need.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the palatal tissue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the soft palate and may be secured to other surrounding, less mobile structures such as the hard palate or the mucosa overlying the hard palate. The implant may be manipulated to displace at least a portion of the soft palate in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the soft palate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.