Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which changes in the position and/or orientation of an anatomical structure or of a surgical tool can be measured quantitatively during surgery. In some embodiments, a surgical electronic module can be configured to attach to a surgical device, to continually detect changes in a position and/or orientation of the surgical device during surgery, and to communicate the changes to a user. In this way, where the surgical device is attached to a portion of a patient's anatomy and/or is used to manipulate the patient's anatomy, the surgical electronic module can detect changes in the position and/or orientation of said anatomy. In embodiments where more than one module is used during surgery, the modules can continually detect changes in their positions and/or orientations relative to one another, which correspond to changes in relative positions and/or orientations of the surgical devices to which the modules are attached.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which changes in the position and/or orientation of an anatomical structure or of a surgical tool can be measured quantitatively during surgery. In some embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can make use of inertial motion sensors to determine a position or orientation of an instrument or anatomy at different times and to calculate changes between different positions or orientations. In other embodiments, such sensors can be utilized in conjunction with imaging devices to correlate sensor position with anatomical landmarks, thereby permitting determination of absolute angular orientation of a landmark. Such systems and methods can facilitate real-time tracking of progress during a variety of procedures, including, e.g., spinal deformity correction, etc.

Abstract: Technologies for a monitoring system for monitoring a user's movement include a sensor module and a monitoring device. The sensor module is attached to the user or wearable by the user. The monitoring device detects the sensor module positioned in proximity to the monitoring device, receives sensor data from the detected sensor module, analyzes the received sensor data to determine a position and an orientation of the detected sensor module relative to the monitoring device, compares the determined positions of the detected sensor module to predefined planned positions, and initiates an alert notification in response to a determination that a difference between the determined positions of the detected sensor module and the predefined positions is greater than a reference threshold.

Abstract: A mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The robot can patrol one or more routes within a building, and can detect violations of security policies by objects, building infrastructure and security systems, or individuals. In response to the detected violations, the robot can perform one or more security operations. The robot can include a removable fabric panel, enabling sensors within the robot body to capture signals that propagate through the fabric. In addition, the robot can scan RFID tags of objects within an area, for instance coupled to store inventory. Likewise, the robot can generate or update one or more semantic maps for use by the robot in navigating an area and for measuring compliance with security policies.

Abstract: A combustor includes an outer tube having an interior space extending between first and second openings. An inner tube within the interior space extends along a centerline from a first end to a second end and defines a central passage. The first end is closed by an end wall in a fluid-tight manner. The interior space is supplied with a mixture of air and combustible fuel pre-mixed upstream of the inner tube. The inner tube has fluid directing structures for directing the pre-mixed mixture radially inward from the interior space to the central passage such that the pre-mixed mixture converges towards the central axis in a direction extending towards the second end of the inner tube.

Abstract: A system, device and method to securely notify a user of a compromise of a device are provided. The system, device and method may include a detection device adapted for determining a compromise of the device communicatively coupled to the first path, a user database including at least information regarding the device and other devices associated with the user, and the secure signal path to at least one of the other devices.

Abstract: A waste management system having improved maneuverability and versatility. The system includes a container bay configured to house a compactor unit having a receptacle body configured to receive waste in a cavity surrounded by container walls and a tow member affixed to a forward container wall, the tow member. The tow member is disposed in close proximity to the front wall in order to provide better maneuverability when maneuvered by a deployment vehicle. Typically, first and second of the tow member converge at a tow engagement mechanism disposed at a distance from the forward container wall that is equal to or less than one tenth of a length of the container. The system may further include a local control station situated at the container bay and configured to engage with waste container such that the control station may control functionality of the compactor unit.

Abstract: Improved personal protective equipment facial wear including, in one embodiment, an at least partly adhesive mask, and one or more adhesive eye shields. In one implementation, the mask avoids significant contact with the delicate periorbital skin of the wearer, yet provides a substantially airtight seal so as to preclude moisture vapor transfer and “fogging” of eyeware or instruments. In another implementation, adherence of the eye shield is at least partially overlapping with the mask and creates an at least partial seal around a perimeter of the eye shield. Further, an at least partial seal is formed around a perimeter of the mask. The mask and eye shield additionally prevent nasal air flow obstruction, and address the problem of skin irritation and attachment during normal facial expression and movement of the wearer.

Abstract: Apparatus for protection of the ear and ear canal, and related methods of use and operation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a selectively actuated valve which permits a varying or modulated size of aperture to be created by the wearer while the apparatus is in use, so as to accommodate varying functions, such as complete occlusion (e.g., for use in swimming or other acquatic activities such that water can be completely excluded) or partial occlusion (e.g., such that sounds can be heard by the wearer, whether in air or under water). In one implementation, the apparatus is retained within the ear canal of the wearer by virtue of the apparatus' shape and coordination with one or more natural features or contours of the anatomy in the ear region, without having to be inserted more than superficially into the outer portion of the ear canal.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device comprising inferior and superior fusion cage devices that provide an ability to correct spondylolisthesis via in-situ adjustment.

Abstract: A burner for an appliance having a blower includes a tube extending from an inlet end to an outlet end with radially extending openings along its length. A cap closes the outlet end in a fluid-tight manner. A mixing system downstream from the blower extends into the inlet end for delivering a pre-mixed mixture of air and fuel to the interior of the tube for ignition by an igniter.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed electronics module includes a core IC installed on a substrate. A collar surrounds the core IC and is sealed to the substrate and to a lid, forming a sealed chamber. A heat spreader bonded to an internal surface of the lid extends downward into proximal thermal contact with the core IC. A thin layer of TIM can be applied between the heat spreader and core IC. The heat spreader does not overlap any tall components that extend above the core IC, and can extend over regions adjacent to the core IC. Tall components can be limited to a periphery of the chamber, and/or the heat spreader can include openings that surround central tall components. The heat spreader can be soldered or welded to the lid over an entire upper surface of the heat spreader. X-ray and/or CSAM scanning can detect heat spreader bonding flaws.

Abstract: Technologies for a monitoring system for monitoring a user's movement include a sensor module and a monitoring device. The sensor module is attached to the user or wearable by the user. The monitoring device detects the sensor module positioned in proximity to the monitoring device, receives sensor data from the detected sensor module, analyzes the received sensor data to determine a position and an orientation of the detected sensor module relative to the monitoring device, compares the determined positions of the detected sensor module to predefined planned positions, and initiates an alert notification in response to a determination that a difference between the determined positions of the detected sensor module and the predefined positions is greater than a reference threshold.

Abstract: A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for monitoring distributed computing events are disclosed. The method includes defining parameters for a plurality of monitored assets, receiving status data for each monitored asset during the event, determining if each monitored asset's status is within the defined parameters during the event, providing an indication to a user if a monitored asset's status is outside the defined parameters, receiving instructions from the user for each monitored asset outside of the defined parameters, transmitting the instructions to the monitored asset outside of the defined parameters, executing the instructions on the monitored asset outside of the defined parameters, and providing an assessment of the event after the event concludes.

Abstract: Selectively controllable apparatus for insertion into an ear canal, and related methods of use and operation for behavioral control. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into an ear canal. In one variant, the body includes one or more thermal mechanisms which enable selective increase or decrease of temperature of at least portions of the ear canal so as to implement behavioral control of the user, such as to mitigate cravings for food, alcohol, narcotics, or other potentially deleterious substances. In one variant, a mild nausea or pre-nausea condition is created within the user according to a time-temperature profile so as to induce the aforementioned behavioral modification.

Abstract: A flexible auger design for low-torque transmitting drive shafts, which allows effective tissue material transport through curved, flexible tubes and channels. A hollow auger has a hollow center, so that the helical member hugs the inner wall of the tube and material is transported along the center axis and the inner wall of the tube. The hollow flexible auger allows for transportation of material from an operative location in the patient (material removal) as well as to operative location in the patient (material delivery).

Abstract: A mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The robot can patrol one or more routes within a building, and can detect violations of security policies by objects, building infrastructure and security systems, or individuals. In response to the detected violations, the robot can perform one or more security operations. The robot can include a removable fabric panel, enabling sensors within the robot body to capture signals that propagate through the fabric. In addition, the robot can scan RFID tags of objects within an area, for instance coupled to store inventory. Likewise, the robot can generate or update one or more semantic maps for use by the robot in navigating an area and for measuring compliance with security policies.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a water heater having a burner includes a tube extending longitudinally along a centerline from a first end adjacent the burner to a second end. The tube defines a passage. Strips extend within the passage and are arranged about the centerline. Each strip includes a base and fins extending from opposite sides of the base such that flue gases from the burner flow from the first end to the second end of the outer tube and in channels between the fins.

Abstract: Apparatus for protection of the ear and ear canal, and related methods of use and operation. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a selectively actuated valve which permits a varying or modulated size of aperture to be created by the wearer while the apparatus is in use, so as to accommodate varying functions, such as complete occlusion (e.g., for use in swimming or other aquatic activities such that water can be completely excluded) or partial occlusion (e.g., such that sounds can be heard by the wearer, whether in air or under water). In one implementation, the apparatus is retained within the ear canal of the wearer by virtue of the apparatus' shape and coordination with one or more natural features or contours of the anatomy in the ear region, without having to be inserted more than superficially into the outer portion of the ear canal.