Abstract: Techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device for use as a tool. The device has a main component formed as a monolithic body. The monolithic body is configured to be selectably transformed by a user between an operational configuration and a non-operational configuration to allow for cleaning and sterilization of the device. Transformation of the device from the non-operational configuration to the operational configuration includes engaging two or more portions of the monolithic body in contact together to form an operational tool that can be operably manipulated by the user. The operational tool has a distal tool end, a proximal user engagement end, and one or more hinge points. The transformation from the operational configuration to the non-operational configuration includes disengaging the engaged portions from each other.

Abstract: Described is a method of media content delivery, where measurements of network delivery rates are used to determine at which bit rate to request each content segment. The aim is to ensure continuous play-out of good quality segments, without relying on a large buffer, so that end-to-end delay is kept low. The historical network delivery rate is measured on two or more timescales, such as a short-term delivery rate and a long-term delivery rate, and these are used to decide when to request a higher bit rate segment than the previous segment, and when to request a lower bit rate segment than the previous segment.

Abstract: A method of delivering a video sequence in a network, the sequence including a plurality of temporal segments encoded at a plurality of qualities, the method including storing a dataset indicating the relative size of segments of the video stream; computing in dependence on that dataset a time schedule for delivery of the segments, the time schedule indicating a target delivery time for each segment sufficient to deliver all the segments in the sequence in time for decoding and being independent of the encoded quality of each segment; for each segment: setting one or more transmission parameters for the segment in dependence on the target delivery time for the segment and the relative size of the segment; and delivering the segment over the network using the one or more transmission parameters.

Abstract: A charging system includes a source charging function element of a communications system. The source charging function element includes at least one processing circuit that is operative to process charge events for network charging related to a customer identifier to write customer data indicating the network charging into a source data partition of a global storage system. Based on receiving an event message, the source charging function element determines the customer identifier based on content of the event message and performs a look up in a translation function to obtain a mapping between the customer identifier and at least data partition that includes the source data partition. When the customer identifier is determined to be mapped by the translation function to the source data partition and to a target data partition, the source charging function element communicates with a target charging function element.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of media content delivery, where the time taken to deliver each chunk of content is measured, from which the stability or consistency of delivery times are calculated. The amount of data buffered at the user's device awaiting decoding and play-back can then be adjusted (such as by playing out the content slower or quicker), in order to achieve a good compromise between continuous play-out and low end-to-end delay, taking into consideration the current network characteristics.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a tool driver device that can apply counter-torque to the device while applying torque to a target component that is engaging a target base. The example device can be operated by one hand to actuate a power input component that provides the desired torque, while providing counter-torque to offset rotation of the device. A selectably engaged counter-torque component is selected to complement the target base, to operably hold it in place during use. A power input provides power to apply rotational force to drive a selectably coupled tool, which has been selected to complement the target component engaged with a target base. The counter-torque component is operably engaged with the base, which applies counter-torque to the torque provided by the target component.

Abstract: A surgical repositioning instrument for lowering and fixing a fixing rod in the tulip head of a bone screw has a coupling sleeve with two distal latching arms. A locking sleeve is longitudinally displaceable on the coupling sleeve between a release and locking position. A rod presser contacts and lowers the fixing rod, which is arranged displaceably within the coupling sleeve. Arranged in a through bore in the handle part is the locking sleeve, coupling sleeve and rod presser. On a grip part, an actuating lever is pivotally mounted to advance the rod presser relative to the coupling sleeve. The actuating lever has a laterally projecting force arm and a load arm which is coupled to the rod presser. The locking sleeve protrudes in its release position and is independently slid into its locking position by the rod presser acting on its proximal end with an axially directed force.

Abstract: A surgical cage positioning system for the implantological replacement of an intervertebral disk, in the region of the lumbar spine of humans, has a positioning instrument with a first coupling prong and with a first manipulator prong, each provided with a coupling element. The manipulator prong can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the coupling prong by means of a handle. The cage positioning system has a cage with an insertion opening for the instrumentation segment and with coupling means, via which the coupling elements of the instrumentation segment, each pivotally connected to the cage, can be coupled so that the cage can be pivoted by means of the manipulator prong about an axis of rotation defined by the coupling element of the coupling prong and the coupling means of the cage relative to the longitudinal axis of the positioning instrument.

Abstract: In examples of the present invention, during delivery of content, the round trip times for each delivered data packet are measured and the congestion window used for delivery is adjusted accordingly. The congestion window is set to a relatively high value when the round trip times are relatively low, and set to a relatively low value when the round trip times are relatively high.

Abstract: Technologies for implementing customized behaviors for content items are provided. An example method can include receiving, from a user account registered with a content management system, a request to access a content item managed by the content management system for the user account, the content item having one or more behaviors configured for an attribute associated with the content item and/or the content item associated with the attribute; obtaining, from a representation of a remote state of content items associated with the user account, metadata defining the attribute associated with the content item; based on the metadata, determining the one or more behaviors configured for the attribute and/or the content item associated with the attribute; and applying the one or more behaviors to the content item.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention provide a method of delivering media, such as a video sequence, to a client device from a server, taking into account the relative importance of different portions of the video sequence. The sequence is divided into temporal segments, with each segment encoded at a plurality of bitrates (and hence qualities). A viewer importance parameter is assigned to each segment, indicating the relative importance of that segment, with the information stored in a manifest file or similar. The client receives this segment and viewer importance data in a manifest file. As soon as the client is aware of a future segment marked as having higher viewer importance than the next segment for download, the client initiates the download of this further segment by making a request (e.g. HTTP request), while making a concurrent request for the delivery of the next segment.

Abstract: A PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) modulator driver is configured to receive a PAM input signal having N input amplitude levels and provide a PAM output signal having N output amplitude levels, where N is an integer. The PAM modulator driver circuit configured to electrically adjust amplitude levels in the PAM output signal.

Abstract: A PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) modulator driver is configured to receive a PAM input signal having N input amplitude levels and provide a PAM output signal having N output amplitude levels, where N is an integer. The PAM modulator driver circuit configured to electrically adjust amplitude levels in the PAM output signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling chlorinators for pools and spas are provided. A controller communicates with a processor positioned within a replaceable cell cartridge of a chlorinator, to allow for remote control and diagnosis of the chlorinator and/or cell cartridge. The cell cartridge stores, in non-volatile memory on board the cartridge, one or more parameters associated with the cartridge. The controller can obtain this information from the processor of the cell cartridge, and can use same to configure operation of the chlorinator. Information relating to remaining cell life can be updated by the controller and stored in the non-volatile memory of the cell cartridge. Electrical and software-based mechanisms are provided for ensuring operation of only compatible cell cartridges with the chlorinator. A system for remotely diagnosing errors associated with the chlorinator is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining the bandwidth of a link carrying a plurality of data streams between a plurality of sources and a plurality of destinations in a network, the method including sending data packets from a first data stream over the link from one source to one destination at a first transmission rate, and measuring an associated first packet loss rate; sending further data packets from the first data stream over the link from the one source to the one destination at a second transmission rate, and measuring an associated second packet loss rate; and determining the bandwidth of the link in dependence on the first and second packet loss rates and the first and second transmission rates.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.

Abstract: A method of delivering media content over a network, the media content including a plurality of temporal segments, wherein each temporal segment comprises a plurality of data packets, the method including: selecting an initial size of a first congestion window; delivering the plurality of data packets of a first segment using the first congestion window, the initial size of the first congestion window being used to control the size of the first congestion window for the duration of the first segment delivery; measuring the packet loss during the delivery of the first segment; determining an initial size of a second congestion window in dependence on the measured packet loss for the first segment; and delivering a second segment using the second congestion window, the initial size of the second congestion window being used to control the size of the second congestion window for the duration of the second segment delivery.

Abstract: In examples of the present invention, delivery of a segment of content is done using an initial congestion window, preferably chosen to give a delivery rate that ensures timely delivery of that segment. However, under high levels of packet loss, the delivery rate may not be sufficient. Hence, at any stage during delivery of a segment, the actual delivery rate is measured, and used, together with the previous congestion window size, the amount of content segment data still to be delivered, and the time left for delivery, to calculate an updated congestion window. The remainder of the segment is then delivered using this revised congestion window.

Abstract: In examples of the present invention, during delivery of content, the round trip times for each delivered data packet are measured and the congestion window used for delivery is adjusted accordingly. The congestion window is set to a relatively high value when the round trip times are relatively low, and set to a relatively low value when the round trip times are relatively high.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.