Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: A packet-spreading data transmission system with anonymized endpoints facilitates enhanced fortified private communications between a plurality of arbitrary devices via a plurality of communication channels or networks. The data transmission system receives at a source endpoint device a message of arbitrary length. The message includes a destination address associated with a destination endpoint device. Both source endpoint device and the destination endpoint device are selected from a plurality of arbitrary devices. The received message are fragmented and agilely transmitted, via a plurality of communication channels, from the source endpoint device to the destination endpoint device.

Abstract: A differentiated identification system facilitates dynamically differentially morphed access for one or more requesters. The system receives an access request including at least one differentiable voucher from a requester and assesses the type of the received access request by considering the access request, the differentiable voucher and one or more semblances. The system then dynamically differentially morphs an access to one or more service or data based on the assessment of the access request type, enabling the system to provide the requester with dynamically differentially morphed access to the one or more service or data.

Abstract: A system for ranking geospatial entities is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises an interface for receiving ranking data about a plurality of geospatial entities and an entity ranking module. The module uses a ranking mechanism to generate place ranks for the geospatial entities based on the ranking data. Ranked entity data generated by the entity ranking module is stored in a database. The entity ranking module may be configured to evaluate a plurality of diverse attributes to determine a total score for a geospatial entity. The entity ranking module may be configured to organize ranked entity data into placemark layers.

Abstract: A packet-spreading data transmission system with anonymized endpoints facilitates enhanced fortified private communications between a plurality of arbitrary devices via a plurality of communication channels or networks. The data transmission system receives at a source endpoint device a message of arbitrary length. The message includes a destination address associated with a destination endpoint device. Both source endpoint device and the destination endpoint device are selected from a plurality of arbitrary devices. The received message are fragmented and agilely transmitted, via a plurality of communication channels, from the source endpoint device to the destination endpoint device.

Abstract: A differentiated identification system facilitates dynamically differentially morphed access for one or more requesters. The system receives an access request including at least one differentiable voucher from a requester and assesses the type of the received access request by considering the access request, the differentiable voucher and one or more semblances. The system then dynamically differentially morphs an access to one or more service or data based on the assessment of the access request type, enabling the system to provide the requester with dynamically differentially morphed access to the one or more service or data.

Abstract: A packet-spreading data transmission system with anonymized endpoints facilitates enhanced fortified private communications between a plurality of arbitrary devices via a plurality of communication channels or networks. The data transmission system receives at a source endpoint device a message of arbitrary length. The message includes a destination address associated with a destination endpoint device. Both source endpoint device and the destination endpoint device are selected from a plurality of arbitrary devices. The received message are fragmented and agilely transmitted, via a plurality of communication channels, from the source endpoint device to the destination endpoint device.

Abstract: A differentiated identification system facilitates dynamically differentially morphed access for one or more requesters. The system receives an access request including at least one differentiable voucher from a requester and assesses the type of the received access request by considering the access request, the differentiable voucher and one or more semblances. The system then dynamically differentially morphs an access to one or more service or data based on the assessment of the access request type, enabling the system to provide the requester with dynamically differentially morphed access to the one or more service or data.

Abstract: Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques are disclosed that provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language is provided that facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (time-based and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3D. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided.

Abstract: A system for ranking geospatial entities is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises an interface for receiving ranking data about a plurality of geospatial entities and an entity ranking module. The module uses a ranking mechanism to generate place ranks for the geospatial entities based on the ranking data. Ranked entity data generated by the entity ranking module is stored in a database. The entity ranking module may be configured to evaluate a plurality of diverse attributes to determine a total score for a geospatial entity. The entity ranking module may be configured to organize ranked entity data into placemark layers.

Abstract: A system for ranking geospatial entities is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises an interface for receiving ranking data about a plurality of geospatial entities and an entity ranking module. The module uses a ranking mechanism to generate place ranks for the geospatial entities based on the ranking data. Ranked entity data generated by the entity ranking module is stored in a database. The entity ranking module may be configured to evaluate a plurality of diverse attributes to determine a total score for a geospatial entity. The entity ranking module may be configured to organize ranked entity data into placemark layers.

Abstract: Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques are disclosed that provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language is provided that facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (time-based and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3D. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided.

Abstract: Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques are disclosed that provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language is provided that facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (time-based and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3D. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided.

Abstract: A portable positive air filtration device including a respiration component and a harness component. The harness component being connected with the respiration component so as to secure the respiration component against the face of a user and covering the mouth and nostril of the user. One or more fans or air-moving components, one or more filters and at least one power supply provide filtered air to the user at a positive pressure. In some examples, the device includes a mask housing, a filter, a fan and an electronics control system. One or more batteries are provided for powering the device. The electronic control system can be connected with an electronic device for real time monitoring and control.

Abstract: A piloted rock drill bit includes an integral body having a pilot drill section, a reaming section and a mounting base section extending along a longitudinal axis. The reaming section includes four wings extending from the longitudinal axis in an “X” pattern. A cutting carbide member is secured to each wing. Waste debris ejection slots extend radially into the reaming section between the wings. The pilot drill section includes a post and a leading carbide member. The leading carbide member includes a pair of sloped surfaces extending forwardly towards each other and intersecting at a leading cutting edge. The leading cutting edge and sloped surfaces extend along a crescent shaped arc. Forward air delivery bores extend through the body to forward discharge openings at the pilot drill section. Rear air delivery bores extend through the body to rear discharge opening at the waste debris ejection slots.

Abstract: A differentiated identification system facilitates dynamically differentially morphed access for one or more requesters. The system receives an access request including at least one differentiable voucher from a requester and assesses the type of the received access request by considering the access request, the differentiable voucher and one or more semblances. The system then dynamically differentially morphs an access to one or more service or data based on the assessment of the access request type, enabling the system to provide the requester with dynamically differentially morphed access to the one or more service or data.

Abstract: A packet-spreading data transmission system with anonymized endpoints facilitates enhanced fortified private communications between a plurality of arbitrary devices via a plurality of communication channels or networks. The data transmission system receives at a source endpoint device a message of arbitrary length. The message includes a destination address associated with a destination endpoint device. Both source endpoint device and the destination endpoint device are selected from a plurality of arbitrary devices. The received message are fragmented and agilely transmitted, via a plurality of communication channels, from the source endpoint device to the destination endpoint device.

Abstract: A piloted rock drill bit includes an integral body having a pilot drill section, a reaming section and a mounting base section extending along a longitudinal axis. The reaming section includes four wings extending from the longitudinal axis in an “X” pattern. A cutting carbide member is secured to each wing. Waste debris ejection slots extend radially into the reaming section between the wings. The pilot drill section includes a post. A leading carbide member is secured to the post. The leading carbide member includes a pair of sloped surfaces extending forwardly towards each other and intersecting at a leading cutting edge which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The leading cutting edge and sloped surfaces extend along a crescent shaped arc. An air delivery bore extends through the body to discharge openings located between the leading cutting edge and wings which extend radially perpendicular to the leading cutting edge.

Abstract: A piloted rock drill bit includes an integral body having a pilot drill section, a reaming section and a mounting base section extending along a longitudinal axis. The reaming section includes four wings extending from the longitudinal axis in an “X” pattern. A cutting carbide member is secured to each wing. Waste debris ejection slots extend radially into the reaming section between the wings. The pilot drill section includes a post and a leading carbide member. The leading carbide member includes a pair of sloped surfaces extending forwardly towards each other and intersecting at a leading cutting edge. The leading cutting edge and sloped surfaces extend along a crescent shaped arc. Forward air delivery bores extend through the body to forward discharge openings at the pilot drill section. Rear air delivery bores extend through the body to rear discharge opening at the waste debris ejection slots.