Abstract: Embodiments of a retractable storage apparatus are described. Some embodiments include a hinge component, a back support disposed on a first side of the hinge component, and a lower support disposed on the first side of the hinge component. Some embodiments include an anchor component that is disposed on a second side of the hinge component, where when the retractable storage apparatus is disengaged, the back support, the lower support, and the anchor component are substantially coplanar and disposed within a mechanism cavity. Similarly, in some embodiments, in response to receiving a force directed into the mechanism cavity, the retractable storage apparatus is engaged such that the back support and the lower support extend from the mechanism cavity to expose the back support and the lower support and the back support and the lower support rotate on the hinge component to receive a mobile device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle assembly component and a personal weather protector device holder having a device entrance opening provided in the vehicle assembly component. The personal weather protector device holder providing a device holding volume that receives a personal weather protector device through the device entrance opening. The device entrance opening includes an enlarged opening portion and a bridge opening portion that intersects the enlarged opening portion. The enlarged opening portion of the device entrance opening having a width that is greater than a width of the bridge opening portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of a retractable storage apparatus are described. Some embodiments include a hinge component, a back support disposed on a first side of the hinge component, and a lower support disposed on the first side of the hinge component. Some embodiments include an anchor component that is disposed on a second side of the hinge component, where when the retractable storage apparatus is disengaged, the back support, the lower support, and the anchor component are substantially coplanar and disposed within a mechanism cavity. Similarly, in some embodiments, in response to receiving a force directed into the mechanism cavity, the retractable storage apparatus is engaged such that the back support and the lower support extend from the mechanism cavity to expose the back support and the lower support and the back support and the lower support rotate on the hinge component to receive a mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an under seat capture device are described. Some embodiments include a first chute for aligning below a gap between a center console and a vehicle seat, a first platform component that is coupled to the first chute for receiving an object, and an actuator that is coupled to the first platform component that causes a change in position of the first platform component to guide the object received by the first platform component to a desired location.

Abstract: A sheet metal straightener, configured for disposition between a roll of coil steel and a stamping die, uses a direct coupled eccentric drive for improved pilot release. A motor, coupled to an eccentric bearing, causes connecting arms to reciprocate. At least one of the banks of rollers is coupled to a pivot hinge, and the connecting arms are coupled to a pivoting bank of rollers, causing the pivoting bank to index toward the other bank of rollers in an engaged position for material straightening, and to index away from the other bank of rollers in a relaxed position for pilot release. The pivoting roller bank is preferably a top roller bank positioned above the lower bank. The motor rotates 360 degrees to complete a full cycle, from fully engaged at 0/360 to fully relaxed at 180. The width and degree of roller engagement may be variable to account for different materials and thicknesses.

Abstract: A method of performing joint arthroplasty on a patient with a bone fragment of a bone at least partially separated from the bone in one embodiment includes providing a prosthetic component with a bone connecting portion and a bone fragment portion, implanting the bone connecting portion of the prosthetic component in the bone, and attaching the bone fragment to the bone using the bone fragment portion.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for real-time media presentation using metadata clips. There is provided a media device for providing one or more media files for a display, the media device including a memory and a processor. The memory includes a plurality of metadata clips, wherein each of the plurality of metadata clips references a referenced source media from the media files, a referenced start position, and a referenced end position. The processor can determine a playlist including some of the plurality of metadata clips for streaming segments of media files as defined by their referenced start and end positions. Flexible behaviors can also be added to enhance playback logic or to enforce access restrictions, and metadata clips and playlists may also be user generated.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for real-time media presentation using metadata clips. There is provided a media device for providing one or more media files for a display, the media device including a memory and a processor. The memory includes a plurality of metadata clips, wherein each of the plurality of metadata clips references a referenced source media from the media files, a referenced start position, and a referenced end position. The processor can determine a playlist including some of the plurality of metadata clips for streaming segments of media files as defined by their referenced start and end positions. Flexible behaviors can also be added to enhance playback logic or to enforce access restrictions, and metadata clips and playlists may also be user generated.

Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.

Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.

Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.

Abstract: A first articulating member for use with a second articulating member to form a prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty for a joint formed between adjacent first and second bones in which a bone fragment having an exterior surface has separated from the first bone is provided. The first articulating member includes an articulating portion having an articulation surface for articulation with the second articulating member and an attaching portion connected to the articulating portion for attachment to the first bone. The first articulating member also includes a fragment portion connected to at least one of the articulating portion and the insertion portion. The fragment portion includes a surface for contact with the external periphery of the bone fragment.

Abstract: A fracture reduction assembly and method for insertion of the assembly through a surgical site in one embodiment includes a base portion including a bone contacting surface and an upper surface, a barrel with a first end portion connected to the bone contacting surface, the base portion and the barrel defining a bore extending through the barrel and the base portion and opening at the upper surface of the base portion, a screw portion including a shaft with a first diameter sized to fit within the bore and a threaded portion with a second diameter sized to not fit within the bore, wherein at least a portion of the shaft is positioned within the bore, and a retainer coupled with the shaft and having a third diameter sized to fit within a first portion of the bore but not within a second portion of the bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a surface such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the surface is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, a lens apex is located and precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning surfaces using a precision laser displacement measurement device, an X-Y-Z micron stage, and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing curvature analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for implementing variable financial plans. The methods can include identifying an account, and accessing an account planning tool. Characteristics associated with the account are presented to the account planning tool, and an account plan is developed using the planning tool. Based at least in part on the account plan, a funds transfer is facilitated from a source of funds to the account. Activity in the account is monitored, and the account plan is modified in response to activity detected in the account plan.

Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus has a body that includes a reference surface that defines a reference line. The body further includes a first elongate window defining a first measurement line and a first measurement indicia positioned in association with the first elongate window. The first measurement line and the reference line define a first angle having a first magnitude. The first measurement indicia corresponds to the first magnitude.

Abstract: A shoulder prosthesis. The shoulder prosthesis includes a head having a cavity. The head further includes a first bearing surface configured to mate with a second bearing surface of a glenoid. The shoulder prosthesis also includes a stem having a recess defined therein, and the stem configured to be received by a humerus. The shoulder also includes a first connector having a proximal end and a distal end. The first connector also includes a threaded cavity and an outer wall. The outer wall engages the recess of the stem, and the threaded cavity opens at the proximal end of the first connector. A second connector having a threaded end sized and shaped to fit in the threaded cavity of the first connector is also included. The second connector also has a head connector end that is sized and shaped to fit within the cavity of the head. The outer wall of the first connector is sized and shaped to expand at the proximal end as the second connector is threaded into the threaded cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning and positioning a surface such that the optical and/or cylinder axis of the surface is precisely aligned with a fixture for the purpose of assembly or further mechanical operations such as machining and polishing. According to another aspect of the invention, a lens apex is located and precisely positioned a constant distance from a reference point. In order to implement the above, a method and apparatus is disclosed for optically aligning and positioning surfaces using a precision laser displacement measurement device, an X-Y-Z micron stage, and a microprocessor (or computer) capable of performing curvature analysis.

Abstract: A telescoping support bar installed in a shower enclosure and similar facilities requires no mechanical wall fasteners. The support bar includes telescoping tubes with end retainers gripping walls of the enclosures. Length of the support bar is governed by fixed length spacer means and internal extensible means. Extensible means, having bearings movable along a rod, provides the lengthening and shortening of the support bar as the distance between the bearings is increased or decreased. This change in distance likewise changes the overall length of the support bar. With the retainers snug against the walls, one of the tubes, being rotatable, is turned in circular motion. This rotation is converted into an axial force along the bar causing the retainers to forcefully grip the walls, providing a rigid and strong bar installation.