Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: In an approach to assessing safety of a vehicle based on usage context, one or more computer processors receive a planned usage of a vehicle from a user. Based on the received planned usage, one or more computer processors determine a set of preferred vehicle characteristics. One or more computer processors retrieve a maintenance record and a usage history of a first vehicle. Based on the maintenance record and the usage history, one or more computer processors determine one or more vehicle characteristics of the first vehicle. Based on the set of preferred characteristics and the one or more vehicle characteristics of the first vehicle, one or more computer processors calculate a usage match score. One or more computer processors generate a risk assessment report.

Abstract: An abdominal closure method and device is disclosed where the device generally includes a first tissue securement member configured for securement to a first tissue region and a second tissue securement member configured for securement to a second tissue region. The first and second tissue securement members are coupled to the connecting member and the connecting member is positionable at a distance from the first and second tissue regions. Additionally, one or more biasing elements may be connected to the first and second tissue securement members to approximate the first and second tissue regions towards one another via respective securement members.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic structure, such as a tabletop, may include an undercut. For example, the tabletop may include a frame receiving portion and a frame connecting structure with an undercut may be disposed in the frame receiving portion. A portion of the frame may contact or engage the frame connecting structure, such as the undercut, when the frame is connected to the tabletop. In an exemplary embodiment, a first side of the frame receiving portion may include a first frame connecting portion with an undercut and a second side of the frame receiving portion may include a second frame connecting portion with an undercut. The first frame connecting portion with an undercut may be disposed on an opposing surface from the second frame connecting portion with an undercut.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to help train speech recognizers for improving generalized voice experience quality in a chat bot system. In some embodiments, the system provides users with games to play to increase user engagement with the chat bot system.

Abstract: A method and system for bringing together online and offline advertising uses anonymous links that are associated with consumer data. The anonymous links allow processing without personally identifiable information (PII) in a secure environment. Data is matched using the anonymous links. The method and system allows a marketer to utilize offline data to precisely target advertisements without the use of PII, and to perform analytics concerning the use of the online advertisements to more precisely determine the effectiveness of multichannel marketing efforts.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods for creation of autologous tissue valves within a mammalian body are disclosed. One example of a device for creating a valve flap from a vessel wall includes an elongate tubular structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a longitudinal axis; a first lumen having a first exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a second lumen having a second exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a recessed distal surface on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure, wherein the recessed distal surface is located distally to the first exit port; and an open trough on the recessed distal surface extending longitudinally from the first exit port.

Abstract: An example of a guard for a power tool includes a body that defines an interior space configured to receive the power tool. The body is configured to cover at least a moving portion of the power tool. The body includes an aperture formed through a bottom face of the body and a fastener configured to pass through the aperture and secure the guard to the power tool.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synthesis of multi-block bioresorbable polymers bearing hard and soft polymeric segments. The invention further relates to bioresorbable polymers for shape memory properties. The invention also relates to the use of such polymers as bone filler, vascular closure devices, hemostasis device, aneurysms, mastectomy devices and stent applications. The invention relates also to the use of such polymers for applications in fast degradation applications and 3D printing. The invention also relates to the use of such polymers as drug delivery platforms applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to the composition of flexible resorbable polymers with rigid resorbable fillers. The invention further relates to processing of flexible resorbable polymers with rigid resorbable fillers. The invention relates also to the use of such materials for applications in fast degradation applications. The invention also relates to the composition of flexible resorbable polymers with rigid resorbable for making shape memory materials. This invention also related to the processing of such materials by extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming, solvent mixing, and additive manufacturing. The invention also relates to the use of such materials as bone filler, vascular closure and other hemostasis devices, aneurysms, and stent applications. The invention also relates to the use of such materials as drug delivery platforms.

Abstract: A user interface assembly for a gaming device includes a first-side transceiver subassembly on a first side of a barrier, including a first-side antenna and a first-side transmitter circuit electronically coupled to the first-side antenna for transmitting an electromagnetic power signal through the barrier via the first-side antenna. The user interface assembly also includes a second-side transceiver subassembly on a second side of the barrier opposite the first-side transceiver subassembly, including a second-side antenna disposed opposite the first-side antenna relative to the barrier, and a second-side receiver circuit electronically coupled to the second-side antenna for receiving, via the second-side antenna, the electromagnetic power signal transmitted through the barrier.

Abstract: Improvements in tooling for machining systems that utilize machining fluids comprising a supercritical fluid are disclosed. In some embodiments a tool may include a plurality of orifices configured to direct a supercritical machining fluid towards a cutting interface of the tool. In other embodiments, a tool holder may include one or more outlets configured to direct a supercritical machining fluid towards a cutting interface. Moreover, some embodiments, may relate to machining systems including one or more venting channels configured to provide pressure relief for a cavity located behind a tool holder. Embodiments related to machine tools including upstream fluid restrictions for controlling a flow of supercritical machining fluid through a tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the end-to-end delivery of digital television signals. In a preferred embodiment a digital television signal is: received from production equipment, typically in HD format at approximately 1.4 gigabits per second (Gbps); the received signal is transmitted to a venue point-of-presence; converted for transmission via a 270 Mbps local loop; transmitted to a fiber network point of presence/video service edge; packetized into TCP/IP packets in a video gateway; and routed to one or more destination addresses via the fiber network; received at one or more video service edge destinations; converted to a digital television format, typically SDI; and either transmitted via a second 270 Mbps local loop for delivery to a customer site and subsequent conversion to a 1.4 Gbps HD signal, or converted directly to a 1.4 Gbs HD signal at the receiving video service edge.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for expandable spinal implants includes an elongate member, a shuttle, and a worm gear. The elongate member includes a handle portion of a proximal end and an end effector on a distal end, wherein the end effector is configured to be releasably engaged to an expandable spinal implant. The shuttle is slidably disposed within a cavity defined within the end effector and includes a wedged shaped distal end configured to engage an expandable spinal implant. The worm gear is rotatably disposed within the cavity defined in the end effector and is in mechanical communication with the shuttle, such that rotation of the worm gear effectuates movement of the shuttle. Distal movement of the shuttle effectuates articulation of an expandable spinal implant. A method of performing surgery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods for creation of autologous tissue valves within a mammalian body are disclosed. One example of a device for creating a valve flap from a vessel wall includes an elongate tubular structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a longitudinal axis; a first lumen having a first exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a second lumen having a second exit port located on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure; a recessed distal surface on the distal portion of the elongate tubular structure, wherein the recessed distal surface is located distally to the first exit port; and an open trough on the recessed distal surface extending longitudinally from the first exit port.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tool holder, a knob, and a clutch coupling the tool holder to the knob and including a biasing element disposed between a first detent button and a second detent button. The knob defines an internal surface with an engaging surface disposed facing the tool holder and defining a first wedge-shaped protuberance that includes a first stop surface and a first ramp surface. The distal ramp surface is disposed contacting one of the first detent button and the second detent button when the knob rotates in the first rotational direction about the central longitudinal axis. The distal stop surface is disposed to contact one of the first detent button and the second detent button when the knob plate rotates in the second rotational direction about the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A large lumen guide catheter has an elongate tubular body, which has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a braided wire layer between the inner surface and the outer surface, wherein the wires winding a first helical direction are thicker and wider than the wire winding in a second helical direction opposite the first helical direction.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes an upper body, a lower body, a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of bone screws. The upper body and lower body are pivotably affixed at a first end and are capable of movement relative to each other. The ratchet mechanism is slidably disposed on one of the upper and lower body and is capable of engaging the opposite one of the upper and lower body thereby permitting movement of the upper and lower body relative to each other in a first direction, but not in a second direction. An insertion instrument capable of being attached to the expandable spinal instrument and a method of performing spinal surgery is also disclosed.