Abstract: Implantable devices for fixation of curved bone such as the pelvic ring pubic symphysis and acetabulum, and methods for the use of the devices are disclosed. The implantable devices are convertible between a flexible state and a rigid state, and include an elongate structure having a proximal bone interface, a main body, and a distal bone interface. In a flexible state, the devices may be inserted along, and conform to a curved pathway, and in the rigid state, the devices may support the mechanical loads required to fixate a fracture.

Abstract: A device including a processor and a memory that includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include displaying a plurality of call alert options at a user interface. The operations also include receiving, via the user interface, a selection of a first call alert option of the plurality of call alert options and sending information associated with the first call alert option to a server. The operations further include receiving a call request from a second device, where the call request includes data related to the first call alert option. The operations further include, responsive to receiving the call request, generating a call alert based on the first call alert option.

Abstract: Techniques for context-based queryless presentation of items are described. Without receiving an explicit query, an inferred query is determined based on a first set of context signals associated with a triggering event. Items matching the inferred query are selected based on a second set of one or more context signals associated with the triggering event. One or more results items identifying the one or more matching items are caused to display. Result items may be displayed in association with an explanation that identifies context values used to select an item or one or more attributes of the item that are relevant to a user or the inferred query.

Abstract: A plaque detection system is presented including a dental implement and a multi-mode optical waveguide for receiving fluorescence light from a plurality of angles, the fluorescence light traveling along a core of the multimode optical waveguide at different path lengths resulting in modal dispersion. The plaque detection system also includes a detector configured to receive the fluorescence light for detecting plaque, calculus, and/or caries, and communicating plaque identification information of teeth based on frequency domain lifetime measurements. The modal dispersion is used to detect at least one plaque, calculus, and or caries fluorescence area on the teeth. The plaque fluorescence area detected with modal dispersion includes different levels of plaque with respect to a center point of the plaque fluorescence area. Thus, a plaque detection signal depends on a radial distance from the center point of the plaque fluorescence area.

Abstract: A plurality of substantially identical, thermally and/or atmospherically isolated modules can be employed to effect a treatment process. Each module can include a thermal system and/or atmospheric control system to effect a step of a treatment process, such as a heat treatment process for metal articles, particularly heat treatment and/or welding of parts made from so-called “super allows.” The module control systems can communicate and/or cooperate to carry out a process.

Abstract: A wireless charging system including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is formed of a coil of wire that includes a first loop portion, a second loop portion, and a crossing portion. The crossing portion electrically couples the first loop portion and the second loop portion such that when current is generated in the coil, electrical current flows through the first loop portion in a different rotational direction than in the second loop portion. The receiver is formed of a ferromagnetic core and multiple (e.g., three) coils disposed about the ferromagnetic core. Each coil may be disposed about a different axis of the core such that current may be induced in at least one of the coils by a magnetic field in any direction.

Abstract: A wireless charging table comprising a table top having an upper surface upon which one or more electronic devices can be placed, a wireless charging transmitter positioned under the upper surface of the table top, the wireless charging transmitter comprising a plurality of transmitter coils that define a charging region at the upper surface of the table top, and a power distribution system operatively coupled to the wireless charging transmitter, the power distribution system configured to receive power from an alternating current (AC) power source and distribute power to the wireless charging transmitter. The plurality of transmitter coils include at least a first transmitter coil comprising: a first loop portion; a second loop portion; and a crossing portion comprising overlapping conductive paths that electrically couple the first loop portion.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a positioning device that includes an actuator assembly configured to actuate an output shaft based on an input signal, and a position sensor assembly. The position sensor assembly includes a position sensor configured to detect a position of an input shaft not directly coupled to the output shaft, a first input receiver configured to receive the input signal, a first output transmitter configured to provide an output signal based on the position of the input shaft, and a second output transmitter configured to provide another output signal indicative of a failure of at least one of the input shaft and the output shaft. A moveable member is coupled to both the output shaft and the input shaft and is configured to alter the positional configuration of the input shaft and to be actuated by the output shaft.

Abstract: A dental apparatus (4) is provided. The dental apparatus includes a handle (6). A controller (20) operably couples to the housing and includes a calibration module (44) configured to calibrate the dental apparatus. The dental apparatus emits a modulated excitation signal and the calibration module compares a detected modulated fluorescence signal with first and second reference values such that if a difference between the detected modulated fluorescence signal and the second reference signal is greater than a difference between the first reference value and the second reference value then the first reference value is updated.

Abstract: Hybrid additive manufacturing methods include building a green state additive structure, wherein building the green state additive structure comprises iteratively binding together a plurality of layers of additive material using a binder, and joining the green state additive structure to a base structure to form a hybrid article.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a patient sealing assembly adapted to communicate a flow of breathing gas within an airway of a patient, a fluid coupling conduit fluidly coupled to the patient sealing assembly, the fluid coupling conduit being structured to receive the flow of breathing gas and communicate the flow of breathing gas to the patient sealing assembly, and a headgear component structured to secure the patient interface device to the patient's head, the headgear component including a strap member having a generally C-shaped connector member. The generally C-shaped connector member is structured to at least partially wrap around and be releasably received and held by or within a receiving feature provided on one of: (i) the fluid coupling conduit, and (ii) an extension member extending outwardly from the patient sealing assembly.

Abstract: A proximal body portion (210) of a detection apparatus for detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes pump portion (124, 142) and a proximal probe portion (111, 120) in fluid communication with one another. A controller (225) processes signal readings sensed by the parameter sensor (P, P1 or P2) and determines whether the signal readings are indicative of a substance (116) obstructing the passage of fluid (130) through the open port of the distal tip (112, 112?) of a distal probe portion (110) of the detection apparatus (100, 100?, 100?, 100?a, 100?b, 100?c, 100?d, 100c). The controller (225) transmits a signal that changes dynamic pressure at the distal tip (112, 112?) upon determining that the signal readings are indicative of a substance (116) obstructing the passage of fluid (130) through the open port of the distal tip (112, 112?).

Abstract: A method for authorization of a blockchain transaction includes: storing account profiles, each profile including an account identifier, fiat amount, and blockchain amount; receiving a transaction message, the transaction message being formatted based on transaction message standards and including a first data element that includes a specific account identifier and a second data element reserved for private use that includes a network identifier and transaction amount; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific account identifier; identifying a risk value based on the transaction amount and at least one of: the fiat amount and blockchain amount; determining authorization of a transaction based on the identified risk value; modifying the transaction message based on the authorization determination; and transmitting the modified transaction message.

Abstract: A method for linking blockchain transactions to privately verified identities includes: storing account profiles, each profile including data related to a transaction account including an account identifier and account data; receiving a transaction message, the message including a first data element configured to store a personal account number, a second data element configured to store a merchant identifier, and a third data element configured to store a blockchain network identifier; identifying a first account profile that includes the personal account number; identifying a second account profile that includes the merchant identifier; receiving a transaction notification, the notification indicating a transaction processed using a blockchain network associated with the blockchain network identifier and including a transaction identifier and an address identifier associated with the first or second account profile; and storing a linkage between the transaction identifier and the address identifier, the pers

Abstract: A method for authorizing a blockchain-based transaction includes: receiving a transaction request, the request including a network identifier associated with a blockchain network, a transaction amount, and one of: a public key and an address identifier; generating an address identifier using at least the public key included in the received transaction request and one or more hashing algorithms if the received transaction request does not include an address identifier; generating a transaction message, the message including a first data element configured to store a transaction amount and a second data element reserved for private use, and the first data element includes a zero value and the second data element includes at least (i) the network identifier or an encoded value based on the network identifier, (ii) the address identifier, and (iii) the transaction amount; and transmitting the transaction message to a financial institution using a payment network.

Abstract: A method for managing fractional reserves of blockchain currency includes: storing, in a first central account, a fiat amount associated with a fiat currency; storing, in a second central account, a blockchain amount associated with a blockchain currency; storing a plurality of account profiles, each profile including a fiat currency amount, blockchain currency amount, account identifier, and address; receiving a transaction message associated with a payment transaction, the message being formatted based on one or more standards and including a plurality of data elements, including a data element reserved for private use including a specific address and a transaction amount; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific address included in the data element in the received transaction message; and updating the blockchain currency amount included in the identified specific account profile based on the transaction amount included in the data element in the received transaction message.

Abstract: Implantable devices for fixation of curved bone such as the pelvic ring pubic symphysis and acetabulum, and methods for the use of the devices are disclosed. The implantable devices are convertible between a flexible state and a rigid state, and include an elongate structure having a proximal bone interface, a main body, and a distal bone interface. In a flexible state, the devices may be inserted along, and conform to a curved pathway, and in the rigid state, the devices may support the mechanical loads required to fixate a fracture.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus configured to collect raw data from a plurality of wireless devices. The raw data includes activity recorded when the wireless devices are at a selected topographic region. The raw data is combined to produce aggregated data representative of the activities of the individual wireless devices. Either the aggregated data or the raw data are selected for analysis depending on whether the raw data meets a threshold activity or subscriber density level. The selected data are analyzed to identify activity patterns of users of the wireless devices.

Abstract: A dental apparatus is provided. The dental apparatus include a handle. A controller operably couples to the housing. A subsystem is in operable communication with the controller and configured to generate an excitation signal causing an emitted fluorescence light to be reflected back to the subsystem and to the controller for analyzing one or more properties of the emitted fluorescence light. The one or more properties corresponding to a decay time of the emitted fluorescence light, wherein plaque emitted florescence light decays faster than tooth emitted florescence light. The controller is programmed to analyze detected emitted fluorescence light to determine if the emitted fluorescence light is indicative of a plaque emitted fluorescence decay time or tooth emitted florescence light decay time to detect the presence of one of dental plaque and tooth demineralization.

Abstract: Techniques for context-based queryless presentation of recommendations are described. Without receiving an explicit query, an inferred query is determined based on a first set of context signals associated with a recommendation triggering event. Items matching the inferred query are selected based on a second set of one or more context signals associated with the recommendation triggering event. One or more results items identifying the one or more matching items are caused to display. A result items may be displayed in association with an explanation that identifies context values used to select an item for recommendation or one or more attributes of the item that are relevant to a user or the inferred query.