Abstract: A clinical data management system (1) has databases (20), processors in servers (2-4) which are programmed to process clinical data and communicate with user interfaces and external systems interfaces, and at least one database. The system imports source data from disparate clinical site sources into staging databases at refresh intervals, maintains data models, and maps data from the staging databases into the data models, and feeds data from the data models into data delivery databases. There is a uniform refresh frequency for the staging databases. The system output is regularly updated data for clinical site performance, quality and risk metrics to a clinical study team. The data mapper servers identify each of a plurality of source data stages, and transform data from each stage to one or more data models according to one or more mapsets, each mapset defining a transformation.

Abstract: A virtual agent is disclosed. The virtual agent may receive a question from a user, and compare the question against a list of queries contained in a database. The virtual agent may then assign a point value to the question, determine which of a set of ranges the point value matches, and perform an action responsive to which of the ranges the point value matches. The virtual agent is self-learning in that when a question is unanswerable, the virtual agent may seek out answers and store answers for future reference. Multiple virtual agents may be networked, creating a self-scaling pool of knowledge.

Abstract: A device and system for temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid, comprising a plug having an upper surface, a body portion and a lower surface, said body portion adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice to provide a temporary seal thereof, and an external member located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.

Abstract: Combination purse and mini-notebook computer where a flexible outer covering is held in place be an outer zipper. The hinge of the computer is offset so that a space remains between the screen and the keyboard. First and second inner panels are hingedly joined along one horizontal edge. The first inner panel is joined at its opposite edge to the outer covering. The first and second inner panels can reside within the space between the computer screen and the keyboard. Then inner panels are retained in place over the computer screen and the keyboard by an inner zipper which connects the panels to the inside perimeter of the flexible side walls of the outer housing. The panels include slots for credit cards and the like. The panels can be folded up and away from the computer screen and keyboard which allows for an upright, readable screen.

Abstract: A device and system for temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid comprising a plug (10, 110,210,310) having an upper surface (14,114,214), a body portion (12,112), and a lower surface (16,116,216), said body portion adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice to provide a temporary seal thereof, and an external member (20,120,220) located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.

Abstract: A diversion assembly to protect a leg of an maritime structure from floating debris includes at least one upper inclined surface and at least one flotation element to buoy the diversion assembly around the leg of the maritime structure, wherein the at least one inclined surface is configured to divert floating debris away from the leg of the maritime structure. A method to protect an offshore platform from damage due to floating debris includes attaching a diversion assembly about the periphery of at least one leg of the offshore platform and diverting the floating debris away from the at least one leg of the offshore platform with at least one inclined surface.

Abstract: A self-standing floor sign including two support panels and a plurality of movable panels. The support panels each have a proximal and a distal end and are pivotally coupled to each other via their proximal ends to allow relative movement of the panels between a closed and an open position. When closed, the support panels are generally parallel to each other, whereas when open, the distal ends are spaced apart and allow the sign to stand on the floor. Each of the movable panels has a proximal and a distal end and a portion therebetween having two surfaces. Each movable panel is rotatable between a first position where the movable panel is supported by one of the support panels with one of its surfaces being visible, and a second position where the movable panel is supported by the other support panel and its other surface is visible.

Abstract: A device and system for temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid comprising a plug (10, 110,210,310) having an upper surface (14,114,214), a body portion (12,112), and a lower surface (16,116,216), said body portion adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice to provide a temporary seal thereof, and an external member (20,120,220) located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.

Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.

Abstract: A device and system for temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid, comprising a plug having an upper surface, a body portion and a lower surface, said body portion adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice to provide a temporary seal thereof, and an external member located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various methods and apparatus for controlling directionality of a hearing assistance device including a pair of directional microphones. In various examples, the hearing assistance device includes a pair of directional microphones and an omnidirectional microphone. In various examples, the hearing assistance device includes a directional microphone and an omnidirectional microphone. In examples with multiple directional microphones, various angles can be employed. For example, in some applications the first directional axis can be about ninety degrees offset of the second directional axis. The microphones are aligned with an intended direction of reception in some embodiments. In some examples the microphones are not aligned with an intended direction of reception. Other variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and measuring hearing assistance devices using a plane wave tube is provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for testing a hearing assistance device. According to an embodiment, the hearing assistance device is mounted proximal to an acoustic waveguide having a soundfield with acoustic waves propagating down the waveguide. A microphone of the hearing assistance device is placed in the soundfield of the acoustic waveguide to increase a direct acoustic component and to reduce reflected acoustic components and scattered acoustic components of sound sensed by the microphone. Sound is generated using a sound generator to propagate sound of desired frequencies down the waveguide. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for the collection and automate dispatching of assignments and news from a teacher to their students and parents. This involves registering members and assigning them roles, scopes and groups based on scheduling and other data pulled from the school/district's database, capturing assignment data from the teacher or student assistant through a web form, constructing custom homepages and assignment messages for each student and parents, and transmitting those messages to the right parties. Additionally, a system and method for relationship-based messaging between members to facilitate communication made difficult or impossible in a traditional school environment. This involves assigning roles and defining the relationships between those roles (factoring in scheduling information), granting and limiting publishing scope based on the same, and providing a system for web messaging and email distribution. Finally, a system and method for creating student digital portfolios.

Abstract: A self-standing floor sign including two support panels and a plurality of movable panels. The support panels each have a proximal and a distal end and are pivotally coupled to each other via their proximal ends to allow relative movement of the panels between a closed and an open position. When closed, the support panels are generally parallel to each other, whereas when open, the distal ends are spaced apart and allow the sign to stand on the floor. Each of the movable panels has a proximal and a distal end and a portion therebetween having two surfaces. Each movable panel is rotatable between a first position where the movable panel is supported by one of the support panels with one of its surfaces being visible, and a second position where the movable panel is supported by the other support panel and its other surface is visible.

Abstract: A wringer for use with wet mops is disclosed. The wringer includes a body having a plurality of side surfaces and at least one perforated section. A filter is disposed adjacent to the perforated section, so that fluid exiting the container through the perforated section will pass through the filter. The filter may be secured to the wringer by slots formed in the wringer body, or with pins, clips or any other similar attaching means. The filter removes dirt and other contaminants from cleansing fluid used with the mop, lengthening the useful lifetime of the cleansing fluid before replacement is needed. The wringer may also have an attachment member to allow the wringer to be used with a bucket or may be formed integrally with a bucket.

Abstract: Treating compositions for application to particles of a filler consist of 5-95 percent by weight of a silicon atom containing hydrophobic-type treating agent, and 5-95 percent by weight of a silicon atom containing functional-type treating agent, based on the weight of the composition. Useful functional-type treating agents include bis(alkoxysilylalkyl)polysulfides and mercaptoorganosilicon compounds. Useful hydrophobic-type treating agents include polyorganohydrogensiloxanes and silanol terminated silicone oligomers. The filler most preferred is precipitated (i.e., synthetic) calcium carbonate.

Abstract: Treating compositions for application to particles of a filler consist of 5-95 percent by weight of a silicon atom containing hydrophobic-type treating agent, and 5-95 percent by weight of a silicon atom containing functional-type treating agent, based on the weight of the composition. Useful functional-type treating agents include bis(alkoxysilylalkyl)polysulfides and mercaptoorganosilicon compounds. Useful hydrophobic-type treating agents include polyorganohydrogensiloxanes and silanol terminated silicone oligomers. The filler most preferred is precipitated (i.e., synthetic) calcium carbonate.