Abstract: A method for determining how using a respiratory therapy system impacts sleep sessions of a user, includes receiving first activity information corresponding to actions of a user occurring prior to a use of the respiratory therapy system by the user. The first activity information includes activity information associated with use of a mobile device by the user prior to the use of the respiratory therapy system. The method also includes receiving second activity information corresponding to actions of the user occurring after the use of the respiratory therapy system. The second activity information includes activity information associated with use of the mobile device by the user after the use of the respiratory therapy system, as well as respiratory information generated by the respiratory therapy system during a sleep session of the user when using the respiratory therapy system.

Abstract: A dynamically evolving cognitive questioning querying architecture system housed in a plurality of digital apparatus as well as a plurality of computing network, and computing network interfaces and based on end user input, cognitive computing, interactive machine learning queries of the end user, and computational creativity is described. A system forms a dynamically evolving automated multistep desired solution query that provides an artificially intelligent cognitive iterative problem solving feedback loop that becomes increasingly artificially intelligent through time through the real time and dynamically evolving as well as simultaneous interaction of object queries and object solutions working in tandem to provide instantiations based on user input, cognitive computing modules, computational creativity modules, interactive machine learning queries of the end user and creates a plan based on the fulfilled dynamic evolving automated solutions to query.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods relating to spinal implants. In some embodiments, the spinal implant may comprise a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite from the first sidewall, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces each comprising a plurality of raised structures, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall joining the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The second end wall may comprise a recess formed by a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged at an angle to one another to form a fish-tailed structure configured to be engaged with an inserter instrument. The interface between the recess and the inserter instrument may be configured to at least substantially eliminate any point or line contacts between the inserter instrument and the spinal implant during a flip maneuver of the spinal implant within an intervertebral space of a patient.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method may include maintaining in a computer system, a plurality of relationships among users in an aggregated data network. A user may receive a plurality of data points, where at least one of the data points, was requested via a relationship inquiry, made using a Health Insurance Portability and accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant security clearance user interface. The computer-implemented method may generate a Global Patient Health Record Timeline (GPHRT), comprising a chronological representation of one or more of the received data points, by utilizing their time stamps to correctly order the data points. The computer-implemented method may include an interactive holographic display system, to render the GPHRT as a holographically produced image. The user may be able to manipulate and navigate the holographic image via gestures and haptic feedback.

Abstract: Spinal implants for positioning between adjacent vertebrae. Some embodiments may comprise a pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall recessed at least in part and joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces. A fish-tailed structure may be positioned within the second end wall when viewed from one of the opposed frictional surface. The fish-tailed structure may be formed so as to extend at least substantially uninterrupted between at least one of the opposed sidewall surfaces and the opposed frictional surfaces. A retention structure, such as a hole, may be positioned within the fish-tailed structure. The hole may be configured to engage a surgical implantation device.

Abstract: A system and method comprises a defined contribution module for periodically receiving contributions and for accumulating value over a period of time by investing at least one of the contributions, the accumulated value being capable of: (1) being withdrawn at any time and reinvested, and (2) being paid out after a predetermined period of time; and wherein select investment options comprises investment products and at least one designated defined benefit investment option module for: (1) receiving at least one investment payment from the defined contribution module, the investment payment comprising at least one of the contributions and/or the accumulated value, (2) for paying out a guaranteed minimum income payment for life, after the predetermined period of time, based on a retirement income formula, and (3) increasing the income payment for life for excess performance over the formula.

Abstract: Spinal implants for positioning between adjacent vertebrae. Some embodiments may comprise a pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall recessed at least in part and joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces. A fish-tailed structure may be positioned within the second end wall when viewed from one of the opposed frictional surface. The fish-tailed structure may be formed so as to extend at least substantially uninterrupted between at least one of the opposed sidewall surfaces and the opposed frictional surfaces. A retention structure, such as a hole, may be positioned within the fish-tailed structure. The hole may be configured to engage a surgical implantation device.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant device is presented that may comprise a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces, a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures, a substantially curved end wall joining the par of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces, and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces. In certain embodiments, the intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which a bone graft material is selectively disposed. Preferably, the substantially recessed end wall is configured to selectively and pivotable receive one or more surgical implantation devices.

Abstract: A system and method comprises a defined contribution module for periodically receiving contributions and for accumulating value over a period of time by investing at least one of the contributions, the accumulated value being capable of: (1) being withdrawn at any time and reinvested, and (2) being paid out after a predetermined period of time; and wherein select investment options comprises investment products and at least one designated defined benefit investment option module for: (1) receiving at least one investment payment from the defined contribution module, the investment payment comprising at least one of the contributions and/or the accumulated value, (2) for paying out a guaranteed minimum income payment for life, after the predetermined period of time, based on a retirement income formula, and (3) increasing the income payment for life for excess performance over the formula.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods relating to spinal implants. In some embodiments, the spinal implant may comprise a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite from the first sidewall, a pair of opposed frictional surfaces each comprising a plurality of raised structures, a first end wall joining the pair of opposed sidewall surfaces, and a second end wall joining the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The second end wall may comprise a recess formed by a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged at an angle to one another to form a fish-tailed structure configured to be engaged with an inserter instrument. The interface between the recess and the inserter instrument may be configured to at least substantially eliminate any point or line contacts between the inserter instrument and the spinal implant during a flip maneuver of the spinal implant within an intervertebral space of a patient.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system, method and computer program for generating a Global Personal Health Record Timeline (GPHRT) is provided. A plurality of data items and information points associated with at least one relationship between users associated with a single patient, healthcare provider, a group of healthcare providers. Ordered data items are stored in a personal health record, transmitted and shared via a plurality of storage and transmittal technologies such as, (BLE), barcode scanner, and a plurality of other storage and transmittal technologies that will interface with the Global Personal Health Record Timeline platform.

Abstract: Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods. Some of the fluid delivery devices include a body, a cannula and a septum, and are suited for enabling the delivery of fluid to a user.

Abstract: An aircraft leading edge ice protection system. The system includes: a thermoelectric heater mat (10) attachable to a leading edge component of an aircraft, the heater mat comprising: an electrically resistive heater element (12, 22) embedded in a thermoplastic layer (16, 26, 28), the thermoplastic layer having a first surface; and a first adhesive (20) receiving layer (18) located on a surface of the thermoplastic layer. A method of making an aircraft leading edge ice protection system, the method comprising: making a thermoelectric heater mat by embedding an electrically resistive heater element in a thermoplastic layer, the thermoplastic layer having a first surface; and locating a first adhesive receiving layer on a surface of the thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for catheter and guidewire management in a surgical setting. In one implementation, the device includes a housing having a curved bottom surface for accommodating the shape of a patient's leg. A retaining member is included, which can retain one or more guidewires, catheters, or the like. In another embodiment, the housing may include a number of vertical supports between which are mounted at least one retaining member housing. The retaining member housing may in turn house a retaining member, suitable for receiving and retaining one or more elongated devices such as catheters or guidewires. The retaining member may have a suitable size, shape, and level of flexibility to allow a catheter or guidewire to be placed therein and held with a desired level of force until such a time as a user desires to remove the catheter or guidewire.

Abstract: There is provided a method for treating a fluid with an anti-microbial agent comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the fluid with a solid material containing an anti-microbial agent; and, (b) abrading an interface of the solid material and removing particles therefrom and exposing an underlying surface of the solid material to the fluid, thereby facilitating release of the antimicrobial agent of the underlying surface of the solid material and/or the removed particles into the fluid. The solid material comprises an anti-microbial agent dispersed and/or embedded in a solid carrier. Typically, the anti-microbial agent is one or more of a metal, metal oxide, metal compound, metal salt, metal-ligand complex or derivatives thereof based on silver, copper and zinc.

Abstract: A single-use, multi-purpose neuro-dissector (“dissector”), suitable for a variety of surgical procedures, is disclosed. A handle of a material which degrades in heat sufficient to sterilize same holds an extended, slender rod, preferably of stainless steel or similar suitable material. A section of the rod near its distal end (away from the handle) is turned at an angle to the remainder of the rod, and a cutting surface and cutting edge are formed in the turned-down section. The distal end of the rod forms a non-cutting tip, for example a blunt ball tip, to avoid unintentional cutting of surrounding tissues. The cutting surface and edge are coated with a material which prevents re-sharpening, such as titanium nitride. The combination of a handle material which degrades in the heat of sterilization, if attempted, and a cutting surface which is not re-sharpenable, render the dissector a single-use device.

Abstract: A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient.

Abstract: A system and method comprises a defined contribution module for periodically receiving contributions and for accumulating value over a period of time by investing at least one of the contributions, the accumulated value being capable of: (1) being withdrawn at any time and reinvested, and (2) being paid out after a predetermined period of time; and wherein select investment options comprises investment products and at least one designated defined benefit investment option module for: (1) receiving at least one investment payment from the defined contribution module, the investment payment comprising at least one of the contributions and/or the accumulated value, (2) for paying out a guaranteed minimum income payment for life, after the predetermined period of time, based on a retirement income formula, and (3) increasing the income payment for life for excess performance over the formula.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant device, including: a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures; a substantially curved end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces; wherein the intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which a bone graft material is selectively disposed. Preferably, the substantially recessed end wall is configured to selectively and pivotably receive one or more surgical implantation devices.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a user with a portable benefit based on a formula the result of which indicates the exact guaranteed minimum periodic income that the user will receive no matter how long the user lives and the potential for an increase in the periodic income. The system comprises a defined contribution module for periodically receiving at least one of a sponsor contribution and a participant contribution and for accumulating value over a period of time by investing at least one of the sponsor contribution and the participant contribution or any portion(s) thereof in any number of select investment options, the accumulated value being capable of being withdrawn at any time and reinvested in any other select investment options being paid out after a predetermined period of time The guaranteed minimum income payment may be based on a retirement income formula.