Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device includes a nest portion and a cradle portion. The nest portion includes one or more payment card or near field communication (NFC) readers. The cradle portion couples to differently-sized interchangeable frames, which in turn help secure a mobile computing device to the cradle portion of the POS device. The mobile computing device is connected via a connector to the rest of the POS device. Payment card information read by the readers is conveyed to the mobile computing device over the connector for processing. The POS device may also include tamper detection circuitry.

Abstract: Systems and methods can determine respiratory rates of a patient using a respiratory device by performing one or more frequency analyses of a signal from the gases flow. The signal from the gases flow can be one that varies with the patient's breathing. The system can include a non-sealed patient interface, such as a nasal cannula in a nasal high flow therapy, or any other patient interfaces. The respiratory system can also detect whether the patient has taken off the patient interface and/or whether the patient connected to the patient interface is talking or eating. Data of the patient's use of the respiratory system and the patient's respiratory rates can provide therapy compliance and long-term trend of use information and/or progress in the patient's respiratory functions and/or other physiological functions.

Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein enable systems to translate three-dimensional experiences into user accessible experiences to improve accessibility for users with disabilities. Namely, the discussed system enables users with disabilities to create and personalize objects for use in the three-dimensional experience. This is accomplished by translating and grouping components from a three-dimensional space to form an intuitive and logical hierarchy. The grouped components are then organized into an accessible user interface which a user with disabilities can navigate using simplified inputs and assistive technologies. In this way, users with disabilities can be empowered to personalize their user experience and understand a three-dimensional space in a layered, well-defined format.

Abstract: A panel mounting system and associated components and methods. The panel mounting system includes a panel system comprising a plurality of panels. The panel mounting system also includes a plurality of panel accessories selectively mountable on the panel system at desired locations. The panel accessories can include a panel mount and an object support. The panel mounting system provides several advantages compared to conventional peg board mounting systems.

Abstract: An anti-cant indicator assembly, components thereof, and associated methods. The anti-cant indicator assembly indicates the orientation of a weapon with respect to vertical. The anti-cant indicator assembly includes a mount configured to mount to the weapon, a level including a vial containing a bubble and a pivot connection connecting the level to the mount. The pivot connection is configured to permit movement of the level with respect to the mount about the pivot connection between an operational position in which the bubble can be referenced by the user for indicating orientation of the weapon with respect to vertical, and a stowed position different from the operational position. The pivot connection can include a retainer configured to releasably retain the level in at least one of the operational position or the stowed position. The level can be selectively movable with respect to the mount to calibrate the anti-cant indicator.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling the position of a bandsaw blade of a cutting machine used in sawmills are provided. The system comprises a light source, an imaging device and a processing structure for processing images captured by the imaging device and controlling the adjustment of the position of the bandsaw blade. The light source projects diffused light on a first side of the bandsaw blade through a diffuser member and the imaging device looks at a second side of the bandsaw blade. Each image captured by the imaging device shows a boundary line between a light area and a dark area, which represents the position of the cutting edge of the bandsaw blade. The position of the bandsaw blade then can be monitored and controlled for adjustment to its ideal position based on the measurement of the boundary line.

Abstract: An electronic device for collecting evidence during training sessions. The electronic device comprises a communications module for acquiring real-time training session data during a training session; a real-time data acquisition module for generating time-stamped training session data; an input unit for acquiring instructor rating data input by an instructor during the training session; a real-time instructor rating module for generating time-stamped instructor rating data; a storing module for storing real-time data of the training session in a data repository, including the time-stamped training session data and the time-stamped instructor rating data; a debriefing module for retrieving real-time data of a training session from the data repository, replay the real-time data on a display, and update the instructor rating data in the data repository with updated instructor rating data received from an instructor during the replay.

Abstract: An electronic device for collecting evidence during training sessions. The electronic device comprises a communications module for acquiring real-time training session data during a training session; a real-time data acquisition module for generating time-stamped training session data; an input unit for acquiring instructor rating data input by an instructor during the training session; a real-time instructor rating module for generating time-stamped instructor rating data; a storing module for storing real-time data of the training session in a data repository, including the time-stamped training session data and the time-stamped instructor rating data; a debriefing module for retrieving real-time data of a training session from the data repository, replay the real-time data on a display, and update the instructor rating data in the data repository with updated instructor rating data received from an instructor during the replay.

Abstract: A polymer film comprising at least two layers, wherein each layer comprises a compound comprising the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected organic groups. A method of making a polymer film comprising the steps of: providing a monomer solution comprising one or more monomers comprising the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected organic groups; dispensing the monomer solution onto a substrate; heating the monomer solution on the substrate to polymerize the monomer; and repeating the steps of providing a monomer solution, dispensing, and heating one or more times, wherein the spin-coating is performed on top of the prior spin-coated layer.

Abstract: A flexible beverage package includes a container having deformable walls for accommodating the beverage therein. A pictorial indicia is included on the container walls. Handle elements are positioned on the container walls for forming extending grasping members to allow grasping of the container without deforming the walls. The handle elements are incorporated into the pictorial indicia for forming an externally extending continuation of the pictorial indicia.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for measuring a normalized air-to-fuel ratio. A normalized air-to-fuel ratio is measured by providing an engine control module, providing a first wide-band oxygen sensor in fluid communication with an exhaust stream, adjusting the oxygen pumping current to achieve a stoichiometric balance, detecting the oxygen pumping current, converting the oxygen pumping current to an oxygen balance metric, and communicating the oxygen balance metric to the engine control module. In certain embodiments, the oxygen balance metric may be a volumetric oxygen percentage. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a first and second wide-band oxygen sensor upstream and downstream from an exhaust treatment module.

Abstract: A vessel transfer system utilizes a larger, surface effect vessel with a hull and a cargo deck, having a pressurized volume of air under its hull. The larger vessel cargo deck is lowered relative to a water surface in order to receive a smaller vessel. Lowering is achieved by depressurizing the volume of pressurized air under the hull. Movable propulsors on an air cushion vehicle permit efficient operation under way in an outer position, while minimizing the envelope dimensions for stowage in a well deck, providing clearance from bridges, docks, etc. in an inner position. In the outer position, the propellers operate in more uniform inflow conditions, resulting in improved performance and lower noise levels. In addition, the craft can be arranged to use a full width stern ramp resulting in time saved during cargo loading/unloading. The propellers will be less likely to ingest green water in high sea states.

Abstract: A device having a substrate and an enzyme attached to the substrate. The substrate has a polymeric surface having at least two conductivity states. A minimum voltage that does not cause a redox reaction in the enzyme may be applied to the polymeric surface to change the conductivity state of the surface. A method of controlling enzyme activity by providing the above substrate with polymeric surface, attaching an enzyme to the substrate, and altering the conductivity state of the polymeric surface. Changing the conductivity of the polymer can change the activity of the enzyme.

Abstract: We describe the novel use of a sugar-containing hydrogels as very highly porous, aqueous support material for the immobilization of oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules for sensor applications. The unusually large sizes of the interconnected pores allow large target molecules to pass rapidly into and through the gel and bind to immobilized biomolecules. An additional advantage of the sugar-containing hydrogels are their extremely low non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, providing low background levels. State-of-the-art hydrogel materials do not have this type of homogeneous interconnected macroporosity, thus large target molecules cannot readily diffuse through them. In addition, they nearly always experience non-specific (background) absorption of labeled target molecules, limiting their usefulness in sensor applications.

Abstract: A polymerization process is provided using a mixture of a solvent, a monomer, an oxidizing agent, and a moderator. The mixture is coated on a substrate and heated to initiate oxidative polymerization. At least one of three process conditions is used: the solvent having a boiling point in excess of about 120° C.; the total concentration of the monomer, the oxidizing agent, and the moderator being at least about 40% by weight; and the molar concentration of the moderator being greater than the molar concentration of the monomer.

Abstract: We describe the novel use of a sugar-containing hydrogels as very highly porous, aqueous support material for the immobilization of oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, antigens, antibodies, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules for sensor applications. The unusually large sizes of the interconnected pores allow large target molecules to pass rapidly into and through the gel and bind to immobilized biomolecules. An additional advantage of the sugar-containing hydrogels are their extremely low non-specific absorption of labeled target molecules, providing low background levels. State-of-the-art hydrogel materials do not have this type of homogeneous interconnected macroporosity, thus large target molecules cannot readily diffuse through them. In addition, they nearly always experience non-specific (background) absorption of labeled target molecules, limiting their usefulness in sensor applications.

Abstract: A stamp for transferring molecules and molecular patterns to a substrate face includes a backing and a polymeric gel bound to the backing and loaded with the a molecular species. Where the molecule to be patterned is a biomolecule, such as a protein or nucleic acid, the polymeric gel is typically a hydrogel. Exemplary hydrogels include sugar-based polyacrylates and polyacrylamides.