Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described related to the assignment and management of patient-specific bins. A dispensing device at a healthcare facility includes a number of bins for storage of medical supplies, with some of the bins designated as patient-specific bins allocated to be assigned to patients for storage of their medications or certain other supplies. A central server computer system, in communication with a computer of the dispensing device, may monitor and assign current and future patient-specific use of the bins for the dispensing device. The assignment and management of patient-specific bins may be performed by devices distributed through the system.

Abstract: A shear-thickening fluid is used in conjunction with fabrics utilized in an expandable spacecraft. The combination of the fluid and the fabric allows the fabric to resist penetration by hypervelocity particles in space.

Abstract: A system for liner tensioning according to embodiments of the present invention includes a tubular liner inside a pipeline from a front end of the pipeline to a back end of the pipeline, the tubular liner having a front end and a back end, the tubular liner coupled to the front end of the pipeline, the back end of the tubular liner extending from the back end of the pipeline, as well as a liner clamp coupled to the back end of the tubular liner, and a tensioning element coupled to the liner clamp and the pipeline, the tensioning element configured to apply a tensioning force between the liner clamp and the pipeline. The tensioning element may include one or more braces adjustable in length to accommodate pipes of varying diameters or different lengths of liner extending from the pipe.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for pipeline rehabilitation include deploying a tubular liner along an inside of a pipeline, deflating the tubular liner to form a trough, and injecting grout into the pipeline by injecting grout into the trough. Other embodiments include deploying a tubular liner along an inside of a pipeline, inserting a first swab into the front end of the pipeline, the first swab having a core hole, placing the tubular liner through the core hole, injecting grout into the pipeline between the tubular liner and the inside of the pipeline, and advancing a second swab through the tubular liner to distribute the grout between the tubular liner and the pipeline and to advance the first swab ahead of the second swab from the front end to the back end of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for transporting a swab through a pipeline, or through an insert within a pipeline, according to he present invention may include coupling a swab launcher to the pipeline, the swab launcher having a launch chamber with a first inner large enough to receive a swab when the swab is substantially uncompressed and a narrowing portion configured to compress the swab to fit within the pipeline, inserting the swab into the launch chamber, pressurizing the launch chamber with a compressed fluid behind the swab, and advancing the swab with the compressed fluid through the narrowing portion and into the pipeline.

Abstract: This invention provides a sensor to measure physical and/or chemical properties of viscous fluids. The sensor is based on microfabricated piezoresistive cantilevers. Deflection of these cantilevers is read out using, e.g., a wheatstone bridge to amplify and convert the deflection into a voltage output. The cantilevers and/or tips attached thereto, can be chemically or physically modified using reagents specific to interact with analytes to be detected in the fluid. The cantilevers can be integrated in a microfluidic system for easy fluid handling and the ability to manage small quantities of fluids.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasonic imaging of a jaw and coupling cushions suited for use in the mouth. The system includes a specially configured ultrasonic probe, a position locator module for defining a probe location and transmitting the definition to a central processing unit (CPU) and the CPU. The CPU is capable of receiving digital data from transducers in the probe and receiving the location of the probe and producing an image of at least a portion of a jaw. The method includes providing the ultrasonic probe, defining its location and communicating the location to a CPU and transmitting an signal from a transducer and receiving at least a portion of the signal at at least one of the transducers. The CPU receives transducer data and a location of the probe and produces an image of the at least a portion of the jaw. An ultrasonic coupling cushion is further disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasonic imaging of a jaw and coupling cushions suited for use in the mouth. The system includes a specially configured ultrasonic probe, a position locator module for defining a probe location and transmitting the definition to a central processing unit (CPU) and the CPU. The CPU is capable of receiving digital data from transducers in the probe and receiving the location of the probe and producing an image of at least a portion of a jaw. The method includes providing the ultrasonic probe, defining its location and communicating the location to a CPU and transmitting an signal from a transducer and receiving at least a portion of the signal at at least one of the transducers. The CPU receives transducer data and a location of the probe and produces an image of the at least a portion of the jaw. An ultrasonic coupling cushion is further disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic toll system for monitoring a plurality of lanes including a plurality of lane monitoring devices operative to monitor passage of vehicles through the corresponding plurality of lanes, and a lane monitoring device coordinating system for coordinating operation of the lane monitoring devices such that not all of the lane monitoring devices operate simultaneously.