Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for minimizing the inherent time delays within external defibrillators. The methods and apparatuses utilize timing schemes for initiation and completion of charging of an energy storage device of an external defibrillator, measuring one or physical parameters of the patient and conducting a physiology analysis of the patient. The initiation and completion of one or more of these activities are arranged so that the energy storage device is charged to a desired level and available for a defibrillation shock to the patient with minimal delay after activation of the external defibrillator.

Abstract: RFID readers, computers, and methods are provided for determining the authentication of one or more RFID tags associated with a proffered item. In some embodiments, an Item Identifier (II) is input from the tags, along with a Declared Password (DP) corresponding to the II. A question is generated about whether the DP is regarded as proper for the II by a reference database, and applied to data of the reference database. A host of the database uses special permissions, such that an answer to the question does not reveal the good password, unless the DP is already the right one. Beyond the authentication of the tag, the answer can further indicate the legitimacy of the proffered item, such as for a supply chain or at a Customs Office.

Abstract: RFID readers, computers, and methods are provided for reporting on the authentication of one or more RFID tags associated with a proffered item, while requiring special permissions be cleared before reporting. In some embodiments, a question is input about whether a Declared Password (DP) is regarded as proper for an Item Identifier (II), both of which have been input from the tags. An answer is generated for the question from the reference database, and transmitted to the user. The answer does not reveal an Actual Code that is indeed regarded as proper, unless the user first demonstrates they already know it. Beyond the authentication of the tag, the answer can further indicate the legitimacy of the proffered item, for a supply chain, at a Customs Office, etc.

Abstract: Methods are provided for handling items in a supply chain, or at a checkpoint such as a Customs Office. When an item is proffered, it is associated with one or more RFID tags. If an authentication condition about the tag data is met, the item is accepted, but otherwise it is rejected. In some embodiments, the authentication condition is that the one or more RFID tags store an Item Identifier (II), and a Declared Password (DP) that is regarded as proper for the II, as per a reference database. Security is accomplished by making the data of the reference database available subject to special permissions.

Abstract: Electronic devices, software and methods for a host electronic device such as a mobile phone, PDA, player, etc. In some embodiments, a criterion is used to determine whether a manual entry by the user was intended. If not, the entry is cleared.

Abstract: Systems, software, devices, and methods are described for an RFID reader system to communicate with RFID tags. RF energy encountered in conjunction with using a selected channel is detected. The RF energy can be a signal from an RFID tag. The detected signal is used to adjust a waveform shaping parameter. RF waves can be transmitted from the reader to the RFID tags and RF waves can be backscattered from the RFID tags. At least some of the RF waves transmitted to or backscattered from the RFID tags have a waveform with a shape according to the adjusted waveform shaping parameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a defibrillation treatment protocol in an external defibrillator whereby a user may override a CPR-first default protocol. The method includes following steps configured in a defibrillator controller of issuing an inquiry; waiting for a response to the inquiry for a set time; ordering a CPR treatment protocol if no response is received within the set time; analyzing a response; ordering a CPR treatment protocol upon receiving a non-affirmative response to the inquiry; and ordering a shock treatment protocol upon receiving an affirmative response to the inquiry. Upon selecting a shock treatment protocol, the defibrillator performs a shock analysis under the shock treatment protocol, and either orders a CPR treatment protocol if shock treatment is not indicated by the shock analysis or provides a defibrillation shock if shock treatment is indicated by the shock analysis. Queries may be presented to a user in visual, audible, or both visual and audible format.

Abstract: A home refrigerator system (200) includes an enclosure (202) that defines an interior (203) for storing food (223, 224), a machine (209) for cooling the interior (203), a door (205) usable for accessing the interior (203), and a camera (252) for imaging the interior (203) while the door (205) is shut. The camera generates a signal (284) encoding the image of the interior. The signal (284) can be viewed on a screen (286) outside the interior, to assist in decision-making without opening the door (205).

Abstract: Kits, devices, and methods are provided for attaching a snack box to a crib. Attached is such that, while still in the crib, the infant can open the lid and retrieve a snack stored inside, such as a bottle of milk. In some embodiments the snack box can even accommodate cold storage, e.g. by having a thermally insulated enclosure. It can even be a small electric refrigerator. Before the parent goes to sleep for the night, they can prepare a snack, and store it overnight in the snack box. When the infant wakes up in the morning, they can retrieve the snack by themselves, after a few days' training, without crying. This will permit the parent to sleep longer, because they will not have to wake up prematurely for delivering the morning snack, and then wait until it is consumed.

Abstract: Wall reflectors work in conjunction with devices that emit wail laser beams, for assisting the attachment on a wall of items such as pictures. The wall reflectors are constructed to be attached on the wall, and to provide surfaces for reflecting the laser light beam into rays. Multiple wall reflectors can optionally also provide a whole pattern on the wall, such as a grid.

Abstract: Kits, devices, and methods equip a baby crib with a small refrigerator. The refrigerator is attached to the crib, oriented such that the infant can open its door while still being in the crib. After the infant goes to sleep, the parent prepares a bottle of milk, and stores it in the refrigerator. When the infant wakes up, they can open the refrigerator and retrieve the bottle of milk by themselves, after a few days training. And if they need no more attention beyond the milk they might not cry, sparing the parent from having to wake up one more time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for portable medical devices such as defibrillators having different charging and operating voltages. The apparatus comprises a connection for receiving DC input voltage VIN, an energy storage device (e.g., a capacitor), a battery having at least two cells therein coupled to the connection and the capacitor, and switches to selectively reconfigure the battery cells so as to: (i) charge from VIN, and (ii) discharge to the capacitor at VOUT>VIN. The method comprises charging the battery from VIN while its cells are arranged substantially in parallel, then reconfiguring the switches to arrange some of the charged cells substantially in series to give VOUT>VIN, and then charging the capacitor therefrom. The cells are thereafter reconfigured back to the parallel arrangement ready to be recharged from VIN. Isolation switches are conveniently provided to isolate the battery from VIN while charging the capacitor.