Abstract: An improved construction for a device intended to raise the heel or heels of a user up off an associated shoe to diminish or eliminate pain and discomfort. The device is adjustable to accommodate a variety of applications and is transferable between those applications.

Abstract: An improved construction for a device intended to raise the heel or heels of a user up off an associated shoe to diminish or eliminate pain and discomfort. The device is adjustable to accommodate a variety of applications and is transferable between those applications.

Abstract: Methods for measuring cell membrane property are disclosed. A computer readable medium includes instructions for deriving from transcellular impedance a measurement of a cell membrane property and provides the stability and error of the measurement. The derivation from the transcellular impedance includes the real and imaginary components of the transcellular impedance and also uses a geometric shape to model the shape of the cell. Alternatively, the derivation from the transcellular impedance includes magnitude and complex components. The measurements include the membrane capacitance, membrane resistance, and/or cell adhesion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotatably interconnecting computer storage disks to a stationary base is provided. The apparatus provides a hybrid bearing assembly having an oil-filled thrust bearing and an air-filled radial bearing. In particular, the apparatus provides a hybrid bearing having an oil-filled thrust bearing that is highly resistant to leakage. In addition, the apparatus provides a hybrid bearing having a radial air bearing with a very large diameter to provide great stiffness in a radial direction using common manufacturing tolerances. The method of the present invention includes rotatably interconnecting a hub for suspending computer storage media to a base or enclosure using an oil-filled thrust bearing and an air-filled radial bearing. The method further includes balancing the pressures in both directions along the axis of the thrust bearing to prevent leakage of the oil from the bearing. The method also includes providing an air bearing having a very large diameter.

Abstract: A disk drive spindle air bearing is disclosed having increased bearing stiffness, while being capable of manufacture using conventional tolerances. The invention therefore allows the construction of a disk drive spindle bearing without the need for oil or grease that may potentially contaminate the storage disks. The disclosed disk drive spindle air bearing also provides an air bearing having low acoustical noise and power consumption characteristics.

Abstract: Process and system for programmed control of a home and building automation system, for saving energy and improving comfort, with the process being performed by means of software and presence and activity monitoring sensors. The software includes first adaptive algorithms controlled by signals from the presence and activity monitoring sensors, for continuously detecting and storing systematic and stochastic behavior of at least one person in a room and over several rooms, and including second modifiable deterministic algorithms for adapting and triggering actuators of installations or groups of installations. The algorithms are combined with external parameters into a third algorithm to optimize the automation system as a whole and to adjust the first and second algorithms by means of feedback.

Abstract: An aseptic protector for skin penetrating devices includes a body of deformable material for accepting and encapsulating a protruding portion of a skin penetrating device, such as a pin or drain, from a location where the skin penetrating device protrudes from a skin surface to a location spaced outwardly from the skin surface. The body of deformable material functions as a buffer and inhibits movement of the skin penetrating device. The body of deformable material includes an aseptic agent, preferably dispersed throughout the body of material, for contacting the skin surface and the skin penetrating device at the location where the skin penetrating device penetrates the skin surface to prevent, inhibit or arrest infection where the skin penetrating device penetrates the skin surface.

Abstract: An appliance for protecting, supporting and cushioning the heel and ankle, to facilitate the recuperation, rehabilitation or other healing of the heel and/or ankle from medical procedures, injuries or other disorders, includes a pliable cupping component which receives and is adjustably secured to the heel portion of the foot and the ankle. The fastening means for securing the cupping component to the heel and ankle provides support for the tendons and tendon sheaths in the heel and ankle. A pair of selectively adjustable support straps extend from the sides of the cupping component to an upper fastening means immediately below the knee. The support straps exert an upward and supportive force on the heel portion of the foot and limit the flexing of the ankle joint without exerting an upward force on the apophysis or growth center of the calcaneus bone which is located at the posterior portion of the calcaneus bone adjacent and below the attachment of the achilles tendon to this bone.