Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.

Abstract: Devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods related to extendable devices. Specifically, the disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods relate to extendable devices having a first handle section, a second handle section, an implement section, an advancement strip. Some example embodiments further include a guide block and a spring to assist in extension and/or retraction of the device. Some example embodiments further include an advancement strip channel to assist in extension and/or retraction of the device.

Abstract: System and methods for identifying waste items in a waste management environment includes reading data from a plurality of identifiers that are attached to waste items. The read data is compared with reference data stored in one or more data repositories. If a match exists between any of the read data and the reference data, an indication of non-compliance of the waste item with predetermined safety criteria is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optimizing sound for a person based on his or her location and hearing profile. More particularly, the present invention relates to personalizing the sound of an event or performance by examining the technical specifications of an individual's hearing aid (which is provided by a third party) and the acoustics of an establishment. Using this information, a place of business alters the settings of each hearing aid device to optimize the sound for each individual.

Abstract: System and method for conducting a hearing test that is accessible to a mass market of individuals with potential hearing loss. The hearing test is stored on a centrally located computer (140) that is accessible via communications device (121). The system provides step-by-step guidance on the next steps to be taken if hearing loss is found, and provides a means to store and organize the user test data to create a means for reuse of the data.

Abstract: Method and system (400) for becoming aware of some hearing loss and the need for a professional hearing test. Simple and professional hearing testing provide an understanding of the improvement in the quality of life that can be achieved through use of a hearing aid. Ordering and fitting of the hearing aid, and training on use of a hearing aid, are performed to further demonstrate and provide for improved quality of life. The system (400) includes a user (410), a hearing test unit (415), a test administrator computer (420), a pair of headphones (422), a keyboard (423), a monitor (426), a series of hearing test programs (446), a central hearing health system (440), a database, a device (433), and a set of individual results.

Abstract: System and method for diagnosing hearing loss in an individual using a self-executable, interactive electronic hearing loss diagnosis apparatus including a data storage media and a media player for accessing data on the media. The diagnostic apparatus provides hearing loss diagnostic data to the individual in the form of coded data. A hearing loss professional can use the coded data to further diagnose the hearing loss of the individual.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a waste item to be removed from a site are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waste collection vehicle includes a reader configured to obtain identification information from an identification tag associated with the waste item. A transceiver associated with the vehicle is configured to: receive the identification information from the reader, wirelessly transmit the identification information to a remote computer for processing, and wirelessly receive an indication of whether the waste item should be collected and removed by the waste collection. The received indication is based on at least one hazardous characteristic associated with the identified waste item, a determination that the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic, and a determination that a driver of the waste collection vehicle is authorized to collect the waste item having the at least one hazardous characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for and method of adjusting hearing aids (130) by discrete frequency ranges (FIG. 3a); continual tuning and reprogramming of the hearing aid is accomplished in real time via iterations between a patient (with hearing aid in ear, 120) and an audiologist (131). A test tone or other sound is played and the patient gives feedback on the test tone's suitability (such as loudness). The hearing aid (130) is further tuned and reprogrammed accordingly as the sound is replayed and the patient (120) gives additional feedback. These steps continue until the patient (120) considers the hearing optimized, compensating for both the patient's hearing loss and individual preferences in the discrete frequency ranges. The following are twelve commonly tested frequency ranges: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 750 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 5000 Hz, 6000 Hz, 8000 Hz, and 10,000 Hz.

Abstract: A data storage media including customized hearing training information is created using troublesome content identified based on testing of an individual's hearing profile. The identified content, and amplification factors associated with the hearing profile and corresponding to the identified content, are stored on the media. The individual can readily access the media, which can be portable, to generate sound output representative of the identified content without, and adjusted by, the corresponding amplification factor, such that the individual can train his brain on the identified troublesome content before receiving a hearing aid.

Abstract: A customizable system (100) made up of a plurality of individual modules for dispensing minor wound-care products with one hand. The modules are easily attached to and disconnected from each other to provide an integrated dispensing device of variable size that may be accessed quickly and efficiently. The system includes one or more disposable bandage modules (110) having a top wall (111), a bottom wall (112), a front wall (113), a back wall (114), a right side wall (115), and a left side wall (116). The walls are permanently joined together to form a body (117) having an internal cavity (118). The bandage modules include an opening (119) on the front wall, a cutting edge (120) within the opening, and one or more module-joining attachments (121) on said side walls (115) and (116). The system may also include one or more accessory modules.

Abstract: A method of determining compatibility of user input parameters for use with a laser drilling system includes providing compatibility data characteristic of a plurality of laser drilling operations, receiving input parameters characteristic of a desired laser drilling operation, and comparing the input parameters to the compatibility data, thereby determining whether the input parameters are incompatible.

Abstract: A method of laser milling an aperture in a workpiece for use with manufacturing ink-jet nozzles includes initially illuminating a surface of the workpiece with a laser beam at a point within an outer perimeter of a desired aperture and a distance away from the outer perimeter sufficient to substantially avoid initial ablation of the outer perimeter. The laser beam is driven substantially in the direction of the outer perimeter at a variable rate controlled to avoid deformation of the outer perimeter. Material of the workpiece is ablated in a pattern designed to substantially remove material within the outer perimeter, thereby forming the aperture.

Abstract: A method of substantially eliminating imperfections in a laser milled workpiece, wherein the imperfections result from a laser drilling process, includes attaching a pre-milled sacrificial layer to a beam exit surface of a pre-milled workpiece, wherein the pre-milled sacrificial layer has a first laser ablation rate substantially matching a second laser ablation rate of the pre-milled workpiece. A passage is formed through the pre-milled workpiece and the pre-milled sacrificial layer by ablating workpiece and sacrificial layer material with a laser, thereby producing a laser-milled workpiece and laser-milled sacrificial layer with the imperfections substantially concentrated in the laser-milled sacrificial layer. The laser-milled sacrificial layer is removed from the workpiece, thereby substantially eliminating imperfections in the laser-milled workpiece.

Abstract: A method of determining compatibility of user input parameters for use with a laser drilling system includes providing compatibility data characteristic of a plurality of laser drilling operations, receiving input parameters characteristic of a desired laser drilling operation, and comparing the input parameters to the compatibility data, thereby determining whether the input parameters are incompatible.

Abstract: A method of laser milling an aperture in a workpiece for use with manufacturing ink-jet nozzles includes initially illuminating a surface of the workpiece with a laser beam at a point within an outer perimeter of a desired aperture and a distance away from the outer perimeter sufficient to substantially avoid initial ablation of the outer perimeter. The laser beam is driven substantially in the direction of the outer perimeter at a variable rate controlled to avoid deformation of the outer perimeter. Material of the workpiece is ablated in a pattern designed to substantially remove material within the outer perimeter, thereby forming the aperture.