Abstract: A hand strength appliance is provided that may be used in multiple or selected configurations for grip and pinch strength assessment as well as grip and pinch exercises. The appliance includes a frame and a sliding internal handle fitted within and slidable within the frame, and may be positioned for multiple test positions and exercises. The appliance may include and be used with a force sensing device that may transmit information to a computing device.

Abstract: A hand strength appliance is provided that may be used in multiple or selected configurations for grip and pinch strength assessment as well as grip and pinch exercises. The appliance includes a frame and a sliding internal handle fitted within and slidable within the frame, and may be positioned for multiple test positions and exercises. The appliance may include and by used with a force sensing device that may transmit information to a computing device.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is mountable to a substrate, having a channel, a belt, and at least one buckle. The buckle has a bottom portion that is adapted to fit within the channel such that the buckle can move along the channel and resist moving in either perpendicular direction. The buckle has a top portion that includes an opening for attaching exercise equipment and at least one cam. The cam is selectively engaged with the belt such that when the cam is disengaged, the buckle can be moved along the belt and when engaged, the buckle resists movement with respect to the belt.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is mountable to a substrate, having a channel, a belt, and at least one buckle. The buckle has a bottom portion that is adapted to fit within the channel such that the buckle can move along the channel and resist moving in either perpendicular direction. The buckle has a top portion that includes an opening for attaching exercise equipment and at least one cam. The cam is selectively engaged with the belt such that when the cam is disengaged, the buckle can be moved along the belt and when engaged, the buckle resists movement with respect to the belt.

Abstract: An exemplary exercise device includes a handheld force sensor with complementary male and female connectors extending from opposite sides thereof. The force sensor senses pulling and/or pushing forces exerted between the opposing sides. The male connector may be resistant to travel through the female connector except in limited orientations. The connectors allow the exercise device to interface with any mobile or immobile device having complementary connectors. Non-complementary connectors can connect with the exercise device through a body passage. Depending on devices interfaced with the exercise device, force readings can be taken during a vast variety of motions using different muscle groups during training, exercise, and rehabilitation/physical therapy in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, health clubs, etc.

Abstract: An exercise system for use with a computing device to modify and demonstrate an exercise. The exercise system may be used to modify exercises and to collect and track data based on exercise performance. Modifications to exercises may include range of motion, timing, and exercise routine modifications to customize exercises for use by a patient or athlete. A force sensing device can also be used with the exercise system to measure and track exercise data.

Abstract: An exemplary exercise device includes a handheld force sensor with complementary male and female connectors extending from opposite sides thereof. The force sensor senses pulling and/or pushing forces exerted between the opposing sides. The male connector may be resistant to travel through the female connector except in limited orientations. The connectors allow the exercise device to interface with any mobile or immobile device having complementary connectors. Non-complementary connectors can connect with the exercise device through a body passage. Depending on devices interfaced with the exercise device, force readings can be taken during a vast variety of motions using different muscle groups during training, exercise, and rehabilitation/physical therapy in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, health clubs, etc.

Abstract: An exemplary exercise device includes a handheld force sensor with complementary male and female connectors extending from opposite sides thereof. The force sensor senses pulling and/or pushing forces exerted between the opposing sides. The male connector may be resistant to travel through the female connector except in limited orientations. The connectors allow the exercise device to interface with any mobile or immobile device having complementary connectors. Non-complementary connectors can connect with the exercise device through a body passage. Depending on devices interfaced with the exercise device, force readings can be taken during a vast variety of motions using different muscle groups during training, exercise, and rehabilitation/physical therapy in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, health clubs, etc.

Abstract: A system for communicating according to a standard communication protocol for process control includes a plurality of interconnected computers. The system includes a module that permits communication of information between computers that communicate with process control equipment. The system also includes a module that permits a primary controlling machine to communicate with computers that communicate with process control equipment, and that permits a secondary controlling machine to take the place of the primary controlling machine when the primary controlling machine is unavailable. The system further includes a module that aggregates requests for information directed to one computer that communicates with a piece of process control equipment, communicates with the computer and obtains the information, and delivers the information to each of the requesters. The standard communication protocol for process control can be OPC, and the communicated information can be one or more process control parameters.

Abstract: A system for communicating according to a standard communication protocol for process control includes a plurality of interconnected computers. The system includes a module that permits communication of information between computers that communicate with process control equipment. The system also includes a module that permits a primary controlling machine to communicate with computers that communicate with process control equipment, and that permits a secondary controlling machine to take the place of the primary controlling machine when the primary controlling machine is unavailable. The system further includes a module that aggregates requests for information directed to one computer that communicates with a piece of process control equipment, communicates with the computer and obtains the information, and delivers the information to each of the requesters. The standard communication protocol for process control can be OPC, and the communicated information can be one or more process control parameters.

Abstract: A system for communicating according to a standard communication protocol for process control includes a plurality of interconnected computers. The system includes a module that permits communication of information between computers that communicate with process control equipment. The system also includes a module that permits a primary controlling machine to communicate with computers that communicate with process control equipment, and that permits a secondary controlling machine to take the place of the primary controlling machine when the primary controlling machine is unavailable. The system further includes a module that aggregates requests for information directed to one computer that communicates with a piece of process control equipment, communicates with the computer and obtains the information, and delivers the information to each of the requesters. The standard communication protocol for process control can be OPC, and the communicated information can be one or more process control parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and identifying microbial colonies in an inoculated growth medium first acquires a first image of the inoculated growth medium. After a selected incubation time interval, a second image of the growth medium is acquired. A difference image is produced by taking the difference between corresponding pixels in the first and second images. Potential colonies are identified within the difference image by locating peak pixels having local maximum pixel intensities within the difference image and having decreasing gradients in a predetermined number of directions. The potential colonies are validated as actual colonies by eliminating those potential colonies that are noise spikes or noise around previously validated colonies.