Abstract: A liquid dispensing and vending apparatus comprises filling module(s), user container holder(s), positioning mechanism(s) and controller module(s). The filling module(s) comprise: machine container(s) configured to hold liquid(s), nozzle(s) configured to dispense liquid(s) to user container(s), and measuring pump module(s) configured to pump a measured amount of liquid(s) from machine container(s) to nozzle(s). The user container holder(s) are configured to hold user container(s). Positioning mechanism(s) align user container holder(s) with filing module(s). Controller module(s) execute production instructions causing liquid formulations to be dispensed into user container(s).

Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a liquid fire extinguishing media, and first and second gases inside of a storage vessel at an operating pressure, and a discharge tube extending between a control valve and the fire extinguishing media. At least a portion of the first gas is dissolved in the fire extinguishing media. The control valve can be operated to control discharge of the fire extinguishing media via the discharge tube whereupon at least a portion of the second gas enters a flow of the fire extinguishing media via one or more holes in the discharge tube forming bubbles of the second gas in the flow of the fire extinguishing media. The fire extinguishing media exiting the control valve can pass through a nozzle which can causing first and second portions of the fire extinguishing media to collide forming a plume mist of the fire extinguishing media.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing and vending apparatus comprises filling module(s), user container holder(s), positioning mechanism(s) and controller module(s). The filling module(s) comprise: machine container(s) configured to hold liquid(s), nozzle(s) configured to dispense liquid(s) to user container(s), and measuring pump module(s) configured to pump a measured amount of liquid(s) from machine container(s) to nozzle(s). The user container holder(s) are configured to hold user container(s). Positioning mechanism(s) align user container holder(s) with filing module(s). Controller module(s) execute production instructions causing liquid formulations to be dispensed into user container(s).

Abstract: A vaping liquid dispensing and vending apparatus comprises filling module(s), user container holder(s), positioning mechanism(s) and controller module(s). The filling module(s) comprise: machine container(s) configured to hold vaping liquid(s), nozzle(s) configured to dispense vaping liquid(s) to user container(s), and measuring pump module(s) configured to pump a measured amount of vaping liquid(s) from machine container(s) to nozzle(s). The user container holder(s) are configured to hold user container(s). Positioning mechanism(s) align user container holder(s) with filing module(s). Controller module(s) execute production instructions causing vaping liquid formulations to be dispensed into user container(s).

Abstract: A fire extinguisher includes a liquid fire extinguishing media, and first and second gases inside of a storage vessel at an operating pressure, and a discharge tube extending between a control valve and the fire extinguishing media. At least a portion of the first gas is dissolved in the fire extinguishing media. The control valve can be operated to control discharge of the fire extinguishing media via the discharge tube whereupon at least a portion of the second gas enters a flow of the fire extinguishing media via one or more holes in the discharge tube forming bubbles of the second gas in the flow of the fire extinguishing media. The fire extinguishing media exiting the control valve can pass through a nozzle which can causing first and second portions of the fire extinguishing media to collide forming a plume mist of the fire extinguishing media.

Abstract: A diet watch includes a housing with an adjustable wristband attached thereto, at least one accelerometer and/or gyroscope sensor and/or magnetometer disposed within the housing, a processor disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the at least one accelerometer and/or gyroscope sensor and/or magnetometer, and a feedback device coupled to the processor. The at least one accelerometer and/or gyroscope sensor and/or magnetometer provides a signal related to an orientation and movement of a user's hand in space. The processor uses the signal from the at least one accelerometer and/or gyroscope sensor and/or magnetometer to determine that a bite was taken by the user and starting a timer to countdown a preset time interval. The feedback device provides an indication to the user that another bite of food may be taken after the preset time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. A counter can be provided for counting pills that exit the discharge chute or opening.

Abstract: A vaping liquid dispensing and vending apparatus comprises filling module(s), user container holder(s), positioning mechanism(s) and controller module(s). The filling module(s) comprise: machine container(s) configured to hold vaping liquid(s), nozzle(s) configured to dispense vaping liquid(s) to user container(s), and measuring pump module(s) configured to pump a measured amount of vaping liquid(s) from machine container(s) to nozzle(s). The user container holder(s) are configured to hold user container(s). Positioning mechanism(s) align user container holder(s) with filing module(s). Controller module(s) execute production instructions causing vaping liquid formulations to be dispensed into user container(s).

Abstract: A fluid level sensor system includes a primary coil, at least one secondary coil adjacent the primary coil, a control system operative for applying a time varying signal to the primary coil and for detecting a response of the secondary coil to the time varying signal in the primary coil, and at least one float resonator adapted to move adjacent the primary and secondary coils. Each float resonator includes an electrical storage device and a circuit which is switchable between a first state that enhances the response of a section of the secondary coil adjacent the float resonator to the time varying signal in the primary coil and the charging of the electrical storage device, and a second state where the effect of the circuit on the response of the secondary coil to the time varying signal in the primary coil is diminished relative to the first state.

Abstract: The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. A counter can be provided for counting pills that exit the discharge chute or opening.

Abstract: A capacitive uterine contraction sensor includes an insulating substrate, a first electrode disposed on one side of the substrate, and a second electrode positioned on the first side of the substrate in a spaced relation to the first electrode. The second electrode is configured to move toward or away from the first electrode. The sensor may also include a conductive standoff sandwiched between the substrate and the second electrode for maintaining the second electrode in spaced relation to the first electrode. The conductive standoff is electrically coupled to the second electrode and electrically isolated from the first electrode. Alternatively, the second electrode may include a spring mechanism used in conjunction with a standoff to maintain the second electrode in spaced relation to the first electrode. The spring mechanism is electrically isolated from the first electrode and enables the second electrode to move toward or away from the first electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container.

Abstract: The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container.

Abstract: A diet watch includes a housing with an adjustable wristband attached thereto, at least one accelerometer disposed within the housing, a microcontroller disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the accelerometer and a feedback device operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer provides a signal indicative of an orientation of a user's hand in space. The microcontroller uses the signal from the at least one accelerometer to determine that a bite was taken by the user and starting a timer to countdown a preset time interval. The feedback device provides an indication to the user that another bite of food may be taken after the preset time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: A holder for a USB drive is disclosed. The holder can be used as a stand-alone product, or as a retrofit to notebooks and binders, or as an integrated part of such a binder. A holder includes a backing, a pouch coupled to the backing and defining with the backing a cavity for receiving a USB drive such that a portion of the USB drive extends out of the cavity. The holder can include a tab, a leaf spring, a combination spring-loaded plunger and holding plate, or a securable flap for securing the USB drive in the cavity.

Abstract: A capacitive uterine contraction sensor includes an insulating substrate, a first electrode disposed on one side of the substrate, and a second electrode positioned on the first side of the substrate in a spaced relation to the first electrode. The second electrode is configured to move toward or away from the first electrode. The sensor may also include a conductive standoff sandwiched between the substrate and the second electrode for maintaining the second electrode in spaced relation to the first electrode. The conductive standoff is electrically coupled to the second electrode and electrically isolated from the first electrode. Alternatively, the second electrode may include a spring mechanism used in conjunction with a standoff to maintain the second electrode in spaced relation to the first electrode. The spring mechanism is electrically isolated from the first electrode and enables the second electrode to move toward or away from the first electrode.

Abstract: In a wound scanning apparatus and method, a beam or sheet of light is scanned on a wound and reflections of the scanned beam or sheet of light interacting with the wound at a plurality of points thereof is detected. The detected reflections are processed into data representative of the wound. The data or a representation thereof is reproduced in a human understandable form.

Abstract: A cytometer system includes a fluid input manifold having a sample bore for accommodating a flow of sample fluid surrounded by a frustoconical shaped chamber for accommodating a flow of sheath fluid. A cuvette has a central bore positioned for receiving from the sample bore the flow of the sample fluid surrounded by and in non-mixing contact with the flow of the sheath fluid. The section of the central bore receiving the sample fluid and the sheath fluid has a frustoconical shape that converges and terminates in a section of the central bore that has a square cross section.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a housing having a substantially round throughbore, a first side, and a second side. A sleeve bearing is situated within the throughbore. A first spring washer is situated adjacent the first side of the housing and the sleeve bearing, and similarly, a second spring washer is situated adjacent the second side of the housing and the sleeve bearing. A bushing extends into an opening of the first spring washer, an opening of the sleeve bearing, and the throughbore of the housing. A thrust washer is situated adjacent to the second spring washer and a fastener is situated adjacent to the thrust washer. A kit including the aforementioned components is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. A counter can be provided for counting pills that exit the discharge chute or opening.