Abstract: A method of controlling temperature of a heat source in contact with a heat exchanging surface of a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanging surface is substantially aligned along a plane. The method comprises channeling a first temperature fluid to the heat exchanging surface, wherein the first temperature fluid undergoes thermal exchange with the heat source along the heat exchanging surface. The method comprises channeling a second temperature fluid from the heat exchange surface, wherein fluid is channeled to minimize temperature differences along the heat source. The temperature differences are minimized by optimizing and controlling the fluidic and thermal resistances in the heat exchanger. The resistances to the fluid are influenced by size, volume and surface area of heat transferring features, multiple pumps, fixed and variable valves and flow impedance elements in the fluid path, pressure and flow rate control of the fluid, and other factors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removeably coupling a heat rejecting device with a heat producing device, wherein a thermal interface material having a predetermined phase change temperature is between the heat rejecting device and the heat producing device, the method comprising: configuring the heat rejecting device to include at least one heating element; and energizing the at least one heating element for a predetermined amount of time through at least one electrical contact, wherein a current applied to the at least one heating element heats the at least one heating element until the thermal interface material substantially reaches the predetermined phase change temperature. The at least one heating element is located on an interface surface in contact with the thermal interface material, although alternatively on an opposite surface, or within the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking objects. Systems of the present invention include a base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals at multiple frequencies. Each object to be tracked has attached to it what for the purpose of the present specification is referred to as an electronic tag (“E-Tag”). Each E-Tag can transmit signals that can be received and interpreted by the base station and each E-Tag can receive and interpret signals transmitted by the base station. The transmitting (and receiving) of signals between the base station and an E-Tag allows the base station to track the E-Tag, and therefore, track the object to which the E-Tag is attached. Methods utilized to track objects in accordance with the present invention vary depending on the distance of the object from a base station (“range” of the object).

Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger is provided which includes a body, a pair of fixed arms extending from the body, such that an upper end of each fixed arm includes a guide rail, and a mid-section of each fixed arm includes an indexing track. The adjustable garment hanger also includes a pair of telescoping arms slidingly disposed on the guide rail for each fixed arm, wherein the telescoping arm includes two side walls joined by an upper wall, and a plurality of opposed indexing arms that travel in the indexing track of the fixed arm to retain a position of the telescoping arm relative to the fixed arm. The adjustable garment hanger further includes a stop integral with the fixed arm for limiting the travel of the telescoping arm relative to the fixed arm in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A solar powered light assembly having an integral power management system includes a means for collecting solar energy, and a plurality of energy storage devices. The device also includes a control means for selecting to charge one energy storage device and selecting to discharge one energy storage device to a predetermined level before selecting to recharge the selected discharging energy storage device. The device also includes a sensing means for sensing a predetermined charging condition and an energy charge switching means for selectively charging one of the energy storage devices. The device further includes a discharge sensing means and an energy discharge switching means for selectively discharging energy from the selected discharging energy storage device and a load switching means for delivering energy from the selected discharging energy storage device to the load for powering the solar powered device.

Abstract: A solar powered light assembly having an integral power management system includes a means for collecting solar energy, and a plurality of energy storage devices. The device also includes a control means for selecting to charge one energy storage device and selecting to discharge one energy storage device to a predetermined level before selecting to recharge the selected discharging energy storage device. The device also includes a sensing means for sensing a predetermined charging condition and an energy charge switching means for selectively charging one of the energy storage devices. The device further includes a discharge sensing means and an energy discharge switching means for selectively discharging energy from the selected discharging energy storage device and a load switching means for delivering energy from the selected discharging energy storage device to the load for powering the solar powered device.

Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger is provided which includes a body, a pair of fixed arms extending from the body, such that an upper end of each fixed arm includes a guide rail, and a mid-section of each fixed arm includes an indexing track. The adjustable garment hanger also includes a pair of telescoping arms slidingly disposed on the guide rail for each fixed arm, wherein the telescoping arm includes two side walls joined by an upper wall, and a plurality of opposed indexing arms that travel in the indexing track of the fixed wall to retain a position of the telescoping arm relative to the fixed arm. The adjustable garment hanger further includes a stop integral with the fixed arm for limiting the travel of the fixed arm relative to the telescoping arm in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a silent alarm is provided for tactilely alerting a user. The system includes a timekeeping device having a timekeeping mechanism for tracking real time, an input mechanism operatively connected to the timekeeping mechanism for setting an alarm time, a processor operatively connected to the timekeeping mechanism that monitors the real time and the alarm time, and a wireless data transmitter operatively connected to the processor, such that the wireless data transmitter transmits a signal at a predetermined radio frequency when the real time corresponds to the alarm time. The system also includes a silent alarm signaling device secured to a user, wherein said silent alarm signaling device includes a wireless data receiver, a processor operatively connected to the wireless data receiver, and a signaling mechanism operatively controlled by the processor.

Abstract: A safe water toothbrush assembly for brushing teeth includes a toothbrush connected to a bottle. The toothbrush has an elongated body with a head at one end and an opposite end that is open, such that the interior of the body forms a passageway for transporting a fluid through the body, the head includes at least one aperture and the open end of the body is threaded. The toothbrush also includes a plurality of bristles extending radially from the head. The bottle is filled with a fluid, and an open end of the bottle includes threads complementary to the threads on the open end of the toothbrush, for securing the bottle to the toothbrush.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated key retrieval and deposit includes a housing and a key storage rack assembly positioned within the housing. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus also includes a key holder for holding a key to be retrieved positioned on the key storage rack, and a key holder actuating mechanism operatively connected to the key holder, for actuating the key holder between an extended position and a retracted position. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus further includes a cover pivotally connected to the key storage rack and actuatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover, in the closed position, exerts a force on the keyholder to retain the key on the key holder.

Abstract: A method of playing a four-card poker game by at least one player and a banker who is preferably also the dealer. The player has the option to wager against the dealer, wager against a predetermined payout schedule, or both. Additional options of a progressive wager and/or a bad beat wager may be made available.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective multi-directional illumination of an object, particularly for selective multi-directional imaging of an object, comprises a central mirror selectively rotatable about a central axis for reflecting light arriving along the central axis in selected directions radial to the axis. A plurality of differently tilted mirrors are mounted on an annular member selectively rotatable around the central axis for disposing selected ones of the tilted mirrors in the path of light from the central mirror. The tilted mirrors reflect light onto an object at a direction determined by the angular position of the central mirror and at an angle of elevation determined by the selected tilted mirror. Light reflected from the illuminated object reaches an imaging device along a path retracing the illuminating light whereby the direction of viewing of the imaged object corresponds to the direction of illumination of the object.

Abstract: A magnetic slide loading is used with automated cell counting equipment or manual optical microscopes to measure the number of cells in a fluid biological sample. A slide having a defined volume region holds the sample for measurement. A cover slip is placed over the defined volume region creating an enclosed volume. An actuable holder clamp is placed over the slide securing it as well as the cover slip in position by virtue of magnets secured to the bottom of the device exerting a magnetic force upon the holder clamp such that it is attracted toward the slide forcing the cover slip to flatten, thereby removing any defects or distortions from the volume. This action ensures that the volume has a uniform depth allowing accurate measurement of cell concentration within the biological sample.