Abstract: A method to determine presence of a disease condition in a medical patient by evaluating conductivity information. Point-attributes values obtained from highly accurate conductivity data-sets taken as a function of time, over a period of time, are compared to previously determined threshold values. Z-scores may be determined to combine a plurality of point-attribute values in formulation of a composite score for a patient. Sometimes, z-scores are weighted by overall accuracy of the point-attribute in predicting presence of the disease.

Abstract: An electrically operated, particle detecting, or characterizing, sensor structured as a thin film multilayer sandwich. Three or more electrodes are deposited onto thin layers of film, and stacked to form the sandwich. A representative stacking arrangement provides a pair of stimulated electrodes spaced apart from an intermediate measurement electrode by insulating layers of thin film. A fluid conducting channel, having an axis perpendicular to the film layers, provides electrolytic electrical communication between the three electrodes. Contact pads, arranged to permit electrical interrogation of the electrodes by electrical circuitry, are desirably arranged for access to electrical interrogation probes from a single side of the sensor. Certain sensors may be included in single-use, disposable cartridges adapted for analysis by an interrogation platform.

Abstract: A platform of the type holding a plurality of normally-open electric switches in position for activation of a selected individual switch by application of a force in a direction normal to a surface of the switch by a portion of a human body. An exemplary platform according to the invention forms a dance platform on which a user steps to activate switches in accordance with instructions viewed on a video display device. A joining structure may by used to hold two platforms in a side-by-side competition arrangement. A security vault may be affixed to structure associated with platform to resist theft of a commercially available game controller adapted to operate the video display and to receive switch input from a platform. Certain aspects of the invention include one or more, typically inert, practice platforms structured to represent the user interface surface of an activatable platform. A method for using a system of active and inert platforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Coulter-style, microfluidic sensor formed by stacking a plurality of substantially non-electrically conductive layers, typically formed from thin polymer films. Certain layers carry patterned electrodes that are arranged to permit their connection to an electrical interrogation circuit. Electrodes may be disposed in a 3-dimensional array in the sensor. A fluid path through the sensor includes an orifice sized to promote single-file travel of particles. The orifice may be defined by the entrance to a hole passing through at least one layer and at least one electrode. Particles entrained in an electrolytic carrier fluid may be detected, or otherwise characterized, by interrogation circuitry connected to the sensor. Certain sensors may include portions of a fluid path disposed parallel to the layers. In certain preferred embodiments, the sensor is carried by a cartridge, which is adapted to couple with an interrogation platform.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use of such apparatus, for detecting particles of interest that are dispersed in a fluid mix, which typically includes other particles. The apparatus includes an interrogation platform arranged to operate in harmony with an opaque member having an orifice sized to promote single-file travel of the particles there-through. A radiation source is disposed on one side of the opaque member, and a radiation detector is disposed on the other side of the opaque member. Particles of interest are tagged using antibody-binding, fluorescing molecules. Radiation from the source causes the tagged particles to fluoresce in the vicinity of, and passing through, the orifice. The resulting fluorescence is detected by the radiation detector and indicates passage of the particles of interest. One workable opaque member is advantageously included in a thin film assembly carried on a removable and disposable card that is adapted for reception in the interrogation platform.

Abstract: An improved snowshoe (49, 138, 220) having a binding (105) attachable to a flotation platform (51). The snowshoe (49, 138, 220) may be adjusted to accommodate to changes in snow conditions and terrain while on a snowshoe excursion. Certain embodiments permit quick removal of the binding (105) from the platform (51) for use as a detached walking crampon (203). Certain platforms (51) may be adjusted in size to present a plurality of footprint sizes to ssnow.

Abstract: A frame for use with a removable switch-carrying platform during machine dance activity. The frame includes a horizontal member that serves as an anchor, and typically is disposed below the platform. An upstanding member, typically cantilevered from the anchor, may be provided to hold a trickbar, or a video display device. Sometimes, two upstanding members are provided, each at opposite front and rear ends of an installed platform, to hold a trickbar and a display device, respectively. The frame may be configured to accommodate either a single-user or dual-users. In a preferred arrangement, the frame is modular, to permit a user to form: 1) only a trickbar, 2) a trickbar in combination with a display holder, and 3) a dual-user platform. A modular dual-user platform may include a trickbar for either, both, or none of the dance platforms, as desired.

Abstract: A rigging structure for a compound archery bow includes first and second pulley assemblies, pivotally mounted on axles at tips of corresponding first and second limbs of a compound bow and interconnected by cables. Each pulley assembly includes a dynamic synchronizing component, and the rigging preferably also includes means for avoiding the usual leaning moment imposed upon the pulley assemblies by the cables of conventional riggings.

Abstract: An electrically operated, particle detecting, or characterizing, sensor structured as a thin film multilayer sandwich. Three or more electrodes are deposited onto thin layers of film, and stacked to form the sandwich. A representative stacking arrangement provides a pair of stimulated electrodes spaced apart from an intermediate measurement electrode by insulating layers of thin film. A fluid conducting channel, having an axis perpendicular to the film layers, provides electrolytic electrical communication between the three electrodes. Contact pads, arranged to permit electrical interrogation of the electrodes by electrical circuitry, are desirably arranged for access to electrical interrogation probes from a single side of the sensor. Certain sensors may be included in single-use, disposable cartridges adapted for analysis by an interrogation platform.

Abstract: A device typically adapted for association with an air diffuser of a ventilation system of a dwelling. The device redirects an air stream from a forced air column received through the diffuser. A novelty item is disposed to depend from structure associated with the base for rotation of the novelty item by the air stream. An operable suspension system includes a magnet assembly and a magnetically attracted bearing element. Desirably, a safety catch is included to maintain the novelty item in proximity to the base in the event of decoupling between the magnet assembly and the bearing element. One preferred base is adapted to form a slip-on fit to a diffuser register of a dwelling's ventilation system. Certain novelty items are sized to provide a self-packaging capability for commercial display. An alternative base is structured to look like furniture, and may include a plurality of internal passageways through which air may selectively be directed.

Abstract: A platform of the type holding a plurality of normally-open electric switches in position for activation of a selected individual switch by application of a force in a direction normal to a surface of the switch by a portion of a human body. An exemplary platform according to the invention forms a dance platform on which a user steps to activate switches in accordance with instructions viewed on a video display device. A joining structure may by used to hold two platforms in a side-by-side competition arrangement. A security vault may be affixed to structure associated with platform to resist theft of a commercially available game controller adapted to operate the video display and to receive switch input from a platform. Certain aspects of the invention include one or more, typically inert, practice platforms structured to represent the user interface surface of an activatable platform. A method for using a system of active and inert platforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A platform of the type holding a plurality of normally-open electric switches in position for activation of a selected individual switch by application of a force in a direction normal to a surface of the switch by a portion of a human body. An exemplary platform according to the invention forms a dance platform on which a user steps to activate switches in accordance with instructions viewed on a video display device. A joining structure may by used to hold two platforms in a side-by-side competition arrangement. A security vault may be affixed to structure associated with platform to resist theft of a commercially available game controller adapted to operate the video display and to receive switch input from a platform. Certain aspects of the invention include one or more, typically inert, practice platforms structured to represent the user interface surface of an activatable platform. A method for using a system of active and inert platforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ski binding of the cross-country type in which a ski boot's heel may be elevated with respect to the ski's top surface while in the act of skiing. The binding includes a toe piece associated with a heel retainer through a spring-biased linkage. A linkage typically includes a pre-loaded compression spring mounted external to a core element. A preferred linkage includes a plurality of rigid link elements defining plurality of intermediate pivot axes between an anchor and the heel retainer. Certain preferred linkage systems permit unfettered boot flexion, but transversely maintain the heel retainer in a zone over the ski to facilitate step-in engagement. Desirably, the core is adjustable along the linkage, to change a spacing between the toe piece and heel retainer independent of spring pre-load. Preferred embodiments of the binding a rear frame adapted to permit step-in engagement of a ski boot. Certain frames may carry a televator.

Abstract: A movable barricade for use in controlling vehicle travel through a traffic control locus of a security perimeter, such as the fenced-in boundary often found around a building, a plant, an industrial area, or other infrastructure. Barricades structured according to certain aspects of the invention are capable of disabling forward progress of even large cargo-carrying vehicles, such as 18-wheeled trucks and trailers, or large-capacity tanker trucks. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a high-mass barrier element, such as a concrete Jersey Barricade, adapted to be rolled into a blocking position to obstruct the flow of traffic, and rolled into an open position to permit unobstructed flow of traffic though an access control point. Certain embodiments of the invention also provide control of pedestrian traffic through the locus.

Abstract: A platform of the type holding a plurality of normally-open electric switches in position for activation of a selected individual switch by application of a force in a direction normal to a surface of the switch by a portion of a human body. An exemplary platform according to the invention forms a dance platform on which a user steps to activate switches in accordance with instructions viewed on a video display device. A joining structure may by used to hold two platforms in a side-by-side competition arrangement. A security vault may be affixed to structure associated with platform to resist theft of a commercially available game controller adapted to operate the video display and to receive switch input from a platform. Certain aspects of the invention include one or more, typically inert, practice platforms structured to represent the user interface surface of an activatable platform. A method for using a system of active and inert platforms is also disclosed.