Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for drug compliance monitoring. A drug compliance monitoring system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a portable drug containment unit, which has a drug container, such as a pill bottle, for holding prescription or non-prescription drugs. The drug containment unit also comprises at least one sensor and control logic. The sensor is configured to automatically sense a parameter indicating when a drug, such as one or more pills or an amount of liquid, has been or is about to be removed from the drug container. The system, based on the sensor, automatically estimates and tracks drug consumption and provides a patient with reminders when a dosage is currently due. If the patient deviates from an expected drug regime, the system automatically senses this event and provides a notification to the patient or caregiver.

Abstract: A phase change material comprising a mixture of water and deuterium oxide is described, wherein the mole fraction of deuterium oxide is selected so that the mixture has a selected phase change temperature within a range between 0° C. and 4° C. The mixture is placed in a container and used for passive storage and transport of biomaterials and other temperature sensitive materials. Gels, nucleating agents, freezing point depression materials and colorants may be added to enhance the characteristics of the mixture.

Abstract: A golf ball analysis and rating method is provided to test and report golf ball characteristics of distance, spin, balance, feel, durability and price compared to other golf ball models wherein a set of golf balls of like model from the same manufacturer are shot-tested using a plurality of golf shots with a driver, an iron, and a wedge to obtain distance and spin data, balance tested to obtain data to rate balance, compression and cover hardness tested to obtain data to rate feel, durability tested to obtain date to rate durability, and price data is obtained to rate price. The data are analyzed and ratings corresponding to average values for each of the characteristics are assigned.

Abstract: A mudflap assembly comprising a bracket for connection to a vehicle and a hanger extended therefrom. A mudflap is connected to one end of the hanger, while the bracket rotatable receives the other end and maintains the hanger in an initial resting position until the hanger is acted upon by a sufficient horizontal force. A bulge or detent on the bracket resists horizontal movement of the hanger.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained incubation apparatus has a cell container in which a cell culture can grow. The cell container resides on a base along with other components that maintain the environmental conditions inside of the container within a desired range. The self-contained incubation apparatus is portable allowing the conditions within the cell container to be precisely controlled even as it is being moved from one location to another. Further, at least one transparent surface of the cell container enables observation of the cell culture. Thus, the culture can be observed while the environmental conditions within the container are being controlled by components of the incubation apparatus. Since the cells can be observed without breaking the air-tight seal of the container, observation of the cells can be performed as often as is desired without introducing contaminants to the culture or otherwise significantly affecting the growth environment within the container.

Abstract: A massage tool and method for the treatment of trigger points and other soft tissue disorders on the human body is claimed. The tool comprises a plunger slidingly and sealingly disposed within a hollow sleeve. When the sleeve is held against a trigger point or otherwise affected area on the human body and the plunger is withdrawn, a negative or vacuum pressure of variable intensity and duration is created within the sleeve. When the plunger is depressed, the user can apply direct variable momentary pressure on the trigger point or otherwise affected area. Repeated cycles of direct momentary pressure and vacuum pressure help to resolve the soft tissue disorder and alleviate associated pain, which facilitates healing.

Abstract: An improved side rail structure is used to form a portion of a flat bed trailer. The side rail structure is integrally formed as one piece. The side rail structure includes an outer side rail wall which is integrally formed as one piece with a rub rail. A flooring section may also be formed as one piece with the outer side rail wall. The one piece side rail structure may be formed of extruded metal.

Abstract: In a cursor-based computing environment generating a display, a user-definable interface is configured by a user and activated when needed by a user, wherein the user-definable interface comprises a plurality of buttons. Functions of the buttons are selectable by the user according to his preferences. These preferences may be derived from applications or by functions selected exclusively by the user. An application (ZTool) is also described, this application allowing configuration of a display in accordance with predetermined parameters. These parameters may be related to data base access functions or other types of data access, including logistical support.

Abstract: A system and method for producing realistic backgrounds in studio photography is provided. The system comprises a background screen lit from behind by a light source. The background screen comprises a graphic screen upon which a high resolution image is printed. A filter screen behind the graphic screen is positioned substantially parallel to the graphic screen and separated from the graphic screen by a predetermined distance. The photography subject is placed in front of the graphic screen and pictures are taken. The diffusion of light through the filter screen onto the graphic screen results in highly realistic background images.

Abstract: A device for securing a container to a trailer has a base with at least one leg for bolting to the trailer and a twistlock coupled to the base. The twistlock, when actuated, engages an opening in a corner fitting of the container such that the container is securely attached to the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch pin of the present disclosure has a magnet disposed on an end of a shaft for coupling the shaft to an opening in a trailer hitch, the shaft for insertion into the opening to retain the trailer hitch in a receptacle coupled to a vehicle. In addition, the trailer hitch pin has a lever pivotally attached to the shaft for disengaging the magnet and decoupling the shaft from the opening to remove the trailer hitch from the receptacle.

Abstract: A retractable toe tent device is provided to elevate the covers at the foot of the bed so that a person may sleep comfortably without the weight of the covers on their feet, thereby preventing pain or discomfort in their toes, feet, ankles, or knees. The device is comprised of a base and a telescoping support which can be raised while in use, or lowered while not in use.

Abstract: A repeater for regenerating signals communicated along a telecommunication line uses a constellation providing a sufficiently high constellation density to ensure that regenerated signals are spectrally compatible. In one exemplary embodiment, such a repeater is configured to implement a method comprising the steps of: receiving first data signals from a first telecommunication line segment; demodulating the first data signals thereby recovering digital data using a constellation that provides a first constellation density; modulating second data signals with the digital data; transmitting the second data signals across a second telecommunication line segment that is bound within a cable; selecting a second constellation density for use in the modulating step such that the second data signals are spectrally compatible with other signals transmitted across a third telecommunication line segment bound within the cable, wherein the second constellation density is higher than the first constellation density.

Abstract: A network router initially communicates over a primary data path. Upon detection of an error condition associated with the primary data path, the network router initiates a layer 2 switch such that the communication occurring over the primary data path is switched to a backup data path. The layer 2 switch is preferably transparent to a layer 3 portion of the network router.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and controlling a spherical, inflatable antenna includes a driven rotating table disposed in the horizontal plane which supports and drives a horizontal arm member to which is hingedly connected first and second upright support members at either end. The upright support members include journal bearings attachable to the surface of an inflatable antenna.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for reducing data collisions in wireless networks. In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a node of a wireless network monitors traffic from at least one foreign network. The node attempts to identify patterns of communication in the foreign network. Based on an identified pattern, the node schedules a transmission during time period for which it is likely that the foreign network is not attempting a transmission that would otherwise interfere with the node's signal. Accordingly, the probability of a data collision is reduced.

Abstract: A system has a sensing device for detecting a signal and logic that monitors the signal for an event. Further, upon receiving information indicating the event has occurred, the logic is further configured to transmit event data indicative of the event to a controller via a network.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a method to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a system to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided.