Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for reducing power consumption in communication networks. In one exemplary embodiment, a system includes a leader node in communication with a plurality of follower nodes. The leader node causes the leader and follower nodes to transition from an awake mode to a sleep mode where they consume less power. An exemplary embodiment of a method includes the steps of configuring nodes in a communication network as follower nodes and configuring a node in the communication network as a leader node. The leader node is configured to cause the leader and follower nodes to alternate between an awake mode and a sleep mode. The leader and follower nodes consume less power when in the sleep mode than when in the awake mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for controlling sensor networks. A sensor network has a plurality of sensor nodes, which have sensors for monitoring operational parameters of devices within an application-specific system. A wireless communication module is provided for each node to enable the node to wirelessly communicate with other nodes of the network. A user defines various scripts for controlling the behavior of one or more nodes, and the network distributes the scripts, as appropriate, to various nodes thereby implementing the behavior defined by the scripts. Accordingly, a user can easily and dynamically configure or re-configure the behavior of any node without having to physically access the node that is being configured or re-configured.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a bola comprises a hollow outer cylinder slidably housing a hollow inner cylinder. The inner cylinder includes one closed end and houses a payload consisting of a bola consisting of three weights connected by cords, and spacers interposed between said weights.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to automatic wiring systems and methods for generating wiring layouts for integrated circuits. In one exemplary embodiment, a wiring router ensures that the wiring for multiple device segments is matched. That is, the wiring router defines the wiring paths such that the same or substantially similar localized metal patterns exist around each of the device segments. Thus, when an integrated circuit (IC) chip is manufactured according to the wiring layout, the IC chip should be less susceptible to the effects of process variations.

Abstract: The present invention is a message traffic interception system including a computer-readable medium, a protocol independent execution manager module stored on the medium, the execution manager module having one or more scenario modules which can process an array of predetermined rules for intercepted message traffic, and an interface communication emulator module communicatively coupling protocol-specific message traffic to the execution manager.

Abstract: An integrated cross-member mount comprises an inter-frame mount seated within opposing longitudinal channels of parallel adjacent truck frame members and comprises a top surface within each lateral portion of which is defined a longitudinally-oriented row of spaced-apart, shaped apertures, and at least two substantially vertical flanges extending downward from the lateral periphery of the top surface that are dimensioned to be conforming to the inner surfaces of truck frame members. Also included is a sliding pedestal having lateral skids seated upon respective portions of rows of spaced-apart apertures and extending into vertical gaps between the top surface of the mount and the truck frame member. Each skid includes a plurality of spaced-apart, shaped skid apertures that can align with a corresponding plurality of shaped apertures within the top surface of the mount.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for an adjustable fifth wheel hitch is suitable for mounting to a slide rail assembly, which itself is mounted to parallel longitudinal truck frame members, where the slide rails have a generally t-shaped cross-section. The slide rail is comprised of a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, the vertical portion including a plurality of spaced-apart gaps. The bracket assembly comprises a bracket body with longitudinal disposed front and rear ends, with respect to the truck body, a longitudinal channel defined in the underside that extends from front and rear openings defined in the respective surfaces of the front and rear ends with a generally t-shaped cross-section to slidably receive said slide rail. The bracket body also has two spaced-apart transverse channels defined in the underside, perpendicular to the longitudinal channel. The transverse channels align with two of the space-apart gaps as the bracket body is slid along the slide rail.

Abstract: A removable locking mechanism for a fifth wheel hitch is provided which includes a mounting plate removably attachable within a fifth wheel chassis formed to support a fifth wheel hitch plate that has an aperture in the load surface thereof. The mounting plate is formed with a u-shaped throat dimensioned to receive a trailer kingpin and a top surface configured to be co-planar with the fifth wheel hitch plate load surface when seated within the chassis. A locking mechanism for retaining the kingpin against said closed end of the throat is mounted to the underside of the mounting plate and includes a cam arm; and a bumper arm pivotally attached to the cam arm configured to engage a bumper stop formed in the mounting plate underside; a sliding jaw member slidably mounted to the cam arm; and a secondary lock member for preventing unintended disengagement of the lock mechanism.

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: 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.