Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an osteogenetic-orthodontic appliance, device, system, and method optimizes craniofacial homeostasis by means of a 3-D axial spring that influences the patient's genome and thereby addresses problems existing primarily within the mid-facial region, as well as the other contiguous regions. Growth and development of the craniofacial structures can be influenced by foundational (skeleto-dental) correction in concert with functional (myo-spatial) correction, according to the genome of a particular patient by means of the method and systems of the present invention.

Abstract: To better position an ultrasonic transducer typically used in non-invasive fetal monitoring during labor, the present invention consists of a transducer-aligning device having a plurality of selectively fillable chambers, each chamber having a resiliently deformable side-wall. A fluid, such as air, can be selectively pumped or released into any combination of the chambers. When coupled to an ultrasonic transducer, the selective use of air pressure in the bladder more precisely aligns and positions the fetal monitor transducer to improve imaging. In a second embodiment, the present invention includes a solid wedge-shaped protrusion extending below the bottom surface of the housing and adapted to rotate about 360-degrees to enable a care-giver to selectively position the wedge and thus align the associated transducer for optimal readings of fetal heart rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household heat recovery device and more specifically to a wastewater heat recovery unit, which absorbs residual heat from the water flowing onto the floor and down the drain of an ordinary household shower or bathtub unit. In one embodiment, the heat recovery device adapts for ease-of-use and enables quick set-up in most existing and typical showers or bathtubs without any tools and without coupling to the existing plumbing. Internal passages direct the effluent shower water through a serpentine path to a discharge drain. Over time, the heat transferred from the water to the device then radiates into the environment—thus reducing the total energy cost for a household by reducing the thermal load on the main heating unit for the household.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is an encoder for commissioning RFID transponders and includes a housing encasing a motor assembly, wireless communication means for transferring instructions and data from and to a remote host, on-board memory, a processor, and an antenna with corresponding mechanism to encode and verify a programmable RFID transponder within a protective enclosure. The present invention further includes novel methods for commissioning RFID transponders, as well as methods for recycling and reusing various components including the protective enclosure and RFID transponders.

Abstract: A compact palletizer combines a plate apron and an apron conveyor as a layer build area positionable both vertically and horizontally to implement receipt and organization of items as layers and to stack item layers on a pallet. A puller bar serves to pull item rows into layers in a layer building operation and to act as a backstop in delivering an item layer onto a stack of items. An apron serves to also deliver empty pallets to a stack build area.

Abstract: In an item-handling device, a layer head includes an item layer building platform defining an item receiving plane, the layer building platform being vertically positionable. A puller bar mounts to the layer head and moves in relation thereto within a plane above the item-receiving plane. The puller bar is positionable between a retracted position above the layer building platform and an extended position offset from the layer building platform.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an improvement to a traditional cord-lock device. The combination cord-lock and light device of the present invention consists of a housing having a plunger and locking device including a biasing member and further adapted to encapsulate a light-emitting diode circuit assembly. The circuit assembly includes a switch mechanism coupling to an activator button located on the exterior of the cord-lock housing. The switch mechanism enables the LED to operate in a steady state, off, or in a pulsating mode. The housing is further adapted to direct the LED light exterior to the device.

Abstract: An integrated, hand-held device combining optical bar-code reading means with RFID-transponder commissioning means includes an on-board processing means, such as a portable-data-terminal that releasably couples to the device and wireless communicates with a host or network computer and seamlessly integrates data communication to and from the optical reader means and the commissioning means. A rechargeable battery pack provides power to each component and a single trigger mechanism enables multi-modal operation based on sensed conditions. Blank or pre-encoded RFID-transponders are supplied by a replaceable cartridge.

Abstract: A wall-hanging-aid device comprises four retractable tape measures encased in a housing and at least one template for aligning a hanging position or hooking position of an object on a vertical surface, such as a picture on a wall. In one embodiment a first vertical tape measure extends from the bottom of the housing and includes a measurement scale and a lip for securing the tape to an item being measured. Opposite this vertical tape measure, a single aligning fin or template extends from the housing and includes a marking-hole guide for aligning the desired hooking position on the wall. The two other tape measures extend in opposite directions generally perpendicular to the vertical tape measure.