Abstract: A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar, a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar, and wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the length of the moment bar is less than 28 inches is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securely identifying an item are disclosed. The method includes receiving an item, selecting a plastic wrap that is opaque and that includes a random pattern of markings, and wrapping the item with the plastic wrap, which protects the protects the item frons visual inspection with the opaque plastic and that secures the item with a unique fingerprint/code formed from the random pattern of markings.

Abstract: An analytical toilet is disclosed having at least one health and wellness sensor and a base supporting a bowl. A removable access panel is removably attached to the base. A space is provided between the base and the toilet, which is adapted to contain the at least one health and wellness sensor.

Abstract: Keratin protein cosmetic compositions are provided that include at least one keratin protein derived from human hair and a base cosmetic solution. Methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: An electrically conductive membrane pressure switch, such as a graphene membrane pressure switch. The electrically conductive membrane pressure switch includes an electrically conductive membrane, source, drain plane, actuator, and movable element (such as a piston element). The actuator drives the movable element to create a pressure differential that moves the suspended section of the electrically conductive membrane between its on, off, and neutral states.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a motor unit for an overhead door opener. The motor unit comprises a motor and transmission components configured to transmit power from the motor to a shaft of an overhead door opener. The motor unit also includes a case having one or more vertical panels. The case houses the motor and the transmission components. The motor unit also includes guide bearings on an edge of the vertical panels that accommodate a shaft of an overhead door with the case supported by the shaft. The transmission components comprise a shaft-engaging member configured to be secured around the shaft by affixing the shaft-engaging member to the shaft. The transmission components transmit power from the motor to the shaft of the overhead door.

Abstract: A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a moment bar having a modulus of elasticity, the moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar; wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the modulus o

Abstract: The invention is systems and methods of operating a window with an automated window mechanism. The systems and methods include moving with the automated window mechanism a sliding panel of a window relative to a window frame to open or close the window. The sliding panel moves through a proximate closing zone. The method also includes in the proximate closing zone, operating the automated window mechanism in a limited state comprising at least one of reduced velocity, reduced current to the automated window mechanism, or reduced voltage to the automated window mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for obtaining health and wellness information about individuals and systems for implementing the method. In one embodiment, a method for obtaining health and wellness information about an individual comprising providing an analytical toilet comprising a bowl adapted to receive excreta from the individual and a sensor for measuring at least one characteristic of the individual or the excreta; a controller receiving data from the sensor and using that data to determine what additional information is needed to evaluate that data; the controller sending a prompt to the individual to solicit the additional information from the individual; the processor receiving the information from the device; and processing the data from the sensor and from the device to determine the health and wellness information is disclosed.

Abstract: An analytical toilet comprising a bowl adapted to receive excreta; a channel in fluid communication with the bowl for extracting a sample of excreta from the bowl; an imaging section in the channel, comprising a transparent window; and a movable wall capable of moving between a first and a second position; wherein the channel is open when the movable wall is in a first position; and wherein the channel is nearly closed when the movable wall is in a second position; a first actuator adapted to move the movable wall between its first and second position; an imaging sensor positioned to image the contents of the channel at the point of the movable wall through the transparent window is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a universal platform for at-home health testing and diagnostics are provided herein. In particular, a health testing and diagnostic platform is provided to connect medical providers with patients and to generate a unique, private testing environment. In some embodiments, the testing environment may facilitate administration of a medical test to a patient with the guidance of a proctor. In some embodiments, the patient may be provided with step-by-step instructions for test administration by the proctor within a testing environment. The platform may display unique, dynamic testing interfaces to the patient and proctor to ensure proper testing protocols and accurate test result verification.

Abstract: A wireless sensor alert system capable of detecting an abnormal condition, such as one of smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, temperature deviation, humidity, air quality, and radon levels. The system provides remote notifications and status information regarding the monitored information in the environment of a detector. The alert system additionally communicates over communications networks to provide user and authorized third party interactivity, as well as real-time sensor network data based upon customizable triggering events and conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus and methods for stimulating L cells in the intestinal tract to produce incretins for the treatment of conditions including diabetes and obesity. Many embodiments provide a method and apparatus for the treatment of diabetes by electrically stimulating L-cells to secrete incretins to stimulate or otherwise modulate the production of insulin. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable capsule for stimulating L-cells in the intestinal tract as the capsule moves through the tract. The capsule can include two or more electrodes for providing electrical stimulation to L-cells, a power source for powering one or more components of the capsule, a sensor for sensing the location of the capsule in the intestinal tract; a controller and a waveform generator for generating the electrical signals emitted by the electrodes to stimulate the L-cells to secrete incretins such as GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production for glucose regulation of diabetic conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing a virtual environment are provided. Various data are used, including images that depict different room layouts and styles, physical measurements and limitations of objects depicted in the images (e.g., dimension information, attributes purchase information, etc.), and object placement rules to assist with object placement in a virtual environment. The data may be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI), and in response to selection of an object and/or room layout, the GUI may be populated with a virtual environment displayed in a design window of the GUI with objects placed in the virtual environment. The objects may be visually organized based on object placement rules and/or inspirational design elements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing an average particle size of blackwater solids is disclosed. A vessel is configured to receive a blackwater stream through a one-way inlet. The one-way inlet is configured to allow the blackwater stream into the vessel and prevent backflow. The blackwater stream contains blackwater solids and water. A device in a bottom portion of the vessel is configured to receive the blackwater and comminute the blackwater solids. A recirculating pump is configured to recirculate the blackwater stream under pressure through the device until the average particle size of the blackwater solids is reduced below a size threshold, resulting in a sized blackwater stream.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for emphasizing a portion of audio data. In some implementations, a method may include determining that a first person is wearing a hearing aid, determining, from images captured by a camera, that a second person is speaking to the first person, determining an audio stream for an environment in which the first person is located, determining whether more than one sound stream is encoded in the audio stream, based on determining that more than one sound stream is encoded in audio data, identifying a portion of captured sounds that corresponds to the second person speaking to the first person, and providing, to the hearing aid, audio data that increases a volume of the portion of captured sounds relative to other portions of the captured sounds.

Abstract: A system for recoating a powder bed includes a build platform holding a powder bed and an electrode assembly including an electrode and an insulating shield. A voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current and communicates with the powder bed and the electrode. The electrode assembly is positionable over the powder bed, such that when the electrode assembly is over the powder bed, the shield is between the electrode and the powder bed's top surface. The voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and the powder bed that causes the powder of the powder bed top surface to oscillate in a region between the shield and the bed and then reposition themselves on the bed such that the top layer of the powder bed is smoother than it was prior to when the powder particles began oscillating.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating self-administered medical diagnostic tests and receiving treatment based on the results of such tests. In some examples, a user may take a medical diagnostic test under the supervision of a proctor over a video conference connection. The proctor or the system can verify the results of the test. The system can enable treatment based on the results of the test by, for example, facilitating the generation, fulfillment, and delivery of medication.