Abstract: A storage solution that provides substantial advantages over existing storage solutions. The storage solution can include a latch system, a rack system or a display system, any one or more of which can be included with a utility box.

Abstract: A hair iron includes two longitudinally extending arms each having a ceramic heater. Users place hair between the heaters during use. A controller coordinates timing and voltage conditions to heat the heaters to avoid light flicker and power harmonics. Thermistors provide current heater temperatures of the heaters and a controller calculates a desired heating power. The heating power includes application to the heaters of various half-cycles of AC power from an external AC line voltage.

Abstract: A hair iron includes two longitudinally extending arms each having a ceramic heater. Users place hair between the heaters during use. A controller coordinates heating conditions of the heaters. If a line voltage supplied to the hair iron is a high voltage, the controller is configured to alternate heating between the heaters whereby only heating of one heater occurs at one time. To reduce flicker and harmonics, the controller supplies heating current so that one heater remains off for consecutive half-cycles of alternating current while the other heater is powered on variously. The controller then switches the heating. The hair iron further includes a line voltage detector to detect whether a line voltage supplied through a cord to the hair iron is either low voltage or high voltage. During such time, the controller limits heating power to the two heaters.

Abstract: A sorter processes trading cards in an affordable, accurate, and easy-to-use manner. The sorter includes an input and output bin. A transport path moves cards between the bins and has two scan bars, one above and one below the path. The scan bars capture an image of a top and bottom surface of ones of the cards. A controller coordinates movement of the cards along the path and receives the image for processing. Users interact with the controller by way of an interface to influence the processing. The sorter also includes a coil to detect metal foil on the cards. Other embodiments are envisioned.

Abstract: A sorter processes trading cards in an affordable, accurate, and easy-to-use manner. The sorter includes an input and output bin. A transport path moves cards between the bins and has two scan bars, one above and one below the path. The scan bars capture an image of a top and bottom surface of ones of the cards. A controller coordinates movement of the cards along the path and receives the image for processing. Users interact with the controller by way of an interface to influence the processing. The sorter also includes a coil to detect metal foil on the cards. Other embodiments are envisioned.

Abstract: A sorter processes trading cards in an affordable, accurate, and easy-to-use manner. The sorter includes an input and output bin. A transport path moves cards between the bins and has two scan bars, one above and one below the path. The scan bars capture an image of a top and bottom surface of ones of the cards. A controller coordinates movement of the cards along the path and receives the image for processing. Users interact with the controller by way of an interface to influence the processing. The sorter also includes a coil to detect metal foil on the cards. Other embodiments are envisioned.

Abstract: A system and method are presented using computer code running on multiple devices and server environments preforming bilateral and multilateral network communication enabling the entire process to request reimbursement and issue payment for wage loss and household services including visit verification. Client device applications interact with server API's using persistent storage to allow authenticated account creation in a collaborative environment. Users generate reimbursement requests. Integrated I/O modules collaborate with employers, service providers, and reimbursing entities to process reimbursements and update them through the entire life cycle, which can occur in real-time. Provider visit verification is achieved by combining unique provider identification with time and date information. Reimbursement requests are analyzed and submitted using a digital or physical method based on a plurality of criteria specified by the user and collected metadata.

Abstract: Provided herein are antimicrobial compositions comprising derivatives of lauric acid, and methods for preparing and using such compositions. As a non-limiting example, a process for preparing an antimicrobial composition may comprise: (1) a saponification step wherein a high-lauric vegetable oil is contacted with a strong base, thereby providing a high-laurate soap component; (2) a lipolysis step wherein a high-lauric vegetable oil is contacted with a lipase, thereby providing a lipolyzed oil composition comprising glycerol monolaurate; and (3) a combination step wherein the soap composition is combined with the lipolyzed oil composition, thereby providing the antimicrobial foaming soap composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are antimicrobial compositions comprising derivatives of lauric acid, and methods for preparing and using such compositions. As a non-limiting example, a process for preparing an antimicrobial composition may comprise: (1) a saponification step wherein a high-lauric vegetable oil is contacted with a strong base, thereby providing a high-laurate soap component; (2) a lipolysis step wherein a high-lauric vegetable oil is contacted with a lipase, thereby providing a lipolyzed oil composition comprising glycerol monolaurate; and (3) a combination step wherein the soap composition is combined with the lipolyzed oil composition, thereby providing the antimicrobial foaming soap composition.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are presented to allow the entry, storage, tracking, adjudication, and processing of medical mileage reimbursements through a self-service interactive platform. The invention allows individuals, transportation companies, reimbursing entities, and other users to create, edit and monitor one or more medical mileage reimbursements through the claims process. User medical mileage and related transportation data is entered into a personal computing device and server environment through either direct input, upload, transfer, or abstraction from an external system or device. The invention processes and transforms information via a plurality of synchronous and asynchronous digital and physical interactions to produce actionable data entries for processing and transformation into physical or digital output.

Abstract: A system for delivering desired magnitudes of AC power to a load. A three-cycle power mode includes a 1st and 3rd cycle in which either no AC power, or full power, is delivered to the load, and a 2nd cycle in which an AC switch is triggered at a desired phase angle to deliver the desired increments of AC power during the 2nd cycle. AC power is delivered in each cycle in a manner to provide a net zero DC offset in the AC current delivered to the load. A two-cycle mode can be achieved by using the 1st and 2nd cycle, or by using the 2nd and 3rd cycles to optimize power delivery performance. A multi-cycle power delivery system can employ both the three-cycle and the two-cycle modes together to minimize the harmonic content during delivery of various power levels.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and devices for a control system to regulate the output voltage of a high voltage power supply (HVPS) in an image forming device. In one embodiment, the HVPS comprises at least two voltage sources connected in series. A print engine controller is configured to disable at least one of the voltage sources when a voltage draw of a load exceeds a maximum differential voltage of the at least two voltage sources.

Abstract: A technique for identifying reply mailer computer program viruses detects whether a reply message is generated in less than a threshold reply time and whether or not the reply message includes an attachment. The generation of a reply message in less than a threshold reply time and including an attachment is deemed indicative of an infected reply message and accordingly that message will be quarantined, deleted, disinfected or the like. The mail server using the present technique maintains a temporary log of email messages sent indicating the sender, the recipient, and the time of sending. This log is used to identify replies and determine whether or not those replies have been received in less than the reply threshold time.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, compositions and methods suitable for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia based on phosphate-binding magnesium salts. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods suitable for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia based on the combination of phosphate-binding magnesium and calcium salts.

Abstract: A system for delivering desired magnitudes of AC power to a load. A three-cycle power mode includes a 1st and 3rd cycle in which either no AC power, or full power, is delivered to the load, and a 2nd cycle in which an AC switch is triggered at a desired phase angle to deliver the desired increments of AC power during the 2nd cycle. AC power is delivered in each cycle in a manner to provide a net zero DC offset in the AC current delivered to the load. A two-cycle mode can be achieved by using the 1st and 2nd cycle, or by using the 2nd and 3rd cycles to optimize power delivery performance. A multi-cycle power delivery system can employ both the three-cycle and the two-cycle modes together to minimize the harmonic content during delivery of various power levels.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods and devices for a control system to regulate the output voltage of a high voltage power supply (HVPS) in an image forming device. In one embodiment, the HVPS comprises at least two voltage sources connected in series. A print engine controller is configured to disable at least one of the voltage sources when a voltage draw of a load exceeds a maximum differential voltage of the at least two voltage sources.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a launch monitor system that measures flight characteristics of an object moving in a predetermined field-of-view. The system includes a support structure, a lighting unit, a camera unit disposed on the support structure, and a calibration assembly. The calibration assembly includes a calibration fixture and at least one telescoping member. A first end of the telescoping member is coupled to the support structure and a second end is contactable with or coupled to the fixture. In an extended position of the telescoping member, the calibration fixture is in the field-of-view of the camera unit. In a retracted position, the calibration fixture out of the field-of-view. The calibration fixture further includes contrasting markings. In another embodiment, the system includes a frame and the launch monitor is pivotally suspended from the frame so that it self-levels. The present invention further includes a method of calibrating a launch monitor having a calibration fixture.

Abstract: A launch monitor system including a support structure, a first light-reflecting element disposed on this support structure, a lighting unit and an camera unit. A computer receives signals generated by light patterns received by the camera unit and computes a variety of flight characteristics for the object. The system may be moved back and forth to vary the field-of-view of the camera unit. The system also computes and displays object trajectories from the computed flight characteristics which account for the characteristics of the object and the atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A launch monitor system including a support structure, a first light-reflecting element disposed on this support structure, a lighting unit and an camera unit. A computer receives signals generated by light patterns received by the camera unit and computes a variety of flight characteristics for the object. The system may be moved back and forth to vary the field-of-view of the camera unit. The system also computes and displays object trajectories from the computed flight characteristics which account for the characteristics of the object and the atmospheric conditions.