Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for nucleic acid analysis of swab samples without the need for purification.

Abstract: An antiseptic toothbrush cover is designed for safety, ease of manufacture, and increased functionality by providing an exterior receptacle which is easily filled, covered and tenaciously sealed. The exterior receptacle is filled with an outgassing, antiseptic media. A field of throughholes extending substantially throughout the area beneath the receptacle may provide fluid communication from the receptacle to the interior of the holder adjacent a toothbrush head. The interior surfaces of the holder are desirably smooth and unbroken except for the throughholes, in order to minimize bacteria-friendly spaces.

Abstract: A container for sanitizing an article includes a case defining a central void sized to accommodate at least a portion of the article, a receptacle in fluid communication with the central void, and a granular, antiseptic media disposed within the receptacle. The granular, antiseptic media includes at least one out-gassing, antimicrobial agent such as, thyme oil or thymol. The granular, antiseptic media may further include a granular, fragrance blended with the granular, out-gassing, antimicrobial agent in a select ratio to remediate an antiseptic odor of the out-gassing, antimicrobial agent. The article may be a toothbrush or other type of brush, a mouth guard, a comb, a sponge, or other article which may be stored in a damp or wet condition after use.

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus relating to a multi-level layer are disclosed.

Abstract: A static and electronic video display enclosure system, mountable on existing video monitors, or on newly designed monitors, including televisions, high definition plasma and liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, and other similar technologies for video broadcast and electronic graphics display, the system having a plurality of fixed internally illuminated ad panels positioned around the video display screen of the video monitor; a mounting bracket adaptable to the surface upon which the monitor is mounted, allowing mounting of the illuminated ad panel around the video screen for providing displays or messages that are apart from the video material appearing on the video screen; and wherein the electronic display portion of the enclosure is a programmable display utilizing light emitting diode technology or other similar technology to scroll or advertise messages.

Abstract: A method and system for embedding a message in compressed content comprising at least one key frame and at least one non-key frame, the method comprising embedding a message in the at least one key frame. Related methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A method for processing a packet-based scrambled stream, the method including receiving a plurality of scrambled packets in a packet stream, descrambling any of the scrambled packets, and transmitting a modified packet stream including at least one of the descrambled packets and at least one of the scrambled packets. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A coating thickness measuring instrument is provided. The coating thickness measuring instrument has a first mode of operation in which it is operative to make measurements with a first resolution and a second mode of operation in which it is operative to make measurements with a second resolution, the first resolution being greater than the second. The instrument may provide a first short range high resolution mode and a second long range low resolution mode. The first range may be contained in or overlap the second range.

Abstract: A coating thickness measuring instrument is provided. The coating thickness measuring instrument has a first mode of operation in which it is operative to make measurements with a first resolution and a second mode of operation in which it is operative to make measurements with a second resolution, the first resolution being greater than the second. The instrument may provide a first short range high resolution mode and a second long range low resolution mode. The first range may be contained in or overlap the second range.

Abstract: A radio frequency (r.f.) amplifier power control system comprises an r.f. power amplifier for supplying r.f. transmission power to an antenna, a current sensing resistor via which operating current is fed to the power amplifier, a differential amplifier having a first input terminal to which a feed-back voltage derived from the sensing resistor indicative of r.f. transmission power is fed and a second input terminal to which a reference voltage is fed thereby to produce, in the presence of a voltage difference between the feed-back voltage and the reference voltage, a control voltage for the power amplifier, whereby the transmission power is controllable in dependence upon the reference voltage, and a shunt which is fed with current from the sensing resistor. The impedance of the shunt is arranged to vary responsively to the control voltage.