Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric foamed compositions, foam padded materials that include such polymeric foamed compositions disposed on a sheet material, and packaging articles (e.g., envelopes) made from such foam padded materials. The polymeric foamed composition on the sheet material has a plurality of foamed structures formed from the foamable composition attached to the sheet material by a layer of the foamable composition, and the plurality foam structures each having a hollow core and a foam exterior shell.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted into sealing elements of a single surgical access device. The sealing elements can be movable along predefined pathways within the device to allow surgical instruments inserted through the sealing elements to be moved laterally, rotationally, angularly, and vertically relative to a central longitudinal axis of the device for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation.

Abstract: Computer software that manages the amount of power provided to a processing unit for a specific process task, optimizing the processing speed of that specific task without overheating the processing unit. In the optimization method, the software initially counts the number of operations completed during an initial subtask duration for the current process task, then recounts the number of operations completed during a repeat subtask duration when the voltage to the processing unit was increased incrementally based on its die size. The software then determines whether to (a) repeat such steps until the operations count stops increasing (and save the completed-operations count of that subtask duration), or (b) whenever the temperature of the processing unit exceeds a failsafe temperature, save the completed-operations count of the immediately preceding subtask duration. The task may be processed continuously at that optimized performance level and power level.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet having at least one door, an ice dispenser operatively connected to one of the at least one door having an opening for dispensing ice, an ice storage receptacle for storing ice disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice crusher, an ice transfer mechanism for moving ice from the ice storage receptacle to the ice crusher, an ice chute for conveying ice from the ice crusher to the ice dispenser, and an intrusion barrier positioned within the ice chute to assist in preventing objects entering the ice chute through the ice dispenser from reaching the ice crusher without stopping ice flow through the ice chute. The ice dispenser may include a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being spaced apart from the second switch, and the ice dispenser adapted to require simultaneous activation of the first switch and the second switch to dispense ice.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet having at least one door, an ice dispenser operatively connected to one of the at least one door having an opening for dispensing ice, an ice storage receptacle for storing ice disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice crusher, an ice transfer mechanism for moving ice from the ice storage receptacle to the ice crusher, an ice chute for conveying ice from the ice crusher to the ice dispenser, and an intrusion barrier positioned within the ice chute to assist in preventing objects entering the ice chute through the ice dispenser from reaching the ice crusher without stopping ice flow through the ice chute. The ice dispenser may include a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being spaced apart from the second switch, and the ice dispenser adapted to require simultaneous activation of the first switch and the second switch to dispense ice.

Abstract: An omni-directional RFID antenna is provided for use with a remote interrogator/reader system used for identifying tagged animals. A pair of antenna coils are arranged in a crossing pattern that results in the creation of an omni or multi-directional electromagnetic field. Additionally, the crossing pattern creates out of phase null zones at quadrants within the crossing pattern of the antennae that reduces interference caused by RF noise generated from the environment. The omni-directional electromagnetic field effectively surrounds each of the null zones thereby allowing an RFID transponder to be successfully interrogated despite the orientation of the transponder as it passes through the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: An omni-directional RFID antenna is provided for use with a remote interrogator/reader system used for identifying tagged animals. A pair of antenna coils are arranged in a crossing pattern that results in the creation of an omni or multi-directional electromagnetic field. Additionally, the crossing pattern creates out of phase null zones at quadrants within the crossing pattern of the antennae that reduces interference caused by RF noise generated from the environment. The omni-directional electromagnetic field effectively surrounds each of the null zones thereby allowing an RFID transponder to be successfully interrogated despite the orientation of the transponder as it passes through the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A portable hearing tester to test the temporary hearing threshold shift of an individual. The portable hearing tester has a bone vibrator coupled to a discrete tone generator which is applied to a person's external skull. The bone vibrator is preferably gripped in the teeth. An alternative embodiment of the present invention uses a bone vibrator on the mastoid or forehead. The discrete tones generated through the bone vibrator can be heard by the person to test their current hearing threshold. Between 2 to 12 tones will be played for the person to hear. If the person cannot hear the selected tones at a specific decibel level which could be heard before, then that indicates a hearing threshold shift. Alternatively, discrete levels at one tone can be presented. The person need only count the number of distinct levels heard when the number of tones is reduced. When that number decreases it indicates a hearing threshold shift.

Abstract: A lightweight small personal appliance items for covering, storing and protecting curling irons. The item includes (6) A Foam rubber outer shell, (9) a layer of insulation, (8) a heat resistant inside lining and (7) an elastic security strap. The curling iron cooler is a single part with the elastic security, strap being an attachment.

Abstract: A connector assembly for commonly connecting a plurality of wires comprises a stamped and formed one-piece electrical connecting device having a plurality of U-shaped members arranged in two parallel rows. The opposed edges of adjacent U-shaped members define wire-receiving slots. The U-shaped members have arms which have openings therein forming beams in each of the arms which are deformed in a controlled manner when wires are inserted into the slots. A housing assembly is also disclosed comprising a housing body and a cover. When the cover is assembled to the housing body, the wires are inserted into the slots and the wires are clamped by the cover and the housing body.