Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for smart recurrent orders are presented. An inventory indicator corresponding to an inventory level of a first item may be received. An order schedule for the first item may be identified. An adjustment to the order schedule based on the inventory indicator may be determined. The adjustment to the order schedule for the first item may be facilitated.

Abstract: A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.

Abstract: A computer mouse for use with a computer, including: a base with a lower surface configured for sliding across a work surface and having at least one portion forming part of a base contact plane; an upper body extending from the base; a contact sensor; an optical movement sensor system capable of detecting mouse movement relative to the work surface, a communication system, for communicating computer-readable movement and/or position data signals from the device to a computer, wherein the mouse is configured to operate in a first mode when orientated in a first orientation, and a second mode when orientated in a second orientation when the base contact plane is inclined with respect to the first orientation, and wherein the optical movement sensor system is configured to capture an image of the work surface in both the first and second modes to determine device movement in both modes.

Abstract: A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.

Abstract: There is provided a seal configuration for use in connection with vacuum systems. The seal configuration finds particular use in vacuum waste flush systems, such as those used in passenger transport vehicles that have on-board lavatories with vacuum toilet systems. The seal configuration generally provides an offset configuration, which can result in a larger seal on the vacuum side. This can slightly delay the opening of the waste side seal with respect to the vacuum side seal of the system, proving an improved vacuum environment. This can also give the flow of waste a more direct transition across a vacuum plate as it flows through a flush valve.

Abstract: A portable instrument or apparatus includes a portable device and a rangefinder module. The rangefinder module can be attached to the portable device, which may be any suitable smartphone, tablet or other consumer electronics device having a camera. By suitable alignment of the rangefinder and camera, the device is capable of capturing accurate data over significant ranges, including for example an image of a target together with position information concerning the target. A folded optical arrangement reduces the volume and thickness of the rangefinder module.

Abstract: Systems for analyzing fluids (e.g., gases) include a chamber structure with a reflective inner surface, emitters, a primary detector positioned to principally detect electromagnetic energy reflected numerous times through the gas(es) and a calibration detector positioned to detect electromagnetic energy not reflected numerous times through the gas(es). Calibration may be automatically performed. The primary detector relies principally on Raleigh scattering. An optional primary detector may be positioned to principally detect Raman scattered electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.

Abstract: Sampling device geometry reduces specular reflectance, using lenses to focus electromagnetic energy to predominately return scattered rather than reflected electromagnetic energy to detector(s), reducing effect of non-matte surfaces and/or window. Sampling device includes inherent automatic optical calibration, and optionally thermal calibration. Calibration detectors are optically isolated with respective emitters.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further specific embodiments relate to a quick release rinse valve, a quick release flush valve, an integrated rinse ring, a replaceable toilet bowl, an integrated anti-siphon/rinse valve, and improved flush valve performance.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to quick release toilet concepts, which can be useful particularly on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Further embodiments relate to improved shroud components for toilets that help reduce splash. Further embodiments also relate to flushing systems for use with vacuum toilets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to multi-port orbital valves for use in controlling the direction of fluids and mixed media, and find particular use in connection with toilet systems, such as vacuum toilet systems.

Abstract: A device for reducing pain having an elongated shaft for grasping with a hand. The elongated shaft has a blunt end member. The blunt end member is shaped to allow a practitioner to apply force from the blunt end member onto a target tissue before using a syringe and needle to inject a fluid (e.g. anesthesia) into the tissue. There is a bore (hole) in the blunt end member, through which the needle is passed and subsequently, pushed into the tissue for injection of the fluid.

Abstract: A storage device and system for storing whole, divisible tablets and the divided portions of those divisible tablets.

Abstract: In a system and method for searching, browsing, and visualizing items, a first image containing an item is received to be stored in an account associated with a user. The first image is processed using a processor to extract an image of the item from the first image. The image of the item is layered over a stream of video frames received from the client device to form a superimposed image. The superimposed image is caused to be displayed on the client device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a combination trash collection and compaction trolley that has a main front door with a trash door that provides access to an interior of the trolley so that trash can be front-loaded into the trash door, as well as an open top portion, which allows trash to be top-loaded into the open top portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for attenuating gene expression in a cell using gene-targeted double stranded RNA (dsRNA). The dsRNA contains a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under physiologic conditions of the cell to the nucleotide sequence of at least a portion of the gene to be inhibited (the “target” gene).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the performance of a process, especially where the process is performed at several different locations. In one embodiment, one or more experts produce a decision tree for use in determining a recommended sequence of steps for the process. A computer network, such as the World Wide Web, is used to convey a request to a computer that has access to the decision tree for a recommended sequence of steps. The request includes any information that is needed by the decision tree to determine the recommended sequence of steps. In response to the request, the computer uses the information in the request and the decision tree to produce the recommended sequence of steps. The recommended sequence of steps is then directed over the network to the user.

Abstract: An optical system includes a front end (1), a rear end image relay (2), an image transfer means (5) adapted to image the aperture stop of the rear end image relay (2) to a position where it forms the entrance pupil of the optical imaging system, and aberration correcting means (6, 7), including a lens (7) having an aspheric surface (7A) at or adjacent the aperture stop of the rear end image relay (2) and a meniscus lens (6A) to correct for both primary and higher order spherical aberration, the aspheric surface (7A) being sufficiently aspherical that chromatic error introduced by lens (7) cancels at least a major part of chromatic error introduced by the meniscus lens (6). The aberration correcting means may further include a multiple component lens (6C) to also cancel chromatic error. The front and rear ends may include one or more mirrors in different configurations.

Abstract: An optical imaging system (100) has a Cassegrain-like front end (1) with a substantially spherical concave primary mirror (3) and a substantially spherical convex secondary mirror (4), a Cassegrain-like rear end (2) with a substantially spherical concave primary mirror (7) and a substantially spherical convex secondary mirror 8, and a field lens system (5) to image the aperture stop of the rear end to a position where it forms the entrance pupil of the optical imaging system (100). An aberration corrector (6) may be provided to correct selected aberrations.