Abstract: A communicator facilitates communications with a remote server via a wireless network supporting a plurality of disparate data transport mechanisms having differing characteristics. A processor coupled to memory is disposed in a communicator housing, which is configured for portability. The memory stores wireless radio firmware and data transfer instructions that are executable by the processor for transferring data to the remote server in accordance with a priority level. The priority level is based in part on criticality of the data and the communicator status. A radio disposed in the housing effects communications via the wireless network in accordance with the firmware. A power source in the housing supplies power for communicator components. The processor executes program instructions for selecting a data transport mechanism among the plurality transport mechanisms based on the priority level, and transmits the data via the wireless network via the radio using the selected transport mechanism.

Abstract: A locking adjustable cheek rest comprising an upper U-shaped portion and a lower portion located on the stock of a rifle or other firearm. The U-shaped portion is biased against the lower portion, such that the walls of the U-shaped upper portion press against the lower portion, thereby locking the upper portion in position. A first release and a second release are depressed to release the bias and enable the upper portion to be raised and lowered relative to the lower portion. Interlocking mechanisms located on the upper and lower portions facilitate locking of the cheek rest in a position determined by the user.

Abstract: A communicator facilitates communications with a remote server via a wireless network supporting a plurality of disparate data transport mechanisms having differing characteristics. A processor coupled to memory is disposed in a communicator housing, which is configured for portability. The memory stores wireless radio firmware and data transfer instructions that are executable by the processor for transferring data to the remote server in accordance with a priority level. The priority level is based in part on criticality of the data and the communicator status. A radio disposed in the housing effects communications via the wireless network in accordance with the firmware. A power source in the housing supplies power for communicator components. The processor executes program instructions for selecting a data transport mechanism among the plurality transport mechanisms based on the priority level, and transmits the data via the wireless network via the radio using the selected transport mechanism.

Abstract: Current approaches to paperless books use single screen laptop computers or electronic paper display (EPD)-based book readers. Laptop computers consume too much power and cannot be used for extended periods of time, such as an entire school day, without recharging its battery. EPD devices are limited in functionality due to their slow refresh rate and grey-scale only images. An embodiment of the present invention integrates bi-stable display technology and refresh display technology into a single device and manages the use of these technologies to achieve power savings while providing a rich set of display functionalities to support user interaction with content in a synergistic manner. The power savings functionality enables the device to have a battery operating life between charges of many hours of operation, such as eight hours or more, while the display functionality enables users to access, display, and interact with content in ways users have become accustomed and in ways not before possible.

Abstract: Bi-stable display technology and refresh display technology are integrated into a single device, which manages the use of these technologies to achieve power savings while providing a rich set of display functionalities that support interaction with content in a synergistic manner. Power saving functionality facilitates conservation of battery operating life, and flexible display functionalities enable access, display, and interaction with content in various ways.

Abstract: A locking adjustable cheek rest comprising an upper U-shaped portion and a lower portion located on the stock of a rifle or other firearm. The U-shaped portion is biased against the lower portion, such that the walls of the U-shaped upper portion press against the lower portion, thereby locking the upper portion in position. A first release and a second release are depressed to release the bias and enable the upper portion to be raised and lowered relative to the lower portion. Interlocking mechanisms located on the upper and lower portions facilitate locking of the cheek rest in a position determined by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for managing alert notifications in an automated patient management system is presented. One or more settings specifying patient data collection periodicity are defined. One or more patient data sources operating on a remotely managed patient and selected from at least one of a physiological sensor and a therapy delivery device are also defined. One or more triggers associated with a condition occurring in relation to at least one such patient data evaluateable subsequent to collection are defined. Finally, a notification scheme executable upon detection of at least one such trigger is determined to provide an external indicator of the condition occurrence.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a heat sink coupled to an axle housing assembly for ejecting heat from the axle assembly. The heat sink includes an air channel having a body coupled to the carrier housing assembly such that heat is conducted from the carrier housing assembly to the body of the air channel and an air passage formed in the body and having an open leading end and an open trailing end, the leading end being positioned relative to the carrier housing assembly to permit air flowing over the axle assembly when the axle assembly is in use to be received into the air passage such that heat is conducted from the body to the air flowing through the air passage, and the trailing end being positioned relative to the carrier housing assembly to permit air received in the air passage to be expelled through the trailing end.

Abstract: A system and method for managing locally-initiated medical device interrogation is presented. An interface is provided over which to retrieve patient data recorded and transiently staged by a medical device monitoring physiological measures of a patient. The patient data is periodically retrieved by interfacing to and interrogating the medical device per a pre-defined schedule through the interface. Further retrieval of the patient data is permitted independent of the pre-defined schedule. The system stores remotely-specifiable criteria specified by a caregiver and controls patient-initiated patient data retrieval in accordance with the criteria.

Abstract: A communicator facilitates communications with a remote server via a wireless network supporting a plurality of disparate data transport mechanisms having differing characteristics. A processor coupled to memory is disposed in a communicator housing, which is configured for portability. The memory stores wireless radio firmware and data transfer instructions that are executable by the processor for transferring data to the remote server in accordance with a priority level. The priority level is based in part on criticality of the data and the communicator status. A radio disposed in the housing effects communications via the wireless network in accordance with the firmware. A power source in the housing supplies power for communicator components. The processor executes program instructions for selecting a data transport mechanism among the plurality transport mechanisms based on the priority level, and transmits the data via the wireless network via the radio using the selected transport mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a quote for an insulated panel structure. The system comprises a user terminal device in communication with one or more computing devices. The user terminal device includes a sketch facility that enables a user to interactively develop a sketch of a design of said insulated panel structure on a display of the user terminal device. An optimizing program and an auto-design program run on the computing devices and provide an optimization of the design and an engineering drawing of the design to the user terminal device for incorporation into the quote.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motorcycle having a plurality of drive wheels. The axle assembly is configured to permit a user to replace an endless power-transmitting element without substantially disassembling the axle housing assembly.

Abstract: A communicator facilitates communications with a remote server via a wireless network supporting a plurality of disparate data transport mechanisms having differing characteristics. A processor coupled to memory is disposed in a communicator housing, which is configured for portability. The memory stores wireless radio firmware and data transfer instructions that are executable by the processor for transferring data to the remote server in accordance with a priority level. The priority level is based in part on criticality of the data and the communicator status. A radio disposed in the housing effects communications via the wireless network in accordance with the firmware. A power source in the housing supplies power for communicator components. The processor executes program instructions for selecting a data transport mechanism among the plurality transport mechanisms based on the priority level, and transmits the data via the wireless network via the radio using the selected transport mechanism.

Abstract: Compositions comprise an alternating plurality of ordered layers of a first composition MX and a second composition TX2, wherein M is one of Sn, Pb, Sb, Bi, or a rare earth metal, X is S or Se and T is Ti, V, Cr, Nb, or Ta. In some examples, the alternating plurality of ordered layers conforms to a substrate. In typical examples, each of the ordered layers of the first composition has a common thickness and/or each of the ordered layers of the first material has a common composition. In some examples, each of the ordered layers of the second composition has a common thickness and/or a common composition.

Abstract: A patient communicator for communicating with a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) and facilitating communications with a remote server via a wireless network. The communicator has a housing configured for portability, and an identity module to store subscriber identification data. A processor is coupled to the identity module and is configured to prevent data exchange with the PIMD unless the identity module is authorized for use. Memory coupled to the processor stores wireless radio firmware and medical firmware. A first radio is configured to effect communications with the PIMD in accordance with execution of the medical firmware by the processor. A second radio is configured to effect communications via a channel of the wireless network with a remote server in accordance with execution of the wireless radio firmware by the processor. The processor is generally configured to use subscriber identification data to facilitate authentication by and of the remote server.

Abstract: An exemplary component torquing method includes applying torque to a component during an evaluation pass and collecting data during the evaluation pass. The method uses the data to customize a torque procedure for the component that will help ensure the component has a desired clamp load after the torque procedure. The method then torques the component according to the torque procedure.

Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic cell module uses a cell press having a table and a plate that is spaced from and moveable relative to the table. The method includes supporting the cell with the plate between the plate and the table. A substrate and a tie layer disposed on the substrate are introduced between the cell and the table with the substrate supported by the table and with the tie layer facing the cell. One of the cell and the table are moved toward the other until the cell contacts the tie layer. A vacuum is applied between the cell and the tie layer to evacuate the space between the cell and the tie layer as the cell contacts the tie layer. This evacuation eliminates the possibility of air bubbles being formed between the cell and the tie layer as the cell contacts the tie layer.

Abstract: Layered materials are provided that have surprisingly low thermal conductivities. A plurality of layers of a selected material such as, for example, tungsten diselenide, is formed by a modulated elemental reactants method to produce a low thermal conductivity material. The layers are generally stacked but substantially randomly arranged as stacked.

Abstract: A portable patient communicator (PPC) includes a portable housing supporting a processor, memory for storing medical and wireless radio firmware, first and second radios, a processor, an identity module, and a power source. The PPC and a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) communicate via the first radio in accordance with the medical firmware. The PPC communicates with a wireless network via the second radio in accordance with the wireless radio firmware. Data stored in the identity module is used to authenticate the PPC by the remote server prior to permitting PPC access to the remote server, and may also be used to authenticate the remote server by the PPC prior to permitting access to the PPC or the PIMD by the remote server or other device communicatively coupled to the wireless network, after which PIMD and other medical data is exchanged between the PPC and remote server.