Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cutting a material, especially with low material speed and high cutting torque. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a hand-held device for quietly cutting through an orthopedic cast with little or no generation of debris. In yet other embodiments, there is a method for automatically advancing material past a shearing surface, such that the shearing action occurs at about the same velocity as the advancement. In yet other embodiments, there is a device for cutting material between a foot and a sharp edge, with the bottom of the foot being under the sharp edge to protect the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A base station for controlling transmission power during the establishment of a communication channel utilizes the reception of a short code during initial power ramp-up. The short code is a sequence for detection by the base station which has a much shorter period than a conventional access code. The ramp-up starts from a power level that is lower than the required power level for detection by the base station. The power of the short code is quickly increased until the signal is detected by the base station. Once the base station detects the short code, it transmits an indication that the short code has been detected.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a milking system includes a rotary milking platform having a plurality of milking stalls and a plurality of milking devices, each milking device configured for attachment to the teats of a dairy livestock located in a corresponding milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The system further includes one or more robotic devices operable to perform one or more functions, including preparing the teats of a dairy livestock for the attachment of a milking apparatus, attaching a milking apparatus to the teats of a dairy livestock, and applying a sanitizing agent to the teats of a dairy livestock subsequent to the removal of a milking apparatus from the teats of the dairy livestock. Each of the one or more functions performed by the one or more robotic devices is performed during a period of time when the rotary milking platform is substantially stationary.

Abstract: A closed-loop method for insulin infusion overnight uses a model predictive control algorithm (“MPC”). Used with the MPC is a glucose measurement error model which was derived from actual glucose sensor error data. That sensor error data included both a sensor artifacts component, including dropouts, and a persistent error component, including calibration error, all of which was obtained experimentally from living subjects. The MPC algorithm advised on insulin infusion every fifteen minutes. Sensor glucose input to the MPC was obtained by combining model-calculated, noise-free interstitial glucose with experimentally-derived transient and persistent sensor artifacts associated with the FreeStyle Navigator® Continuous Glucose Monitor System (“FSN”).

Abstract: This invention relates to a paper shredder. A first stage shredder accepts paper from a hopper. The first stage shredder comprises two knife shaft assemblies with a plurality of sequentially oriented knives and spacers on hexagonal shafts. A second stage shredder accepts the output of the first stage shredder. The second stage shredder has two counter rotating shafts with saw tooth disk knives and separating spacers and cuts the paper finer than that of the first stage shredder. A third stage shredder may be connected to the second stage shredder providing even further paper size reduction. Each of the second stage shredder and third stage shredder may be disengaged from the shredding process. The first stage, second stage and third stage shredders are interlocked electronically so that if any stage suffers a jam the preceding stages are stopped. The jammed stage is reversed to remove the jam and all preceding stages stop until a signal is provided to restart.

Abstract: A control network carries information between nodes in a control system. For example, in one aspect of the invention, a control network includes first and second nodes, each of which is associated with at least one device in a control system, such as a controller, actuator, sensor, or otherwise. The first node is configured to wirelessly transmit information for simultaneous, or substantially simultaneous, transfer to the second node over at least two pathways. Those pathways can be made up of one or more network segments that interconnect nodes in the control network. In some cases, at least one of the at least two pathways is through a third and/or further nodes. Further, the first node can employ different radio channels, e.g., using different frequencies from one another, over at least one of the at least two pathways to transmit information to the second node.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of executing a secure application in an NFC device, the method comprising steps during which: a contactless link is established between first and second NFC devices, the first NFC device transmits by the contactless link an identifier of a secure processor of the first NFC device, the second NFC device transmits by the contactless link an application identifier, the secure processor transmits by the contactless link first authentication data allowing the authentication of the secure processor of the first NFC device, the second NFC device transmits to an application server the first authentication data, the application server transmits to an authentication server the first authentication data and second authentication data) to authenticate the application and authorizes the two NFC devices to execute the application only if the secure processor and the application are authenticated.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a modular fishing hook accessory mounting system for removably mounting a fishing accessory on a hook. The system includes a hook, a modular mounting member and a fishing accessory. The hook has a shank portion and an eye shank portion, the eye shank portion being located at one end of the shank portion. The modular mounting member is mounted on the hook for removably receiving a fishing accessory. The fishing accessory is removably mounted on the modular mounting member, the fishing accessory having a recess formed therein for slidably receiving at least a portion of a retaining member for retaining the retaining member and fishing accessory to the mounting member. The fishing accessory may be a jig head that is substantially lead-free, such as being made from a steel that has been powdered, pressed and sintered. Of course, the modular fishing hook accessory mounting system will work with lead jig head that is modified to be removable.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a user-controllable clutch assembly for selectively engaging an agitator assembly. The clutch assembly generally comprises an axially displaceable drive member that is selectively engageable by rotating ramps that engage stationary cam lobes. In one embodiment, the clutch module is mounted to the foot housing and is intermediately connected between the vacuum motor/fan shaft and the agitator. In a second embodiment, the clutch module is mounted axially on the agitator shaft. In a third embodiment, a linkage interconnects a handle detent pedal to the clutch module to automatically engage the clutch when a user depresses the detent pedal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods, compositions and kits for synthesizing sense RNA molecules from one or more RNA molecules of interest in a sample. In exemplary embodiments, the methods use a terminal tagging oligoribonucleotide (rTTO) to join a DNA sequence tag to the 3?-termini of first-strand cDNA molecules. The use of an rTTO comprising ribonucleotides results in decreased oligonucleotide-derived background synthesis of RNA in the absence of sample RNA and, surprisingly and unexpectedly, also results in significantly increased yields of sense RNA molecules that exhibit sequences that are substantially identical to those of the RNA molecules of interest in the sample. The sense RNA molecules also have an RNA sequence tag on their 5?-termini that is useful for fixing the lengths of sense RNA molecules that are synthesized in a second or subsequent round.

Abstract: A wireless router employing a technique to couple a plurality a host services or host systems and a plurality of wireless networks. A method to route data items between a plurality of mobile devices and a plurality of host systems through a common wireless router. A point-to-point communication connection is preferably established between a first host system and a common wireless router, a mobile network message at a mobile device is generated, the mobile network message is transmitted via a wireless network to the common wireless router which in turn routes a data item component of the mobile network message to the appropriate host service.

Abstract: A portable boat and related method of manufacture. In one embodiment the boat includes first and second hulls and a deck member, each configured to be securely interlocked to another to assemble the boat. The deck member includes: at least one tenon extending outward from the starboard side for connection with the first hull and at least one tenon extending outward from the port side for connection with the second hull. Each of the hulls includes at least one slotted opening for receiving one of the tenons to connect the hull to the deck member, so that when at least one tenon is inserted into one of the hulls, the hull is securely fastened to the deck member with the aid of a fastener extending from the hull into the deck tenon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing protected content to subscribers of a managed (e.g., MSO) network via a content source accessible via an internetwork such as the Internet. In one embodiment, a user accesses a programmer website, and requests content. The programmer determines whether the requesting user is permitted to access the content, and what rights or restrictions are associated with the user. This includes authenticating the user as a subscriber of the MSO, and determining the subscriber's subscription level. In another embodiment, a user's account with the MSO and programmer may be federated, thus a given user will have MSO-specific information regarding its identity (such as login information, GUID, etc.) and/or information regarding subscription level and service details, stored at the programmer. Messages received from the MSO representing permission for the user to access content may also be stored at the programmer site for later reference.

Abstract: The invention provides certain embodiments that involve sputtering techniques for applying a mixed oxide film comprising silica and titania. In these embodiments, the techniques involve sputtering at least two targets in a common chamber (e.g., in a shared gaseous atmosphere). A first of these targets includes silicon, while a second of the targets includes titanium. Further, the invention provides embodiments involving a substrate bearing a hydrophilic coating, which can be deposited by sputtering or any other suitable thin film deposition technique. The invention also provides techniques and apparatuses useful for depositing a wide variety of coating types. For example, the invention provides thin film deposition technologies in which sputtering apparatuses or other thin film deposition apparatuses are employed.

Abstract: Dermatological conditions/afflictions such as rosacea, common acne, seborrheic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, acneform rashes, transient acantholytic dermatosis, and acne necrotica miliaris, most notably rosacea, are treated by topically applying onto the affected skin area of an individual in need of such treatment, a topical pharmaceutical composition which comprises a thus effective amount of ivermectin.

Abstract: Negative lithographic printing plate having on a substrate a photosensitive layer comprising an alkaline soluble polymeric binder, an alkaline insoluble polymeric binder, a polymerizable monomer, and an initiator is described. The photosensitive layer is imagewise exposed with a radiation to cause hardening in the exposed areas, and then developed to remove the non-hardened areas. The combination of both alkaline soluble polymeric binder and alkaline insoluble polymeric binder in a photosensitive layer can give excellent combined durability, developability, and coatability.

Abstract: A floor panel plate has four corner portions, four lateral edge portions, an upper load bearing surface, a lower plenum surface, and a clear hole positioned adjacent to each of the corner portions. A threaded collar is vertically connected to the lower plenum surface and positioned in axial alignment with the clear hole. A single handed set screw has an upper tool receiving end and a lower foot end. The set screw engages the threaded collar so that the tool receiving end extends through the clear hole so that when operated the set screw adjusts the upper load bearing surface to a predetermined level in relation to the pedestal head of a pedestal support system.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling through an earthen formation to form a borehole includes a bit body having a central axis, an internal plenum, and an underside. The underside includes an annular outer region. The bit body includes an outer receptacle extending from the plenum to the outer region. In addition, the drill bit comprises a first and a second cone cutter. Each cone cutter comprises an outer region distal the bit axis. Further the drill bit comprises an outer sleeve having an upstream end received by the outer sleeve receptacle and a through passage. The through passage includes an upstream section having an upstream axis and a downstream section having a downstream axis that is skewed at an angle ? relative to the upstream axis. A projection of the downstream axis passes between the outer regions of the first and second cone cutters.

Abstract: An ankle exercise device increases user comfort and is capable of exercising each ankle without having to switch a fulcrum from one side to the other. The exercise device includes an upper section having a first stiffness characteristic and a lower section that is connected to upper section and has a second stiffness characteristic that is different than the first stiffness characteristic. A fulcrum extends from the lower section and is adapted to support the exercise device for pivoting movement relative to a floor or other support surface.