Abstract: Techniques for accelerating training through optimization of the psychophysiological state of the trainee are provided. These techniques include an adaptive performance training system configured to acquire, analyzed, display, and translate data that reflects the psychophysiological state of the user, including the electrical activity of the brain (EEG), the heart (EKG), the musculature (EMG), respiration and other parameters that characterize the state of the user in real-time. The system includes a plurality of feedback mechanisms for providing visual, auditory, and/or tactile feedback based on the current psychophysiological state of the user and for facilitating moving the user toward a goal psychophysiological state for performing a particular task and for optimizing performance of that task.

Abstract: A flameless lighter provides a user with a heat source that is similar to typical lighter. The flameless light comprises an enclosure, a slidable switch, a light assembly, a portable power supply, and a switch retraction mechanism. The enclosure is the primary structural component of the flameless lighter. The light assembly is used to produce the necessary heat to ignite items such as cigarettes and candle wicks. The slidable switch is used to activate and deactivate the light assembly and is used to protrude and retract a light bulb into and out of the enclosure. The portable power supply is used electrically power the light assembly and can be recharged through a universal serial bus charging port. The switch retraction mechanism defaults the slidable switch to the “OFF” position so that the flameless light is not left in the “ON” position. This improves the overall safety of the flameless light.

Abstract: Sleep mask for reducing sleep inertia. In an embodiment, the sleep mask comprises a foam layer having a shape that covers both of a human subject's eyes so as to attenuate ambient light. Visual stimulation element(s), configured to emit light, are positioned between the foam layer and the subject's eyes. In addition, a plurality of sensors positioned on the forehead of the subject collect electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals. A soft exterior cover houses the foam layer, the visual stimulation element(s), and the sensors. The sleep mask further comprises processor(s) that determine and record each sleep stage of the subject, determine when to wake the subject, and, when it is determined to wake the subject, control the visual stimulation element(s) to wake the subject using emitted light.

Abstract: Sleep mask for reducing sleep inertia. In an embodiment, the sleep mask comprises a foam layer having a shape that covers both of a human subject's eyes so as to attenuate ambient light. Visual stimulation element(s), configured to emit light, are positioned between the foam layer and the subject's eyes. In addition, a plurality of sensors positioned on the forehead of the subject collect electroencephalogram (EEG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals. A soft exterior cover houses the foam layer, the visual stimulation element(s), and the sensors. The sleep mask further comprises processor(s) that determine and record each sleep stage of the subject, determine when to wake the subject, and, when it is determined to wake the subject, control the visual stimulation element(s) to wake the subject using emitted light.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing sleep and post-sleep performance. In an embodiment, a system comprising a device and sleep mask are provided. The mask may comprise electroencephalographic (EEG) sensors and one or more stimulation elements configured to stimulate the senses of a wearer of the mask. The mask may be releasably and electrically coupled to a device which receives EEG signals from the mask, determines current and target sleep states based, at least in part, on the EEG signals, and uses this determination to tailor a sleep architecture of the wearer by controlling the stimulation elements. The mask may be a soft mask which utilizes conductive thread embroidered into one or more textile layers. In an embodiment, the stimulation elements may comprise one or more heating elements, electroluminescent panels, and speakers. In addition, the EEG sensors may comprise hybrid sensors comprising hydrogel in a conductive spacer fabric.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessment of sleep quality in adults and children are provided. These techniques include an apparatus worn above the forehead containing the circuitry for collecting and storing physiological signals. The apparatus integrates with a sensor strip and a nasal mask to obtain the physiological signals for the user. The form factor of this apparatus is comfortable, easy to self-apply, and results in less data artifacts than conventional techniques for capturing physiological data for analyzing sleep quality. Neuro-respiratory signals are analyzed using means to extract more accurate definitions of the frequency and severity of sleep discontinuity, sleep disordered breathing and patterns of sleep architecture. Biological biomarkers and questionnaire responses can also be compared to a database of healthy and chronically diseased patients to provide a more accurate differential diagnosis and to help determine the appropriate disease management recommendations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the sleep and post-sleep performance of individuals regardless of their environment and time available for sleep are provided. The systems and methods take into account factors that determine the effects of a sleep episode on dexterity, cognitive functions and the subjective feeling of fatigue after sleeping: duration and sleep architecture of the sleep episode, point on the circadian cycle at which the episode occurred, the amount of sleep debt accumulated prior to the episode and the subject's susceptibility to sleep deprivation. The systems and methods include monitoring of sleep architecture over a longer period of time, measurement of accumulated sleep debt and assessment and/or tailoring of the sleep architecture for each subsequent sleep episode, determining a desired sleep state in which the subject should be in, and generating sensory stimuli for guiding the subject to the desired sleep state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing sleep and post-sleep performance. In an embodiment, a system comprising a device and sleep mask are provided. The mask may comprise electroencephalographic (EEG) sensors and one or more stimulation elements configured to stimulate the senses of a wearer of the mask. The mask may be releasably and electrically coupled to a device which receives EEG signals from the mask, determines current and target sleep states based, at least in part, on the EEG signals, and uses this determination to tailor a sleep architecture of the wearer by controlling the stimulation elements. The mask may be a soft mask which utilizes conductive thread embroidered into one or more textile layers. In an embodiment, the stimulation elements may comprise one or more heating elements, electroluminescent panels, and speakers. In addition, the EEG sensors may comprise hybrid sensors comprising hydrogel in a conductive spacer fabric.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for protecting newborn calves against neonatal diarrhea by vaccinating pregnant cows and/or pregnant heifers, while minimizing the number of separate occasions producers are required to assemble the cattle.

Abstract: A flameless lighter provides a user with a heat source that is similar to typical lighter. The flameless light comprises an enclosure, a slidable switch, a light assembly, a portable power supply, and a switch retraction mechanism. The enclosure is the primary structural component of the flameless lighter. The light assembly is used to produce the necessary heat to ignite items such as cigarettes and candle wicks. The slidable switch is used to activate and deactivate the light assembly and is used to protrude and retract a light bulb into and out of the enclosure. The portable power supply is used electrically power the light assembly and can be recharged through a universal serial bus charging port. The switch retraction mechanism defaults the slidable switch to the “OFF” position so that the flameless light is not left in the “ON” position. This improves the overall safety of the flameless light.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessment of sleep quality in adults and children are provided. These techniques include an apparatus worn above the forehead containing the circuitry for collecting and storing physiological signals. The apparatus integrates with a sensor strip and a nasal mask to obtain the physiological signals for the user. The form factor of this apparatus is comfortable, easy to self-apply, and results in less data artifacts than conventional techniques for capturing physiological data for analyzing sleep quality. Neuro-respiratory signals are analyzed using means to extract more accurate definitions of the frequency and severity of sleep discontinuity, sleep disordered breathing and patterns of sleep architecture. Biological biomarkers and questionnaire responses can also be compared to a database of healthy and chronically diseased patients to provide a more accurate differential diagnosis and to help determine the appropriate disease management recommendations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for protecting newborn calves against neonatal diarrhea by vaccinating pregnant cows and/or pregnant heifers, while minimizing the number of separate occasions producers are required to assemble the cattle.

Abstract: Techniques for accelerating training through optimization of the psychophysiological state of the trainee are provided. These techniques include an adaptive performance training system configured to acquire, analyzed, display, and translate data that reflects the psychophysiological state of the user, including the electrical activity of the brain (EEG), the heart (EKG), the musculature (EMG), respiration and other parameters that characterize the state of the user in real-time. The system includes a plurality of feedback mechanisms for providing visual, auditory, and/or tactile feedback based on the current psychophysiological state of the user and for facilitating moving the user toward a goal psychophysiological state for performing a particular task and for optimizing performance of that task.

Abstract: An efficient, objective, flexible and easily deployable system for conducting evaluations of mental and physiological state and recommending individualized treatment to improve said state is described. The method and system are based on commensurate measurement of mental functions, levels of stress and anxiety, and/or biologically active molecules such as neurotransmitters, immune markers including cytokines and hormones. The method and system are designed to assess an individual's cognitive function and the underlying physiology in order to delineate various disease processes, injuries, drug states, training stages, fatigue levels, stress levels, aging processes, predict susceptibility to stress and/or sleep deprivation, identify aptitude for training and/or characterize effects of any experimental conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessment of sleep quality in adults and children are provided. These techniques include an apparatus worn above the forehead containing the circuitry for collecting and storing physiological signals. The apparatus integrates with a sensor strip and a nasal mask to obtain the physiological signals for the user. The form factor of this apparatus is comfortable, easy to self-apply, and results in less data artifacts than conventional techniques for capturing physiological data for analyzing sleep quality. Neuro-respiratory signals are analyzed using means to extract more accurate definitions of the frequency and severity of sleep discontinuity, sleep disordered breathing and patterns of sleep architecture. Biological biomarkers and questionnaire responses can also be compared to a database of healthy and chronically diseased patients to provide a more accurate differential diagnosis and to help determine the appropriate disease management recommendations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing the sleep and post-sleep performance of individuals regardless of their environment and time available for sleep are provided. The systems and methods take into account factors that determine the effects of a sleep episode on dexterity, cognitive functions and the subjective feeling of fatigue after sleeping: duration and sleep architecture of the sleep episode, point on the circadian cycle at which the episode occurred, the amount of sleep debt accumulated prior to the episode and the subject's susceptibility to sleep deprivation. The systems and methods include monitoring of sleep architecture over a longer period of time, measurement of accumulated sleep debt and assessment and/or tailoring of the sleep architecture for each subsequent sleep episode, determining a desired sleep state in which the subject should be in, and generating sensory stimuli for guiding the subject to the desired sleep state.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.