Abstract: Methods and systems related to near field communication (NFC) front ends for point of sale terminals are disclosed. One point of sale system includes an NFC front end communicatively coupled to an antenna, a discrete microcontroller (DM) communicatively coupled thereto, and an applications microprocessor (AP) communicatively coupled to the DM. The DM stores a first software stack for a first NFC protocol, a second software stack for a second NFC protocol, and instructions to process a digitized NFC signal from the NFC front end with the first software stack. The AP stores instructions to instantiate an operating system for the point of sale system, instantiate a master NFC service, and transmit a remote procedure call from the master NFC service to the DM to switch between the first software stack and the second software stack.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to near field communication (NFC) front ends for point of sale terminals are disclosed. One point of sale system includes an NFC front end communicatively coupled to an antenna, a discrete microcontroller (DM) communicatively coupled thereto, and an applications microprocessor (AP) communicatively coupled to the DM. The DM stores a first software stack for a first NFC protocol, a second software stack for a second NFC protocol, and instructions to process a digitized NFC signal from the NFC front end with the first software stack. The AP stores instructions to instantiate an operating system for the point of sale system, instantiate a master NFC service, and transmit a remote procedure call from the master NFC service to the DM to switch between the first software stack and the second software stack.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the status of a packaged device are disclosed. The device can include a secure microcontroller, a battery, a memory storing a status code, and an NFC antenna located in the device and communicatively coupled to the secure microcontroller. A set of instructions are stored on the secure microcontroller to write the status code to the memory. The status code is accessible from outside the sealed package via the antenna. The device could also be a POS device with instructions to process payment information received on the antenna. The apparatus could also include a power routing switch. Power could then be provided from the antenna to the battery via the switch output when the switch is in a conductive state.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: A head protection system is disclosed herein. The system may comprise a helmet having a rigid exterior shell and a padded interior. A shoulder cuff may be disposable over left and right shoulders of the wearer. A plurality of pistons may be attached to the helmet and the shoulder cuff. Each of the pistons may be fluidly connected to each other through a tube and ultimately to a reservoir. The tube may have a small inner diameter to provide resistance to movement of the pistons during rapid deceleration or acceleration of the helmet with respect to the wearer's body.

Abstract: There is provided a brace for stabilizing a uniting pivoting joint disposed between first and second limb structures of a living being. The brace comprises upper and lower frame members, each encompassing the first and second limb structures respectively, and a pivoting joint member comprised of two opposing pivoting assemblies. The assemblies include a limb extension slot having an adjustable length. The slot is located on at least one of the upper or lower frame members. The assemblies also include an exteriorly accessible limb extension regulator for regulating the limb extension slot length. The limb extension regulator is coupled to the limb extension slot. The pivoting assembly further includes an arm member comprised of upper and lower ends, each being pivotally connected to the upper and lower frame members, respectively. The arm member further includes a regulation portion retained in the limb extension slot.

Abstract: A multi-functional 2-piece bouquet holder that shortens the time required to construct a floral bouquet and provides dual uses for the floral portion and the handle portion. The 2-piece hand-held floral bouquet holder comprises a handle portion and a head portion that are releasably connected together. The handle portion includes a replaceable re-hydration cartridge that allows for selected re-hydration of the flowers in the bouquet. When the head portion is not attached to the handle, the head portion can be attached to an adjustable stand, a storage unit or to a display unit. The adjustable stand assists in construction of the floral bouquet by allowing the florist to place the head portion in any desired position. The present bouquet holder also includes an attachment device that allows functional accessories to be added to the bouquet. A full line of accessories can also be provided for attachment to the bouquet.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a foot member wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the foot member. The foot member and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.

Abstract: A brace for stabilizing a joint such as a knee disposed between a first and second limb structure. The brace includes upper and lower frame members, cuffs for encompassing a portion of each limb structure, and a uniting pivoting joint member. The joint member includes two opposing pivoting assemblies, with each including a forward and a rearward arm member each having upper and lower ends spherically-pivotally connected to the upper and lower frame members for enabling multiple angular relationships. The pivoting assembly can include a limb extension regulator, preferably a cable, extending between the rearward arm member and the upper frame member to permit infinitely adjustable extendability of the brace-bearing limb. Most preferably, a visible measurement scale is provided for precise extension distances.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a body part of a patient is described. One embodiment of the measuring device includes a reference component capable of being secured to a body part of a patient. The reference component provides a reference point. An articulated measurement arm is movably coupled to the reference component. The articulated measurement arm has a plurality of sections, each section having a measurement point. A plurality of sensors is associated with the measurement points. The sensors are capable of providing a plurality of data sufficient to allow determination of a position of each measurement point relative to the reference point.

Abstract: An anatomical brace for stabilizing and supporting a uniting pivoting joint such as a knee joint disposed between a first limb structure and a second limb structure. The brace includes first and second cuffs and a pivotable brace joint there between with two opposing pivoting assemblies. Each assembly includes forward and rearward arm members in tandem and a frame structure having a first end attached to the first cuff and a second end attached to the second cuff. Extending between the cuffs is an adjustable joint extension limiter for regulating pivotable distance of the cuffs in relation to each other. Spherical sockets movably positioned within the frame structure permit naturally-occurring multi-planar joint movement such that the brace here defined effectively limits pivotal extension distance, yet permits normal joint bendability with multi planar movability up to such limit, thereby stabilizing and supporting joint-controlled limb unions.

Abstract: A brace for stabilizing a joint such as a knee disposed between a first and second limb structure. The brace includes upper and lower frame members, cuffs for encompassing a portion of each limb structure, and a uniting pivoting joint member. The joint member includes two opposing pivoting assemblies, with each including a forward and a rearward arm member each having upper and lower ends spherically-pivotally connected to the upper and lower frame members for enabling multiple angular relationships. The pivoting assembly can include a limb extension regulator, preferably a cable, extending between the rearward arm member and the upper frame member to permit infinitely adjustable extendability of the brace-bearing limb. Most preferably, a visible measurement scale is provided for precise extension distances.

Abstract: An anatomical brace for stabilizing and supporting a uniting pivoting joint such as a knee joint disposed between a first limb structure and a second limb structure. The brace includes first and second cuffs and a pivotable brace joint there between with two opposing pivoting assemblies. Each assembly includes forward and rearward arm members in tandem and a frame structure having a first end attached to the first cuff and a second end attached to the second cuff. Extending between the cuffs is an adjustable joint extension limiter for regulating pivotable distance of the cuffs in relation to each other. Spherical sockets movably positioned within the frame structure permit naturally-occurring multi-planar joint movement such that the brace here defined effectively limits pivotal extension distance, yet permits normal joint bendability with multi planar movability up to such limit, thereby stabilizing and supporting joint-controlled limb unions.

Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a container, of the type having a removable container cap applied on a neck with a central opening, has a sub-container body mounted in the container neck which is formed with a proximate end having screw threads which can be engaged with internal screw threads in the container neck for holding them securely together to allow the ingredients to be shaken out of the sub-container body and mixed with fluid in the container. The sub-container body can have inner divider walls forming multiple compartments with respective orifices for dispensing ingredients selectively from the compartments. The sub-container body may be sealed to the underside of the cap with a sealing film, or seated on the neck rim and held by the cap. In one version, the proximate end of the sub-container body has a protruding shape with inclined walls for guiding it into the neck opening.