Abstract: The present application provides stable peptide-based Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotype A capture agents and methods of use as detection and diagnosis agents and in the treatment of diseases and disorders. The application further provides methods of manufacturing BoNT serotype A capture agents using iterative on-bead in situ click chemistry.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a user experience to interact with an organic matter processing apparatus (OMPA) that converts organic matter into a ground and dried shelf-stable product. The user experience can be accessed via an application that operates on a mobile device or a website. The application can be used to set an operational schedule of the OMPA, start or stop an OMPA processing cycle, observe a status of the OMPA, observe statistics related to the OMPA, request supplies, access a guide to assess whether certain organic matter can be safely added to the OMPA, and alert the user of potential issues with the OMPA.

Abstract: Described is a system, method, and apparatus that removes substances (e.g., water) from a field of view of an imaging element so that the objects within the field of view are not obstructed or obscured from the perspective of the imaging element and do not appear obstructed or obscured in the image data generated by the imaging element. Implementations include an apparatus that has housing that includes a base surface and a perimeter that, when coupled together, form an interior. The perimeter surface may include a substantially cylindrical opening through which a field of view of an imaging element positioned within the interior of the housing may be oriented. A spinning lens assembly may be positioned within the substantially cylindrical opening and rotatable by a motor such that, when rotated, any substance on a surface of the lens is evacuated from the surface of the lens.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the exchange of data between a user having a computing device, and a remote entity, where a first connection has been established between the user and the remote entity, and where the user has associated data exchange information with an application on the computing device, the data exchange information defining properties of the data to be exchanged between the user and the remote entity.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the exchange of data between a user having a computing device, and a remote entity, where a first connection has been established between the user and the remote entity, and where the user has associated data exchange information with an application on the computing device, the data exchange information defining properties of the data to be exchanged between the user and the remote entity.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a service agent on behalf of a user, the method performed at a server and including: obtaining a unique identifier associated with a first communication session established over a first communication channel; storing the unique identifier in a data store; receiving, via a second communication channel, a validation request comprising verification information associated with the user; attempting authentication of the service agent by comparing the verification information with the unique identifier, and in response outputting a validation response via the second communication channel. If the verification information corresponds with the unique identifier, the validation response indicates successful authentication of the service agent, and if the verification information does not correspond with the at least one unique identifier, the validation response indicates unsuccessful authentication of the service agent.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the exchange of data between a user having a computing device, and a remote entity, where a first connection has been established between the user and the remote entity, and where the user has associated data exchange information with an application on the computing device, the data exchange information defining properties of the data to be exchanged between the user and the remote entity.

Abstract: A lift system includes an overhead support, a counterweight, a base unit including a brake and secured to a floor, a fly line, and a load line. The fly line connects the counterweight, the overhead support, and the base unit via pulleys. The brake is configured to engage the fly line to limit movement of the counterweight and a load. A manual rope brake includes a housing having a base portion, an upper portion, and a hinge rotatably connecting the upper portion to the base portion. A cam lock is within the housing between pulleys. The cam lock engages a rope when the brake is engaged, and disengages from the rope when the brake is disengaged. A portable lift system includes a container configured to carry pulleys, a base unit, a fly line, and a load line when the lift system is in transport. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lift system includes an overhead support, a counterweight, a base unit including a brake and secured to a floor, a fly line, and a load line. The fly line connects the counterweight, the overhead support, and the base unit via pulleys. The brake is configured to engage the fly line to limit movement of the counterweight and a load. A manual rope brake includes a housing having a base portion, an upper portion, and a hinge rotatably connecting the upper portion to the base portion. A cam lock is within the housing between pulleys. The cam lock engages a rope when the brake is engaged, and disengages from the rope when the brake is disengaged. A portable lift system includes a container configured to carry pulleys, a base unit, a fly line, and a load line when the lift system is in transport. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprising: establishing a first session with a user; determining a unique identifier of the first session; generating a session identifier to identify the first session and storing it in a cache in association with the unique identifier; outputting an address and the session identifier, for delivery to the user; receiving an authentication request transmitted to the address from the user's first device, and in response, outputting a message to the first device, the message comprising the session identifier and an address at which a request for authentication by an authentication service can be directed; receiving an authentication success message comprising the session identifier and indicating authentication of the user; establishing a second session with a service agent; and in response to receiving the message, querying the cache with the session identifier to determine the unique identifier, and connecting the first and second sessions together using the unique identifier.

Abstract: A method of handing off a communications session between a first device and a second device, to a third device. The method comprises: receiving information associated with a communications session between first and second devices, and storing it in a cache; storing a generated identifier of the session; sending a message comprising the identifier to the first device; receiving a request, comprising the identifier, from the first device to initiate handoff to a third device; outputting an address and the identifier, for delivery to the third device; receiving a connection request comprising the identifier from the third device; using the identifier to retrieve the information; sending at least one message to the third device comprising the information, a request to store the information on the third device, and a request to establish a further communications session with the second device; and serving the further session to the third device.

Abstract: A method of mediating communications between a first computing device and a second computing device, by an intermediary computing device, comprising establishing a communications link to each of the first and second computing devices, receiving a first message from the first computing device, the content of the first message comprising information in a protected format, converting at least part of the information in the protected format to an unprotected format, and transmitting a second message to the second computing device, the content of the second message comprising at least part of the information in the unprotected format.

Abstract: A lift system for lifting a load includes a counterweight, a base unit, a fly line, a load line, and pulleys. The base unit includes a movable cam assembly coupled to a fixed frame. The cam assembly includes a cam member that is rotatable relative to a carriage of the cam assembly. The cam assembly can be moved between first and second positions relative to the frame member, and prevents movement of the fly line through the base unit in the first position, while movement of the fly line through the base unit is allowed when the cam assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: A lift system includes an overhead support, a counterweight, a base unit including a brake and secured to a floor, a fly line, and a load line. The fly line connects the counterweight, the overhead support, and the base unit via pulleys. The brake is configured to engage the fly line to limit movement of the counterweight and a load. A manual rope brake includes a housing having a base portion, an upper portion, and a hinge rotatably connecting the upper portion to the base portion. A cam lock is within the housing between pulleys. The cam lock engages a rope when the brake is engaged, and disengages from the rope when the brake is disengaged. A portable lift system includes a container configured to carry pulleys, a base unit, a fly line, and a load line when the lift system is in transport. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lift system includes an overhead support, a counterweight, a base unit including a brake and secured to a floor, a fly line, and a load line. The fly line connects the counterweight, the overhead support, and the base unit via pulleys. The brake is configured to engage the fly line to limit movement of the counterweight and a load. A manual rope brake includes a housing having a base portion, an upper portion, and a hinge rotatably connecting the upper portion to the base portion. A cam lock is within the housing between pulleys. The cam lock engages a rope when the brake is engaged, and disengages from the rope when the brake is disengaged. A portable lift system includes a container configured to carry pulleys, a base unit, a fly line, and a load line when the lift system is in transport. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the exchange of data between a user having a computing device, and a remote entity, where a first connection has been established between the user and the remote entity, and where the user has associated data exchange information with an application on the computing device, the data exchange information defining properties of the data to be exchanged between the user and the remote entity.

Abstract: A method of mediating communications between a first computing device and a second computing device, by an intermediary computing device, comprising establishing a communications link to each of the first and second computing devices, receiving a first message from the first computing device, the content of the first message comprising information in a protected format, converting at least part of the information in the protected format to an unprotected format, and transmitting a second message to the second computing device, the content of the second message comprising at least part of the information in the unprotected format.

Abstract: A lift system for lifting a load includes a counterweight, a base unit, a fly line, a load line, and pulleys. The base unit includes a movable cam assembly coupled to a fixed frame. The cam assembly includes a cam member that is rotatable relative to a carriage of the cam assembly. The cam assembly can be moved between first and second positions relative to the frame member, and prevents movement of the fly line through the base unit in the first position, while movement of the fly line through the base unit is allowed when the cam assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the exchange of data between a user having a computing device, and a remote entity, where a first connection has been established between the user and the remote entity, and where the user has associated data exchange information with an application on the computing device, the data exchange information defining properties of the data to be exchanged between the user and the remote entity.

Abstract: A method of mediating communications between a first computing device and a second computing device, by an intermediary computing device, comprising establishing a communications link to each of the first and second computing devices, receiving a first message from the first computing device, the content of the first message comprising information in a protected format, converting at least part of the information in the protected format to an unprotected format, and transmitting a second message to the second computing device, the content of the second message comprising at least part of the information in the unprotected format.