Abstract: A point-of-sale terminal is used to process purchases by a customer during normal operation. However, the point-of-sale terminal also may receive, aggregate and/or process information measured by sensors that are co-located with or in the vicinity of the point-of-sale terminal. The point-of-sale terminal may receive information from at least one sensor that indicates that the at least one sensor has sensed a measureable parameter that is outside of a threshold range; establish at least one communication channel with at least one third-party based on the indication that the at least one sensor has sensed a measureable parameter that is outside of the threshold range; and send to the at least one third party at least one communication relating to the at least one sensor indicating that the at least one sensor has sensed a measureable parameter that is outside of the threshold range.

Abstract: This invention presents “respect” for the adjacent tooth by providing an instrument and method that presses the matrix band against the adjacent tooth, and presents inventive examples of the concave shape of its prongs (to match the convex contour of the adjacent tooth) and the hinged couplings that translate well the clinician's personal efforts to press against the adjacent tooth in what are otherwise, awkward ergonomic angles. By moving the mechanical levers of his own body more proximate the treated tooth and by using a stabilizing arm that establishes a fulcra point of stability in the tooth adjacent to the treated tooth, the clinician can better achieve the objectives of good physiologic fit of the matrix band with the adjacent tooth.

Abstract: A compact exit sign includes a main body having an open frontal portion, an annular side wall portion and a rear panel portion including a central opening extending across greater than half of the rear panel, and a front plate including a face portion provided with exit indicia. The exit sign can be selectively converted between single and double face exit signs by snap-connecting a first, solid and non-transparent insert to the main body across the central opening of the rear panel to establish a single face exit sign and snap-connecting a second, exit indicia containing insert to the main body across the central opening of the rear panel to establish a double face exit sign. A lighting system is housed within the main body for illuminating the exit indicia for either of the single or double face configurations.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that provide improved nasal moisture, clarity, and lubrication. Compositions are oil-in-glycerin emulsions that include a surfactant promoting emulsification of a hydrophobic or otherwise water insoluble bioactive agent. The compositions are used in methods of promoting improved nasal moisture and reduction in nasal congestion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydration device including at least one fillable bladder in fluid communication with a first end of an adjustable semi-rigid tube; a first valve connected to a second end of the adjustable semi-rigid tube; a base configured to transmit at least a portion of a user's weight as a positive pressure to the at least one fillable bladder; and a support structure connected to the base and the adjustable semi-rigid tube.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that provide improved nasal moisture, clarity, and lubrication. Compositions are oil-in-glycerin emulsions that include a surfactant promoting emulsification of a hydrophobic or otherwise water insoluble bioactive agent. The compositions are used in methods of promoting improved nasal moisture and reduction in nasal congestion.

Abstract: Biocompatible, triggerable degradation, polymerizable hydrogels, uses and delivery devices are disclosed. These hydrogels are at least substantially water soluble macromers, having a variety of uses especially for ocular therapy. The macromers include at least one water soluble region, at least one region which is degradable via a triggering event, usually by hydrolysis, and at least two free radical-polymerizable regions. The regions can, in some embodiments, be both water soluble and trigger able degradable. The macromers are polymerized by exposure of the polymerizable regions to free radicals generated by photosensitive chemicals and dyes. An advantage of these polymer hydrogels is that they can be polymerized rapidly in an aqueous surrounding. Precisely conforming, semi-permeable, biodegradable films or membranes can thus be formed on tissue in situ to serve as biodegradable barriers, as carriers for living cells or other biologically active materials, and as surgical adhesives for the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates an apparatus and method for forming a diffuse reflector. In one embodiment of the invention, a diffuse reflector is formed by exposing transmissive particles of a pre-determined purity to pressure and forming a material having desired diffuse reflective properties. The transmissive particles may further be thermally treated, such as by sintering, to form material having desired diffuse reflective properties. The treated transmissive particles may then be disposed in a vessel and define a cavity therein to form an integrated cavity diffuse reflector.

Abstract: A system for scheduling electric power consumption cycles is provided. A consumption cycle is a time period of human scale, minutes or hours typically, rather than an electrical cycle. The system includes an electric-powered device driven by power supplied by an electric power network. The system also includes a consumption cycle data (CCD) requesting module communicatively linked to the electric-powered device. The link may use electric power lines via methods such as Broadband over Power Line, or may be wireless. The CCD requesting module is configured to generate a CCD request requesting allocation of electric power from the electric power network. Additionally, the system includes an electric power network node electrically connected to the electric-powered device from which electric power is conveyed to the electric-powered device. The system also includes a CCD responding module communicatively linked to the CCD requesting module.

Abstract: The invention relates an apparatus and method for forming a diffuse reflector. In one embodiment of the invention, a diffuse reflector is formed by exposing transmissive particles of a pre-determined purity to pressure and forming a material having desired diffuse reflective properties. The transmissive particles may further be thermally treated, such as by sintering, to form material having desired diffuse reflective properties. The treated transmissive particles may then be disposed in a vessel and define a cavity therein to form an integrated cavity diffuse reflector.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing the setting of reservations and the pre-authorization of credit to purchase a desired service for which a reservation is made. A customer accesses a reservation system that is integrated with a credit authorization system. The customer may make a reservation and substantially simultaneously become pre-authorized to pay for services to be provided at the reservation by one of any number of credit providers. Pre-authorized credit and reservation information is then supplied to the service provider in advance of services being provided, expediting the overall transaction time and allowing for a secure and cardless transaction procedure. The reservation and preauthorization information are typically stored upon the reservation system and then passed to the point-of-sale systems, but other types of input/output storage devices could be used to perform this function.

Abstract: An ET guide is provided which is preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon®. The distal end is of a reduced profile so that the guide can be left in place, with the ET removed in the operating room just prior to a tracheostomy. If for any reason problems are encountered in the tracheostomy procedure, the guide of the present invention, having been left in after the removal of the ET, can facilitate a reinsertion of the ET to avoid danger to the patient from a decrease in oxygen saturation. At the same time, the reduced distal profile allows the guide to remain in place during the tracheostomy procedure without obstructing the area of the incision for the tracheostomy. The guide can remain in place until the tracheostomy is successfully concluded, at which point it can be optionally removed.

Abstract: A method and assembly oscillometrically measures systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures by inflating a form fitting cuff disposed over the Palmar Arch of the hand, and subsequently deflating the cuff stepwise, The arterial blood supply to the hand, which is very rich, lies relatively close to the surface of the palm. Cuff pressure oscillations can be sensed with an inflatable glove or mitten type cuff. A full or partial glove, mitten, or the like, with openings for reception of portions of the fingers and thumb can be used. Inflation of the cuff allows the assembly to be used to measure arterial blood pressure on either hand of a patient.

Abstract: The vascular resistance to blood flow through the hand is increased in an essentially uniform manner by the application of pressure to the hand. The pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder mounted on an arm board or within a non-expandable sleeve, mitten or glove, which bladder covers at least the palm of the hand. Controlled inflation of the bladder conveys pressure to the hand tissue to a degree necessary to compress vascular structures and obstruct or restrict blood flow. By occluding blood flow through the hand, more accurate invasive blood pressure readings can be taken in clinical situations where decreased hand vascular resistance occurs.

Abstract: The vascular resistance to blood flow through the hand is increased in an essentially uniform manner by the application of pressure to the hand. The pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder mounted on an arm board or within a non-expandable sleeve, mitten or glove, which bladder covers at least the palm of the hand. Controlled inflation of the bladder conveys pressure to the hand tissue to a degree necessary to compress vascular structures and obstruct or restrict blood flow. By occluding blood flow through the hand, more accurate invasive blood pressure readings can be taken in clinical situations where decreased hand vascular resistance occurs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endotracheal device provided with a colorimetric carbon dioxide indicator. The device functions to indicate the proper intratracheal placement of an endotracheal tube by detecting for the presence of carbon dioxide in expired air passing through the device.

Abstract: A balloon-tipped suction catheter, for extirpating and aspirating tracheobronchial secretions from the trachea, endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube and a method for using such catheter. The catheter preferably embodies an elongated tube with a cannula extending along the elongated tube. The distal end of the cannula communicates with an expandable membrane or balloon which is attached either to the walls of the distal end of the elongated tube or directly to the distal end of the cannula. Proximal to the expandable membrane are apertures which provide fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the elongated tube. A control port is provided at the proximal end of the catheter to control the transmission of suction through the catheter.In use, the catheter of this invention is inserted into an endotracheal tube, for example, to remove secretions.