Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and evaluating surface conditions on a road surface and atmospheric conditions simultaneously from a vehicle includes a sensor for detecting the presence of deposited material on a road surface, a detector for determining one or more characteristics of the deposited material such as freezing temperature, process means for converting a detected signal and display means for displaying the condition of the road surface, and a sensor for detecting falling precipitation. An embodiment of the present invention includes a remote sensing apparatus which utilizes electromagnetic radiation to sense actual surface material conditions, temperatures, and composition and local atmospheric conditions at the vehicle as it is moving over a travel surface. This information is then processed through a computer in order to determine those additional steps necessary to apply additional materials to the road surface in order to minimize hazardous driving conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra thin tablet computer battery and docking station system. The system comprises of an ultra thin tablet computer system providing an ultra thin tablet computer (339) with edge mounted main battery (347) with an optional extended battery (310) and a docking system (501) for presenting the tablet computer (339) as a monitor to the user in an articulatable manner with or without the extended battery (310) while simultaneously charging the tablets main battery (347) and the extended battery (301) if it is mounted to the tablet computer while docked.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a status of a teleconference by determining an approximate delay time and providing a status signal in view of the determined approximate delay time are provided. An approximate delay time is approximately the amount of time that will elapse before an occurrence occurring at a first time, which is captured into an occurrence signal by a source unit, will be experienced at a second time after the occurrence signal is received by at least one receiving unit.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and evaluating surface conditions on a road surface and atmospheric conditions simultaneously from a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of deposited material on a road surface, a detector for determining one or more characteristics of the deposited material such as freezing temperature, process means for converting a detected signal and display means for displaying the condition of the road surface, and a sensor for detecting falling precipitation. An embodiment of the present invention includes a remote sensing apparatus which utilizes electromagnetic radiation to sense actual surface material conditions, temperatures, and composition and local atmospheric conditions at the vehicle as it is moving over a travel surface. This information is then processed through a computer in order to determine those additional steps necessary to apply additional materials to the road surface in order to minimize hazardous driving conditions.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and evaluating surface conditions on a road surface and atmospheric conditions simultaneously from a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of deposited material on a road surface, a detector for determining one or more characteristics of the deposited material such as freezing temperature, process means for converting a detected signal and display means for displaying the condition of the road surface, and a sensor for detecting falling precipitation. An embodiment of the present invention includes a remote sensing apparatus which utilizes electromagnetic radiation to sense actual surface material conditions, temperatures, and composition and local atmospheric conditions at the vehicle as it is moving over a travel surface. This information is then processed through a computer in order to determine those additional steps necessary to apply additional materials to the road surface in order to minimize hazardous driving conditions.

Abstract: A surface condition sensing and treatment system includes a transmitter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) toward a surface material disposed upon a vehicle travel surface. Reflected EMR is received and signals indicative of the reflected EMR are processed to produce output corresponding to a characteristic of the surface material. Characteristics include friction, depth and composition, including ice present in the surface material. Sensing may be locally or remotely, automatically or manually initiated. The system may include a display and at least one computer with a database of surface material characteristics, historical, environmental and GIS positional information. Sensed characteristics processed with database information may determine a surface treatment, according to a selected outcome or level of service. A spreader system applies the surface treatment responsive to local, remote, automatic or manual command.

Abstract: The present invention provides a docking station (501) for a tablet computer (339) with or without an extended battery (301). This docking station (501) comprises a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer (339). A support member (505) couples the cradle (507) assembly to an expansion base (503). The base (503) includes a number of ports (54, 56, 60, 62) for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base (503). A flexible printed circuit (FPC) (64) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board (64) and to the data connector (519).

Abstract: A system for collecting biological samples, such as fecal specimens, and testing such samples for the presence of an analyte is disclosed. The system comprises a sample collection device that includes a removably secured tab for retaining and transferring a portion of the sample to be tested to the test device. The tab is preferably configured so that it can be received in the test device in only a pre-selected orientation so as to put the portion of the tab carrying the sample in communication with a chromatographic material in the test device.

Abstract: An apparatus and system, preferably mounted on a service vehicle, provides synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid or liquid, to a vehicle travel surface in proportional amounts or spatially distributed proportions in response to user defined requirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in response to conditions encountered in real time. A first embodiment is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/or widths automatically and/or selectively. A second embodiment includes a granular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquid spray headers and pumping means.

Abstract: A machine vision system comprising a structured light illuminator, a camera, an image processor, and a controller, wherein the controller dynamically adjusts parameters for structured illumination according to actual position of a subject being inspected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet computer and a docking station assembly. This docking station includes a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer. A support member couples the docking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes a number of ports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to the data connector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contact or touch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet to facilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either a landscape or portrait mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet computer and a docking station assembly. This docking station comprises a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer. A support member couples the docking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes a number of ports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to the data connector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contact or touch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet to facilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either a landscape or portrait mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed, preferably mounted on a service vehicle, for synchronized application of fluid materials, either solid or liquid, to a vehicle travel surface in proportional amounts or spatially distributed proportions in response to user defined requirements and/or operation of a vehicle mounted component in response to conditions encountered in real time. A first embodiment is a vehicle mounted apparatus and system for coordinated application of a plurality of materials to a surface simultaneously and in desired proportions and/or widths automatically and/or selectively. A second embodiment includes a granular material distribution device and includes a plurality of liquid spray headers and pumping means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet computer and a docking station assembly. This docking station comprises a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer. A support member couples the docking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes a number of ports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to the data connector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contact or touch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet to facilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either a landscape or portrait mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful for treating disorders associated with abnormal blood glucose levels in mammals, such as Type I and Type II diabetes. The invention also relates to methods of making and using such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet computer and a docking station assembly. This docking station comprises a docking assembly for positioning with three degrees of freedom and having a data connector for mechanically supporting and interfacing with the tablet computer. A support member couples the docking assembly to an expansion base. The base includes a number of ports for interfacing with a variety of peripheral devices or power supplies. These varieties of ports mount to a printed circuit board contained within the expansion base. A flexible printed circuit (FPC) combines the signal pathways for the variety of ports, allowing the signal pathways to travel from the printed circuit board and to the data connector. The tablet computing device has a plurality of contact or touch points positioned on the right and left edges of the tablet to facilitate aligning the tablet to the docking assembly in either a landscape or portrait mode.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and evaluating surface conditions on a road surface and atmospheric conditions simultaneously from a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of deposited material on a road surface, a detector for determining one or more characteristics of the deposited material such as freezing temperature, process means for converting a detected signal and display means for displaying the condition of the road surface, and a sensor for detecting falling precipitation. An embodiment of the present invention includes a remote sensing apparatus which utilizes electromagnetic radiation to sense actual surface material conditions, temperatures, and composition and local atmospheric conditions at the vehicle as it is moving over a travel surface. This information is then processed through a computer in order to determine those additional steps necessary to apply additional materials to the road surface in order to minimize hazardous driving conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming annularly-corrugated tubes and cables utilizing a multiple gear corrugating head which is rotated about the tube or cable, to be corrugated as the tube or cable is drawn through the head. Two or more of the gears each have a different prime number of gear teeth which form the corrugation.