Abstract: A tactical communications apparatus is used to establish secure, reliable communications between a forward-deployed communications station and any designated second communicator during a building siege or hostage situation. At least one communications device, at least one processing unit, a transceiver array, and a power supply are mounted to a casing. The casing allows the tactical communication apparatus to be tossed into an area. The transceiver array wirelessly connects to at least one remote terminal, enabling communication via the at least one communication device. The casing also contains a plurality of discrete surveillance devices mounted into the casing to enable an operator to remotely surveil the area around the casing. Further, the tactical communication apparatus also supports at least one offensive device operated via the at least one remote terminal. The at least one offensive device may be activated as cover for responders if communications fail to resolve a situation.

Abstract: An example system for exciting a selected set of motor neurons of a patient comprises one or more signal generators configured for generating a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal; a first set of wires configured to provide the first electrical signal to a first set of electrodes, wherein the first set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a first set of positions on the patient; a second set of wires configured to provide the second electrical signal to a second set of electrodes, wherein the second set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a second set of positions on the patient; and a controller configured to control operation of the one or more signal generators. The first electrical signal is a periodic signal of a first frequency. The second electrical signal is a periodic signal of a second frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency differ by a non-zero frequency difference.

Abstract: Tissue-engineered electronic peripheral nerve interface (TEENI) devices, methods of using TEENI devices, and systems using TEENI devices are provided. In particular, TEENI devices include a support member having a length, at least one thread set comprising a plurality thread set arms having a plurality of electronic leads running through the thread set arms and being fully encapsulated within the support member, and a plurality of electrodes fixed to the plurality of thread set arms.

Abstract: Automated assistance program qualification and enrollment are provided. An assistance program qualification and enrollment (APQE) system determines whether a user qualifies for an assistance program that offers assistance with an ongoing transaction record with a service provider. The APQE system generates a set of questions based on qualification data (used to make a qualification determination) that are not included in collected user data and financial data about the user. The user's qualification is based on an evaluation of the user data, financial data, and user-provided responses to the questions. If the user qualifies for the assistance program, an option is provided to the user to enroll in the assistance program. If additional information is needed to complete an enrollment process for the assistance program, an interface is provided that enables the user to provide the data for completing the process.

Abstract: A tactical communications apparatus is used to establish secure, reliable communications between a forward-deployed communications station and any designated second communicator during a building siege or hostage situation. At least one communications device, at least one processing unit, a transceiver array, and a power supply are mounted to a casing. The casing allows the tactical communication apparatus to be tossed into an area. The transceiver array wirelessly connects to at least one remote terminal, enabling communication via the at least one communication device. The casing also contains a plurality of discrete surveillance devices mounted into the casing to enable an operator to remotely surveil the area around the casing. Further, the tactical communication apparatus also supports at least one offensive device operated via the at least one remote terminal. The at least one offensive device may be activated as cover for responders if communications fail to resolve a situation.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a robot including: a spherical shell; a cart in the spherical shell, the cart including a plurality of wheels rotatable to move the cart along an inner surface of the spherical shell; a sensor coupled to the cart, the sensor configured to provide an inertial measurement of the cart; a motion encoder configured to measure an angular velocity of each wheel of the plurality of wheels; and a localizer configured to determine a location of the robot, based on the angular velocities of the plurality of wheels and the inertial measurement of the cart.

Abstract: Described herein are peripheral nerve modulators (i.e. neuromodulators) and methods relating to peripheral nerve modulation. In an embodiments of peripheral neurostimulators described herein, neuromodulators comprise: a neuromodulator comprising a power source and an electric pulse generator; a solenoidal lead comprising a flexible polymer and a plurality of metal contacts, and a cable physically connecting the solenoidal lead to the neuromodulator.

Abstract: An example system for exciting a selected set of motor neurons of a patient comprises one or more signal generators configured for generating a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal; a first set of wires configured to provide the first electrical signal to a first set of electrodes, wherein the first set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a first set of positions on the patient; a second set of wires configured to provide the second electrical signal to a second set of electrodes, wherein the second set of electrodes are configured for being secured to a second set of positions on the patient; and a controller configured to control operation of the one or more signal generators. The first electrical signal is a periodic signal of a first frequency. The second electrical signal is a periodic signal of a second frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency differ by a non-zero frequency difference.

Abstract: Automated assistance program qualification and enrollment are provided. An assistance program qualification and enrollment (APQE) system determines whether a user qualifies for an assistance program that offers assistance with an ongoing transaction record with a service provider. The APQE system generates a set of questions based on qualification data (used to make a qualification determination) that are not included in collected user data and financial data about the user. The user's qualification is based on an evaluation of the user data, financial data, and user-provided responses to the questions. If the user qualifies for the assistance program, an option is provided to the user to enroll in the assistance program. If additional information is needed to complete an enrollment process for the assistance program, an interface is provided that enables the user to provide the data for completing the process.

Abstract: Tissue-engineered electronic peripheral nerve interface (TEENI) devices, methods of using TEENI devices, and systems using TEENI devices are provided. In particular, TEENI devices include a support member having a length, at least one thread set comprising a plurality thread set arms having a plurality of electronic leads running through the thread set arms and being fully encapsulated within the support member, and a plurality of electrodes fixed to the plurality of thread set arms.

Abstract: Aspects of methods and systems for proactively allowing the consumers to setup a transaction management plan upon determining their recovery probability are provided herein. Upon receiving an ongoing transaction record or file from a service provider, the system analyzes the ongoing transaction record or file and assigns a score based on plurality of factors such as balance on the ongoing transaction, consumer's transactional data, etc. The system further determines the consumer's recovery probability for the ongoing transaction balance. Upon determining the consumer's low recovery probability for the balance, the system sends an indication to the consumer to activate a transaction management plan or apply for assistance programs, without consumer intervention.

Abstract: The described invention provides compositions comprising at least one peptide of formula I for enhancing neurite outgrowth, neuroprotection, and nerve regeneration, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a robot including: a spherical shell; a cart in the spherical shell, the cart including a plurality of wheels rotatable to move the cart along an inner surface of the spherical shell; a sensor coupled to the cart, the sensor configured to provide an inertial measurement of the cart; a motion encoder configured to measure an angular velocity of each wheel of the plurality of wheels; and a localizer configured to determine a location of the robot, based on the angular velocities of the plurality of wheels and the inertial measurement of the cart.

Abstract: A method for temporarily blocking incoming and outgoing wireless communication is provided with a mobile-phone disrupting unit and a motion sensor in a vehicle. A current speed of the vehicle is monitored with the motion sensor and then a plurality of communication disrupting signals is emitted by the mobile-phone disrupting unit if the current speed of the vehicle exceeds a minimum-speed threshold. When the current speed drops to the minimum-speed threshold or a lower speed, the process of emitting the plurality of disrupting signals is disabled so that the user can utilize the mobile phone. The mobile-phone disrupting unit and the motion sensor is either operatively integrated into the vehicle or housed within a self-containing enclosure.

Abstract: A method for temporarily blocking incoming and outgoing wireless communication is provided with a mobile-phone disrupting unit and a motion sensor in a vehicle. A current speed of the vehicle is monitored with the motion sensor and then a plurality of communication disrupting signals is emitted by the mobile-phone disrupting unit if the current speed of the vehicle exceeds a minimum-speed threshold. When the current speed drops to the minimum-speed threshold or a lower speed, the process of emitting the plurality of disrupting signals is disabled so that the user can utilize the mobile phone. The mobile-phone disrupting unit and the motion sensor is either operatively integrated into the vehicle or housed within a self-containing enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows communication in critical incidents and/or other emergency situation utilizing a throw phone comprises a throw box, a headset, an on/off switch, a power supply source, connection ports, a plurality of electronic components, and a plurality of detective modules. The headset, the power supply source, and the plurality of electronic components are positioned within the throw box and electrically connected to each other. The headset allows a suspect to wirelessly communicate with a command unit where the command unit is controlled by a low enforcement agent. The throw phone allows the law enforcement agent to evaluate the surrounding of the throw phone and the suspect through the command unit. The plurality of detective modules provides additional information to the law enforcement agents so that safety precautions can be carried out for the safety of the suspect and the others involved.

Abstract: A microelectrode array including a top portion, a plurality of pads positioned on the top portion, and a shank portion, the shank portion including a titanium substrate, a dielectric structure positioned on the titanium substrate, and a metallization layer embedded in the dielectric structure, the metallization layer including a plurality of electrode sites distributed longitudinally along the shank portion, and a plurality of electrical traces, wherein the dielectric structure provides an access window over each of the plurality of the electrode sites and each of the plurality of electrical traces electrically connects a corresponding electrode site of the plurality of electrode sites to a corresponding pad of the plurality of pads.

Abstract: The described invention provides compositions comprising at least one peptide of formula I for enhancing neurite outgrowth, neuroprotection, and nerve regeneration, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An expandable baton having a gripping tube, a center tube and a striking tube that collapse and are retained in the collapsed position by a top cap assembly. The top cap assembly includes at least one spring retainer that engages the inner surface of the striking tube to retain the baton in its retracted position. The amount of holding force created by the spring retainer to hold the baton in its retracted position is adjustable. The top cap assembly includes an adjustment stem having a tapered portion that engages the spring retainer. Movement of the tapered portion of the adjustment stem relative to the spring retainer adjusts the holding force created by the end cap.