Abstract: A system and method for controlling transmission of contextual data includes at least one non-transitory memory configured to store computer program code instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the computer program code instructions. The processor is configured to receive location data of a first device, and to obtain connection data corresponding to a connection between the first device and at least a second device and to time data associated with the connection data, based on the location data. The processor is also configured to determine the contextual data corresponding to the first device, based on the time data associated with the connection data; and control transmission of the contextual data from the first device to the at least one second device, based on the connection data.

Abstract: A system and method for updating user information includes a first device with first circuitry. The first circuitry is configured to generate motion data of the first device, and receive time-stamped location data of the first device from at least one communication device based on the generated motion data. The first circuitry is further configured to generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first device, and transmit the time synchronized user data. The system further comprises a second device communicably coupled to the first device. The second device comprises second circuitry configured to receive the time synchronized user data and update the user information based on the time synchronized user data.

Abstract: Stabilized structures and fills are disclosed relating to erosion control that include multiple interlock units and fibers that interact with those interlock units. Combinations of interlock units, fibers, and other optional fill materials may be used to stabilize a vulnerable earthen slope. Various fiber tensions act on the interlock units tending to hold the interlock units together and tending to hold the interlock units in position on the slope.

Abstract: A photosensitive medical tape includes a backing layer that is at least partially transparent to a first spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The photosensitive medical tape also includes a coupling layer disposed on a first side of the backing layer to provide adhesion of the photosensitive medical tape to the human skin. The photosensitive medical tape is disposed to absorb a second spectrum of electromagnetic radiation to decrease a strength of the adhesion provided by the coupling layer. The photosensitive medical tape is also flexible.

Abstract: A system and method for updating user information includes a first device with first circuitry. The first circuitry is configured to generate motion data of the first device, and receive time-stamped location data of the first device from at least one communication device based on the generated motion data. The first circuitry is further configured to generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first device, and transmit the time synchronized user data. The system further comprises a second device communicably coupled to the first device. The second device comprises second circuitry configured to receive the time synchronized user data and update the user information based on the time synchronized user data.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling transmission of contextual data includes at least one non-transitory memory configured to store computer program code instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the computer program code instructions. The processor is configured to receive location data of a first device, and to obtain connection data corresponding to a connection between the first device and at least a second device and to time data associated with the connection data, based on the location data. The processor is also configured to determine the contextual data corresponding to the first device, based on the time data associated with the connection data; and control transmission of the contextual data from the first device to the at least one second device, based on the connection data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that involves improved characterization of an object based on its surface roughness and other unique features without having to necessarily define a fixed and predetermined region of interest. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a method for characterizing an object based on a pattern of the object's surface roughness. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a unique image of a feature on the surface of the object, converting the image obtained into certain electrical signals and processing the electrical signals so they are associated with the object and thereby provide a characterization of the object that is used to generate a unique identifying signature for the object.

Abstract: A system and method for updating user information includes a first device with first circuitry. The first circuitry is configured to generate motion data of the first device, and receive time-stamped location data of the first device from at least one communication device based on the generated motion data. The first circuitry is further configured to generate time synchronized user data based on the time-stamped location data and device data of the first device, and transmit the time synchronized user data. The system further comprises a second device communicably coupled to the first device. The second device comprises second circuitry configured to receive the time synchronized user data and update the user information based on the time synchronized user data.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling transmission of contextual data includes at least one non-transitory memory configured to store computer program code instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the computer program code instructions. The processor is configured to receive location data of a first device, and to obtain connection data corresponding to a connection between the first device and at least a second device and to time data associated with the connection data, based on the location data. The processor is also configured to determine the contextual data corresponding to the first device, based on the time data associated with the connection data; and control transmission of the contextual data from the first device to the at least one second device, based on the connection data.

Abstract: A photosensitive medical tape includes a backing layer that is at least partially transparent to a first spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The photosensitive medical tape also includes a coupling layer disposed on a first side of the backing layer to provide adhesion of the photosensitive medical tape to the human skin. The photosensitive medical tape is disposed to absorb a second spectrum of electromagnetic radiation to decrease a strength of the adhesion provided by the coupling layer. The photosensitive medical tape is also flexible.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that involves improved characterization of an object based on its surface roughness and other unique features without having to necessarily define a fixed and predetermined region of interest. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a method for characterizing an object based on a pattern of the object's surface roughness. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a unique image of a feature on the surface of the object, converting the image obtained into certain electrical signals and processing the electrical signals so they are associated with the object and thereby provide a characterization of the object that is used to generate a unique identifying signature for the object.

Abstract: A RFID tag object association location system without reference to spatial location information using the RFID tag field. The system comprises RFID tags comprising extended object information associated with an object and secured to the object. One or more than one RFID reader having a resolution to differentiate between RFID tags that are close to each other and tags that are far away from each other communicatively coupled to the one or more than one RFID tag. Instructions executable on a processor communicatively coupled to the one or more than one RFID reader for data analysis of the extended object information, reporting useful information about the object stored on the RFID tag, determining an object fingerprint and performing relative object location comparison of the object fingerprints to determine a location for the object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus that involves improved characterization of an object based on its surface roughness and other unique features without having to necessarily define a fixed and predetermined region of interest. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a method for characterizing an object based on a pattern of the object's surface roughness. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a unique image of a feature on the surface of the object, converting the image obtained into certain electrical signals and processing the electrical signals so they are associated with the object and thereby provide a characterization of the object that is used to generate a unique identifying signature for the object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting early stage dental caries and decays are provided. In particular, in an embodiment, laser-induced autofluorescence (AF) from multiple excitation wavelengths is obtained and analyzed. Endogenous fluorophores residing in the enamel naturally fluoresce when illuminated by wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet into the visible spectrum. The relative intensities of the AF emission changes between different excitation wavelengths when the enamel changes from healthy to demineralized. By taking a ratio of AF emission spectra integrals between different excitation wavelengths, a standard is created wherein changes in AF ratios within a tooth are quantified and serve as indicators of early stage enamel demineralization. The techniques described herein may be used in conjunction with a scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to provide a reliable, safe and low-cost means for identifying dental caries or decays.

Abstract: A device and system for towing snow sleds either alone or with one or more riders along the surface of a snow cover slope to a higher position includes a tow cable extending continuously along a closed loop path between the starting position and the arriving position along the slope. Tow cable pulleys are located at the starting position and the arriving position upon which the cable is supported and driven. A drive motor is operatively connected to one of the cable pulleys and operating to rotatingly drive the pulley to drive the cable through the closed loop path. One or more tow hooks are connected in series at spaced intervals to the tow cable for conjoint movement therewith. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and system for towing snow sleds either alone or with one or more riders along the surface of a snow cover slope to a higher position includes a tow cable extending continuously along a closed loop path between the starting position and the arriving position along the slope. Tow cable pulleys are located at the starting position and the arriving position upon which the cable is supported and driven. A drive motor is operatively connected to one of the cable pulleys and operating to rotatingly drive the pulley to drive the cable through the closed loop path. One or more tow hooks are connected in series at spaced intervals to the tow cable for conjoint movement therewith. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A selective call receiving device (10) such as a pager is controlled to dynamically change a base frame assigned to the device and subsequent control frames derived therefrom. The time that the device is operative to look for its address in a received signal can thus be dynamically changed to improve the efficiencies of a mixed systems environment without substantially reducing the battery life of the selective call receiving device (10). In two embodiments of the invention a new base frame for the device is derived from an originally assigned base frame that is stored in the selective call receiving device. In another embodiment, a new base frame for the device is derived from the device's address along with frame management information that is received by the selective call receiving device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allocates a first predetermined plurality of frame time slots (102) to a first protocol, and allocates a second predetermined plurality of frame time slots (102) to a second protocol having a base frame management capability. The base frame management capability is applied such that portable selective call receiving devices (10) utilizing the second protocol normally perform battery saving throughout the first predetermined plurality of frame time slots (102).

Abstract: In a wave soldering apparatus including a station for forming a standing wave of foamed flux, a preheater station, and a standing wave of hot molten solder station, a flux removing apparatus for reducing the thickness of flux on a coated printed circuit board includes an apertured pipe for gently blowing a plurality of streams of air against the foam coated board, the streams acting effectively as a continuous linear stream of air. The airstreams also blow the foamed flux into apertures in the printed circuit board.