Abstract: A system and a method to wirelessly synchronize, monitor, or communicate, or a combination thereof, amongst sensors (e.g., sensors, hubs, sensor controllers, etc.) in a Bluetooth Low Energy-based microlocation system. The system or method, or both, may use the BLE hardware (e.g., transmitters, receivers, antennas, etc.) to interleave a communications protocol within the connection interval gaps of the BLE protocol used to communicate with devices.

Abstract: Anionic switchable hydrophilicity solvents (ASHS) that can be reversibly converted between hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms are described. The ASHS comprise a carboxylic acid, a water-soluble base, water, and addition and removal of an acidic gas (CO2) effects the conversion between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms. A system and method for forming the ASHS are described, as well as applications utilizing the ASHS, including a method for separating a selected substance from a mixture, a method of removing gas from polymeric foam, and a method of extracting a hydrophobic material from a solid that is at least partially coated by the hydrophobic material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and materials for RNA-mediated gene assembly from oligonucleotide sequences. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides used for gene assembly are provided in an array format. An RNA polymerase promoter is appended to surface-bound oligonucleotides and a plurality of RNA copies of each oligonucleotide are then produced with an RNA polymerase. These RNA molecules self-assemble into a desired full-length RNA transcript by hybridization and ligation. The resulting RNA transcript may then be converted into double stand DNA useful in a variety of applications including protein expression.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element for heating a cookware member on or to be placed on the cooktop, the at least one heating element being adjustable between a working-power level wherein the at least one heating element is energized to generate heat and a zero-power level wherein the at least one heating element is not energized. The cooking appliance further includes a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature or rate of temperature change of a cooking element. The cooking appliance further includes a control device configured to adjust the at least one heating element from the working-power level to the zero-power level based on the temperature or rate of temperature change of the cooking element. The at least one heating element will remain at the zero-power level until a user intervenes to re-energize the at least one heating element.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring metabolites may include a sample collection system and a urinalysis system of or for a toilet. The sample collection system may be automated to collect sample urine from a toilet or toilet area, transport the sample to the urinalysis system, and/or the sample urine for analysis at a later time or after analysis by the urinalysis system. The urinalysis system may be automated by proactively providing test material on which a subject may provide a urine sample. Once the urine sample has been provided the urinalysis system may provide the test material to an analyzer for analysis. Results of the analysis of the test material and sample urine may be provided to a mobile device of the subject and/or a remote server. The urinalysis system may provide a urine sample to a mass spectrometry unit for analysis.

Abstract: Technology identifies that an end effector is provisioned to a robot. The technology accesses identification data of the end effector. The identification data is specific to the end effector. The identification data includes one or more of at least one setting associated with the end effector or at least one parameter associated with the end effector. The technology controls the end effector based on the identification data to adjust one or more runtime parameters of the robot based on the identification data.

Abstract: Safety architecture for an automated work cell provides a barrier separating a work cell area from an operator or personnel area. The safety architecture enables personnel to conduct routine interactions with nonfunctioning motion platforms or positioning machines located in the work cell area through openings in the barrier separating the personnel area from the work cell area while other motion platforms or positioning machines in the work cell area continues to function.

Abstract: Described herein are RNA arrays, and compositions and methods for generating RNA arrays, particularly high density RNA arrays. The disclosed methods for generating RNA arrays utilize template DNA arrays and RNA polymerase to generate RNA arrays. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods use an RNA polymerase and modified ribonucleosides to generate modified RNA arrays for various applications, e.g. RNA arrays having higher nuclease resistance, more conformationally stable RNA arrays, and higher binding affinity RNA aptamer arrays. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods are used to generate RNA bead arrays.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element for heating a cookware member on or to be placed on the cooktop, the at least one heating element being adjustable between a working-power level wherein the at least one heating element is energized to generate heat and a zero-power level wherein the at least one heating element is not energized. The cooking appliance further includes a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature or rate of temperature change of a cooking element. The cooking appliance further includes a control device configured to adjust the at least one heating element from the working-power level to the zero-power level based on the temperature or rate of temperature change of the cooking element. The at least one heating element will remain at the zero-power level until a user intervenes to re-energize the at least one heating element.

Abstract: A switch for operating a heating element of a cooking appliance includes a first contact electrically connected with the heating element, a second contact electrically connected with a power source. A bimetal strip is configured to electrically connect and disconnect the first and second contacts. The switch further includes a rotatable cam member having a cam surface for operative engagement with a cam follower. The cam surface has a profile dimension that is at least partially variable about the rotational axis of the cam member and is configured to cause displacement of the cam follower as a function of its rotational orientation to thereby adjust an operating temperature of the heating element. The cam surface is configured such that the operating temperature can be adjusted up to but not beyond a predetermined maximum temperature via rotation of the cam member. Circuits incorporating such a switch also are disclosed.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element for heating a cookware member on or to be placed on the cooktop, the at least one heating element being adjustable between a working-power level wherein the at least one heating element is energized to generate heat and a zero-power level wherein the at least one heating element is not energized. The cooking appliance further includes a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature or rate of temperature change of a cooking element. The cooking appliance further includes a control device configured to adjust the at least one heating element from the working-power level to the zero-power level based on the temperature or rate of temperature change of the cooking element. The at least one heating element will remain at the zero-power level until a user intervenes to re-energize the at least one heating element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and materials for RNA-mediated gene assembly from oligonucleotide sequences. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides used for gene assembly are provided in an array format. An RNA polymerase promoter is appended to surface-bound oligonucleotides and a plurality of RNA copies of each oligonucleotide are then produced with an RNA polymerase. These RNA molecules self-assemble into a desired full-length RNA transcript by hybridization and ligation. The resulting RNA transcript may then be converted into double stand DNA useful in a variety of applications including protein expression.

Abstract: A strontium-based composition for controlling progression of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and tooth decay is presented. The composition may include a blend of ingredients including: at least 500 mg of strontium carbonate; citric acid; ascorbic acid; malic acid; folic acid; vitamin d3; magnesium citrate; natural sweetener; and flavoring. The all-natural strontium-based blend of ingredients is simply delivered to the oral cavity where an “in-vivo” chemical reaction takes place resulting in direct tooth and dentin exposure to facilitate direct dental anti-caries and anti-sensitivity strontium benefits. The blend of ingredients is then swallowed to establish intestinal transit and absorption to obtain the targeted benefits of systemic absorption to bone and joint areas.

Abstract: Described herein are RNA arrays, and compositions and methods for generating RNA arrays, particularly high density RNA arrays. The disclosed methods for generating RNA arrays utilize template DNA arrays and RNA polymerase to generate RNA arrays. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods use an RNA polymerase and modified ribonucleosides to generate modified RNA arrays for various applications, e.g. RNA arrays having higher nuclease resistance, more conformationally stable RNA arrays, and higher binding affinity RNA aptamer arrays. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods are used to generate RNA bead arrays.

Abstract: A household appliance including a heating element at an upper surface of the appliance, and a variable height downdraft vent assembly movable relative to the upper surface. The vent assembly includes a duct defining a flow passage between an upper end and a lower end thereof. The duct is movable in a vertical direction relative to the upper surface of the appliance. A drive assembly is provided for engaging the duct to position the upper end of the duct at a user-selected variable height relative to the upper surface of the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and materials for RNA-mediated gene assembly from oligonucleotide sequences. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides used for gene assembly are provided in an array format. An RNA polymerase promoter is appended to surface-bound oligonucleotides and a plurality of RNA copies of each oligonucleotide are then produced with an RNA polymerase. These RNA molecules self-assemble into a desired full-length RNA transcript by hybridization and ligation. The resulting RNA transcript may then be converted into double strand DNA useful in a variety of applications including protein expression.

Abstract: A switch for operating a heating element of a cooking appliance includes a first contact electrically connected with the heating element, a second contact electrically connected with a power source. A bimetal strip is configured to electrically connect and disconnect the first and second contacts. The switch further includes a rotatable cam member having a cam surface for operative engagement with a cam follower. The cam surface has a profile dimension that is at least partially variable about the rotational axis of the cam member and is configured to cause displacement of the cam follower as a function of its rotational orientation to thereby adjust an operating temperature of the heating element. The cam surface is configured such that the operating temperature can be adjusted up to but not beyond a predetermined maximum temperature via rotation of the cam member. Circuits incorporating such a switch also are disclosed.