Abstract: A computer implemented method of and system for capturing, storing and organizing quality feedback information associated with products sold by a retail enterprise. The quality feedback information is stored and organized within a relational database in accordance with a logical data model comprising a plurality of entities and relationships defining the manner in which quality feedback information is stored and organized within the relational database. The relational database, populated with quality feedback information, provides the retail enterprise with the means to analyze and improve retail operations, to better manage store inventory, and more efficiently manage product sales and returns.

Abstract: A database management system for a hospitality business. The database management system comprises a relational database for storing information concerning customers of the hospitality business and customer activities, activities hosted by the hospitality business, and products and services provided by the hospitality or gaming business. Data is stored and organized within the database in accordance with a logical data model comprising a plurality of entities and relationships organized within subject areas defining the manner in which the information concerning customers, dining services, group activities, room services and charges, and other products and services is stored and organized within the relational database.

Abstract: A database management system for a hospitality or gaming business. The database management system comprises a database for storing information concerning customers of the hospitality or gaming business, customer activities, and products and services provided by the hospitality or gaming business. Data is stored and organized within the database in accordance with a logical data model comprising a plurality of entities and relationships organized within subject areas defining the manner in which information concerning casino customers, casino comps or rewards, and gaming sessions engaged in by the casino customers is stored and organized within the database.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of and system for capturing, storing and organizing quality feedback information associated with products sold by a retail enterprise. The quality feedback information is stored and organized within a relational database in accordance with a logical data model comprising a plurality of entities and relationships defining the manner in which quality feedback information is stored and organized within the relational database. The relational database, populated with quality feedback information, provides the retail enterprise with the means to analyze and improve retail operations, to better manage store inventory, and more efficiently manage product sales and returns.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of and system for capturing, storing and organizing supply chain and logistics support information for a retail enterprise. Supply chain and logistics support information is stored and organized within a relational database in accordance with a logical data model comprising a plurality subject areas, and entities and relationships within the subject areas, defining the manner in which supply chain and logistics support information is stored and organized within the relational database. The relational database, populated with this information, provides a retail enterprise with detailed tracking and analysis support for shipping orders, freight bills, shipping order claims, and invoices; and detailed support for fleet tracking of shipments in the areas of legs, lanes and associated routes traveled, mode of transport, and specific equipment utilized in handling of shipments; allowing for improved supply chain efficiency through better informed decision making.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of and system for capturing, storing and organizing serialized tracking information associated with products sold by a retail enterprise. The serialized tracking information, available through the use of RFID technology, is stored and organized within a relational database in accordance with a logical data model comprising a plurality of entities and relationships defining the manner in which serialized item tracking information associated is stored and organized within the relational database. The relational database, populated with serialized tracking information, provides the retail enterprise with the means to analyze and improve supply chain operations, to better manage store inventory, and more efficiently manage product sales and returns.

Abstract: An optical assay device for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample comprising a support containing channels, an optically functional layer positioned on the support such that the optically functional layer and the support allow for laminar flow of the sample through layers of the device, an attachment layer positioned on the optically functional layer, and an analyte specific receptive layer positioned on the attachment layer.

Abstract: An optical assay device for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample comprising a support containing channels, an optically functional layer positioned on the support such that the optically functional layer and the support allow for laminar flow of the sample through layers of the device, an attachment layer positioned on the optically functional layer, and an analyte specific receptive layer positioned on the attachment layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves an optical assay device and method of use for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample that conveniently allows control of the flow characteristics of the sample through the device without significant user intervention. The optical assay device includes a base having an absorbent material, and a member having an optically active test stack that is rotatably coupled to the base for rotation between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the optically active test stack contacts the absorbent material for drawing the sample through the surface. In the raised position, the optically active test stack does not contact the absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention involves an optical assay device and method of use for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample that conveniently allows control of the flow characteristics of the sample through the device without significant user intervention. The optical assay device includes a base having an absorbent material, and a member having an optically active test stack that is rotatably coupled to the base for rotation between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the optically active test stack contacts the absorbent material for drawing the sample through the surface. In the raised position, the optically active test stack does not contact the absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention involves an optical assay device and method of use for the detection of an analyte of interest in a sample that conveniently allows control of the flow characteristics of the sample through the device without significant user intervention. The optical assay device includes a base having an absorbent material, and a member having an optically active test stack that is rotatably coupled to the base for rotation between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the optically active test stack contacts the absorbent material for drawing the sample through the surface. In the raised position, the optically active test stack does not contact the absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention involves a simple, disposable, manual filtration and extraction device and method of use that provides a sample directly to an analytical method. The device is capable of providing a clarified liquid ready for analysis or disposal as appropriate for the specific analyte of interest, and is capable of capturing particulate materials and allowing for further extraction of those particles directly with the device. Once extracted, the device will deliver a liquid containing the analyte of interest to an analytical method. The filtration and extraction device includes a pliant body having an open top end and an internal wall defining an inner chamber. A sealing mechanism is adapted to seal the open top end of the body. A gradient filter assembly including at least one filter is supported by a support assembly carried by the body.

Abstract: The present invention involves a simple, disposable, manual filtration and extraction device and method of use that provides a sample directly to an analytical method. The device is capable of providing a clarified liquid ready for analysis or disposal as appropriate for the specific analyte of interest, and is capable of capturing particulate materials and allowing for further extraction of those particles directly with the device. Once extracted, the device will deliver a liquid containing the analyte of interest to an analytical method. The filtration and extraction devise includes a pliant body having an open top end and an internal wall defining an inner chamber. A sealing mechanism is adapted to seal the open top end of the body. A gradient filter assembly including at least one filter is supported by a support assembly carried by the body.

Abstract: Method for the determination of chlamydial or gram negative bacterial antigen comprising contacting a sample potentially containing extracted antigen with an optically active surface comprising an attachment layer, and a layer of non-specific protein.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest comprising a substrate which supports an optically active layer, an attachment layer provided on the optically active layer, and a receptive layer specific the analyte provided on the attachment layer. The method comprises forming the optically active layer with a chosen refractive index on the substrate by curing the optically active layer on the substrate at a controlled temperature or for a controlled length of time and subsequently providing the attachment and receptive layers on the optically active layer.

Abstract: Method for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest in a sample by providing a substrate having an optically active surface exhibiting a first color in response to light impinging thereon, and exhibiting a second color comprising a combination of wavelengths of light different from the first color or comprising an intensity of at least one wavelength of light different from the first color, in response to the light when the analyte is present on the surface in an amount selected from any one of 0.1 nM, 0.1 ng/ml, 50 fg, 2.times.10.sup.3 organisms comprising the analyte; and contacting the optically active surface with a sample potentially comprising the analyte of interest under conditions in which the analyte can interact with the optically active surface to cause the optically active surface to exhibit the second color when the analyte is present.

Abstract: Optical assay device having an active receptive surface supported on a pedestal and held within a first container; the first container comprising first absorbent material located at the base of the pedestal, configured and arranged to absorb liquid draining from the surface, and having a second container, hingedly connected to one side of the first container, the second container comprising a second absorbent material, wherein the second container can be closed to the first container by rotation about the hinge, and wherein such closing causes the second absorbent material to contact the surface.