Abstract: An analyzer system for in vitro diagnostics includes a sample handler module having a robot arm that delivers samples from drawers into carriers on a linear synchronous motor automation track. Samples are delivered via the automation track to individual track sections associated with individual analyzer modules. Analyzer modules aspirate sample portions directly from the sample carriers and perform analysis thereon.

Abstract: A refractory oven includes pieces of refractory material having complementary slots and protrusions shaped and positioned for assembly into an open-ended box that defines a cooking chamber of the refractory oven. The pieces of refractory material can be slab-shaped and flat-packed in a kit for later assembly. The refractory oven can be used with a housing to make a cooking device that receives thermal energy from an external heat source. The cooking device may create a high-heat environment that may be suitable to cook foodstuffs at high temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus and method provide flexibility in generating a stimulation waveform to an electrode of an Implantable Neuro Stimulator (INS). The stimulation waveform is synthesized for each rate period interval. Each rate period interval is partitioned into time intervals, during which stimulation pulses, recharging, and time duration delays may be induced. With the embodiment of the invention, a second stimulation pulse, having different electrical characteristics than a first stimulation pulse, may be generated during the rate period interval. An embodiment utilizes apparatus comprising a waveform controller and a waveform generator that are controlled by the waveform controller. The waveform controller uses waveform parameters to instruct the waveform generator to form stimulation pulses. Any of the components may be adjusted or deleted in the generation of the stimulation waveform.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring capacitive elements of an implantable medical device system for device failure and responding thereto. A therapy measurement block monitors a charge value across one or more capacitive elements. If the charge value falls outside a prescribed range, indicating possible failure in the capacitive element, the system removes from service the capacitive element and its associated regulator, notifies the implantable neuro stimulator of the failure and/or takes appropriate corrective measures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a track frame of a work machine to an equalizer bar are provided. The method may include aligning a connection pin into a partial open first bore formed on a connection structure of a frame member and aligning the connection pin into a partial open second bore formed on a cap member. The method may further include coupling the cap member to the connection structure so that the connection pin is held between the first and second bores and so that a cap shoulder, which may be arranged on the cap member, is disposed between the connection pin and the connection structure. Moreover, the method may include coupling the cap member to the connection structure so that the connection pin is held between the first and second bores and so that the cap member deforms about a deformation region, which may be disposed on the cap member.

Abstract: Analog and digital power control switching circuits and power strips for use with various electronic devices and electrically operated appliances all enable a first device to control the powering or start-up of other devices. A smart power strip variation enables a user to energize all computer peripherals simply by turning the computer on or off. All embodiments comprise a sensing subcircuit that monitors AC current passed through the device or appliance plugged into a sensing outlet, which, in turn, generates a conditioned DC monitoring signal. A related control subcircuit driven by the monitoring signal powers suitable relays or transistors for activating downstream devices or appliances. All sensing subcircuits comprise a transformer primary, a capacitor, and at least one pair of anti-parallel diodes all connected in parallel. The stepped-up transformer output is rectified and filtered, yielding a DC monitoring signal delivered to the control subcircuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for independently delivering a plurality of therapy programs in an implantable medical device. A therapy controller configures the device to generate independent pulse trains associated with a plurality of therapy programs and dynamically configures the electrodes to deliver the independent pulse trains to the patient. Once configured, the implantable medical device delivers the plurality of therapy programs to the patient wherein the therapy programs may overlap in time.

Abstract: In the embodiment of the invention, apparatus and method provide flexibility in generating a stimulation waveform to an electrode of an Implantable Neurological Stimulator (INS). The embodiment provides a time delay interval between a first stimulation pulse and a recharging of the apparatus, in which the time delay interval is adjustable. The embodiment utilizes apparatus comprising a waveform controller and a waveform generator that is controlled by the waveform controller. With a variation of the embodiment, the apparatus utilizes passive recharging. In another variation of the embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a second stimulation to balance an accumulated charge. In another embodiment of the invention, a clinician is able to adjust the time delay interval through a telemetry channel. The waveform controller receives information about the time delay interval, and the waveform control instructs the waveform generator to adjust the time delay interval.

Abstract: A method for outbound shipment of packages directly from home or office includes the steps of registering a user, receiving authorization from the user to pay a shipping agent at least one fee incurred by the user, and receiving a notification from the shipping agent of the fee incurred by the user. The method further includes the steps of paying the fee directly to the shipping agent; and receiving reimbursement from the user for the payment of the fee to the shipping agent. The method further may include the steps of providing the user with a transfer device, and signaling the shipping agent to pick-up the package from the user. In addition, the package may be stored in the transfer device.

Abstract: A method for assembling an unattended delivery device is provided. The method includes the steps of fastening a base to a first external surface, in which the base has a first base weight, and fastening a floor to the base. The method further includes the steps of fastening three walls to the floor, fastening a top to the walls, fastening an electronic assembly base to the top, and fastening an electronic assembly to the electronic assembly base. The method also includes the steps of fastening an electronic assembly cover to the walls and attaching a door to one end of one of the walls, in which the door, the walls, the top, and the floor form an enclosure. An apparatus for unattended delivery is provided. The apparatus includes a base fastened to a first external surface, in which the base has a first base weight, a floor fastened to the base, and three walls fastened to the floor.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an associate network with a system for monitoring shipping may include the steps of identifying a list of associates; prescribing an access state for each of the associates; and authorizing access to the system to each of the associates in accordance with the associate's access state.

Abstract: Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus includes a plurality of storage devices, each having a door with a lock that is locked and unlocked in response to codes. A local lock controller is associated with each of the storage devices and includes an entry device for entering an access code that unlocks the lock when it is locked and a transaction code that locks the lock when it is unlocked. A central operations controller in communication with the local lock controllers is programmed to receive the access and transaction codes entered to each local lock controller, to create an access code for the lock of each storage device upon receiving a transaction code that locks the lock, and to output a notice of the access code to be used to unlock the lock of each storage device when it is locked.