Abstract: A suture needle apparatus includes a needle body and a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) chip disposed proximate to the needle body. The RFID chip is encoded with an identifying information associated with the suture needle apparatus. The RFID chip includes an electromagnetic coupling element. A suture thread is operatively coupled to the needle body. At least one of the needle body and the suture thread is an antenna selectively electromagnetically coupled to the RFID chip and, when coupled, is configured to wirelessly communicate the identifying information responsive to radio-frequency interrogation of the suture needle apparatus. A method of providing a suture needle apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method to determine characteristics of surgical related items and procedure related items present for use in the perioperative period. The system and method may apply computer vision for determining status and tracking of the surgical related items and procedure related items, as well as related clinical, logistical and operational events in the perioperative period. The system and method provides for an intuitive, automated, and transparent tracking of sterile surgical items (SSI) such as single-use, sterile surgical supplies (SUSSS) and sterile surgical instruments, and quantification of SSI waste. In doing so, the system and method empowers administrators to reduce costs and surgeons to demonstrate usage of important equipment. The system and method removes the guesswork from monitoring and minimizing SSI waste and puts the emphasis on necessity and efficiency.

Abstract: A suture needle apparatus includes a needle body and a radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) chip disposed proximate to the needle body. The RFID chip is encoded with an identifying information associated with the suture needle apparatus. The RFID chip includes an electromagnetic coupling element. A suture thread is operatively coupled to the needle body. At least one of the needle body and the suture thread is an antenna selectively electromagnetically coupled to the RFID chip and, when coupled, is configured to wirelessly communicate the identifying information responsive to radio-frequency interrogation of the suture needle apparatus. A method of providing a suture needle apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: An inventory sensor for monitoring the inventory status at one or more retail shelves. The inventory sensor may comprise a mat and a plurality of opposing contact pairs. The mat is adapted to be disposed on a retail shelf with a forward edge of the mat facing the front of the retail shelf. The plurality of opposing contact pairs are arranged into a plurality of regions within the mat, the regions being arranged forward to aft in the mat with the first region being disposed along the forward edge of the mat and subsequent regions being disposed sequentially further aft from said first region. The contact pairs are biased open and the closing of an opposing contact pair produces results in the production of an electrical signal associated with the closed opposing contact pair. A controller monitors the mat to determine retail item footprints.

Abstract: An exemplary agricultural implement includes a plurality of units configured to inject particulate material into a ground surface and a plurality of metering modules. Each metering module is configured to receive a supply of particulate material and to meter the particulate material to a set of the plurality of units. A distribution assembly is configured to receive particulate material from a source and to distribute the particulate material to the plurality of metering modules.

Abstract: An exemplary agricultural implement includes a plurality of units configured to inject particulate material into a ground surface and a plurality of metering modules. Each metering module is configured to receive a supply of particulate material and to meter the particulate material to a set of the plurality of units. A distribution assembly is configured to receive particulate material from a source and to distribute the particulate material to the plurality of metering modules.

Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for operating video monitor displays in a retail environment. The apparatus comprises a base, cover, side, and divider which define a pair of compartments, each compartment configured to hold a video monitor display device such as a tablet, smart phone, or similar system. Each of the pair of compartments include apertures for viewing the screen of the video monitor display, and these apertures face opposition directions. The system generally comprises a video monitor display mounted to a retail shelf, a power supply for the video monitor display supplying power via an inductively coupled connection, a wireless Internet connection device integrated with the video monitor display, and associated hardware and software for downloading, storing, and displaying digital content on the video monitor display.

Abstract: A lighted mounting apparatus for a promotional glass holder including a channel which is lined on the bottom by a LED strip, a pair of extrusions to receive and hold a promotional glass, and a low voltage power supply.

Abstract: An exemplary agricultural implement includes a plurality of units configured to inject particulate material into a ground surface and a plurality of metering modules. Each metering module is configured to receive a supply of particulate material and to meter the particulate material to a set of the plurality of units. A distribution assembly is configured to receive particulate material from a source and to distribute the particulate material to the plurality of metering modules.