Abstract: A waste collection tool includes a handle and a housing. The housing is coupled to the handle and defines a central axis. The housing includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion defines a proximal opening disposed about the central axis. The distal portion is coupled to the proximal portion and defines a distal opening disposed about the central axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-injector for administering a medicament, comprising: a housing; a cartridge receiver configured to receive a cartridge comprising a first stopper; a drive module coupled to move a plunger rod configured to move the first stopper; a resistance sensor configured to provide a resistance signal indicative of resistance against movement of the plunger rod; and a processing unit coupled to the drive module and to the resistance sensor. The processing unit being configured to: control the drive module to move the plunger rod towards the extended plunger rod position; determine present plunger rod position; receive the resistance signal; determine a cartridge parameter based on the resistance signal and the present plunger rod position; and control the drive module to adjust the movement of the plunger rod based on the cartridge parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-injector for administering a medicament, comprising: a housing; a cartridge receiver configured to receive a cartridge comprising a first stopper; a drive module coupled to move a plunger rod configured to move the first stopper; a resistance sensor configured to provide a resistance signal indicative of resistance against movement of the plunger rod; and a processing unit coupled to the drive module and to the resistance sensor. The processing unit being configured to: control the drive module to move the plunger rod towards the extended plunger rod position; determine present plunger rod position; receive the resistance signal; determine a cartridge parameter based on the resistance signal and the present plunger rod position; and control the drive module to adjust the movement of the plunger rod based on the cartridge parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-injector for administering a medicament, comprising: a housing; a cartridge receiver configured to receive a cartridge comprising a first stopper; a drive module coupled to move a plunger rod configured to move the first stopper; a resistance sensor configured to provide a resistance signal indicative of resistance against movement of the plunger rod; and a processing unit coupled to the drive module and to the resistance sensor. The processing unit being configured to: control the drive module to move the plunger rod towards the extended plunger rod position; determine present plunger rod position; receive the resistance signal; determine a cartridge parameter based on the resistance signal and the present plunger rod position; and control the drive module to adjust the movement of the plunger rod based on the cartridge parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-injector for administering a medicament, comprising: a housing; a cartridge receiver configured to receive a cartridge comprising a first stopper; a drive module coupled to move a plunger rod configured to move the first stopper; a resistance sensor configured to provide a resistance signal indicative of resistance against movement of the plunger rod; and a processing unit coupled to the drive module and to the resistance sensor. The processing unit being configured to: control the drive module to move the plunger rod towards the extended plunger rod position; determine present plunger rod position; receive the resistance signal; determine a cartridge parameter based on the resistance signal and the present plunger rod position; and control the drive module to adjust the movement of the plunger rod based on the cartridge parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-injector for administering a medicament, comprising: a housing; a cartridge receiver configured to receive a cartridge comprising a first stopper; a drive module coupled to move a plunger rod configured to move the first stopper; a resistance sensor configured to provide a resistance signal indicative of resistance against movement of the plunger rod; and a processing unit coupled to the drive module and to the resistance sensor. The processing unit being configured to: control the drive module to move the plunger rod towards the extended plunger rod position; determine present plunger rod position; receive the resistance signal; determine a cartridge parameter based on the resistance signal and the present plunger rod position; and control the drive module to adjust the movement of the plunger rod based on the cartridge parameter.

Abstract: An exchange platform comprised of systems and processes for anonymously and confidentially introducing one or more potential purchasers of an unlisted real property to the owner of that property are disclosed. A computer-implemented method comprises (i) receiving identification data with respect to one or more unlisted real properties of interest from a potential purchaser of those properties via a client application; (ii) creating a confidential list for the potential purchaser consisting of all or a selected subset of the unlisted real properties for which property identification data was received from the potential purchaser; (iii) receiving property registrations from owners of unlisted real properties via a client application; and (iv) matching property identification data from property registrations against property identification data from the confidential list (and the confidential lists of other potential purchasers).

Abstract: A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a booklet guide and clamp system that is configured to act as the guide during entry and exit of the booklet into and from the mechanism, as well as clamp and hold the booklet in its proper position during a processing operation, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The booklet guide and clamp system is moveable between a first position for guiding an upper, free edge of an opened booklet and a second position where the upper, free edge is clamped against a backing plate. At the second, clamping position, the mechanism is out of the way so that it does not interfere with the processing operation. Because the guiding and clamping functions are combined into one mechanism, only one actuator and one sensor are needed for the guiding and clamping functions.

Abstract: A booklet processing mechanism is described that includes a booklet guide and clamp system that is configured to act as the guide during entry and exit of the booklet into and from the mechanism, as well as clamp and hold the booklet in its proper position during a processing operation, for example by a laser or during vision verification. The booklet guide and clamp system is moveable between a first position for guiding an upper, free edge of an opened booklet and a second position where the upper, free edge is clamped against a backing plate. At the second, clamping position, the mechanism is out of the way so that it does not interfere with the processing operation. Because the guiding and clamping functions are combined into one mechanism, only one actuator and one sensor are needed for the guiding and clamping functions.

Abstract: Remote communications devices, wireless communications systems, and wireless communications methods are described. In one aspect, a remote communications device includes communication circuitry configured to communicate wireless communication signals externally of the remote communications device, sensor circuitry configured to sense at least one condition with respect to the remote communications device, and wherein the communication circuitry is coupled with the sensor circuitry and is configured to determine a plurality of different moments in time responsive to criteria originating within the remote communications device and to communicate data indicative of the at least one sensed condition externally of the remote communications device to a reader using the wireless communication signals at the different moments in time.

Abstract: Remote communications devices, wireless communications systems, and wireless communications methods are described. In one aspect, a remote communications device includes communication circuitry configured to communicate wireless communication signals externally of the remote communications device, sensor circuitry configured to sense at least one condition with respect to the remote communications device, and wherein the communication circuitry is coupled with the sensor circuitry and is configured to determine a plurality of different moments in time responsive to criteria originating within the remote communications device and to communicate data indicative of the at least one sensed condition externally of the remote communications device to a reader using the wireless communication signals at the different moments in time.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a tool that includes a communication circuit associated with the tool and configured to store data regarding the status of the tool and to sense a condition of the tool for quality assurance and quality control. An actuator can be included for altering the operational status of the tool in response to a change in status or a change in condition.

Abstract: A tag device includes a strap having a first end and a second end and configured to encircle a member to which the tag device is to be secured, the first end being configured to be attached to the second end of the strap, with the strap encircling a member to which the tag device is to be secured; and circuitry supported by the strap and useful for determining if the strap has been removed from the member after the first end has been attached to the second end. Other apparatus and a method of manufacturing a tag device are also provided.

Abstract: An intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) is provided that can fuse data streams from a variety of sources and then locally determine the current state of the environment in which the intelligent microsensor is placed. The resultant state rather than raw data is communicated to the outside world when the microsensor is queried. The intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) of the present invention can locally determine and execute an action to be taken based on the determined state of the environment. The module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) can be readily reconfigured for multiple applications.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally reversible stimulus-sensitive gel or gelling copolymer radioisotope carrier that is a linear random copolymer of an [meth-]acrylamide derivative and a hydrophilic comonomer, wherein the linear random copolymer is in the form of a plurality of linear chains having a plurality of molecular weights greater than or equal to a minimum gelling molecular weight cutoff. Addition of a biodegradable backbone and/or a therapeutic agent imparts further utility. The method of the present invention for making a thermally reversible stimulus-sensitive gelling copolymer radionuclcide carrier has the steps of: (a) mixing a stimulus-sensitive reversible gelling copolymer with an aqueous solvent as a stimulus-sensitive reversible gelling solution; and (b) mixing a radioisotope with said stimulus-sensitive reversible gelling solution as said radioisotope carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic agent carrier compositions that include a carrier comprised of a stimulus sensitive gel, fibrin, or combinations thereof, and a therapeutic agent such as an aqueous insoluble or confined radioisotope. Stimulus sensitive gels include thermally reversible stimulus-sensitive gels that are linear random copolymers of a [meth-]acrylamide derivative and a hydrophilic comonomer; thermogelling biodegradable polymers, which include biodegradable polymers including a linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) block and biodegradable polyester block; and enzymatically degradable polypeptide poylmers. In certain embodiments the therapeutic agent is a hydrothermally synthesized radioactive therapeutic agent, such a 90-yttrium phosphate colloid. Methods of making such carrier compositions and methods of using such carrier compositions to treat diseases such as cancer also are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for dispensing units of platform-loaded goods from a stack is provided which comprises a dispenser including a dispenser frame, capture blades, and a blade control. The capture blades retain the stack within the dispenser when in closed position and release the stack when in open position, and the blade control opens and closes the capture blades. The device also includes a device for engaging the dispenser such that the blade control is moved upwardly in relation to the dispenser frame to open said capture blades.

Abstract: An intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) is provided that can fuse data streams from a variety of sources and then locally determine the current state of the environment in which the intelligent microsensor is placed. The resultant state rather than raw data is communicated to the outside world when the microsensor is queried. The intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) of the present invention can locally determine and execute an action to be taken based on the determined state of the environment. The module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) can be readily reconfigured for multiple applications.

Abstract: A system for the automated storing or dispensing of one or more stacks of stackable goods is provided. The system comprises at least one pick-up site at which one or more stacks of stackable goods may be stationed, and at least one delivery site at which one or more stacks of stackable goods may be stationed. The system also includes a robotic pick-up means for securing and releasing one of the stackable goods, and movement means for moving the pick-up means into position to retrieve or deposit one of the stackable goods at a desired pick-up or delivery site. A control system is provided which can activate the pick-up means and the movement means, and is programmed to be operable to systematically move the stacks of stackable goods between the one or more pick-up sites and the one or more delivery sites.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally reversible stimulus-sensitive gel or gelling copolymer radioisotope carrier that is a linear random copolymer of an [meth-]acrylamide derivative and a hydrophilic comonomer, wherein the linear random copolymer is in the form of a plurality of linear chains having a plurality of molecular weights greater than or equal to a minimum gelling molecular weight cutoff. Addition of a biodegradable backbone and/or a therapeutic agent imparts further utility. The method of the present invention for making a thermally reversible stimulus-sensitive gelling copolymer radionuclcide carrier has the steps of: (a) mixing a stimulus-sensitive reversible gelling copolymer with an aqueous solvent as a stimulus-sensitive reversible gelling solution; and (b) mixing a radioisotope with said stimulus-sensitive reversible gelling solution as said radioisotope carrier.