Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dealer network visualization. A method may include receiving a user identifier associated with a user and accessing vehicle transaction history associated with the user identifier. The method may also include determining, based at least in part on the vehicle transaction history, one or more vehicle transactions associated with the user identifier. Furthermore, the method may include identifying one or more dealers associated with the one or more vehicle transactions. The method may also include generating a network visualization indicating respective dealer connections between the user and the one or more dealers and displaying the network visualization.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cold infusion process for fortifying coffee beans with one or more vitamin, non-vitamin, mineral, non-mineral, botanical, hormone, herb, neutraceutical, lipid, carbohydrate, amino acid, acid, salt, prebiotic, or probiotic functional additives. This invention also discloses an infused coffee bean produced by the process of infusing the coffee bean at a temperature of less than about 120° F. with a solution comprising water, a bridge initiator for acid salt bias, fortifying agent(s), and an acid in a quantity sufficient to reach a pH of about 3.65. Further, this invention provides a method for the infusion of a coffee bean with at least one fortifying agent at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cold infusion process for fortifying coffee beans with one or more vitamin, non-vitamin, mineral, non-mineral, botanical, hormone, herb, neutraceutical, lipid, carbohydrate, amino acid, acid, salt, prebiotic, or probiotic functional additives. This invention also discloses an infused coffee bean produced by the process of infusing the coffee bean at a temperature of less than about 120° F. with a solution comprising water, a bridge initiator for acid salt bias, fortifying agent(s), and an acid in a quantity sufficient to reach a pH of about 3.65. Further, this invention provides a method for the infusion of a coffee bean with at least one fortifying agent at approximately room temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for addressing mental health conditions includes a mobile processing device capable of executing a software application stored in memory. The software application is configured to employ peripheral devices associated with the mobile processing device to provide a user with a self-treating option for addressing mental conditions. When activated, the application provides one more of an interactive diagnosis routine configured to assist in discovering a mental state or condition of the user, and an interactive instructional routine configured to remedy a current mental state.

Abstract: A system and method for addressing mental health conditions includes a mobile processing device capable of executing a software application stored in memory. The software application is configured to employ peripheral devices associated with the mobile processing device to provide a user with a self-treating option for addressing mental conditions. When activated, the application provides one more of an interactive diagnosis routine configured to assist in discovering a mental state or condition of the user, and an interactive instructional routine configured to remedy a current mental state.

Abstract: A data transmission system includes: a data generation device generating data in each time slot; a wireless access device; a proxy device interconnecting the data generation device and the wireless access device via wired network; and a mobile device connected to the wireless access device via wireless network and receiving the generated data. The proxy device includes in a packet the generated data in each time slot or the difference of the generated data between each time slot and a reference time slot associated therewith to generate a packetized data in accordance with data loss rate and data transmission delay in the wireless network and sends the packetized data to the wireless access device. The wireless access device determines an upper limit of retransmissions of the packetized data for the mobile device in accordance with the data loss rate and the data transmission delay in the wireless network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of Electrochemical Capacitance Voltage (ECV) profiling measurements by alerting the operator to the presence of surface films or gas bubbles during the etching process and by using this in-situ monitoring apparatus to determine the true measurement area at the end of the measurement cycle and using the new value to recalculate the data. By making the area measurement integral to the ECV tool, every sample measurement can be corrected for the true measurement area, leading to improved accuracy and eliminating a large source of error.

Abstract: A container comprising, a container body, a tubular spout having a forward portion and a rearward portion which is mounted on the container body, a closure for sealing the tubular spout, and a baffle extending across and partly closing off the tubular spout leaving an open liquid outlet, wherein the fixed baffle comprises an element of a separate insert which is slidable into the tubular spout through the forward portion, the separate insert having an air inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting defects in a semiconductor or silicon structure at room temperature, and in an efficient time, using photoluminescence. The invention employs the use of a high intensity beam of light preferably having a spot size between 0.1 mm 0.5 microns and a peak or average power density of 104-109 w/cm2 with a view to generating a high concentration of charge carriers, which charge characters detect defects in a semiconductor by interacting with same. These defects are visible by producing a photoluminescence image of the semiconductor. Several wavelengths may be selected to identify defects at a selective depth as well as confocal optics may be used.

Abstract: A data transmission system includes: a data generation device generating data in each time slot; a wireless access device; a proxy device interconnecting the data generation device and the wireless access device via wired network; and a mobile device connected to the wireless access device via wireless network and receiving the generated data. The proxy device includes in a packet the generated data in each time slot or the difference of the generated data between each time slot and a reference time slot associated therewith to generate a packetized data in accordance with data loss rate and data transmission delay in the wireless network and sends the packetized data to the wireless access device. The wireless access device determines an upper limit of retransmissions of the packetized data for the mobile device in accordance with the data loss rate and the data transmission delay in the wireless network.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a functionalized coffee composition comprising one or more non-vitamin, non-mineral functional additives. In some aspects, vitamins and/or minerals may be provided in the functionalized coffee compositions. The disclosure also includes methods of making a functionalized coffee composition and coffee beverages made therefrom.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a functionalized coffee composition comprising one or more non-vitamin, non-mineral functional additives. In some aspects, vitamins and/or minerals may be provided in the functionalized coffee compositions. The disclosure also includes methods of making a functionalized coffee composition and coffee beverages made therefrom.

Abstract: An electronic security scheme and security system for a communications network facilitates the preventing of unauthorized access to an internal resource of an entity's internal computer system. A server includes a first set of ports for communication between an external communications network and the server. The server has a second set of ports for communications between an internal communications network and the server. A first firewall is interposed between the server and the external communications network. The first firewall is coupled to the first set of ports to provide at least one interconnection between the first set of ports and the external communications network. A second firewall is interposed between the server and the internal communications network. In one embodiment, the second firewall is coupled to the second set of ports to provide in a nonnegative integer number of interconnections between the second of set ports and the internal communications network.

Abstract: It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a method of procuring medical components and/or services that includes the steps of: (a) forming a consortium, the consortium having members including at least physician owners and hospital members; (b) evaluating by the consortium a first plurality of manufacturers of products in a relevant product category; (c) determining by the consortium a second plurality of the manufacturers as being clinically acceptable, the determining step being based on the results of the evaluating step; (d) soliciting bids by the consortium from each of the clinically acceptable manufacturers; (e) selecting by the consortium at least one of the clinically acceptable manufacturers to be a preferred supplier of products in the relevant product category; and (f) forming a supplier agreement with each supplier selected in step (e) pursuant to the bid submitted by that supplier.

Abstract: A method of analyzing cells disposed in media within a vessel includes the steps of providing a vessel having an original volume of media about the cells, reducing the original volume of media about at least a portion of the cells to define a reduced volume of media, and analyzing a constituent related to the cells within the reduced volume of media. An apparatus for analyzing cells includes a stage adapted to receive a vessel holding cells and a volume of media, a plunger adapted to receive a barrier to create a reduced volume of media within the vessel including at least a portion of the cells, the barrier adapted for insertion into the vessel by relative movement of the stage and the plunger, and a sensor in sensing communication with the reduced volume of media, wherein the sensor is configured to analyze a constituent disposed within the reduced volume.

Abstract: A ratcheting strap-down system for use with a crossbar to securely transport any variety of objects. The ratcheting strap-down assembly includes a ratcheting receiver and a cam clamp receiver. The ratcheting receiver includes a ratcheting assembly and a locking mechanism and is adapted to engage a second end of a flexible strap. The flexible strap is preferably made from reinforced steel cog belt, making the system and the objects it's securing less susceptible to theft. The ratcheting strap-down system is particularly useful for securing one or more surfboards to the crossbars of an after-market roof rack assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting defects in a semiconductor or silicon structure at room temperature, and in an efficient time, using photoluminescence. The invention employs the use of a high intensity beam of light preferably having a spot size between 0.1 mm–0.5 microns and a peak or average power density of 104–109 w/cm2 with a view to generating a high concentration of charge carriers, which charge characters detect defects in a semiconductor by interacting with same. These defects are visible by producing a photoluminescence image of the semiconductor. Several wavelengths may be selected to identify defects at a selective depth as well as confocal optics may be used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of Electrochemical Capacitance Voltage (ECV) profiling measurements by alerting the operator to the presence of surface films or gas bubbles during the etching process and by using this in-situ monitoring apparatus to determine the true measurement area at the end of the measurement cycle and using the new value to recalculate the data. By making the area measurement integral to the ECV tool, every sample measurement can be corrected for the true measurement area, leading to improved accuracy and eliminating a large source of error.

Abstract: A procurement method for the collective purchase of products, including medical products such as cardiology implant devices, for use by members of a consortium. The members of the consortium can be physicians such as cardiologists. An advisory panel composed of consortium members first reviews available products in a relevant product category and identifies three or more suppliers for further consideration. Following solicitation of bids from these suppliers, one or two suppliers are selected as preferred suppliers for the product category. Each consortium member's supply requirements are purchased from the preferred supplier by the consortium's purchasing agent, or by the end user (such as a hospital). Groups of multiple consortiums, each of which handles purchasing of products in a different geographic location or a different medical specialty, are also described.

Abstract: A pacing protocol is provided that reduces or minimizes ventricular pacing in favor of intrinsic conduction. When operating in a mode that provides ventricular pacing, a series of conduction checks are performed to determine if intrinsic conduction has returned. These conduction checks occur according to a predetermined pattern that generally includes longer intervals between subsequent attempts. The AV interval provided for dual chamber based pacing is modulated and generally moves from a larger value to a nominal value as the interval between unsuccessful conduction checks increases.