Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for automatically packaging one or more articles as a set of items to be shipped is disclosed. The system, apparatus, and method processes packaging material based at least in part on a scan of the set of items to be shipped, and forms cushioning of two matched streams of packaging material, with height of each package automated to size for the set, yielding shipping-ready customized packages. The customized packages are configured to conform to each individual article's size. The packaging material preferably is fully recyclable and is made from paper which is selectively expandable to create a cushioning layer around the set.

Abstract: A method of therapy escalation for patients with diabetes includes receiving glucose data of a user from an in vivo glucose monitoring device, receiving first therapy information of a first therapy, wherein the first therapy includes basal insulin, calculating one or more glucose metrics based on the received glucose data, titrating a dose of the basal insulin based on the one or more glucose metrics, and determining overbasalization based on one or more of the glucose data and the first therapy information. Advantageously the system can regularly monitor glucose control of a user, detect overbasalization, provide frequent therapy intervention and adjustment, decrease a duration of intervention, and increase user adherence, outcomes, and satisfaction.

Abstract: Automated bag forming systems and methods for their use are disclosed. The automated bag forming systems described herein can be configured to receive a web of bag material and produce individual bags through a sealing and cutting process possessing a high degree of speed, precision, and reproducibility.

Abstract: A mobile omnidirectional device having a base support, four wheels pivotally connected to the base support, each wheel being driven by a drive motor, a controller for individually controlling each of the drive motors, and a power source for powering the controller and the drive motors. The device provides a zero inch turning radius and can be configured as a jib hoist or a rolling transportation cart.

Abstract: A slope measurement and drawing aid (100) for teaching mathematics having unique indicia (130), rational-numeric slope values (184), and mathematical information (192), and a method of identifying the correct rational-numeric slope value associated with the graph of a given line, either by means of a gravity-activated indicator arm (140), or by means of the orientation of the teaching aid. For instructional purposes, when used in a classroom setting, the teaching aid can be removably held on a vertical board by magnetic (240R) or other means. When used in an individual setting, a smaller version of the teaching aid can similarly be used in a horizontal orientation on paper.

Abstract: A composite panel structure of a polymer matrix cote sandwiched by metal layers is described. The polymer matrix comprises 1-30 wt % fluoropolymer and 70-99 wt % of a flame retardant mineral. The fluoropolymer may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with a high limiting oxygen index, which confers fire resistance properties to the polymer matrix and the composite panel structure. The composite panel structure may be used on the exterior of buildings and may fulfill building code requirements for the polymer matrix core being noncombustible as determined by ASTM E136 and CAN/ULC S114 compliance.

Abstract: A counter-pressure filler system includes a vertically-translatable platform capable of supporting a container, a pressurizable chamber having an entrance aperture, the chamber enclosing a seaming chuck and at least one seaming roller, a vertically-translatable enclosure comprising an upper portion configured to engage a portion of said chamber around the entrance aperture, thereby creating a pressurizable atmosphere within said vertically-translatable enclosure and the pressurizable chamber. The seaming chuck is configured to allow a beverage ingredient to pass therethrough and into said container.

Abstract: A composite panel structure of a polymer matrix core sandwiched by metal layers is described. The polymer matrix comprises 1-30 wt % fluoropolymer and 70-99 wt % of a flame retardant mineral. The fluoropolymer may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with a high limiting oxygen index, which confers fire resistance properties to the polymer matrix and the composite panel structure. The composite panel structure may be used on the exterior of buildings and may fulfill building code requirements for the polymer matrix core being noncombustible as determined by ASTM E136 and CAN/ULC S114 compliance.

Abstract: A composite panel structure of a polymer matrix core sandwiched by metal layers is described. The polymer matrix comprises 1-30 wt % fluoropolymer and 70-99 wt % of a flame retardant mineral. The fluoropolymer may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with a high limiting oxygen index, which confers fire resistance properties to the polymer matrix and the composite panel structure. The composite panel structure may be used on the exterior of buildings and may fulfill building code requirements for the polymer matrix core being noncombustible as determined by ASTM E136 and CAN/ULC S114 compliance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treating pregnant patients at risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, including, in some embodiments, by measuring one or more of a level of iC3b, intact C3, and total C3.

Abstract: A slope measurement and drawing aid (100) for teaching mathematics having unique indicia (130), rational-numeric slope values (184), and mathematical information (192), and a method of identifying the correct rational-numeric slope value associated with the graph of a given line, either by means of a gravity-activated indicator arm (140), or by means of the orientation of the teaching aid. For instructional purposes, when used in a classroom setting, the teaching aid can be removably held on a vertical board by magnetic (240R) or other means. When used in an individual setting, a smaller version of the teaching aid can similarly be used in a horizontal orientation on paper.

Abstract: A method for forming a food package product is disclosed. The food package product includes layers and patches of adhesive strategically placed on packaging stock that prevents leakage of liquid products. In an exemplary embodiment, the food package product is microwavable popcorn.

Abstract: A food packaging system includes, in a serially coupled, operational configuration: a) an automated bag forming system; b) a bag rotator; c) a blade wheel; d) a bag top opener assembly; e) a funnel positioning system; f) a hopper system; g) an oil injection system; h) a sealing station; i) a crimping assembly; and j) an offloading assembly. A carriage conveyor system is configured to receive a bag formed by the automated bag forming system and convey the bag sequentially from component b) to component j).

Abstract: A mobile omnidirectional device having a base support, four wheels pivotally connected to the base support, each wheel being driven by a drive motor, a controller for individually controlling each of the drive motors, and a power source for powering the controller and the drive motors. The device provides a zero inch turning radius and can be configured as a jib hoist or a rolling transportation cart.

Abstract: The present invention features the use of compstatin and complement inhibiting analogs thereof for treating and/or preventing age related macular degeneration and other conditions involving macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and/or retinal neovascularization. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a second therapeutic agent. The invention also provides compositions comprising compstatin or a complement inhibiting analog thereof and a gel-forming material, e.g., soluble collagen, and methods of administering the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention features the local administration of complement inhibitors for treatment of complement-mediated disorders. In certain embodiments the invention features inhibiting activation of one or more locally produced complement proteins. The invention provides sustained release formulations and devices comprising a complement inhibitor and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for predicting flare in subjects with autoimmune disease (e.g., lupus erythematosus). In some embodiments, pending flares may be reduced in severity and/or prevented from clinical manifestation in their entirety using provided methods. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for preventing or reducing the severity of a flare including the steps of determining in a sample from a subject suffering from lupus erythematosus a complement activation potential, administering a treatment or implementing a change in treatment if the complement activation potential is about 25% or higher, wherein a complement activation potential of about 25% or higher indicates that the subject will experience a flare within 30 days.