Abstract: A disclosed method for assessing and influencing behavior, including workplace activity, of a personal computer user. User behavior and/or activity information pertaining to the user is received from the user's various smart devices such as a laptop, desktop, or hybrid computer, a mobile device, and a wearable device. The user's information is collected and an intelligence resource learns norms and distributions for various parameters and defines one or more user behavior thresholds. The user's present condition may be evaluated based on recently observed and collected activity and a risk factor score may be assigned. An initial behavior-influencing action appropriate for the user condition and risk level is performed. Disclosed methods further include performing at least one extended action pertaining to the initial action. The extended action can include evaluating and effectiveness of the initial action or the performance of a progressive action or a supplementary action.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to verify a trailer being picked up by a truck is the correct trailer and verify proper inspection of the trailer prior to transport.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to perform geofencing to prevent conflict between cargo in the vehicle and cargo in another vehicle or in areas of a loading bay.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to assess a driver's condition and provide alerts and suggestions to improve the driver's safety and health.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to determine safety margins for operating a vehicle and communicating that information to other nearby vehicles.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to update an engine computer with a firmware that provides better operation, such as improved fuel efficiency, during a portion of the vehicle's route.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to determine safety margins for operating a vehicle and communicating that information to other nearby vehicles.

Abstract: A method of extracting DNA from a biological sample includes the steps of freezing a biological sample; mechanically breaking down the sample to produce a processed sample; mixing the processed sample with a lysis solution; and cycling the mixture through a series of pressure fluctuations to produce a resulting lysate. The method may further include the steps of exposing the lysate to a material that binds to DNA present in the sample and collecting the DNA from the sample using an elution solution. An apparatus for practicing the method includes a first segment for mechanically breaking down the sample; a second segment for pressurizing a mixture of the processed sample and lysis solution to produce a lysate; and wherein the first segment is fluidly coupled to the second segment. The apparatus may also include a third segment in which the lysate is exposed to the binding material.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to update an engine computer with a firmware that provides better operation, such as improved fuel efficiency, during a portion of the vehicle's route.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to perform geofencing to prevent conflict between cargo in the vehicle and cargo in another vehicle or in areas of a loading bay.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to verify a trailer being picked up by a truck is the correct trailer and verify proper inspection of the trailer prior to transport.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to monitor cargo loads in a vehicle and determine an arrangement for the cargo to satisfy certain criteria or optimize loading.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to assess a driver's condition and provide alerts and suggestions to improve the driver's safety and health.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to determine safety margins for operating a vehicle and communicating that information to other nearby vehicles.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to determine safety margins for operating a vehicle and communicating that information to other nearby vehicles.

Abstract: A method of extracting DNA from a biological sample includes the steps of freezing a biological sample; mechanically breaking down the sample to produce a processed sample; mixing the processed sample with a lysis solution; and cycling the mixture through a series of pressure fluctuations to produce a resulting lysate. The method may further include the steps of exposing the lysate to a material that binds to DNA present in the sample and collecting the DNA from the sample using an elution solution. An apparatus for practicing the method includes a first segment for mechanically breaking down the sample; a second segment for pressurizing a mixture of the processed sample and lysis solution to produce a lysate; and wherein the first segment is fluidly coupled to the second segment. The apparatus may also include a third segment in which the lysate is exposed to the binding material.

Abstract: A method of extracting DNA from a biological sample includes the steps of freezing a biological sample; mechanically breaking down the sample to produce a processed sample; mixing the processed sample with a lysis solution; and cycling the mixture through a series of pressure fluctuations to produce a resulting lysate. The method may further include the steps of exposing the lysate to a material that binds to DNA present in the sample and collecting the DNA from the sample using an elution solution. An apparatus for practicing the method includes a first segment for mechanically breaking down the sample; a second segment for pressurizing a mixture of the processed sample and lysis solution to produce a lysate; and wherein the first segment is fluidly coupled to the second segment. The apparatus may also include a third segment in which the lysate is exposed to the binding material.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable device for detecting microorganisms in a food sample. The device includes a DNA extraction tube, a chip, and a portable control unit. The DNA extraction tube extracts DNA from the sample in an aqueous solution. The extraction tube includes successive chambers that are configured to mince, filter, and purify DNA in the form of an aqueous eluate. The chip includes reaction chambers disposed for a polymerase chain reaction to amplify a specific DNA fragment in the eluate for detection, and the portable control unit is configured to receive the chip and analyze the amplified DNA on the chip.

Abstract: A pulsed dc reactive magnetron sputter deposition apparatus and process enables large substrates to be coated with one ore more sputter cathodes having a size smaller than the substrate. The reactive sputtering is provided over a long throw distance between the sputter cathode and the substrate, and approximating a long mean free path. The substrate to be coated due to the low pressures enabled by the use of pulsed DC magnetrons. The low pressures, e.g. less than 1 mTorr, allows for a long throw distance which approximates the long the mean free path. And a pulsed dc power source provides sufficient energies to emit sputtered target particles across the long throw distance to the substrate substantially without collision, to produce optical coating with optics grade qualities.