Abstract: An optical concentrator having a concentrating element for collecting input light, a redirecting element for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so the optics can provide illumination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which establishes physically fixed charger stations that work in conjunction with a medical cart, such as an ultrasound cart. The medial cart contains a power supply, such as a large battery, with the capacity to keep the system going for a full day's use. Each docking station provides a fixed location for one or more carts and allows each cart to plug directly into a source of premises power. The docking stations allow the plugged-in cart to recharge while the cart is not in use. In one embodiment, a large Class C battery capable of powering not only the medical device but its associated peripherals as well. Thus, when the cart is removed from the docking station and taken to a patient's location, the equipment on the cart can be operated without the need for plugging the cart into a wall outlet thereby eliminating the need for a long power cord. The fixed locations of the docking station also eliminates the need for hunting “misplaced” carts.

Abstract: A smooth surface of a control device is achieved by positioning the actual control devices within a sealed housing and having the operator touchable knobs proximity connected to the control devices through the surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the proximity connection is a magnetic connection between the handle mechanism detachably positioned on the outside of the housing and traditional slider potentiometers mounted within the housing. In another embodiment, longitudinal proximity sensors within the housing are used to emulate the physical layout of the slider potentiometers and the movement of handle mechanisms outside the housing create the changing proximity under control of the operator. In all embodiments, the outside handle mechanism easily separates from the housing leaving a relatively smooth outer housing surface which can be easily sanitized. The removed handle mechanism allows for easy cleaning and sanitizing as well as for easy substitution.

Abstract: A rhinestone placement system and method provides a moving pickup head with self-contained vacuum supply for vacuum assisted pickup of rhinestones. The pickup head includes an adhesive property gasket portion that in cooperation with the vacuum supply temporarily holds a rhinestone for movement to a placement position.

Abstract: The present invention provides screening methods for identifying modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands, e.g., by determining whether a test entity is suitable to interact with one or more interacting sites within the Venus flytrap domains of the chemosensory receptors as well as modifiers capable of modulating chemosensory receptors and their ligands.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for identifying modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands, e.g., by determining whether a test entity is suitable to interact with one or more interacting sites within the Venus flytrap domains of the chemosensory receptors, and modifiers capable of modulating chemosensory receptors and their ligands. The present invention also includes modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands having Formula (I), its subgenus, and specific compounds. Furthermore, the present invention includes ingestible compositions comprising the modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands and methods of using the modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands to enhance the sweet taste of an ingestible composition or treat a condition associated with a chemosensory receptor. In addition, the present invention include processes for preparing the modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands.

Abstract: An optical concentrator having a concentrating element for collecting input light, a redirecting element for receiving the light and also for redirecting the light, and a waveguide including a plurality of incremental portions enabling collection and concentration of the light onto a receiver. Other systems replace the receiver by a light source so the optics can provide illumination.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds including substituted thienopyrimidinone derivatives of Formula (IIc) as ligands for modulating chemosensory receptors: These compounds are useful as sweet taste enhancers in comestible or medicinal compositions. The present invention also provides screening methods for identifying modifiers of chemosensory receptors and their ligands, e.g., by determining whether a test entity is suitable to interact with one or more interacting sites within the Venus flytrap domains of the chemosensory receptors as well as modifiers capable of modulating chemosensory receptors and their ligands.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods that couple together optical devices in a manner that prevents damaging light from escaping the coupling except through the devices. In order to prevent damaging light from coming into contact with the user, the present invention obscures the source optical device by using at least one moveable gate to prevent damaging light from being transmitted outside of the coupling until such time as the target optical device is fully inserted into the coupling, thereby preventing light that could potentially damage a person from escaping the system except through the optical device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods that couple together optical devices in a manner that prevents damaging light from escaping the coupling except through the devices. In order to prevent damaging light from coming into contact with the user, the present invention obscures the source optical device by using at least one moveable gate to prevent damaging light from being transmitted outside of the coupling until such time as the target optical device is fully inserted into the coupling, thereby preventing light that could potentially damage a person from escaping the system except through the optical device.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a pulse generator coupled to a pump that operates in discrete cycles. Each cycle includes a first part in which fluid is drawn into the pump through an inlet, and a second part in which fluid is expelled from the pump through an outlet. Each cycle results in a discrete, consistent volume of fluid being expelled. The pulse generator transmits discrete pulses to the pump, causing the pump to operate for a set number of cycles per pulse. The total number of cycles is a multiple of the number of pulses transmitted, so that the number of pulses determines the volume of fluid dispensed. Alternatively, the pump is driven through increments of the second part of the cycle, with the number of pulses supplied to the pump determining the proportion of the second part of the cycle completed, and therefore the volume of fluid dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a discrete volume of fluid. The apparatus includes a pump operable in discrete cycles, a power source connected to the pump, and a controller connected to at least one of the pump and the power source. The controller is configured to vary the power provided from the power source to the pump during at least a portion of each discrete cycle based on characteristics of the pump and the fluid. For example, the controller may vary power by controlling the duration of the provision of power, or by controlling the amplitude of the power. Varying the power is intended to improve the accuracy of the discrete volume of fluid dispensed. Correspondingly, the method of dispensing a discrete volume of fluid includes receiving information pertaining to the fluid to be dispensed, and adjusting a provision of power to a pump based on the information. The method may include adjusting the duration of the provision of power, or adjusting the amplitude of the provision of power.

Abstract: A solar cell package and processes for creating a solar cell package are disclosed. The solar cell includes an electrically insulating and thermally conductive first layer, an electrically conductive second layer attached to the first layer, and a solar cell attached to the second layer. The first layer surface and a solar cell surface have substantially the same surface area.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a pulse generator coupled to a pump that operates in discrete cycles. Each cycle includes a first part in which fluid is drawn into the pump through an inlet, and a second part in which fluid is expelled from the pump through an outlet. Each cycle results in a discrete, consistent volume of fluid being expelled. The pulse generator transmits discrete pulses to the pump, causing the pump to operate for a set number of cycles per pulse. The total number of cycles is a multiple of the number of pulses transmitted, so that the number of pulses determines the volume of fluid dispensed. Alternatively, the pump is driven through increments of the second part of the cycle, with the number of pulses supplied to the pump determining the proportion of the second part of the cycle completed, and therefore the volume of fluid dispensed.