Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices, systems, and computer readable medium for improving studies such as clinical trials and for improving clinical practice. The methods, devices, systems, and computer readable medium provided herein can be used to identify outlier data in a study, select data collection sites likely to produce high quality data, detect fraud, identify placebo responders, and/or identify likely responders to a therapy. The methods, devices, systems, and computer readable medium provided herein can also be used to optimize a test, for example, a neurocognitive battery, for maximum sensitivity.

Abstract: A bag holder support system for disposable, loop handled plastic bags provides dual position mounting so that the system can be easily installed in one position to fit in restricted areas and installed in a different position to provide a maximum opening for the bag when installed in an unrestricted area. The support system includes a pair of brackets that hold the plastic bag open by its oppositely disposed integral handle loops so that the bag may be loaded. The brackets are made of a closed wire loop that forms a planar arm having an upwardly extending U-shaped lug in the center of a horizontally extending member for engaging one of said handle loops. Means are provided for mounting each arm to a vertical surface by a vertical side of the arm that the arm extends in a horizontal direction and lies in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A particularly efficient yet inexpensive and simple heat element for such appliances as blow dryers, paint strippers, heat guns, and so forth, consists essentially of a tightly crimped corrugated wire ribbon supported on a form in such a manner that its corrugations are generally perpendicular to the surface of the form. The resulting structure, which has an end-on appearance like that of a finned tube, efficiently radiates heat to a mass of flowing gas. A particularly preferred embodiment results when the form is intersecting mica plates.

Abstract: An improved electric resistance heater assembly for soldering tools, glue guns, hair dryers, heat pencils, paint removers, etc., includes, as the core of the assembly, an open-ended tube of a ceramic material having good electrical insulation properties with good thermal conductivity, low heat capacity and a high softening temperature. A conduit extends lengthwise through the wall of the tube from end to end thereof and first and second spring-tempered split metallic compression bands of smaller diameter than the tube are placed at each end of the tube and retained thereon by compressive stress. A plurality of turns of resistance wire are wound about the outer periphery of the tube between the bands with each end of the wire welded to a respective one of the bands. An first electric lead is welded to the first band. A second electric lead is welded to the second band and extends lengthwise through the conduit and exits the conduit near the first band.

Abstract: A method of maintaining the temperature of a solar heating panel with glazing below about 220.degree. C. utilizes convention cooling, where it is essential to the success of the method that the glazing be at least two inches above the upper surface of the collector. A panel of unitary construction of essentially the same plastic material which is an embodiment of the method can withstand the normal operating conditions to which such panels are subjected without thermal degradation of the plastic nor danger of rupture attending loss of physical integrity at excessive temperatures.

Abstract: An improved soldering device is provided, one that is structured for the reception of and use with a new cartridge that is a self-contained supply of solder. When the cartridge is inserted within the soldering device, an operator, using only one hand, is able to advance the solder from out of the cartridge and to a location in close proximity with the soldering tip of the device. With that same single hand, the operator can energize the heating element to supply heat to the soldering tip. The advancing and energizing structure permits the device to remain energized throughout the advancing operation or, optionally, to smoothly effect an intermittent energization and deenergization of the heating element to reduce the total quantity of heat supplied to the soldering tip even while the solder is being advanced.