Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of assembly, labeling and programming decoupled EM tags used in the tagging and tracking of items wherein the tags including a printable label portion and a decoupler portion which are combined after printing on the surface of and programming a programmable device associated with the label portion.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns methods for interrogating a surface using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises the steps of: a) repeatedly bringing a SICM probe into proximity with the surface at discrete, spaced locations in a region of the surface and measuring surface height at each location; b) estimating surface roughness or other characteristic for the region based upon the surface height measurements; and c) repeatedly bringing the probe into proximity with the surface at discrete, spaced locations in the region, the number and location of which is based upon the estimated surface roughness or other characteristic in the region, and obtaining an image of the region with a resolution adapted to the surface roughness or other characteristic.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation decoupler for decoupling radiation in the wavelength range ?min to ?max. The decoupler has a first conductor layer in contact with a dielectric layer which comprises at least one area of absence and the thickness of the decoupler is less than ?min/4n, where n is the refractive index of the dielectric. The dielectric layer may be sandwiched between two conductor layers, one of which has the structure described above. The invention is also directed to methods of using and various articles comprising such a decoupler.

Abstract: A device capable of enhancing an electric field to drive an electromagnetic tag into operation is switchable between states to control operation of the tag. Enhancement is provided by a dielectric cavity structure defined between first and second conducting layers. Different states of the device may have different resonant frequencies and read ranges according to the characteristics of the enhancement. As such a container can be provided which includes a tag which switches states on opening, allowing improved tracking characteristics.

Abstract: Contemplated electrochemical devices and methods include an electrolyte flow path in which substantially all of the electrolyte has laminar flow. A segmented electrode contacts the electrolyte, and each of the segments in the segmented electrode is preferably coupled to a control device to provide control over the flow of current to and/or from the electrolyte. Thus, it should be appreciated that the redox state of the electrolyte can be changed in a single-pass through the flow path, which effectively eliminates problems associated with mass transport phenomena and reduced current efficiency.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation decoupler for decoupling radiation in the wavelength range ?min to ?max. The decoupler has a first conductor layer in contact with a dielectric layer which comprises at least one area of absence and the thickness of the decoupler is less than ?min/4n, where n is the refractive index of the dielectric. The dielectric layer may be sandwiched between two conductor layers, one of which has the structure described above. The invention is also directed to methods of using and various articles comprising such a decoupler.

Abstract: The method makes use of four top corner plates (3), four bottom corner plates (4) and five centre plates (5). Each plate (3, 4 and 5) has a number of holes (2) that accept and retain swivel connectors (1) and adjustable connector straps (8) that mechanically connect the corner plates (3) and (4) and centre plates (5) and in this manner allow for the even restraining of the goods (7) packed on the pallet (14).

Abstract: The method makes use of four top corner plates (3), four bottom corner plates (4) and five centre plates (5). Each plate (3, 4 and 5) has a number of holes (2) that accept and retain swivel connectors (1) and adjustable connector straps (8) that mechanically connect the corner plates (3) and (4) and centre plates (5) and in this manner allow for the even restraining of the goods (7) packed on the pallet (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of assembly, labeling and programming decoupled EM tags used in the tagging and tracking of items wherein the tags including a printable label portion and a decoupler portion which are combined after printing on the surface of and programming a programmable device associated with the label portion.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed that facilitate a person (an end user) making a telephone call to another person or a service (for example a mobile service provider) by the end user clicking on a representation of a telephone number or other telephony identifier that is sourced from any data base by the end user or a third party. The system and apparatus include the ability to convert a telephony identifier into an end user actionable action initiator, that may be a hyperlinked telephone number or an icon. Once the action initiator is initiated the end user is provided a telephony connection, by the device used by the end user or a third party makes the telephony connection, between the end user's device and the mobile service provider's device. Various telephony technologies can be used to make the connection including the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and many others or combinations of two or more of them.

Abstract: The invention provides improved Raman spectroscopy-based methods and systems for the quantitative analysis of selected analytes using lateral flow binding assay test strips.

Abstract: The method makes use of four top corner plates (3), four bottom corner plates (4) and five centre plates (5). Each plate (3, 4 and 5) has a number of holes (2) that accept and retain swivel connectors (1) and adjustable connector straps (8) that mechanically connect the corner plates (3) and (4) and centre plates (5) and in this manner allow for the even restraining of the goods (7) packed on the pallet (14).

Abstract: The invention provides diagnostic apparatuses that are advantageously adapted for the Raman spectroscopic analysis of fluid samples, such as biological fluid samples, deposited on test strip substrates. The tests strips may be include a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) surface for deposition and analysis of a sample and/or may be lateral flow binding assay type test strips.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an injectable substance delivery device comprising a limiter, shoulder or post, that controls how deep the needle is inserted into the tissue. The limiter is sized in proportions that control the maximum insertion depth of the needle into the tissue without excessively restricting the complete insertion of the needle. The system and method further comprises an normalization or stabilizer ring that prevents distortion of the tissue in the vicinity of the infusion, so that the needle length is the major determining factor as to how deep the infusion is delivered.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are provided for enabling service technicians to record information about service calls, and have that information available to other technicians who may handle the call at another time. In addition to providing a mechanism for tracking customer information (including product and problem details), the system, apparatus and method disclosed herein enable the transfer of the customer's problems to higher care levels given by different individuals. In order to prevent a problem from being inadvertently dropped, the system, apparatus and method provides an ownership mechanism that allocates the call to a particular individual. If the call needs to be handed off to another individual, a methodology is provided for systematically handing off the call to the other individual (typically at another service level) and ensuring that that individual is responsible for the call from that point forward.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in vitro detection of an analyte in a body fluid sample using low resolution Raman spectroscopy are disclosed. The body fluid analyzer includes a disposable strip for receiving a sample of body fluid on a target region, the target region including gold sol-gel to provide surface enhanced Raman scattering. A light source irradiates the target region to produce a Raman spectrum consisting of scattered electromagnetic radiation that is separated into different wavelength components by a dispersion element. A detection array detects at least some of the wavelength components of the scattered light and provides data to a processor for processing the data. The results of the processed data are displayed on a screen to inform a user about an analyte within the body fluid sample.

Abstract: A fuel cell system wherein system components are arranged to facilitate the transfer of heat from those components which generate heat in operation to those which cool in operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analysis of a sample using Raman spectroscopy, which employs a multi-mode radiation source and a spectral filter, are disclosed. The source radiation produces a Raman spectrum consisting of scattered electromagnetic radiation that is separated into different wavelength components by a dispersion element. A detection array detects a least some of the wavelength components of the scattered light and provides data to a processor for processing the data. The resulting spectroscopic data has higher resolution and stability than conventional low-resolution Raman systems.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for in vitro detection of an analyte in a blood sample using low resolution Raman spectroscopy are disclosed. The blood analyzer includes a disposable strip for receiving a sample of blood on a target region, the target region including gold sol-gel to provide surface enhanced Raman scattering. A light source irradiates the target region to produce a Raman spectrum consisting of scattered electromagnetic radiation that is separated into different wavelength components by a dispersion element. A detection array detects a least some of the wavelength components of the scattered light and provides data to a processor for processing the data. The results of the processed data are displayed on a screen to inform a user about an analyte within the blood sample.

Abstract: A method of delivery of a substance to a human subject's skin comprising deposition into a specific compartment of the skin, wherein the delivery occurs at a controlled rate and pressure. The methods of the invention provide accurate deposition of s pre-selected volume of the substance, e.g., greater than 90% of the pre-selected volume. The methods of the invention encompass varying one or more parameters including but not limited to configurations of the delivery device, volume, pressure, and flow rate of delivery, to enhance the efficacy of delivery of the substance to the human skin. Substances delivered in accordance with the methods of the invention result in a more efficacious deposition of the substance into the targeted compartment, improved delivery performance, i.e.