Abstract: The present invention allows dental professionals to more efficiently and effectively control contaminants not only at the source of their creation (the mouth, for example), with optional configurations that comprise tiered guarding layers to protect the patient, the dentist, the dental assistant, the dental hygienist, as well as other dental professionals/staff, other patients, and subsequent patients to be treated in that operatory.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated, cognitive based computing system using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, configured to dynamically manage transmission of information between communication nodes. The communication nodes comprise orbital nodes positioned in orbit above earth and terrestrial nodes coupled with earth interconnected via a hybrid mesh network topology.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated, cognitive based computing system using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, configured to dynamically manage transmission of information between communication nodes. The communication nodes comprise orbital nodes positioned in orbit above earth and terrestrial nodes coupled with earth interconnected via a hybrid mesh network topology.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated, cognitive based computing system using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, configured to dynamically manage transmission of information between communication nodes. The communication nodes comprise orbital nodes positioned in orbit above earth and terrestrial nodes coupled with earth interconnected via a hybrid mesh network topology.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated, cognitive based computing system using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, configured to dynamically manage transmission of information between communication nodes. The communication nodes comprise orbital nodes positioned in orbit above earth and terrestrial nodes coupled with earth interconnected via a hybrid mesh network topology.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated, cognitive based computing system using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, configured to dynamically manage transmission of information between communication nodes. The communication nodes comprise orbital nodes positioned in orbit above earth and terrestrial nodes coupled with earth interconnected via a hybrid mesh network topology.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated, cognitive based computing system using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to sense, predict, and infer network conditions, configured to dynamically manage transmission of information between communication nodes. The communication nodes comprise orbital nodes positioned in orbit above earth and terrestrial nodes coupled with earth interconnected via a hybrid mesh network topology.

Abstract: One or more examples of the gas boosters described herein aim to provide a light weight gas booster configured to produce high output pressure levels at high volumes. Generally described, one or more examples of the gas boosters reduce the dead volume in a piston assembly, thereby increasing the ratio of the output pressure to the input pressure. In that regard, several examples of the gas boosters disclosed herein have a first check valve as a disk-type check valve or the like and a second check valve as a ball-type check valve or the like. Furthermore, one or more examples include an inwardly acting cam configured to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion by an inner surface thereof.

Abstract: A control valve has a piezoelectric actuator substantially immersed in a fluid and a sealing mechanism configured to be in a closed position and an open position. The piezoelectric actuator is configured to distort in response to an applied voltage causing the sealing mechanism to transition between the closed position and the open position. In the open position, the sealing mechanism allows fluid to flow therethrough. In response to removing the applied voltage, the piezoelectric actuator returns to an undistorted position causing the sealing mechanism to close and prevent fluid from flowing therethrough. In at least one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator is configured to contract due to the fluid pressure, and the tube is configured to contract due to the fluid pressure to compensate at least in part for the contraction of the piezoeletric actuator.

Abstract: One or more examples of the gas boosters described herein aim to provide a light weight gas booster configured to produce high output pressure levels at high volumes. Generally described, one or more examples of the gas boosters reduce the dead volume in a piston assembly, thereby increasing the ratio of the output pressure to the input pressure. In that regard, several examples of the gas boosters disclosed herein have a first check valve as a disk-type check valve or the like and a second check valve as a ball-type check valve or the like. Furthermore, one or more examples include an inwardly acting cam configured to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion by an inner surface thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for generating a simulated pulse to be used in combination with a patient monitor. In many embodiments, a pulse is simulated by displacing a volume in a pressurized system. For instance, in one embodiment, the volume in the pressurized system is displaced by rotating a first end of a tube relative to a second end that is held stationary. A portion of the tube collapses due to the twisting causing the volume in the system to decrease. The first end of the tube may be rotated back to its original position causing the volume in the system to return to its original state. This change in volume simulates a pulse.

Abstract: Examples are generally described that are related to a control valve. Some example devices may include a control valve having a piezoelectric actuator substantially immersed in a fluid and further having a sealing mechanism configured to be in a closed position and an open position. The piezoelectric actuator may be configured to distort in response to an applied voltage causing the sealing mechanism to open and allow fluid to flow therethrough. In response to removing the applied voltage, the piezoelectric actuator returns to an undistorted position causing the sealing mechanism to close and prevent fluid from flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting the existence of a target substance, the system includes a laser with a broad spectral output and a detector for detecting an absorption spectrum of a laser beam from the laser. The method includes emitting a laser beam into the atmosphere using a laser light with a broad spectral output; measuring the absorption spectrum of said laser beam; comparing the absorption spectrum to known absorption spectrums for target substances using a detector; and detecting the existence of a target substance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for generating a simulated pulse to be used in combination with a patient monitor. In many embodiments, a pulse is simulated by displacing a volume in a pressurized system. For instance, in one embodiment, the volume in the pressurized system is displaced by rotating a first end of a tube relative to a second end that is held stationary. A portion of the tube collapses due to the twisting causing the volume in the system to decrease. The first end of the tube may be rotated back to its original position causing the volume in the system to return to its original state. This change in volume simulates a pulse.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting the existence of a target substance, the system includes a laser with a broad spectral output and a detector for detecting an absorption spectrum of a laser beam from the laser. The method includes emitting a laser beam into the atmosphere using a laser light with a broad spectral output; measuring the absorption spectrum of said laser beam; comparing the absorption spectrum to known absorption spectrums for target substances using a detector; and detecting the existence of a target substance.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing chromatographic media is provided. The method includes contacting the media with an acidic chaotropic agent, at low temperature and low pH. The method provides pathogen removal and/or inactivation, including viral inactivation in particular embodiments.

Abstract: Interconnected data processing nodes can from time to time experience temporary failures or losses of communication links between system nodes. In systems which have a mechanism for determining whether the data processing nodes are operative or not, by providing an epoch number for use as an instance identifier and by providing a mechanism for controlling the generation and propagation of the epoch number, such systems are able to resume their respective tasks when failed nodes or communication links are restored.

Abstract: A hand sanitizer generally includes an ozone producing, germicidal ultraviolet lamp for oxidizing organic debris and inactivating bacteria and viruses on the surface and subsurface of hands. In addition, a polychromatic light source is provided for destruction of residual ozone and photoreactivating, or photorepairing, ultraviolet induced effects on the skin. The lamps may be disposed in a free standing housing having a chamber for containing the produced ozone and receiving hands in a vertical orientation. Fans may be provided for circulating the ozone and atmospheric gas throughout the chamber and for evaporating residual moisture from the skin. A light source for destroying excess ozone is also provided which may be operated after the organic debris has been oxidized. Shields are provided within the chamber in order to protect a user's eyes from exposure to the ultraviolet light. The apparatus may be powered entirely by conventional solar panels.

Abstract: A process is provided for sanitizing fresh foods and beverage products using multiple stages of exposure to different wavelengths of ultraviolet, near infrared and infrared light. A food or beverage product is exposed to ultraviolet light at germicidal wavelengths in order to inactivate undesirable microorganisms on the product. The exposure to ultraviolet light causes damage to the organoleptic qualities product which are subsequently restored by photoreactivation upon exposure of the product to a source of polychromatic near infrared light. In addition, prior to the inactivation of microorganisms, the food or beverage may be exposed to a source of infrared light in order to inactivate enzymes responsible for decomposition of the product. Apparatus suitable for practicing the process of the present invention is also provided, including specific platform arrangements for sanitizing solid, liquid and fluid food and beverage products.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for cold pasteurizing a food product such as a ground beef food product, using visible and near infrared light. The invention includes radiating the food product with pulsed near infrared light having a wavelength capable of penetrating the food product to at least about one centimeter in depth and further, radiating nonionizing radiation into the food product to inactivate bacterium, particularly iron dependent bacterium, therein. The nonionizing radiation preferably includes visible and near infrared wavelengths, with ultraviolet wavelengths filtered therefrom. The invention may further include using a pulsed heat exchanger to supercool the food product during the pulsed radiation treatment.