Abstract: Apparatus and methods for utilizing conductivity measurements to assess vascular health or to diagnose vascular conditions are disclosed. An exemplary method includes performing a first conductivity measurement of an extremity at a first elevation; elevating the extremity to a second elevation; performing a second conductivity measurement at the second elevation; and comparing the first conductivity measurement and the second conductivity measurement to determine a conductivity displacement ??. Another exemplary method includes maintaining a conductivity sensor adjacent to an individual for a period of time; performing a series of conductivity measurements; using the series of conductivity measurements to determine the transient behavior of the conductivity over the period of time; and using the transient behavior of the conductivity to assess the vascular health of the individual. A conductivity sensor and platform unit for performing conductivity measurements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor is disclosed. The conductivity sensor includes an oscillator for providing an input signal and a reactive circuit having an induction coil, a capacitive element, and a resistive element connected in parallel. The induction coil is adapted to be placed adjacent to a specimen. The conductivity sensor further includes a control circuit for driving the reactive circuit to resonance when the induction coil is placed adjacent to the specimen. The reactive coil is configured to provide an output signal having a parameter representative of the conductivity of the specimen when the reactive circuit is at resonance. The induction coil may include a first conductive element that spirals outward to an external perimeter and a second conductive element operably connected to the first conductive element. The second conductive element spirals inward from the external perimeter staggered relative to the first conductive element.

Abstract: A wetness monitoring system is provided for an absorbent article, the wetness monitoring system including a signaling device including an alarm to indicate that the absorbent article has reached an insult limit. The signaling device operates with a sensor array which is disposed on the outermost surface of the absorbent article outer cover. The signaling device includes a detection circuit which measures changes in inductance or capacitance. The wetness monitoring system does not make direct contact with the absorbent structure located within an outer cover of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. A body exudate collection and detection system is also provided including an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. The signaling device can also include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article. The detection circuit can also include an electrical common and a conductor in electrical communication with the electrical common and with the body exudate.

Abstract: A shoe cover removal vacuuming system for removing a shoe cover from a user's shoe. The system includes a shoe cover removal apparatus and a central vacuuming system. The shoe cover removal apparatus includes a trough for receiving a user's shoe, the trough including a removal portal. The central vacuuming system includes a central vacuum unit having a suction motor, a collection container disposed in a room remote from the at least one shoe cover removal apparatus for collecting shoe covers removed by the shoe cover removal apparatus, and tubing for connecting the removal portal of the shoe cover removal apparatus to the central vacuum unit and the collection container.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a trough for receiving a user's shoe. The trough includes a removal portal. The apparatus includes a vacuum capable of causing a shoe cover to be removed from the shoe of a user when a user places a shoe covered by a shoe cover into the trough. An actuator is triggered by the placement of an object in the trough, the triggering of the actuator causing the vacuum to activate. The vacuum activation causes the shoe cover to be sucked through the removal portal and into a primary chamber. The primary chamber collects the removed shoe covers and is disposed in a remote from the trough for preventing debris and other contaminants from being stored in a clean room. The apparatus may also include multiple troughs connected to one or more primary chambers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for utilizing conductivity measurements to assess vascular health or to diagnose vascular conditions are disclosed. An exemplary method includes performing a first conductivity measurement of an extremity at a first elevation; elevating the extremity to a second elevation; performing a second conductivity measurement at the second elevation; and comparing the first conductivity measurement and the second conductivity measurement to determine a conductivity displacement ??. Another exemplary method includes maintaining a conductivity sensor adjacent to an individual for a period of time; performing a series of conductivity measurements; using the series of conductivity measurements to determine the transient behavior of the conductivity over the period of time; and using the transient behavior of the conductivity to assess the vascular health of the individual. A conductivity sensor and platform unit for performing conductivity measurements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor is disclosed. The conductivity sensor includes an oscillator for providing an input signal and a reactive circuit having an induction coil, a capacitive element, and a resistive element connected in parallel. The induction coil is adapted to be placed adjacent to a specimen. The conductivity sensor further includes a control circuit for driving the reactive circuit to resonance when the induction coil is placed adjacent to the specimen. The reactive coil is configured to provide an output signal having a parameter representative of the conductivity of the specimen when the reactive circuit is at resonance. The induction coil may include a first conductive element that spirals outward to an external perimeter and a second conductive element operably connected to the first conductive element. The second conductive element spirals inward from the external perimeter staggered relative to the first conductive element.

Abstract: Internet clients submit a list of goods, services, or topics to an internet host, and specific URL addresses correlating to each good, service, or topic. The host presents a series of questions to participating users, wherein the answers are regarded as identifying potential user interests. The answers to the questions may be preference based, describing general categories of goods and services, or specific good and services of potential interest to a user. Alternatively, the answers may be skill dependent, wherein a user can accumulate points or some other reward tokens in response to a correct answer. The skill based questions are also used to identify areas of interest of the Internet user. After answering at least two questions, a user may be redirected to a specific web site or presented a list of potentially relevant web sites and links, or targeted for advertising. The Internet client pays the host a fee for inclusion of the client's URL site in the redirect pool.

Abstract: A signaling device is provided for sensing and indicating the presence of a body exudate in an absorbent article, the device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. A body exudate collection and detection system is also provided including an absorbent article and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device including a housing and a detection circuit disposed within the housing, the detection circuit including an induction coil and a marginal oscillator. The signaling device can also include an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the housing to the absorbent article. The detection circuit can also include an electrical common and a conductor in electrical communication with the electrical common and with the body exudate.

Abstract: An organizing device for efficiently storing coupons and creating shopping lists. The device has a box shape and the lid of the box acts as a clipboard that is adapted for holding a pad of paper. A pen that can be used to create a shopping list on the paper is permanently attached to the lid by a chain. The lid is attached to the box by a hinge and when the lid is opened, an accordion file is revealed. The accordion file is attached to the back of the lid and can be used to store multiple coupons and/or bills. The lid can be temporarily locked in the closed position by friction catch. The organizing device includes a carrying case with an adjustable strap that can be used to carry the organizing device as well as other items.

Abstract: Chemically and thermodynamically amplifying the prior art concept of the heat-producing exothermically-reactive selective polyol and selectable isocyanate chemicals for the conventional production of polyurethane foam-cushioning having a CVR-value fraught with comfort deficiency: The novel amplification herein co-introduces polymerizable latex into the exothermically co-reactable polyol and isocyanate mixture, and which such ancillarily produced exothermic-heat polymerizes the co-introduced latex. The result is economically yielded “latex-enhanced polyurethane foam-cushioning” having a CVR-value not experienced with conventional polyurethane foam-cushioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing high intensity laser radiation. A vacuum enclosure is provided which includes first and second magnets at each end, and a magnetic field applied along the length of the enclosure. The magnets and applied magnetic field forms a magnetic mirror for electrons of a near relativistic energies introduced into the vacuum enclosure. A thin dielectric material is provides which is charged on each side by some of the electrons which strike the surfaces of the dielectric. The charged dielectric provides high intensity electrostatic fields at the edges thereof. The strength of the magnets and applied magnetic field are selected to produce an oscillation of electrons which pass through the high intensity electrostatic fields and are subject to a radial acceleration which produces free electron lasing. The laser energy is collected by an optical cavity within the enclosure. The laser energy exits an optical port within the enclosure.