Abstract: A closure system for a boot or other footwear includes a tension member that is disposed within the boot and routed or guided about a path within the boot via one or more guides. The closure system also includes an adjustment member that is disposed within the boot and operably coupled with the tension member. The closure system further includes a reel based closure device having a knob that is operable to tension the tension member and to release tension from the tension member. Tensioning of the tension member adjusts a fit of the adjustment member about a foot within the boot to secure the foot within the boot and loosening of the tension member adjusts the fit of the adjustment member about the foot to allow the foot to be more easily removed from the boot.

Abstract: A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article.

Abstract: An orally administered composition that includes least one alkaline agent with a pH of at least 9.0 to 12.0, mixed in an aqueous vehicle with relatively high surface tension, high viscosity and lateral adhesion properties. When mixed, a low water soluble emulsion is formed that evenly coats and partially adheres to the lower section of the esophagus and the LES and forms a relatively long acting, protective barrier and partially neutralizes gastric acid. Mixed in the composition is at least one catechin 0.01 to 0.05% by weight. The alkaline agent is potassium hydroxide and the aqueous vehicle is made of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol or ethylene glycol and additional thickener agents capable of withstanding high pH environments, such as xanthan gum, croscarmellose sodium, and microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.

Abstract: A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article.

Abstract: An orally administered composition that includes least one alkaline agent with a pH of at least 9.0 to 12.0, mixed in an aqueous vehicle with relatively high surface tension, high viscosity and lateral adhesion properties. When mixed, a low water soluble emulsion is formed that evenly coats and partially adheres to the lower section of the esophagus and the LES and forms a relatively long acting, protective barrier and partially neutralizes gastric acid. In one embodiment, the alkaline agent is potassium hydroxide and the aqueous vehicle is made of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol or ethylene glycol and additional thickener agents capable of withstanding high pH environments, such as xanthan gum, croscarmellose sodium, and microcrystalline cellulose. Additional organoleptic agents, such as gum Arabic and polyethylene glycol, flavorings, such as sodium chloride, acesulfame potassium, sodium saccharine, and mint, and stabilizers such as colloidal silica made be added.

Abstract: A method of making coffee with predetermined amounts of phenols and chlorogenic acids that are beneficial to human health. Coffee beans are tested and selected as having predetermined amounts of phenols and chlorogenic acids. The selected coffee beans may be treated and then shipped to a predetermined location where they are roasted at a temperature and for a time period that preserves the phenols and chlorogenic acids therein without adversely affecting the taste and aroma thereof. The selected coffee beans are ground to a selected particle size and are brewed with water at a temperature and for a time period to produce liquid coffee having predetermined amounts of phenols and chlorogenic acids that are beneficial to human health.

Abstract: Oral formulation of particles made of an agglomeration of a plurality of seed granules or a single seed granule both surrounded by three layers and an outer gel coating. The seed granules are made of calcium carbonate with microscopic fissures. Disposed inside the fissures and in the interstitial spaces of the agglomerate seed granules are microscopic particles of alkali metal salts and other ions. Coating the agglomerate or single seed granules is an alkaline-resistant first layer made of microcrystalline cellulose and croscarmellose sodium that binds and protects the surrounding second layer. Surrounding the second layer is a third layer made of alkaline earth metal salt particles holding alkali metal hydroxide ions within a polysaccharide or polymer gel. Surrounding the third layer is at least one outer gel layer. The fourth and third layers dissolve in a low pH environment and release the fat soluble antioxidant and ions in the seed granule fissures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for determining when to wirelessly communicatively couple together a pair of untethered wireless audio output devices and for determining when to erase a connection history stored on one or both of the wireless audio output devices.

Abstract: A helmet includes a fit adjustment system that is operable to adjust a fit of the helmet about a user's head. The fit adjustment system includes a base member, a tightening mechanism, a tension member, and a plurality of guide members that are attached to an interior of the helmet. The guide members guide the tension member about a path within the interior of the helmet and define a gap within which the user's head is positioned when the helmet is positioned about the user's head. Operation of the tightening mechanism tensions the tension member, which reduces the gap defined by the tension member's path and causes one or more components of the fit adjustment system's components to constrict about the user's head.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a coupling component includes a female component and a male component. The female component includes a main body portion and a coupling aperture. Similarly, the male component includes a main body portion and a coupling member. The coupling member that is mateable with the coupling aperture of the female component to couple the male and female components together. The main body portion of the male component includes a top surface and a relatively planar bottom surface. The coupling member includes a relatively planar top surface and a bottom surface. The relatively planar top surface of the coupling member is offset from the relatively planar bottom surface of the male component. The male and female components are non-releasable from a coupled engagement while under tension via a tension member.

Abstract: A device for tightening an article about a limb includes a tension member that is guided about the article and that is tensionable to close or tighten the article about the limb. The device also includes a tightening mechanism that is configured to tension the tension member to close or tighten the article and that is further configured to maintain the tension of the tension member so that the article remains closed or tightened about the limb. The device further includes a tension limiting mechanism that prevents loosening of the tension member's tension beyond a determined threshold so that the article remains closed or tightened about the limb.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for determining when to wirelessly communicatively couple together a pair of untethered wireless audio output devices and for determining when to erase a connection history stored on one or both of the wireless audio output devices.

Abstract: A closure system for a boot or other footwear includes a tension member that is disposed within the boot and routed or guided about a path within the boot via one or more guides. The closure system also includes an adjustment member that is disposed within the boot and operably coupled with the tension member. The closure system further includes a reel based closure device having a knob that is operable to tension the tension member and to release tension from the tension member. Tensioning of the tension member adjusts a fit of the adjustment member about a foot within the boot to secure the foot within the boot and loosening of the tension member adjusts the fit of the adjustment member about the foot to allow the foot to be more easily removed from the boot.

Abstract: A security sensor system comprises one or more laser detection and ranging (LADAR) sensors configured for accumulation of three-dimensional image data. In one embodiment, the one or more LADAR sensors each comprise a LADAR device, such as a MEMS device, configured to transmit a plurality of laser pulses, and a microprocessor operatively coupled to the LADAR device. One or more data storage devices is operatively coupled to the microprocessor and configured to store the three-dimensional image data, as well as predetermined protected area boundary and fixed object definitions. A GPS receiver can be operatively coupled to the microprocessor and a GPS antenna. The microprocessor is configured to perform a LADAR image analysis that compares the three-dimensional image data with the protected area boundary and fixed object definitions to identify one or more potential intruders.

Abstract: A buoyant actuator (19) for coupling wave motion to a device operable in response to wave motion in a body of water. The buoyant actuator (19) comprises a generally spherical body (20) defining an exterior surface and a hollow interior adapted to contain water received from the body of water. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of facets (101) which are tessellated. Typically, there are 36 facets (101), of which 12 comprise generally pentagonal facets (105) and 24 comprise generally hexagonal facets (107). The body (20) comprises a plurality of openings (143) for fluid flow between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water. A closure configured as a flap (145) is provided for each opening (143) to block or at least inhibit fluid flow therethrough, the closure being adapted to move away from the opening to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential imposed thereon between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a strap includes a closure system and a strap system. The closure system includes a tension member, a tightening mechanism that tensions the tension member and maintains the tension member's tension, and a guide that routes the tension member between the guide and the tightening mechanism. Tensioning of the tension member causes the guide to move toward the tightening mechanism. The strap system includes a strap guide(s), a first end that is coupled to the tightening mechanism, a second end that is coupled with the guide, and a strap body. The strap body is positioned through the strap guide(s) so that at least a portion of the strap overlaps and so that the strap body forms a loop. Tensioning of the tension member reduces a diameter of the strap system's loop, which effects constriction of the strap system about an article disposed within the loop.

Abstract: A device for coupling a component to a rack includes a main body, a tension member, and a tightening mechanism. The main body includes a proximal end and a distal end that is releasably coupled with the proximal end. The main body is positionable around a body portion of the rack and the distal end is coupleable with the proximal end to secure the main body to the body portion of the rack. The tension member is attached to the main body, the proximal end, and/or the distal end of the device. The tightening mechanism is operably coupled with the tension member and configured to tension the tension member to shorten a longitudinal length of the main body and thereby constrict the main body about the rack to firmly secure the device to the rack.

Abstract: An impressed current cathodic protection system for a target structure susceptible to corrosion (such as of steel or cast iron) which comprises an inert mixed metal oxide anode surrounded by a tightly packed conductive zone connected to a power supply source and having an input/output regulator to control the flow of current to the target structure. The present invention relates to device and method to provide personal and/or medical details of one or more individuals in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.