Abstract: The present disclosure relates to shear sensor arrays. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a floating element shear stress sensor array on a chip that is calibrated to high shear levels and is calibrated to determine the sensitivity to streamwise pressure gradients.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to micro-forming (e.g., micro-punches) devices and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates micro-forming devices and systems made using lithographic techniques, the use of such devices in fabricating a variety of materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to shear sensor arrays. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a floating element shear stress sensor array on a chip that is calibrated to high shear levels and is calibrated to determine the sensitivity to streamwise pressure gradients.

Abstract: A transferring and holding device and method for holding infants having lifelines, such as IV tubes, monitor wire leads, and ventilator tubes, connected thereto. In one embodiment, the device includes a support surface adapted to hold an infant; a boundary attached to and bolstering the support surface; and at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the lifelines and to impede the lifelines from being disconnected from the infant. The support surface preferably has openings to enable skin-to-skin contact between the infant and a person holding the infant, and at least a portion of the support surface can be a nonabsorbent, open-weave webbed material. The boundary may include a foam member, and/or a flexible plastic or metal member to provide structural support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). In particular, the present invention relates to MEMS arrays for use in acoustics and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shear sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to deformable sensors for measurement of shear forces during chemical mechanical polishing.

Abstract: A transferring and holding device and method for holding infants having lifelines, such as IV tubes, monitor wire leads, and ventilator tubes, connected thereto. In one embodiment, the device includes a support surface adapted to hold an infant; a boundary attached to and bolstering the support surface; and at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the lifelines and to impede the lifelines from being disconnected from the infant. The support surface preferably has openings to enable skin-to-skin contact between the infant and a person holding the infant, and at least a portion of the support surface can be a nonabsorbent, open-weave webbed material. The boundary may include a foam member, and/or a flexible plastic or metal member to provide structural support.

Abstract: A transferring and holding device and method for holding infants having lifelines, such as IV tubes, monitor wire leads, and ventilator tubes, connected thereto. In one embodiment, the device includes a support surface adapted to hold an infant; a boundary attached to and bolstering the support surface; and at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the lifelines and to impede the lifelines from being disconnected from the infant. The support surface preferably has openings to enable skin-to-skin contact between the infant and a person holding the infant, and at least a portion of the support surface can be a nonabsorbent, open-weave webbed material. The boundary may include a foam member, and/or a flexible plastic or metal member to provide structural support.

Abstract: A method of managing dedicated use of a credit account is provided. The method includes receiving information regarding a credit account, associating the credit account with a usage program, where the usage program includes terms of dedicated use and where the terms of dedicated use are associated with providing benefits to the customer in return for dedicated use of the credit account, providing a benefit to the customer according to the terms, monitoring credit activity corresponding to the credit account, and maintaining the benefit if the monitored credit activity satisfies the terms of dedicated use.

Abstract: A method of managing dedicated use of a credit account is provided. The method includes receiving information regarding a credit account, associating the credit account with a usage program, where the usage program includes terms of dedicated use and where the terms of dedicated use are associated with providing benefits to the customer in return for dedicated use of the credit account, providing a benefit to the customer according to the terms, monitoring credit activity corresponding to the credit account, and maintaining the benefit if the monitored credit activity satisfies the terms of dedicated use.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a higher credit limit to a credit customer is provided. The method includes opening a credit account for a customer. The method also includes determining a first credit limit for the credit account using a credit rating of the customer. The method also includes determining a second credit limit for the credit account using credit information concerning a guarantor. The second credit limit is higher than the first credit limit and coexists with the first credit limit. The method also includes forming an agreement with the guarantor that the guarantor is responsible for paying a portion of an unpaid balance of the credit account that exceeds the first credit limit.

Abstract: A transferring and holding device and method for holding infants having lifelines, such as IV tubes, monitor wire leads, and ventilator tubes, connected thereto. In one embodiment, the device includes a support surface adapted to hold an infant; a boundary attached to and bolstering the support surface; and at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the lifelines and to impede the lifelines from being disconnected from the infant. The support surface preferably has openings to enable skin-to-skin contact between the infant and a person holding the infant, and at least a portion of the support surface can be a nonabsorbent, open-weave webbed material. The boundary may include a foam member, and/or a flexible plastic or metal member to provide structural support. The boundary may be removable for separate washing of or replacement of the support surface, and the support surface may include sleeves for insertion of at least a portion of the boundary to facilitate removable attachment thereof.

Abstract: A self-aligning stackable cable reel has a pair of spaced apart disc-shaped flanges joined by a tubular central core. Each flange has a periphery and an outside face. A generally annular rim extends around the periphery of each flange and projects outwardly from the outside face to an edge. The edge of each rim is contoured to define a repeating serpentine pattern around the rim. When two cable reels are stacked end-on-end, the serpentine patterns of their respective rims intermesh to align the cable reels automatically with each other and to lock them against relative sliding motion during transport.

Abstract: A self-aligning stackable cable reel has a pair of spaced apart disc-shaped flanges joined by a tubular central core. Each flange has a periphery and an outside face. A generally annular rim extends around the periphery of each flange and projects outwardly from the outside face to an edge. The edge of each rim is contoured to define a repeating serpentine pattern around the rim. When two cable reels are stacked end-on-end, the serpentine patterns of their respective rims intermesh to align the cable reels automatically with each other and to lock them against relative sliding motion during transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-treatment process and system for periodontal patients with gingival detachment of about 3 mm and greater comprising regularly removing biofilms from various supragingival, interproximal and subgingival surfaces, wherein “soft abrasives” are physically worked into the biofilms using toothbrushing, proxy brushing and flossing. The process is also used to help control those inflammation related substances resulting from gum disease that are associated with heart disease.

Abstract: A universal platform for a human powered floatation device. The platform has a frame with two spaced apart rail members adapted to interchangeably receive multiple types of propulsion devices. A support arm and a crossbar are provided for securing a propeller drive assembly, seats and pedals to the rails of the frame while allowing longitudinal position adjustment along the frame and an interchange of propulsion devices, such as a bicycle or ski machine.

Abstract: An integrated system for land and water recreation such that when in a flotation mode, a propeller and rudder are powered and controlled by a standard bicycle; that when in a terrestrial mode, the integrated system is powered and trailered by the same bicycle. The flotation device having a propeller drive assembly and steerable rudder for use with any standard bicycle frame allowing an individual the ability to have a self-propelled water craft. The device utilizes a standard bicycle, having only the wheels removed, to provide power and steering. The bicycle is mounted to the flotation device with the chain wrapped around the chain drive sprocket of the propeller drive assembly. Because the chain drive sprocket is a standard Shimano sprocket, the bicycle's rear derailleur may be used to shift gears. The operator may pedal the device across a body of water, then remove the bicycle frame and remount the tires to continue travel over land.

Abstract: A floatation device with propeller drive assembly and steerable rudder for use with a ski machine allowing an individual the ability to have a self propelled water craft. The device utilizes a ski machine having a rotating flywheel to provide power for the propeller unit. The ski machine is temporarily mounted to the floatation device with the flywheel in frictional engagement with a drive pulley that transmits power to the propeller unit. A steering mechanism is included to allow the operator to pedal the device across a body of water and back. The ski machine does not require modification and can be easily and quickly removed from the device.