Abstract: An amblyopia patch device including an eye patch, a light sensor attached to the eye patch, an alarm in communication with the light sensor, and an electronics system for triggering the alarm when the light sensor senses a light value above a pre-set threshold. A method of using the amblyopia patch device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smart pill container and system integrating the same, combined with a method for digitally translating natural language prescription medication into a programmatically operable structure and form for use by the smart pill container system, where the digital translation includes the abstraction of a prescription frequency characteristic into a number of “slots” and the abstraction of a prescription temporary characteristic by creating an array of “as of” date and value pairs, allowing for the building of a patient's prescription schedule, where the smart pill container has a number of pill wells for storing different doses of medication, and where based on the prescription schedule, an opening in the pill container provides at least one user with access to the medication stored in a particular one of the pill wells at a given dosing time, and where a platform associated with the pill container provides instructions for dosing such medication and monitors use of the pill container for compliance with the pres

Abstract: An amblyopia patch device including an eye patch, a light sensor attached to the eye patch, an alarm in communication with the light sensor, and an electronics system for triggering the alarm when the light sensor senses a light value above a pre-set threshold. A method of using the amblyopia patch device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smart pill container and system integrating the same, the smart pill container having a number of pill wells for storing different doses of medication according to a prescribed medical regimen, where an opening in the pill container provides at least one user with access to the medication stored in a particular one of the pill wells at a given dosing time, and where a platform associated with the pill container provides instructions for dosing such medication and monitors use of the pill container for compliance with the prescribed medical regimen.

Abstract: A smart pill container and system integrating the same, combined with a method for digitally translating natural language prescription medication into a programmatically operable structure and form for use by the smart pill container system, where the digital translation includes the abstraction of a prescription frequency characteristic into a number of “slots” and the abstraction of a prescription temporary characteristic by creating an array of “as of” date and value pairs, allowing for the building of a patient's prescription schedule, where the smart pill container has a number of pill wells for storing different doses of medication, and where based on the prescription schedule, an opening in the pill container provides at least one user with access to the medication stored in a particular one of the pill wells at a given dosing time, and where a platform associated with the pill container provides instructions for dosing such medication and monitors use of the pill container for compliance with the pres

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smokeless oral tobacco product including a tobacco material and a particulate material, the particulate material having the following properties: i) a mass median particle size measured by sieve analysis of from about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm; ii) a bulk density of less than about 0.6 g/cm3; and iii) a combined starch and sugar content of less than about 7% based on the weight of the particulate material, wherein the tobacco material comprises tobacco, or a tobacco replacement or substitute.

Abstract: A merchandise dispenser is provided and has a product display tray with a bottom portion for supporting and guiding a rank of product items. The merchandise dispenser also has a spring assembly for advancing the product items forward on the bottom portion. The spring assembly includes a pre-stressed spiral tape having a top surface extending from a mounting end portion thereof and a plurality of light emitting diodes carried in spaced relation on a predetermined length of the top surface of the tape for upwardly illuminating product items when disposed in the product display tray.

Abstract: A merchandise dispenser is provided and has a product display tray with a bottom portion for supporting and guiding a rank of product items. The merchandise dispenser also has a spring assembly for advancing the product items forward on the bottom portion. The spring assembly includes a pre-stressed spiral tape having a top surface extending from a mounting end portion thereof and a plurality of light emitting diodes carried in spaced relation on a predetermined length of the top surface of the tape for upwardly illuminating product items when disposed in the product display tray.

Abstract: A spring-driven pusher assembly of a merchandise dispenser in which the spring is carried entirely on the pusher assembly behind the articles being dispensed to thereby eliminate any interference problems with RF signals or the like used for purposes of determining inventories and the like. Preferably, the spring is a spiral spring that rotates a drive wheel when the spring uncoils. The drive wheel cooperatively engages a guide track on the base of the dispenser, and the rotation of the drive wheel causes the pusher assembly to advance along the guide track toward the dispensing end of the dispenser.

Abstract: A spring-driven pusher assembly of a merchandise dispenser in which the spring is carried entirely on the pusher assembly behind the articles being dispensed to thereby eliminate any interference problems with RF signals or the like used for purposes of determining inventories and the like. Preferably, the spring is a spiral spring that rotates a drive wheel when the spring uncoils. The drive wheel cooperatively engages a guide track on the base of the dispenser, and the rotation of the drive wheel causes the pusher assembly to advance along the guide track toward the dispensing end of the dispenser. A method of dispensing merchandise is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating Supervisory Audio Tone (SAT) strength during data transfer and for a short time period thereafter. The SAT during this period is regarded as being identical to the strength measured just before the data transfer was started. In an alternative embodiment, a probabilistic algorithm can be used wherein previous measurements are used to predict the SAT strength during and for a period after data transfer. Where the present invention is used in a mobile radio telecommunications system of the type in which analog information is transmitted between at least one base station and a number of mobile stations, a method for supervising the quality of a connection between the base station and a mobile station includes transmitting data between the base station and the mobile station during which a SAT is not transmitted and using pre-data transfer SAT measurement for radio transmission quality supervision during at least a time period of said data transmitting step.

Abstract: Methods and systems allowing for the following two Supervisory Audio Tone-Signalling Tone (SAT-ST) qualifications: (1) when detecting a ST as being on, the signalling tone signal is accepted if the SAT strength value indicates that the SAT is on, in accordance with the IS-54-B standard; and (2) when detecting the ST as being on and a momentary or instantaneous SAT strength value indicates that the SAT is off, the signalling tone signal is not accepted at this stage. However, should the instantaneous SAT strength subsequently be detected as being on while the signalling tone is still on, the signalling tone signal is accepted, which is a deviation from the IS-54-B standard. In one embodiment, the measurements of the ST duration are not started until SAT and ST both on.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing is described having an inner element made of a first material with a first coefficient of thermal expansion, an outer element made of a second material with a second coefficient, and a layer of viscous fluid in contact with and separating the inner element from the outer element such that said outer element is capable of rotation around said inner element. By choosing particular materials, the difference between the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion can be controlled, and the thickness of the layer of viscous fluid can be made to vary with temperature. This allows for some degree of control over the temperature dependence of the stiffness and drag of the fluid dynamic bearing. In particular, the coefficients of thermal expansion can be chosen so as to cancel out any temperature dependence of stiffness and/or drag due to a temperature dependence of the viscosity of the viscous fluid.

Abstract: A propeller blade is insulated to withstand the high temperature exhaust of a gas turbine engine. The blade has a spar, a skin covering the spar and forming a contour of the blade, and an insulating layer disposed between the spar and the skin along the portion of the blade operating within the high temperature exhaust of an engine.