Abstract: A wrapper is provided for a drinking cooler. The drinking cooler includes a cooler frame, a water dispense point, a drain for receiving water, and at least one component supported within an interior portion of the cooler frame. The wrapper includes a cover, a first securing feature, and a second securing feature. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cover is supported for pivoting movement relative to the cooler frame. The cover permits access to the interior portion of the cooler frame in the open position, and the cover inhibits access to the interior portion of the cooler frame in the closed position. The second securing feature is releasably engageable with the first securing feature to secure the cover in the closed position.

Abstract: A network node in a peer-to-peer network of nodes includes at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one network interface. The at least one processor is configured to receive a request to transfer a security token and execute a plurality of compliance rules associated with the security token. At least one of the compliance rules is implemented using at least one smart contract. The at least one smart contract references a global registry. The at least one processor is also configured to transfer the security token based on the execution of the compliance rules. The global registry includes personally identifiable information (PII) hash(es) for each of at least one investor associated with the transfer of the security token. The hashes are committed to the distributed ledger and updated when PII of a respective one of the at least one investor changes.

Abstract: Textile-based implant or prosthetic tubular or non-tubular products are provided that require two materials, textile and an impermeable, non-organic hydrophobic or super hydrophobic material, that when constructed into a graft product of the present invention produce three distinct zones. The resulting self-sealing implant or prosthetic product is super anti-wetting and therefore provides for easier explantation from the body. Explantation is further improved by the resistance of one surface to electrosurgical energy such as electrocautery. The implant or prosthetic products also prevent leakage as well as transmural communication or migration through the graft body or wall while still allowing ingrowth of tissue along at least a portion of one surface of the implant or prosthetic for secured anchoring.

Abstract: A tubular or non-tubular implant or prosthetic is provided to prevent or mitigate infection when implanted into a living body. The implant or prosthetic includes a textile layer comprising a plurality of interstices and/or pores and defining an interfacing surface and an opposing surface. The implant or prosthetic also includes a sealing layer comprising a non-porous, non-organic polymer adhered to the interfacing surface. The non-porous, non-organic polymer is formed of a material configured to prevent transmission or migration of bacteria through the sealing layer. The implant or prosthetic may also be configured to be anti-wetting and therefore provide for easier explantation from the body, to protect the textile layer from damage from electrocautery energy, and also to prevent leakage as well as transmural communication or migration through the graft body or wall while still allowing ingrowth of tissue along at least a portion of implant or prosthetic for secured anchoring.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting imaging parameters of a bioptic barcode reader. The method includes capturing, by an imaging assembly, an initial image of a target object having an indicia thereon. The imaging assembly captures the initial image according to an initial imaging parameter. The method further includes attempting to decode the indicia from the initial image, and responsive to being unable to decode the indicia, detecting a substantially static presence of the target object within a field of view (FOV) of the imaging assembly. The method then includes, responsive to detecting the substantially static presence of the target object within the FOV, adjusting the initial imaging parameter to a subsequent imaging parameter, wherein the subsequent imaging parameter is different than the initial imaging parameter.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of product scanning systems and arrangements used within a retail venue. In an embodiment, the present invention is a data capture system that includes a scanner pod housing a plurality of scanners, each configured to capture product data; a data capture module communicatively coupled to the scanner pod, the first data capture module configured to capture, via a mobile device associated with a customer, customer data; and a server communicatively coupled to at least one of the scanner pod and the first data capture module, the server being configured to, upon the first data capture module capturing the customer data associated with the customer, associate one of the plurality of scanners with at least one of the customer and the customer data associated with the customer, resulting in an associated data capture device.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of product scanning systems and arrangements used within a retail venue. In an embodiment, the present invention is a data capture system that includes a scanner pod housing a plurality of scanners, each configured to capture product data; a data capture module communicatively coupled to the scanner pod, the first data capture module configured to capture, via a mobile device associated with a customer, customer data; and a server communicatively coupled to at least one of the scanner pod and the first data capture module, the server being configured to, upon the first data capture module capturing the customer data associated with the customer, associate one of the plurality of scanners with at least one of the customer and the customer data associated with the customer, resulting in an associated data capture device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated evaluation system routing are described herein. The system can include a memory, which can include a model database and a correlation database. The system can include a first user device and a second user device. The system can include at least one server. The at least one server can: receive a response communication from the user device; generate an initial evaluation value according to an AI model; determine a correlation between the initial evaluation value and evaluation range data; accept the initial evaluation value when the correlation exceeds a threshold value; and route the response communication to the second user device for generation of an elevated evaluation value when the correlation does not exceed the threshold value.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting imaging parameters of a bioptic barcode reader. The method includes capturing, by an imaging assembly, an initial image of a target object having an indicia thereon. The imaging assembly captures the initial image according to an initial imaging parameter. The method further includes attempting to decode the indicia from the initial image, and responsive to being unable to decode the indicia, detecting a substantially static presence of the target object within a field of view (FOV) of the imaging assembly. The method then includes, responsive to detecting the substantially static presence of the target object within the FOV, adjusting the initial imaging parameter to a subsequent imaging parameter, wherein the subsequent imaging parameter is different than the initial imaging parameter.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting imaging parameters of a bioptic barcode reader. The method includes capturing, by an imaging assembly, an initial image of a target object having an indicia thereon. The imaging assembly captures the initial image according to an initial imaging parameter. The method further includes attempting to decode the indicia from the initial image, and responsive to being unable to decode the indicia, detecting a substantially static presence of the target object within a field of view (FOV) of the imaging assembly. The method then includes, responsive to detecting the substantially static presence of the target object within the FOV, adjusting the initial imaging parameter to a subsequent imaging parameter, wherein the subsequent imaging parameter is different than the initial imaging parameter.

Abstract: The wound drainage apparatus for drug-assisted removal of bodily fluids includes a double-lumen tubing member connected to a customizable branched tubing member for placement in a wound cavity. A perforated inner tube connected to an anticoagulant drug delivery pump and a solid outer tube connected to a fluid drainage vacuum make up the double-lumen tubing member. The branched tubing member includes a plurality of secondary wound cavity tubes branching away from a primary wound cavity tube. The apparatus disclosed herein improves upon current drainage systems by preventing occlusions produced by blood clots forming in fluid drainage tubes.

Abstract: At least some embodiments described herein relate to the field of product scanning systems and arrangements used within a retail venue. In an embodiment, the present invention is a system including: a barcode reader repository having docking stations each with a power connector and a lock; barcode readers docked at and locked by the docking stations, each receiving an electrical charge from the respective power connector; a data acquisition assembly configured to capture and decode a symbol associated with an operator profile, and forward the decoded data for further processing; and a server configured to: receive the decoded data; responsively select one of the plurality of barcode readers resulting in a selected barcode reader; transmit, an unlock signal to the lock locking the selected barcode reader to enable removal; and transmit a beacon signal to activate a beacon that is indicative of a physical location of the selected barcode reader.

Abstract: Methods and systems to detect items left in merchandise carriers are disclosed. A disclosed example system includes: an input device configured to receive an indication that a merchandise carrier is to be empty from at least one of a user or a device communicatively coupled to the input device; an overhead imaging device configured to capture an image of the merchandise carrier at a checkout station in response to the indication; an image processor configured to detect based on the image an obscuration of a portion of the merchandise carrier by the presence of an item in the merchandise carrier, and generate an alert signal when the portion of the merchandise carrier is obscured; and an output device configured to receive the alert signal and provide a notification of the presence of the item in the merchandise carrier.

Abstract: Methods and systems to detect items left in merchandise carriers are disclosed. A disclosed example system includes: an input device configured to receive an indication that a merchandise carrier is to be empty from at least one of a user or a device communicatively coupled to the input device; an overhead imaging device configured to capture an image of the merchandise carrier at a checkout station in response to the indication; an image processor configured to detect based on the image an obscuration of a portion of the merchandise carrier by the presence of an item in the merchandise carrier, and generate an alert signal when the portion of the merchandise carrier is obscured; and an output device configured to receive the alert signal and provide a notification of the presence of the item in the merchandise carrier.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting imaging parameters of a bioptic barcode reader. The method includes capturing, by an imaging assembly, an initial image of a target object having an indicia thereon. The imaging assembly captures the initial image according to an initial imaging parameter. The method further includes attempting to decode the indicia from the initial image, and responsive to being unable to decode the indicia, detecting a substantially static presence of the target object within a field of view (FOV) of the imaging assembly. The method then includes, responsive to detecting the substantially static presence of the target object within the FOV, adjusting the initial imaging parameter to a subsequent imaging parameter, wherein the subsequent imaging parameter is different than the initial imaging parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated evaluation system routing are described herein. The system can include a memory, which can include a model database and a correlation database. The system can include a first user device and a second user device. The system can include at least one server. The at least one server can: receive a response communication from the user device; generate an initial evaluation value according to an AI model; determine a correlation between the initial evaluation value and evaluation range data; accept the initial evaluation value when the correlation exceeds a threshold value; and route the response communication to the second user device for generation of an elevated evaluation value when the correlation does not exceed the threshold value.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of product scanning systems and arrangements used within a retail venue. In an embodiment, the present invention is a data capture system that includes a scanner pod housing a plurality of scanners, each configured to capture product data; a data capture module communicatively coupled to the scanner pod, the first data capture module configured to capture, via a mobile device associated with a customer, customer data; and a server communicatively coupled to at least one of the scanner pod and the first data capture module, the server being configured to, upon the first data capture module capturing the customer data associated with the customer, associate one of the plurality of scanners with at least one of the customer and the customer data associated with the customer, resulting in an associated data capture device.

Abstract: At least some embodiments described herein relate to the field of product scanning systems and arrangements used within a retail venue. In an embodiment, the present invention is a system including: a barcode reader repository having docking stations each with a power connector and a lock; barcode readers docked at and locked by the docking stations, each receiving an electrical charge from the respective power connector; a data acquisition assembly configured to capture and decode a symbol associated with an operator profile, and forward the decoded data for further processing; and a server configured to: receive the decoded data; responsively select one of the plurality of barcode readers resulting in a selected barcode reader; transmit, an unlock signal to the lock locking the selected barcode reader to enable removal; and transmit a beacon signal to activate a beacon that is indicative of a physical location of the selected barcode reader.

Abstract: A flywheel device includes an enclosure that surrounds an interior chamber that includes a rotor, which during normal operation is maintained in a vacuum state and spinning, the enclosure includes a first opening, and a valve that attaches to the enclosure, configured to enable, when actuated, ambient air to flow from the exterior of the enclosure into the chamber through the first opening, thus allowing the internal air pressure to rapidly approach ambient air pressure and thereby increase the air drag which acts as a brake on the spinning rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading a rotor bearing is described. The apparatus includes an electromagnet for levitating the rotor. In one embodiment, a sensor of the magnetic field near the electromagnet is used to control the current to levitate the rotor. In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes rotating the rotor, increasing the current to levitate the rotor and decrease the gap between electromagnet and rotor, and then reducing the current to levitate the rotor with a minimal amount of electric power to the electromagnet.