Abstract: Embodiments of a wireless communications antenna of a wearable electronic device, and method of its use are described herein. An apparatus can comprise a housing having top and bottom portions, a printed circuit board (PCB), a metal frame, and a band. The top portion of the housing can include an antenna element, which can be conductively coupled to the PCB. The metal frame can have a first coupler and a second coupler. The PCB can be disposed between, and not conductively coupled to, the housing and the metal frame. The band can have first and second end portions, which can be conductively coupled to the frame when removably coupled to the first coupler and second coupler, respectively. The antenna element, the metal frame, and the first and second end portions of the band can collectively define an antenna having an antenna profile when the antenna is operational.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining device usability, e.g., for point of care assay devices. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method of determining device usability in a sensing device, including the steps of: providing a device comprising a first electrical pad; a second electrical pad; and a first polymer layer contacting at least a portion of the first and the second electrical pads and a second polymer layer contacting the first polymer layer and not the first and second electrical pads; applying a potential across the first and the second electrical pads; measuring an electrical property associated with the first and the second polymer layers; and determining whether the measured electrical property associated with the first and the second polymer layers has exceeded a threshold level associated with the device usability.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining device usability, e.g., for point of care assay devices. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method of determining device usability in a sensing device, including the steps of: providing a device comprising a first electrical pad; a second electrical pad; and a first polymer layer contacting at least a portion of the first and the second electrical pads and a second polymer layer contacting the first polymer layer and not the first and second electrical pads; applying a potential across the first and the second electrical pads; measuring an electrical property associated with the first and the second polymer layers; and determining whether the measured electrical property associated with the first and the second polymer layers has exceeded a threshold level associated with the device usability.

Abstract: A composition comprises a leachable organic compound distributed throughout a polymer matrix formed by reacting a fluoroepoxy compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein x is an integer from 0 to 12, with a silicone amine curing agent of the formula: ##STR2## where n is the average degree of polymerization of the silicone amine curing agent and is 1 or greater. The leaching rate of the leachable organic compound is controlled by selecting the value of x in the fluoroepoxy compound and the value of n in the silicone amine curing agent. The composition may be used as a coating for protecting underwater substrates from fouling by marine organisms.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises a vehicle (1) suspended in flight by a steering control rod (68) pivotally mounted to the body of the vehicle and having outer ends (12, 14) connected to the lower ends of load suspension lines (3, 5, 6) connected at their upper ends to a flexible wing portion (2) of a ram air inflatable type of airfoil canopy. Steering of the aircraft is by pivotal movement of control rod (68) to manipulate the load suspension lines and thereby the canopy surfaces. The aircraft may be radio controlled by a radio receiver (112) in the vehicle body for operating the speed of a drive motor (36) for driving a propeller (38) and a steering drive motor (98) coupled to the control rod (68) by a suitable linkage system. Battery pack (104) is removably mounted in the vehicle body for providing power to the receiver and motors therein. The radio controlled aircraft is controlled by a remote transmitter which controls the steering and speed of the aircraft.

Abstract: Load lines connect chordwise spaced portions of a ram air inflated, airfoil canopy to spaced anchors connected to a pilot supporting vehicle frame on which a forward thrust producing unit is removably mounted. The geometry of the assembled aircraft enhances take-off inflation of the canopy, establishes a stable flight frame when airborne, and enables simple engine throttle control of the thrust producing unit to regulate climb, descent and level flight. Common control is applied for both ground steering of the vehicle frame and air-borne steering of the canopy.

Abstract: Load lines connect chordwise spaced portions of a ram air inflated, airfoil canopy to spaced anchors connected to a pilot supporting vehicle frame on which a forward thrust producing unit is removably mounted. The geometry of the assembled aircraft enhances take-off inflation of the canopy, establishes a stable flight frame when airborne, and enables simple engine throttle control of the thrust producing unit to regulate climb, descent and level flight. Common control is applied for both ground steering of the vehicle frame and airborne steering of the canopy.

Abstract: The riser straps associated with the canopy suspension lines of a parachute are releasably coupled to a body harness by connector devices which include buckle rings through which loop extensions of the riser straps are threaded. A locking pin assembly engaged with each loop extension holds each connector device in a coupling condition. Each locking pin assembly is anchored to a cover protectively enclosing the connector device, by means of which the pin assembly is withdrawn to uncouple the connector device.