Abstract: The present invention provides non-invasive intraoral devices and methods for the detection of intraoral acid exposure, methods of making said devices, and their use in the diagnosis of disorders such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Abstract: An articulated cervical spine and neck protection system including an articulated cervical shroud assembly made of a rigid material and including an inner cervical shroud being approximately funnel-shaped and having a funnel portion and a neck portion, the inner cervical shroud is configured to be worn around a neck of a wearer, and the funnel portion configured to cradle a head of a wearer from below such that movement of the head of the wearer causes a corresponding movement of the inner cervical shroud; and an outer cervical shroud having a lower portion and an upper portion including a wall and is sized to sit concentrically around the neck portion of the inner cervical shroud so that the inner cervical shroud is partially nested within the outer cervical shroud that, when worn together, forms a ball-and-socket style articulation with the upper portion of the outer cervical shroud.

Abstract: An articulated cervical spine and neck protection system for protecting the cervical spine and the soft tissues of the neck, and for reducing related injuries including concussion. The invention has been developed primarily for use in full combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat, and combat-training scenarios, including in the defence forces, for law enforcement, or in martial arts competition or training including those involving weapons. The articulated cervical spine and neck protection system comprises an articulated cervical shroud assembly that allows good movement while protecting the cervical spine and soft tissues of the throat and neck against risks commonly associated with full contact sports and real combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-invasive intraoral devices and methods for the detection of intraoral acid exposure, methods of making said devices, and their use in the diagnosis of disorders such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus and method to capture an image of in-vivo tissue with automatic exposure control. For example, the method includes capturing image data on an image sensor and analyzing an indication of brightness of each pixel to determine whether the captured image data is saturated. When the image data is saturated, the method includes reducing the exposure period by a first increment, and repeating the capturing and analyzing steps until the captured image data is not saturated. When the captured image data is not saturated, in some embodiments, the method includes analyzing the indication of brightness of each pixel compared to a threshold indicative of use of a proportion of an available dynamic range of the image sensor, and when it is determined that the threshold has not been reached, increasing the exposure period by a second increment that has a magnitude relative to the first increment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a draw-works and a method of operation. The draw-works includes a first drum configured to store and reel in an elongated hoisting member, such as a hoisting cable, a second drum configured to store and reel in the elongated hoisting member, and a rotation device configured to rotate the first and second drums, wherein at least one of the drums is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the rotation device.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus and method to capture an image of in-vivo tissue with automatic exposure control. For example, the method includes capturing image data on an image sensor and analyzing an indication of brightness of each pixel to determine whether the captured image data is saturated. When the image data is saturated, the method includes reducing the exposure period by a first increment, and repeating the capturing and analyzing steps until the captured image data is not saturated. When the captured image data is not saturated, in some embodiments, the method includes analyzing the indication of brightness of each pixel compared to a threshold indicative of use of a proportion of an available dynamic range of the image sensor, and when it is determined that the threshold has not been reached, increasing the exposure period by a second increment that has a magnitude relative to the first increment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of the viable cells in an endodontic sample in or taken from an endodontic cavity in the tooth, such as the root canal, enables the rapid and low cost identification of the presence or absence of bacteria or other viable cell tissue in the endodontic space by first incubating a viable cell indicator with an endodontic sample for a pre-determined period suitable for chair-side test and then measuring and/or detecting a change in a parameter (e.g. fluorescence) associated with the viable cell indicator. Thereby, the required level of root canal treatment can be reached which minimizes the risk of re-infection without the time, cost and potentially harm of over-preparation and over treatment by the dental surgeon or of a re-treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a draw-works and a method of operation. The draw-works includes a first drum configured to store and reel in an elongated hoisting member, such as a hoisting cable, a second drum configured to store and reel in the elongated hoisting member, and a rotation device configured to rotate the first and second drums, wherein at least one of the drums is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the rotation device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of the viable cells in an endodontic sample in or taken from an endodontic cavity in the tooth, such as the root canal, enables the rapid and low cost identification of the presence or absence of bacteria or other viable cell tissue in the endodontic space by first incubating a viable cell indicator with an endodontic sample for a pre-determined period suitable for chair-side test and then measuring and/or detecting a change in a parameter (e.g. fluorescence) associated with the viable cell indicator. Thereby, the required level of root canal treatment can be reached which minimizes the risk of re-infection without the time, cost and potentially harm of over-preparation and over treatment by the dental surgeon or of a re-treatment.

Abstract: A method of removing an adhesive resin from a dental tooth which method comprises contacting the dental tooth with a bioactive glass using an air abrasion system.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia in operative connection with a frame. The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser, receipt printer, and a card reader. The machine includes a frame in operative connection with a chest. A top panel and at least one side panel are slidably connectable with the frame. When a door of the frame is in the closed position, the top panel is not capable of being slid out of operative connection with the frame. When the top panel is in operative connection with the frame, the at least one side panel is not capable of being slid out of operative connection with the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for imaging the vascular structure and vascular blood flow of an organ or tissue and, in particular, relates to a selective wavelength epi-illumination endoscopic imaging apparatus to image vascular tissues and real time capillary blood flow in vivo. The invention also relates to determining the blood oxygen content of the organ or tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a foundational cistern. The present invention is an evolutionary panelized foundation system that uses known pre-casting technologies, functions structurally in similar ways to traditional systems, yet provides building designers with a multitude of new benefits in combination with the objectives of reduced construction time, energy, and water conservation. Stored rainwater in the cistern provides thermal mass for heating for a supported structure, and may be used for nonpotable uses. Given appropriate on-site water treatment, potable uses of stored rainwater may be contemplated as well. The foundational cistern of the present invention may be coupled to other foundational cisterns and structural elements of the supported structure. The present invention offers a multitude of advantages not currently known in the art of foundation products.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia in operative connection with a frame. The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser, receipt printer, and a card reader.

Abstract: A system and method of offering a redemption account that allows users to purchase or reserve and subsequently redeem, share, transfer, or resell redemption rights for items from one or more merchants that are affiliated with the system is disclosed. The present invention imparts a process by which users enrolled in a biometric redemption rights system can access redemption rights for advance purchased or reserved items by submitting their biometric data. Information stored in the user record can then be utilized to enable the sharing, transfer, resale or fulfillment of the redemption rights.

Abstract: A mattress and a method of manufacturing a mattress are disclosed. The mattress includes a mattress core, a side rail joined to the mattress core by a one or more adhesive patches, optionally a deck applied over an area of the mattress core and joined to the mattress core by adhesive patches, and an upholstery layer defining a sleep surface applied over the deck or the mattress core and joined to the deck by adhesive patches. The adhesive patches have a bonding strength sufficient to maintain a relative position between the various mattress components at least during assembly of the mattress. The upholstery layer is permanently secured to the side rail by, for example, sewing or stapling.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of aryl fused polycyclic lactams which are useful intermediates in the synthesis of aryl fused azapolycyclic compounds as agents for the treatment of neurological and psychological disorders.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of its use, for slicing food products, particularly elongated food products, in which the apparatus has a housing enclosing a rotatable slicing blade, and a sleeve which is mounted in a housing sidewall. The sleeve provides a passageway through which a food product passes and receives a treatment along its outer surface. Other additional and/or alternative features for enhancing or sustaining the cleanliness within the slicing housing also are provided, which include use of overpressure within the housing interior, introduction of HEPA-filtered gas or air therein, delivery of an antimicrobial agent therein, and/or providing interior housing wall surfaces having a surface finish (RMS) not exceeding 32 microinches. The slicing apparatus, and its method of operation, provides reliable, accurate continuous slicing capability while requiring less cleaning.