Abstract: A shovel device having a base region and a transverse blade, the transverse blade having a longitudinally positioned forward blade edge that is operatively configured to cut the earth and trim a portion thereof. The shovel device is adapted to create an edge portion and further has a rearward wall so as to more easily allow the repositioning of removed earth from the edge region.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant Listeria that constitutively express Prf A and comprise polynucleotides that encode polypeptides such as tumor or infectious agent antigens, operably linked to a PrfA responsive regulatory agent. Methods of using the Listeria, and compositions thereof, to induce or enhance an immune response and/or in the treatment of disease are provided. Methods of producing the bacteria are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid diagnosis and monitoring a patient for disease or effectiveness of treatment in real time. In preferred embodiments, the methods and devices comprise contacting an array of sensors with a sample from a mammal suspected of having a disease to generate a sensor array profile, measuring a clinical diagnostic marker for the suspected disease, and then developing a diagnosis using the sensor array profile in combination with the clinical diagnostic marker.

Abstract: An electronic device is formed at least partially from a deflectable material that generates an electrical signal in response to contact. The first material is integrated with a display module to provide a shaped feature on the exterior surface of the display module. The shaped feature detects contact with an external object on one or more contact points, where contact with the contact points corresponds to a defined input for a processor of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a user-interface feature, a detection mechanism and one or more internal components. The user-interface feature is configurable to have a selected orientation about one or more axes. The detection mechanism can detect orientation information about the electronic device. The one or more components may select the orientation of the user-interface feature based on the detected orientation information.

Abstract: A display system for a handheld computing device is disclosed. The display system includes a processing unit having a first communication port, and a visual display unit separable from the processing unit. The visual display unit further includes a visual display, and a second communication port. The display unit can be expanded from an initial or storage state to present a larger visual display size. Further, the first communication port providing communication with the second communication port.

Abstract: A single-piece top surface display and integrated front cover for an electronic device. In one embodiment, the cover comprises a thin, flexible, transparent layer coupled with a supporting structure. The flexible layer is supported above a display screen which is coupled with pressure activated sensors located under the display screen. The cover is dust-free, waterproof, and has a flat outer surface that is free of any steps or indentations. Users input data by applying pressure on the cover which causes the display screen to deflect and activate the sensors. The pressure exerted on the sensors is triangulated to register the position of the user input. In another embodiment, the cover is transparent, rigid, and directly contacts the pressure activated sensors which are located in front of the display screen or in the housing behind it. When pressure is applied to the cover, the cover deflects and activates the sensors. In both embodiments, an accelerometer identifies valid input events.

Abstract: A seed coating to facilitate the binding of an bioactive ingredient, such as an insecticide or fungicide, to seed and allowing for the flowability of the coated seed during planting comprising a binder, a wax, a pigment, and one or more stabilizers in an amount effective to stabilize the suspension. A process for coating the seeds and the product of the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: An example embodiment of the invention includes a method of performing an assay comprising the steps of (1) providing a multimode waveguide; (2) fixing one or more fluidic cells to the multimode waveguide, wherein each of the one or more fluidic cells including a surface having a portion thereof sealed to the coated region, the surface including a depression therein defining a fluidic channel bounded at least in part by the optically exposed region, and a sample introduction port for the introduction of a fluid sample into the fluidic channel; (3) introducing a fluid sample into the fluidic channel via the sample introduction port so that the fluid sample physically contacts the optically exposed region; (4) launching light into the waveguide so as to produce a wave at the optically exposed region; and (5) detecting an optical signal generated at the optically exposed region in response to the wave, wherein the optical signal is correlated with the presence of a prion protein in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid diagnosis and monitoring a patient for disease or effectiveness of treatment in real time. In preferred embodiments, the methods and devices comprise contacting an array of sensors with a sample from a mammal suspected of having a disease to generate a sensor array profile, measuring a clinical diagnostic marker for the suspected disease, and then developing a diagnosis using the sensor array profile in combination with the clinical diagnostic marker.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a housing, a plurality of modules, a sensor and a selection mechanism. The housing has multiple housing segments, with each segment housing one of the plurality of modules. The sensor detects an orientation of the electronic device. The selection mechanism automatically selects at least one, but nor all, of the plurality of modules to be active, based on the detected orientation of the electronic device.

Abstract: An accessory module or accessory display device for a handheld computer is disclosed. The device includes an interface configured to be coupled to a handheld computer through an interface slot. The module may be flexibly hinged to the interconnect interface, permitting the coupling of the module to a variety of host devices. The module includes memory configured to store information customized to the user.

Abstract: A display system for,a handheld computing device is disclosed. The display system includes a processing unit having a first communication port, and a visual display unit separable from the processing unit. The visual display unit further includes a visual display, and a second communication port. The display unit can be expanded from an initial or storage state to present a larger visual display size. Further, the first communication port providing communication with the second communication port.

Abstract: A display system is disclosed. The display system includes a processor. The display system also includes a first display device having a first display surface and receiving display data from the processor. The display system also includes a second displayed device having a display area smaller then the first display device and moveable over the surface of the first display device. The display system also includes a sensor in communication with the processor and communicating location data to the processor. The location data is representative of the relative location of the first display to the second display. Further still, the display system includes a program running on the processor and providing display data to the first and second display devices. The display data is provided to the second display device based on the location data.

Abstract: A display system for a handheld computing device is disclosed. The display system includes a processing unit having a first communication port, and a visual display unit separable from the processing unit. The visual display unit further includes a visual display, and a second communication port. The display unit can be expanded from an initial or storage state to present a larger visual display size. Further, the first communication port providing communication with the second communication port.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a bezel feature, a connector and a processor. The bezel feature is rotatable amongst a plurality of positions on an arc length that defines a path of motion for the bezel feature. The plurality of positions are distributed along the entire arc length of the path of motion. An interface or connector couples the bezel feature to the processor of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a bezel feature, a connector and a processor. The bezel feature is rotatable amongst a plurality of positions on an arc length that defines a path of motion for the bezel feature. The plurality of positions are distributed along the entire arc length of the path of motion. An interface or connector couples the bezel feature to the processor of the electronic device.

Abstract: A locking shoulder joint adapted to be attached to a user's shoulder, generally comprising a rotor provided with a plurality of radially positioned pins, that rotates relative to a stator, and a cam provided with one or more plungers adapted to engage said rotor pins to releasably lock said rotor in position selected by said user, all of which act to move a humeral member in a direction corresponding to a flexion/extension direction of the shoulder joint; and a yoke coupled to an axle for moving the humeral member in a direction corresponding to an abduction/adduction direction of the shoulder joint.

Abstract: A pelvic extension frame for removable attachment to the waist. The pelvic extension frame comprises a yoke having a first end, a second end, a medial aspect and a longitudinal axis. A harness is connected to the medial aspect of the yoke. A first coupling is connected to the first end of the yoke. The first coupling has a first pivot and a first mount. The first pivot is pivotable about the longitudinal axis. A second coupling is connected to the second end of the yoke. The second coupling has a second pivot and a second mount. The second pivot is pivotable about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a user-interface feature, a detection mechanism and one or more internal components. The user-interface feature is configurable to have a selected orientation about one or more axes. The detection mechanism can detect orientation information about the electronic device. The one or more components may select the orientation of the user-interface feature based on the detected orientation information.