Abstract: A computer-assisted method for uniformly pricing chargeable items in a healthcare provider's chargeable item database is disclosed. The method applies uniform pricing to identical or related chargeable items. A system for uniformly pricing related chargeable items is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, a body, and a tailcap assembly attached to an end of the body. The tailcap assembly includes a multi-position joystick adapted to pivot relative to the body in response to lateral pressure and move vertically relative to the body in response to vertical pressure. The tailcap assembly also includes switches adapted to provide signals to the lighting control circuitry in response to pivot movement and vertical movement of the joystick. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to the signals.

Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, first and second power terminals adapted to receive a battery power source, first and second electrical connections between the lighting control circuitry and the first and second power terminals, a third electrical connection between the second power terminal and the lighting control circuitry, and a switch adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the third electrical connection. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to a signal received over the third electrical connection in response to the switch. The first and second electrical connections are adapted to provide constant power to the lighting control circuitry while the battery power source is connected to the first and second power terminals regardless of operation of the switch.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally bulk-acoustic-wave resonators. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a bulk-acoustic-wave resonator comprising an acoustic reflector, a substantially c-axis oriented hexagonal crystal structure, and a plurality of electrodes. The crystal structure is solidly-mounted to the acoustic reflector. The bulk-wave resonator resonates in at least two non-harmonically-related operational modes.

Abstract: A system for golf data collection comprises an apparatus arranged to be worn about the body of a golfer during a game of golf. The apparatus includes a positioning system for determining various locations of a golfer during the game, a tag reader for reading a club held in close proximity to the apparatus around the time of striking a golf ball, and a processor for correlating the location of the golfer with the time at which a tag is read to enable the path of a golf ball throughout the game of golf to be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, device, and system for a microelectromechanical (MEM) device control system that can control the operation of a MEM device. The system can include a microelectromechanical device and a control circuit. The micromechanical device can include a moveable member coupled to an electrical terminal, a sensor, responsive to a movement of the moveable member, can output a sensor signal based on the movement of the moveable member, and an actuating electrode for receiving a control signal. The control circuit can be responsive to the signals output by the sensor and outputs the control signal to the actuating electrode.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.

Abstract: Various lighting devices are provided which may be used to advantageously illuminate areas of interest in a secure, convenient manner. In one example, a lighting device includes a headlamp. The headlamp includes a base, a body, and a light source. The base includes two support members and an aperture in each of the support members. The body is secured to the base through the apertures and is adapted to rotate relative to the base. The light source is in the body and positioned substantially between the two support members. The light source is adapted to rotate with the body relative to the base to adjust an angle of light emitted by the light source. As another example, related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for protecting electronic content from the time it is packaged through the time it is experienced by an end user. Protection against content misuse is accomplished using a combination of encryption, watermark screening, detection of invalid content processing software and hardware, and/or detection of invalid content flows. Encryption protects the secrecy of content while it is being transferred or stored. Watermark screening protects against the unauthorized use of content. Watermark screening is provided by invoking a filter module to examine content for the presence of a watermark before the content is delivered to output hardware or software. The filter module is operable to prevent delivery of the content to the output hardware or software if it detects a predefined protection mark. Invalid content processing software is detected by a monitoring mechanism that validates the software involved in processing protected electronic content.

Abstract: An illumination fiber optic ribbon includes optically-transmissive fibers which are adjacent to each other. At least two of the optically-transmissive fibers are twisted together to form a twisted segment. Where the two optically-transmissive fibers are not twisted forms a non-twisted segment. The twisted segments and non-twisted segments alternate along the length of the ribbon. Bends are disposed along the twisted segment and are formed by twisting adjacent optically-transmissive fibers. A light source is connected to one or both ends of the optically-transmissive fibers. The light source emits a light flux into the ribbon so that light emits from the bends in the twisted segment.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to facilitate the indication of visual signals, such as SOS signals, strobe signals, and/or types of signals using a portable lighting system. The system may be implemented as a flashlight, a headlamp, or other type of lighting system. The system may be operated using a push-button switch, a rotatable potentiometer, or other appropriate types of user control interfaces. In one example, the system includes a light source adapted to emit light. The system also includes a user control interface adapted to receive user input and generate one or more control signals based on the user input. The system further includes a control circuit adapted to receive the one or more control signals from the user control interface, determine a function sequence based on a pattern provided by the one or more control signals, and cause the light source to operate in accordance with the function sequence.

Abstract: A sealed capacitive sensor includes a substrate having a diaphragm forming a first plate of a capacitor; a second fixed plate of the capacitor spaced from the diaphragm and defining a predetermined dielectric gap and a sealing medium connecting together the substrate and fixed plate in an integrated structure and hermetically sealing the gap.

Abstract: A wound therapy combination comprising a suction head and a surgical drape. The suction head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to the aperture.

Abstract: A system for stimulating the healing of tissue comprises a porous pad positioned within a wound cavity, and an airtight dressing secured over the pad, so as to provide an airtight seal to the wound cavity. A proximal end of a conduit is connectable to the dressing. A distal end of the conduit is connectable to a negative pressure source, which may be an electric pump housed within a portable housing, or wall suction. A canister is positioned along the conduit to retain exudates suctioned from the wound site during the application of negative pressure. A first hydrophobic filter is positioned at an opening of the canister to detect a canister full condition. A second hydrophobic filter is positioned between the first filter and the negative pressure source to prevent contamination of the non-disposable portion of the system by exudates being drawn from the wound. An odor filter is positioned between the first and second hydrophobic filters to aid in the reduction of malodorous vapors.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, device, and system for a microelectromechanical (MEM) device control system that can control the operation of a MEM device. The system can include a microelectromechanical device and a control circuit. The micromechanical device can include a moveable member coupled to an electrical terminal, a sensor, responsive to a movement of the moveable member, can output a sensor signal based on the movement of the moveable member, and an actuating electrode for receiving a control signal. The control circuit can be responsive to the signals output by the sensor and outputs the control signal to the actuating electrode.

Abstract: Transporting aircraft within an airport operational area. An airport operational area within which an unmanned ground vehicle is configured to selectively tow aircraft is defined. A ground tracking system provides position data signals to determine the position of the unmanned ground vehicle position relative to positions in at least one operational area path contained in the airport operational area. This positioning is supplemented by the position as determined from an electronic tracking system, such as a radar-based system. The unmanned ground vehicle is then selectively guided to engage and tow the aircraft to a selected position within the airport operational area.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf putter having an alignment means for aligning a golfer's line of sight directly over a golf ball and in line with a desired target. The putter head comprises a striking face and a rearwardly extending body portion. The body portion includes an upper section having an alignment bar protruding away from and perpendicular to the striking face and a lower section having an alignment slot extending away from and perpendicular to the striking face. The alignment bar and slot are centrally positioned and spaced apart from each other such that (i) the slot becomes obscured by the alignment bar when the golfer's line of sight is directly over the striking face and the golf ball at their point of contact, and (ii) the alignment bar and slot are in line with the desired target when the striking face strikes the golf ball.

Abstract: A system for stimulating the healing of tissue comprises a porous pad positioned within a wound cavity, and an airtight dressing secured over the pad, so as to provide an airtight seal to the wound cavity. A proximal end of a conduit is connectable to the dressing. A distal end of the conduit is connectable to a negative pressure source, which may be an electric pump housed within a portable housing, or wall suction. A canister is positioned along the conduit to retain exudates suctioned from the wound site during the application of negative pressure. A first hydrophobic filter is positioned at an opening of the canister to detect a canister full condition. A second hydrophobic filter is positioned between the first filter and the negative pressure source to prevent contamination of the non-disposable portion of the system by exudates being drawn from the wound. An odor filter is positioned between the between the first and second hydrophobic filters to aid in the reduction of malodorous vapors.

Abstract: Various lighting devices are provided which may be used to advantageously illuminate areas of interest in a secure, convenient manner. In one example, a lighting device includes a headlamp. The headlamp includes a base, a body, and a light source. The base includes two support members and an aperture in each of the support members. The body is secured to the base through the apertures and is adapted to rotate relative to the base. The light source is in the body and positioned substantially between the two support members. The light source is adapted to rotate with the body relative to the base to adjust an angle of light emitted by the light source. As another example, related methods are also provided.