Mouth Appliance Devices, Systems, and Methods

A tray appliance of the present disclosure has a first dissolvable sheet and a first substance formed within a second dissolvable sheet. The first dissolvable sheet is laid on the second dissolvable sheet and is formed into a first dissolvable negative impression of a person's teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue, such that when first dissolvable negative impression is worn by a person, the first dissolvable negative impression dissolves and releases the first substance into the person's saliva, teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue. 1. A tray appliance , comprising:a first dissolvable sheet;a first substance formed within a second dissolvable sheet, the first dissolvable sheet laid on the second dissolvable sheet and being formed into a first dissolvable negative impression of a person's teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue, such that when first dissolvable negative impression is worn by a person, the first dissolvable negative impression dissolves and releases the first substance into the person's saliva, teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue.2. The tray appliance of claim 1 , wherein the first substance is selected from a list comprising pigment claim 1 , medication claim 1 , flavoring claim 1 , vitamins claim 1 , fluoride claim 1 , pH stabilizer claim 1 , chlorhexidine claim 1 , whitening agents claim 1 , over-the-counter drug claim 1 , prescription drug claim 1 , sublingual medication claim 1 , or a combination thereof.3. The tray appliance of claim 2 , wherein the pigment is added to provide a specific color to complete or portions of the first dissolvable negative impression.4. The tray appliance of claim 1 , wherein the first sheet is comprised of a mixture of cellulose and a gelling agent to form the first dissolvable sheet.5. The tray appliance of claim 1 , further comprising a third dissolvable sheet claim 1 , wherein neither of the first dissolvable sheet and third dissolvable sheet contain a first substance claim 1 , and ...

Tag identification systems and methods

In a tag identification system, active tags are configured to emulate at least one passive tag so that existing passive identifications systems, such as passive radio-frequency (RFID) systems or near field communication (NFC) systems, can be retrofitted to operate with the active tag without having to make expensive hardware updates to the readers within the system. The active tag permits continuous monitoring of its movement or status, as may be desired, regardless of its proximity relative to the readers thereby allowing a system to capture more data regarding the tag's location and use. In addition, the active tag may be compatible with different passive identification systems thereby permitting it to operate with disparate passive identification systems and obviating the need of the user to carry multiple passive tags.

Door closer assembly

A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Asset tracking systems and methods

An asset tracking system has a plurality of anchors. A tag communicates with the anchors as it is moved by a user being tracked by the system, and data based on communication between the tag and at least one of the anchors is transmitted to a server. The server determines a location of the tag based on the data and detects an occurrence of an event based on the location. The server also transmits to each of the anchors a tag alert message having a tag identifier identifying the tag and an event indicator associated with the occurrence of the event. At least one of the anchors transmits the tag identifier and the event indicator to the tag, which issues a warning to the user in response to tag alert message.

Mouth Appliance Devices, Systems, and Methods

A tray appliance of the present disclosure has a first dissolvable sheet and a first substance formed within a second dissolvable sheet. The first dissolvable sheet is laid on the second dissolvable sheet and is formed into a first dissolvable negative impression of a person's teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue, such that when first dissolvable negative impression is worn by a person, the first dissolvable negative impression dissolves and releases the first substance into the person's saliva, teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue. 1. A tray appliance , comprising:a first dissolvable sheet;a first substance formed within a second dissolvable sheet, the first dissolvable sheet laid on the second dissolvable sheet and being formed into a first dissolvable negative impression of a person's teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue, such that when first dissolvable negative impression is worn by a person, the first dissolvable negative impression dissolves and releases the first substance into the person's saliva, teeth, gingival tissue, or other soft tissue.2. The tray appliance of claim 1 , wherein the first substance is selected from a list comprising pigment claim 1 , medication claim 1 , flavoring claim 1 , vitamins claim 1 , fluoride claim 1 , pH stabilizer claim 1 , chlorhexidine claim 1 , whitening agents claim 1 , over-the-counter drug claim 1 , prescription drug claim 1 , sublingual medication claim 1 , or a combination thereof.3. The tray appliance of claim 2 , wherein the pigment is added to provide a specific color to complete or portions of the first dissolvable negative impression.4. The tray appliance of claim 1 , wherein the first sheet is comprised of a mixture of cellulose and a gelling agent to form the first dissolvable sheet.5. The tray appliance of claim 1 , further comprising a third dissolvable sheet claim 1 , wherein neither of the first dissolvable sheet and third dissolvable sheet contain a first substance claim 1 , and ...

Modular control system and method for water heaters

A water heating system includes a tank, one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system, and a first controller mounted on the tank. The first controller is coupled to the one or more heating elements and includes logic to activate and deactivate the heating elements according to a first threshold value. The water heater also includes a second controller that is selectively coupled to the first controller and configured to communicate the first threshold value to the first controller, and perform an additional function related to the operation of the water heater. The first controller is configured to receive the first threshold value from the second controller and control the one or more heating elements based on the received threshold value, and to control the one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system in a physical absence of the second controller.

DOOR CLOSER ASSEMBLY

A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve. 1. A door closer assembly comprising:a spring;a movable element configured to move in response to movement of a door, the movement of the movable element loading the spring;at least one gear configured to rotate responsive to a force exerted on one of the at least one gear by the spring; anda generator configured to generate electrical power responsive to the rotation of the at least one gear.2. The door closer assembly according to claim 1 , the spring comprising a clock spring.3. The door closer assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a trigger configured to engage the movable element and move the movable element in a first direction based on the movement of the door claim 1 , the trigger further configured to disengage from the movable element thereby allowing the spring to move the movable element in a second direction opposite the first direction.4. The door closer assembly according to claim 3 , further comprising a second spring coupled to the trigger.5. The door closer assembly according to claim 4 , wherein the trigger engages the movable element due to a force exerted on the trigger by the second spring.6. The door closer assembly according to claim 3 , the trigger further comprising a notch that engages the movable element while the trigger moves the movable element in the first direction.7. The door closer assembly according to claim 6 , further comprising ...

MODULAR CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WATER HEATERS

A water heating system includes a tank, one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system, and a first controller mounted on the tank. The first controller is coupled to the one or more heating elements and includes logic to activate and deactivate the heating elements according to a first threshold value. The water heater also includes a second controller that is selectively coupled to the first controller and configured to communicate the first threshold value to the first controller, and perform an additional function related to the operation of the water heater. The first controller is configured to receive the first threshold value from the second controller and control the one or more heating elements based on the received threshold value, and to control the one or more heating elements mounted on the water heating system in a physical absence of the second controller. 1. A water heating system having a modular control system , comprising:a tank;a heating element supported by the tank;a first controller supported by the tank, the first controller coupled to the heating element, the first controller including a communication port and a first logic to activate and deactivate the heating element according to a first threshold value;a second controller supported by the tank, the second controller selectively connectable to the communication port of the first controller, the second controller including a second logic configured to provide additional functionality not enabled by the first controller when the second controller is connected to the first controller; anda remote interface located remotely from the tank and configured to communicate wirelessly with the second controller;wherein the first controller is configured to control the heating element mounted on the water heating system in an absence of the second controller.2. The water heating system of claim 1 , wherein second controller provides the additional functionality by being configured ...

Control system for automatic control of a water rinsing system

Apparatus and method for automatically controlling on-off operation of a battery-driven water rinsing system including a water supply system having electrically actuated actuation means for actuation of the water supply system to cause water flow therefrom. The on-off operation is responsive to approach and withdrawal of a user of the water rinsing system. A control circuit including an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, and control means is provided. The transmitter transmits infrared energy to a user in the vicinity of the water rinsing system for reflection from the user to an infrared receiver which transmits electric signals to the control circuit and control means for controlling actuation of the water supply system. A visible light sensor is provided for generating an electrical current responsive to the presence of the user, and this generated current is disposed for energizing the control circuit.

Modular control system and method for water heaters

A water heater has a modular control system. The water heater comprises a tank, a heating element, a first controller, and a second controller. The heating element is coupled to the tank. The first controller is mounted on the tank and has a first communication port. The second controller has a second communication port communicatively coupled to the first communication port of the first controller. The first controller is configured to control the heating element in accordance with any desired algorithm in an absence of the second controller, and the second controller is configured to perform at least one function in addition to or in lieu of the first controller.

System and method for controlling temperature of a liquid residing within a tank

A system for controlling a temperature of a liquid residing within a tank comprises a temperature sensor, a temperature control element, memory, and logic. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the liquid residing within the tank, and the temperature control element is coupled to the tank. The memory stores data indicative of a usage history of the tank, and the logic is configured to automatically control the temperature control element based on the data.

Lighting systems and methods

A lighting system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first switching unit, a second switching unit and a base unit. The first switching unit has at least one user input device for receiving user inputs for controlling a remote light source. The first switching unit is configured to transmit a first input message in response to a user input received via the at least one user input device, and the second switching unit is coupled to the light source. The base unit is configured to receive the first input message and to correlate the first input message with the second switching unit based on data stored in the base unit, and the base unit is further configured to transmit a first command to the second switching unit based on the first input message. The second switching unit is configured to change an operational state of the light source in response to the first command.

Liquid dispensing system having a light source attached to a liquid dispensing device

A liquid dispensing system (10, 75) comprises a liquid dispensing device (12, 77) and a light source (52) that is attached to or located within a close proximity of the liquid dispensing device. Light emitted from the light source illuminates an area in close proximity to the liquid dispensing device. Such light can aid a user by increasing the visibility of various components of the liquid dispensing system. Further, such light can improve the aesthetic appearance of the liquid dispensing system, particularly when the liquid dispensing system is located in an otherwise dimly lit area.

Method of automatic standardized calibration for infrared sensing device

A method for calibrating automatic infrared sensing devices having control modules, an IR detector, and an IR emitter by using a select infrared emitter/detector pair to calibrate a plurality of control modules wherein an appropriate infrared emitter input value to the select infrared emitter is obtained to provide a given output from the select infrared detector in response to infrared radiation reflected from a known test object, and the appropriate infrared emitter input value is then determined and stored permanently in one or more control modules as a calibration standard.

Keeping pets in a defined boundary having exclusion areas

An electronic pet fence (figure 1) is provided having several stationary transceivers (131-133) and a mobile collar transceiver (142) attached to the pet. Boundry and keep out locations are determined during a learning mode and stored in memory. Determination logic responds to signals exchanged between the stationary transceivers and the collar transceiver during an operation mode to determine if the pet is located within the defined boundary.

Systems and methods for communicating panic messages in wireless communication networks

Mobile nodes of a wireless network route messages from one node to another. At least one node has a user input device, such as a button, that may be activated to indicate an emergency or other event in which the immediate attention and/or assistance of users of other nodes is needed or desired. Logic senses a panic condition based on the user input device and transmits a panic message to alert users of other nodes. At least one of the nodes provides an alarm that indicates a current location of the node that originally transmitted the panic message thereby assisting a user in finding such node, referred to as the “panicking node.”

Radial-shape wireless dog fence system and method

A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Through improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base unit and the collar, errant measurement values are discounted in terms of their contribution to the current estimate of the dog's distance from the base unit. These filtering techniques, in combination with improved signal strength and antenna diversity in the communication between the base unit and the collar, improve the accuracy and consistency with which the dog's distance from the base unit is tracked so that unwanted corrections are not administered to the dog.

Apparatus and method of wireless data transmission

A remotely managed electronically operated dispensing apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal and a communication signal is disclosed. When the detection signal is reflected from an object, the dispensing apparatus opens a valve allowing fluid to flow. The communication signal may contain maintenance, status and other information and is received by a communication device.

Custom-shape wireless dog fence system and method

Custom-shape wireless dog fence system and method

A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. A virtual fence is defined around the containment area, as well as around optional exclusion zones within the containment area, during system set up through communication between the base units and a trackable device as the user walks around the desired border. Visualization software enables the user to verify that the location of the fence is as desired and that the system is operating property using a computing device having a display screen.

System and method for wireless data exchange between an appliance and a handheld device

Apparatus for controlling fluid flow and temperature