The Prime Gig
Director: Gregory Mosher
Producer: Gina Mingacci, Elliot Lewis Rosenblatt, Cary Woods
Written By: William Wheeler
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Ed Harris, Julia Ormond
Review by: David Rolston
The Prime Gig fits squarely in the canon of films which explore the moral ambiguity of salesmanship. Despite its straight to video legacy, the production values, cast and plot complexity compare favorably to the majority of dramatic theatrical releases from the majors. The Prime Gig will be of interest to anyone who has enjoyed the films or plays of David Mamet, Oliver Stone's "Wall Street", the Alvin Sargent penned "Other People's money" or the Giovani Ribisi vehicle "Boiler Room" which was released in the same year as The Prime Gig.
Vince Vaughn plays Pendelton 'Penny' Wise, a born smooth-talker who manages to eek out a living at a number of fly by night telemarketing operations. It's not easy going, since the employers are as prone to rip off the telemarketers as the telemarketers are to rip off the customers. Wise dreams of a high stakes operation, and yet at the same time is suspicious when the opportunity falls in his lap in the form of Caitlin Carlson (Julia Ormond) bearing an invitation to work for Kelly Grant (Ed Harris). Grant is a legendary and somewhat infamous operator with a reputation for having made large amounts of money in the past, but who was also convicted of fraud and has only recently gotten out of jail.
Although it seems hard to imagine, the very existence of telemarketing indicates that it must be profitable, and The Prime Gig does a serviceable job at prying the lid off this much maligned industry and the people who make it their profession. Vaughn's shop-worn gregarious streetwise persona is well suited to the character of Wise, a deeply cynical individual more than capable of telling people what they need to hear in order to make a sale. It's not hard to imagine that Vaughn, had he not been an actor, would have done well in the world of sales. Vaughn brings likability to the familiar world-weary Wise, a man who has had to struggle all his life and who's rough edges have kept him just to the periphery of the middle class. He knows deep down that the world is rotten, but in spite of himself just can't help clinging to the faint glimmer of hope that legitimacy is still within his grasp if he can just get a break.
Ed Harris is at his enigmatic best as Kelly Grant, the visionary leader of a high stakes investment operation, who seduces Wise into joining the endeavor, and then proceeds to alienate him through the systematic mistreatment of Grant's long suffering protege Carlson, a combination disciple, go between, employee and girlfriend.
The Prime Gig does as good a job as any film has in depicting how Sales people attempt to break down a prospect's resistance, using arm chair psychology and exploiting their subconscious desires and needs.
It also digs deeper, exploring a number of profound questions about ego, identity and the human need for love, approval and connectedness. The Prime Gig also manages to weave a convincing tale of intrigue and romance, and ends on a thought provoking note that will have you revisiting the plot later.


NI: Fieldfisher to expand into Northern Ireland with 125-person staff
Pictured (l-r): Michael Chissick and Alastair Hamilton
European law firm Fieldfisher has announced plans to open its first Northern Ireland office, which will provide key services including document negotiation and legal support for its international office network.
Fieldfisher has also established a strategic partnership with Donaldson Legal Consulting LLP (formerly Donaldson Legal Services), whose managing partner Alison Donaldson will also become managing partner of Fieldfisher Belfast.
The investment in Northern Ireland, supported with £630,000 from Invest NI, will create 125 new legal and business support jobs.
Michael Chissick, managing partner at Fieldfisher, said: "We began exploring Northern Ireland as a base for this new office in early 2017, attracted by the stable supply of experienced and skilled people.
"Our new centre here will include senior positions in legal and risk management, as well as middle level technical and business support roles. We also have a number of roles suitable for graduates.
"The strong partnership between academia and industry was another attraction to investing here and ensures we will be able to work with colleges and universities to develop a future pipeline of qualified graduates.
"We have been through an incredible period of success and have been the fastest growing large UK law firm for the last two years. Northern Ireland is the next strategic stage in our continued growth and we are very excited to be able to provide a centre of excellence to support our offices around the world."
Ms Donaldson added: "Our partnership with Fieldfisher has been very successful and the services we provide have helped the firm maintain its competitive edge, particularly in the financial services sector. This is a great time to join our team and work for one of Europe's most dynamic and exciting law firms."
NI: Three Northern Ireland solicitors to compete against southern colleagues in Iron Law Triathlon
NI: First arrests in Northern Ireland on suspicion of human trafficking for domestic servitude
NI: Third annual strategy to tackle modern slavery in Northern Ireland unveiled
NI: Bar of Northern Ireland hosts discussion on family courts


Lauren Wood
Best known for a pair of adult contemporary smashes -- "Please Don't Leave," a duet with Michael McDonald, and the Pretty Woman soundtrack's "Fallen" -- Lauren Wood has parlayed a variety of talents into a career spanning two decades, even if she hasn't remained highly visible throughout that time. A native of Pittsburgh, Wood began her career in that city's Rebecca & the Sunnybrook Farmers, a psychedelic rock band. Taking the moniker Chunky, she and her cousin Novi formed Chunky, Novi & Ernie, which released its debut album in 1976 and featured Wood on vocals and keyboards. Having moved to Los Angeles, Wood recorded another album with Chunky, Novi & Ernie, as well as singing with fusion outfit the Freeway Philharmonic. In 1979, she recorded her own self-titled debut album for Warner Bros., which spawned the hit ballad "Please Don't Leave," a duet with the Doobie Brothers' Michael McDonald that made the Top 30 on Billboard's singles chart and the adult contemporary Top Five. After the follow-up, Cat Trick, Wood seemingly disappeared for a while. She spent much of her time writing songs for other artists and for film and television soundtracks; her material has been recorded by Gladys Knight ("Send It to Me"), Philip Bailey ("Echo My Heart"), Cher, Dusty Springfield, Animotion, Tiffany, Nicolette Larson, Sammy Hagar and Montrose, and Billy Preston, among others. In addition, Wood contributed vocals to television commercials and other artists' sessions, co-wrote and directed a parody of Ed Wood films entitled They Must Be Told, and founded a successful greeting-card company, Cat Tricks, based on photographs of her pet cats. In 1990, Wood contributed the track "Fallen" to the soundtrack of Pretty Woman, which went on to sell over three million copies in the United States; it became a much-requested adult contemporary radio hit and was covered by Johnny Mathis, Larry Coryell, and Nicolette Larson. The success enhanced Wood's freelancing career as a songwriter, as well as her ability to expand her Cat Tricks company and found her own record label, Bad Art. In 1998, Wood released her first solo album since 1981, which, like her debut, was titled simply Lauren Wood; it featured the original version of "Fallen," as well as songs that were recorded by other artists and new compositions. Recently, Wood also performed the theme song to the television series Just Shoot Me. ~ Steve Huey
Bobby Caldwell
Dianne Reeves


Feds to grow stronger, better marijuana for research
Oscar Pascual
on March 18, 2015 at 3:14 pm
By Oscar Pascual |
While medical and recreational marijuana programs continue to flourish in states across the U.S., cannabis research remains stagnant in America. A recent decision from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) aims to change that.
NIDA is the only source of cannabis approved for scientific study in the United States. But NIDA's weed is nothing like what you'd find in even a mediocre dispensary: The agency has received a long list of complaints from researchers in regards to the low-quality marijuana NIDA provides for studies.
But now that medical and recreational marijuana has become more prevalent, Nature reports that NIDA is currently working to expand the amount and variety of the plant available for studies.
"We want to be able to evaluate the claims that marijuana is therapeutically beneficial," Nora Volkow, director of NIDA in Rockville, Maryland, told Nature.
The institute already increased its budget for growing pot to research by 50 percent in 2014. All of the agency's supplies are grown at the University of Mississippi, which increased their production last year from about 40 pounds to more than 1,300 pounds.
The university also started growing two new strains for researchers: one with high levels of the therapeutic compound cannabidiol (CBD), and one with equal amounts of CBD and pot's main psychoactive compound, THC.
While NIDA's effort to expand cannabis research is commendable, it still falls short of what's needed. The agency's strongest pot available to scientists tops out at a mere 12 percent. In comparison, most cannabis sold at medical dispensaries can often reach levels of 20 percent and higher.
If that weren't enough, NIDA's lengthy application process means it could take years before researchers even gain approval for studies. That, compounded with the expensive price of roughly $7 per joint for low-grade pot, makes marijuana research in America an unappealing slog.
NIDA's current grasp on cannabis research suggests that successful breakthroughs with marijuana will most likely occur outside of the U.S., where the UK's GW Pharmaceuticals is patenting brain cancer medications with high concentrations of THC and CBD, and Israeli medical marijuana research is outpacing the U.S. at an immense rate.
The institute's monopoly on U.S. pot research could be coming to an end, however. A recent bipartisan bill introduced to the Senate would reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II or III drug, thereby lifting all current restrictions on its studies and allowing federal funding of research.
Photo credit: Medical Xpress
Marijuana tops young Americans' concerns; Obama can't believe it.
"420" Forefathers, the Waldos, Launch Web Site Laying Claim to Legend


BEST OF THE WILL TO CHANGE: Building Cultures of Dignity: Next-Generation Belonging with Rosalind Wiseman
Rosalind Wiseman, parenting educator and author, joins the program to discuss how to foster civil dialogue and inspire communities to build strength, courage and purpose. Discover how to create physical and emotional wellbeing by working in close partnership with the experts of various communities–including...
BEST OF THE WILL TO CHANGE: Pain and Possibility: How Dr. Maysa Akbar is Charting What's Beyond Allyship
From the Best of The Will To Change: Dr. Maysa Akbar, groundbreaking psychologist, author, and Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University, joins the program to share her own diversity story, including overcoming childhood trauma. Discover a new identity model of allyship, and how to engage well-intentioned, but...
E167: Millions of Micro-Moments of Bravery with Joze Piranian, Stutterer, TEDx Speaker and Stand-Up Comedian
This episode, originally recorded as a DEI call, features an interview with Joze Piranian, Global TEDx Speaker and a lifelong stutterer turned transformational speaker on inclusion and resilience. Joze also shared information about stuttering, and revealed what he has learned from his own...
E166: Disruption as a Great Teacher: With Charlene Li
New York Times bestselling author Charlene Li joins the program to discuss what we can learn from disruption and the connection between disruption and DEI work. Discover the characteristics of a disruptive leader and the one thing that leaders can do to help make their organizations more disruptive.
E165: Equity Evolution: Business Meets Culture with Creative Director Rana Reeves
Rana Reeves, Executive Creative Director and Founder of communications agency RanaVerse, returns to the program to discuss the work that he is doing to connect brands with popular and contemporary culture for commerce, utilizing the lens of diversity and equity to tell stories and highlight experiences to...


World Congress against the Death Penalty, Madrid 12-15 June 2013
The 5th World Congress against the Death Penalty will take place in Madrid from 12 to 15 June 2013. More than 1,500 people from over 90 countries are expected to attend the Congress. ICDP is a supporter of the 5th World Congress and will be represented by its President Mr Mayor, and Commissioners Mr Badinter and Ms Greve.
Please read the full statement here.
ICDP will participate in the conference on the death penalty organized by Helsinki Spain
Commissioner Marta Santos Pais meets with CPLP Executive Secretary Zacarias Da Costa
ICDP participates in the OSCE-ODIHR's webinar " The road to abolition of the death penalty in the OSCE region"
Director of Policy Rajiv Narayan participated in the webinar "The Overlooked. She is the Vortex of Death Penalty"
ICDP receives the 2020 North-South Prize of the Council of Europe in Lisbon


Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger
Wian de Jongh, Jens Nielsen
The effect of inserting genes involved in the reductive branch of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle on citrate production by Aspergillus niger was evaluated. Several different genes were inserted individually and in combination, i.e. malate dehydrogenase (mdh2) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two truncated, cytosolic targeted, fumarases (Fum1s and FumRs) from S. cerevisiae and Rhizopus oryzae, respectively, and the cytosolic soluble fumarate reductase (Frds1) from S. cerevisiae. Overexpression of these genes in their native strain backgrounds has been reported to lead to alterations in the intracellular cytosolic dicarboxylate concentrations. It was found that all the transformant strains had enhanced yield and productivities of citrate compared with the wild-type strain. The transformants also had the ability to produce citrate in trace-manganese-contaminated medium, where the wild type was unable to produce. Overexpression of FumRs and Frds1 resulted in the best citrate-producing strain in the presence of trace manganese concentrations. This strain gave a maximum yield of 0.9 g citrate per g glucose and a maximum specific productivity of 0.025 g citrate per g DW per h. Overexpression of mdh2 alone resulted in an increased citrate production rate only in the initial phase of the fermentations compared with the other transformants and the wild type. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Metabolic Engineering
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002
10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Aspergillus Chemical Compounds
Aspergillus niger Medicine & Life Sciences
Insertional Mutagenesis Medicine & Life Sciences
Citric Acid Medicine & Life Sciences
Yeast Engineering & Materials Science
Oxidoreductases Engineering & Materials Science
Manganese Engineering & Materials Science
Jongh, W. D., & Nielsen, J. (2007). Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger. Metabolic Engineering, 10(2), 87-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002
Jongh, Wian de ; Nielsen, Jens. / Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger. In: Metabolic Engineering. 2007 ; Vol. 10, No. 2. pp. 87-96.
@article{15663fd0047e42c3975c1c5f63676c84,
title = "Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger",
abstract = "The effect of inserting genes involved in the reductive branch of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle on citrate production by Aspergillus niger was evaluated. Several different genes were inserted individually and in combination, i.e. malate dehydrogenase (mdh2) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two truncated, cytosolic targeted, fumarases (Fum1s and FumRs) from S. cerevisiae and Rhizopus oryzae, respectively, and the cytosolic soluble fumarate reductase (Frds1) from S. cerevisiae. Overexpression of these genes in their native strain backgrounds has been reported to lead to alterations in the intracellular cytosolic dicarboxylate concentrations. It was found that all the transformant strains had enhanced yield and productivities of citrate compared with the wild-type strain. The transformants also had the ability to produce citrate in trace-manganese-contaminated medium, where the wild type was unable to produce. Overexpression of FumRs and Frds1 resulted in the best citrate-producing strain in the presence of trace manganese concentrations. This strain gave a maximum yield of 0.9 g citrate per g glucose and a maximum specific productivity of 0.025 g citrate per g DW per h. Overexpression of mdh2 alone resulted in an increased citrate production rate only in the initial phase of the fermentations compared with the other transformants and the wild type. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.",
author = "Jongh, {Wian de} and Jens Nielsen",
doi = "10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002",
journal = "Metabolic Engineering",
publisher = "Academic Press",
Jongh, WD & Nielsen, J 2007, 'Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger', Metabolic Engineering, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 87-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002
Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger. / Jongh, Wian de; Nielsen, Jens.
In: Metabolic Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 2, 2007, p. 87-96.
T1 - Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger
AU - Jongh, Wian de
AU - Nielsen, Jens
N2 - The effect of inserting genes involved in the reductive branch of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle on citrate production by Aspergillus niger was evaluated. Several different genes were inserted individually and in combination, i.e. malate dehydrogenase (mdh2) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two truncated, cytosolic targeted, fumarases (Fum1s and FumRs) from S. cerevisiae and Rhizopus oryzae, respectively, and the cytosolic soluble fumarate reductase (Frds1) from S. cerevisiae. Overexpression of these genes in their native strain backgrounds has been reported to lead to alterations in the intracellular cytosolic dicarboxylate concentrations. It was found that all the transformant strains had enhanced yield and productivities of citrate compared with the wild-type strain. The transformants also had the ability to produce citrate in trace-manganese-contaminated medium, where the wild type was unable to produce. Overexpression of FumRs and Frds1 resulted in the best citrate-producing strain in the presence of trace manganese concentrations. This strain gave a maximum yield of 0.9 g citrate per g glucose and a maximum specific productivity of 0.025 g citrate per g DW per h. Overexpression of mdh2 alone resulted in an increased citrate production rate only in the initial phase of the fermentations compared with the other transformants and the wild type. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
AB - The effect of inserting genes involved in the reductive branch of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle on citrate production by Aspergillus niger was evaluated. Several different genes were inserted individually and in combination, i.e. malate dehydrogenase (mdh2) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two truncated, cytosolic targeted, fumarases (Fum1s and FumRs) from S. cerevisiae and Rhizopus oryzae, respectively, and the cytosolic soluble fumarate reductase (Frds1) from S. cerevisiae. Overexpression of these genes in their native strain backgrounds has been reported to lead to alterations in the intracellular cytosolic dicarboxylate concentrations. It was found that all the transformant strains had enhanced yield and productivities of citrate compared with the wild-type strain. The transformants also had the ability to produce citrate in trace-manganese-contaminated medium, where the wild type was unable to produce. Overexpression of FumRs and Frds1 resulted in the best citrate-producing strain in the presence of trace manganese concentrations. This strain gave a maximum yield of 0.9 g citrate per g glucose and a maximum specific productivity of 0.025 g citrate per g DW per h. Overexpression of mdh2 alone resulted in an increased citrate production rate only in the initial phase of the fermentations compared with the other transformants and the wild type. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
U2 - 10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002
DO - 10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002
JO - Metabolic Engineering
JF - Metabolic Engineering
Jongh WD, Nielsen J. Enhanced citrate production through gene insertion in Aspergillus niger. Metabolic Engineering. 2007;10(2):87-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymben.2007.11.002


Akeso Biomedical, Inc. is developing a new generation of compounds, known as Fe3C, with broad-spectrum activity to fight bacterial infections, and prevent foodborne illnesses.
The company's proprietary technology is being used initially to develop a feed additive designed to prevent food poisoning by Campylobacter, a bacteria that causes more cases of foodborne illness in the EU than Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria combined.
ACQUIRED | Ascendant Diagnostics is developing innovative new approaches to the improved diagnosis of serious diseases and conditions. Its first product is a non-invasive test for early stage diagnosis of breast cancer.
Approximately 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S. and the total economic burden of treatment is about $40 billion. However, survival rates are greatly enhanced and treatment costs are much lower when breast cancer is treated at an early stage.
Improved diagnostic tests that are simple, reliable and non-invasive could save many lives by detecting the breast cancer earlier. Ascendant Diagnostics' breast cancer detection technology is aimed at this critical unmet need.
BiologicsMD™ is an early stage therapeutic development company focused on developing highly-targeted or 'smart' therapies for the treatment of hair loss diseases and conditions, as well as severe bone disorders.
The company is developing a series of recombinant fusion proteins that provide powerful stimulatory effects directly to the target receptors at the point of disease – and do so with sustained therapeutic exposure in either a single dose or very infrequent dosing regimens.
The company is working on formulation and delivery vehicles that can accommodate parenteral, local, and topical administration.
BlueInGreen offers equipment that incorporates an innovative new approach for cost effective dissolved oxygen delivery.
The supersaturated dissolved oxygen (or SDOX™) systems offer low capital and operating costs, precisely controlled delivery of dissolved oxygen at a wide range of target concentrations, ease of operation, and virtually 100% gas utilization efficiency (no off-gassing) for wastewater treatment and other environmental water applications.
Up to 80% operating cost savings have been documented as compared to conventional oxygen delivery technology.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States and kills 2,400 Americans every day (1 every 37 seconds). It is estimated that 80,700,000 Americans (1 in 3) have some form of cardiovascular disease.
CardioWise is developing new approaches to cardiac health monitoring and care. Its first product is a new cardiac imaging modality that:
Allows all images to be acquired in a single one-hour appointment;
Requires no exposure to intravenous contrast, dobutamine, dipyridamole, or ionizing radiation;
Produces images of cardiac contractile function throughout the thickness of the left ventricle as opposed to just the surface;
Delivers quantitative, detailed, and easily interpreted, color coded images; and
Enables direct, quantified comparison of data from an individual acquired at different times.
Kalera Medical has developed an innovative vacuum-assisted kidney stone retrieval device that enables rapid and complete removal of stone fragments. The device allows procedures that are faster and easier compared to the current standard of care.
Presently, stone removal is the most unpredictable, difficult part of ureteroscopy because current tools, i.e. baskets, have serious limitations.
Kidney stones affect about 10% of the population in industrialized countries and the number is growing. There is a 50% recurrence rate within five years. Kalera's instrument addresses a clear unmet medical need in a rapidly growing market segment.
Nob Hill Therapeutics, Inc. is developing the first dry powder nebulizer (DPN) for the treatment of severe respiratory diseases, including non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and lung infections.
Nebulizers deliver more predictable, superior therapy compared to inhalers and are the preferred method of treatment for elderly and pediatric patients. However, their usage has been limited because today's nebulizers are bulky and cumbersome to operate and require a long therapy time.
As a result, nebulizers are typically reserved for hospitals, emergency rooms, home care, and nursing homes where predictable, consistent treatment is imperative.
Since nebulizers remain the most reliable way to deliver therapy into deep lungs , there is a growing demand for a more portable, easy-to-use nebulizer.
OsteoVantage is a biotechnology and medical device company that is developing osteoinductive spinal instrumentation to enhance bone formation after spinal fusion surgery
Initial studies have demonstrated both the safety and efficacy of the spinal instrumentation. Future product lines may include osteogenic hardware for long bone repair and electroconductive mesh for facial and skull reconstruction or repair.
Bone heals similarly in all animals so at a future point this technology is applicable to both veterinary and human orthopedic surgery.
Sevo Nutraceuticals, Inc. was established in 2012 to license and market science-based nutraceuticals. Its vision is to become a market leader in highly efficacious, scientifically researched nutraceuticals that improve people's lives.
The Company's mission is to build a select portfolio of high value products with clear markets which are leaders in their category.
Sevo's cornerstone product, PERCEPTIV™, was licensed from UMass Lowell in 2012 and was developed under the leadership of UMass Lowell Professor Thomas B. Shea, Director, Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research.
SFC Fluidics, LLC has unique product lines that span a diverse range of markets including point-of-care diagnostics, analytical instrumentation and drug delivery.
A driving trend in biomedical and analytical instrumentation is toward higher performance, lower operating cost and portability. Our products are based on innovative technologies that improve speed, performance and affordability.
The company's mission is to expand scientific knowledge, advance health care, and improve overall quality of life through our enabling microfluidics technologies.
Solenic Medical, Inc. is a medical device company developing an innovative non-invasive treatment for infected metallic implants in the body.
Using technology invented at the University of Texas Southwestern, Solenic is leveraging the unique properties of alternating magnetic fields (AMF) generated by external coils to eradicate biofilm on the surface of medical implants.
This non-invasive treatment addresses a major complication of various surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, as well as in trauma related implants such as plates and rods.
This is particularly important given an aging population and the rapid increase in the number of these procedures being performed every year.
Tesseract Structural Innovations, Inc. is developing new solutions for vehicle safety. Its flagship product, the Uniform Deceleration Unit or UDU, is a unique structure that has the ability to absorb an enormous amount of energy during a vehicle crash.
The patent-pending UDU is designed to fit into the wheel well of virtually any light vehicle including cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs, or crossovers.
During a small overlap front crash, UDU absorbs significant amounts of the kinetic energy and reduces the crash forces experienced by the vehicle driver and passengers.
By absorbing energy, UDU prevents vehicle components from intruding into the driver's space during the crash. UDU is a clear improvement in vehicle safety, saving lives and preventing serious injuries from offset crashes.
Vixiar Medical is developing a portable, non-invasive device that allows remote monitoring of congestive heart failure patients.
The proprietary diagnostic technique, licensed from Johns Hopkins University, allows monitoring of patients that have been recently discharged from the hospital for heart failure, for home monitoring of high risk patients by physicians, by "low capability" clinics & nursing homes, and by emergency departments or emergency medical technicians in the field.
Zebra Analytix, Inc. was established in 2017 to develop and commercialize miniature GC systems based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based separation columns with built-in sensors and heating elements.
The company's patents pending technology offers advantages in instrument size, performance, versatility, and speed of results. The technology also offers new capabilities such as multi-channel partial separations on a single MEMS chip for use as an "electronic nose".
Zebra Analytix' micro GC technology opens up new market opportunities not presently served by other GC providers including real-time process control applications that take advantage of the exceptional speed of results.
Technology Solutions For A Better World
Our mission is to form and grow life science and emerging technology companies that shape the future by bringing innovative discoveries from research labs to commercial deployment.
Subscribe to the VIC newsletter.


Bobby Healy on his hopes to scale drone delivery in Ireland by 2021
by Kelly Earley
Manna founder and CEO Bobby Healy. Image: Connor McKenna/Siliconrepublic.com
Manna founder Bobby Healy discusses his plans to take drone food delivery to UCD and beyond.
Today (25 February), drone delivery company Manna announced its plans to launch a food delivery service at University College Dublin (UCD), which will enable people on campus to order food online from Just Eat and have it delivered within minutes by drone.
Yesterday, we caught up with Manna founder and CEO Bobby Healy at the Enterprise Ireland Start-up Showcase for 2020, where he filled us in on the company's long and short-term plans, which include making drone deliveries a reality across Ireland by 2021.
However, Healy is attempting to expand in a market where there may be a number of hurdles for drone-based businesses to overcome in the future.
Drone regulation
"The obstacles are just like any other business," he told Siliconrepublic.com. "Our biggest obstacle or operational thing to achieve is regulation, so it's a highly regulated space. It's not an obstacle, we're working very well with the IAA [Irish Aviation Authority] and we're getting there and it's proceeding very nicely.
"The biggest – I won't say obstacle – it's more the most interesting thing about this business, is that there are so many things to do. There's software, there's hardware. The hardware flies, it's regulated, and then you have all sorts of other governmental and general hearts-and-minds problems to solve."
On the topic of the technology behind Manna, we asked what the impact of the start-up's partnership with Cubic Telecom has been so far.
'We'll be delivering coffee in the morning, we'll be delivering breakfast rolls … Hangovers? They'll be a thing of the past'
– BOBBY HEALY
"I think it's great – it adds a bit of awareness for who we are in the telecoms industry," Healy said. "Telecoms actually play an important role in the drone space in its entirety and, for us, the actual functionality that we get from them is all around redundancy and mission-critical communications.
"That's not something that we need to focus on when we're essentially a logistics company, so any time a third party can solve a particular technology problem for us, we'll just hire them to do it for us, and that's the case with Cubic.
"They happen to be the leader in the world, doing what they're doing, and I know [Cubic Telecom CEO] Barry Napier well – he's a great guy. They're a great team. Perfect addition to what we're doing."
Healy said the launch in UCD, which will take place late next month, will enable the company to deliver food to a market of about 30,000 people. But, beyond that, there are plans for Manna to enter a wider market in the near future.
"We'll do another three or four of what we call 'launch projects' in Ireland over the course of 2020. We're hoping to fully scale it out in the Irish market in 2021," he added.
"I think people can expect to be getting drone delivery everywhere in Ireland from next year onwards. In the meantime, about 50,000 to 100,000 people in Ireland will be able to avail of it."
Healy said that food delivery was the obvious starting point for the company because it has the highest volume of orders, but he said that there will be other uses for the drones, "because the drones are there 24 hours a day and we want to put them to use".
"We'll be delivering coffee in the morning, we'll be delivering breakfast rolls, we'll be delivering evening dinners, but we'll also be delivering local convenience store [goods], over-the-shelf pharmacy, everything you might need from your local economy.
"Hangovers? They'll be a thing of the past."
Working with Enterprise Ireland
As we were chatting at the Enterprise Ireland Start-up Showcase, Healy also touched on how Enterprise Ireland has helped in the development of his business.
"In my last three businesses I've run – CarTrawler, Eland and Manna – it's about the international presence and the international access. We've got a lady [from Enterprise Ireland] called Máire Walsh, based in San Francisco, and she basically kicks open doors for Manna with investors.
"She gets me introductions to the best Silicon Valley investors you could imagine and she's an extension of my business there. The same lady, in a different hat, works for CarTrawler and represents CarTrawler in the United States, and opens up some of the biggest travel technology companies to do business with CarTrawler.
"I'd say this to any HPSU [high-potential start-up] business. Consider [Enterprise Ireland] as part of your team. That's the key thing. Consider them part of your team and use them that way. You ask them to do things for you and they do it.
"Teach them, train them, spend time with them. They'll become an extension of your business around the world and it's an incredibly strong resource for any business to have."
'There's lots of start-ups … It's a bit like trying to decide which of your children is the best looking'
–NIALL MCEVOY
Niall McEvoy, Enterprise Ireland's HPSU manager focusing on ICT, made it clear that the feeling from the agency was mutual.
"There's lots of start-ups here today, there's 127 start-ups," McEvoy told Siliconrepublic.com. "It's a bit like trying to decide which of your children is the best looking, but the one we're most excited about here today is Manna and Bobby Healy."
Aside from Manna, McEvoy said that some of the other start-ups that really impressed him over the last year in the HPSU programme included quantum computing business Equal 1 Laboratories and AI company EdgeTier.
"That's just a small number of a long list of 127," he added. "Certainly for people who want to check out the depth of companies in the 127 this year, they can do so by checking out the Enterprise Ireland Showcase website."
Related: food, Enterprise Ireland, Ireland, drones, UCD, technology, Dublin
Kelly Earley was a journalist with Silicon Republic
Zipp Mobility: Irish micromobility start-up poised for speedy growth
Three Irish agritech start-ups win big at UCD accelerator
Dublin-founded Deposify acquired by US private equity firm
Nostra acquires Dublin-based IT provider Enclave to boost growth
Global Shares scoops top prize at 2021 Technology Ireland awards
Dublin proptech Lintil raises €250,000 to fund UK debut


The Memorial Hospital board welcomes new officers, approves ambulance purchase
Lauren Blair
New board officer Todd Jourgensen, vice chair, Forrest Luke, chair, and Cathrine Blevins, secretary and treasurer, stepped into their new roles at The Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees monthly meeting Thursday night.
Craig — At its regular monthly meeting Thursday, The Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees did the following:
• Welcomed Forrest Luke as new board chair, Todd Jourgensen as new vice chair and Cathrine Blevins as new secretary and treasurer.
• Approved an upgrade to the hospital's IT network for a cost of approximately $105,000.
TMH Chief Information Officer Toby Schaef noted a recent failure that affected the hospital as a reason for the much-needed upgrade.
"There were several points of failure. There was quite a bit of the hospital that was down and out, and if that were to happen to clinical areas that could be disastrous and equate to loss of revenue," Schaef said. "To be honest, it is quite scary the way the network is set up now."
• Approved the purchase of a new custom-built ambulance to replace the hospital's oldest ambulance. It will be designed to match the hospital's primary ambulance so as to streamline the work of emergency medical providers. The most recent quote obtained was $154,000 to build the ambulance; 50 percent of the cost will be reimbursed through a grant.
• Heard from TMH Facilities Director Dave Mucha that the hospital was able to save nearly $20,000 by cutting back the amount of biohazardous waste being shipped out for proper disposal. The savings was achieved by introducing new training to nursing staff on what constitutes biohazardous waste.
• Acknowledged CEO John Rossfeld for being named one of 50 top rural CEOs by Becker's Hospital Review last month.
"There was only one other Colorado CEO was on that list," Chief of Marketing & Business Development Jennifer Riley said.
• Heard the financial report from Chief Financial Officer Jeff Chilson. Highlights included an uptick in physical therapy treatments, growth in the obstetrics and family practice departments, and an increase in cash on hand for 2014 compared to 2013.
• Heard from Chief Human Resource Officer Jill Spencer, who is busy recruiting candidates to fill positions including an orthopedic physician's assistant, emergency department physicians, a family practice PA and positions in internal medicine.
Spencer announced that she closed the deal Thursday with an orthopedic PA — who will work alongside new orthopedic surgeon, Kevin Borchard, M.D., when he joins TMH in August — who verbally accepted the position during his visit to TMH Thursday.
"I'm really excited," Spencer said. "I think he's going to be a great addition to this hospital and he's really excited about it… He wants to live in Craig."
• Discussed plans for TMH to pursue accreditation from DNV GL Healthcare, which TMH administrators, department leaders and board members feel would bump their standards to the next level.
"We feel it holds us to a higher standard with regard to patient care," Riley said.
The change will require a period of preparation and will take place over the next year.
Contact Lauren Blair at 970-875-1794 or lblair@CraigDailyPress.com.


10 Key Values
Structure of the GRP
State Committee
Working Committees
Bailouts and Foreclosures
Clean Elections and Open Government
Climate Change & Renewable Energy
Economy, Labor & Relocalization
Equity and Justice
Fair Taxes and Budgets
Serve together with us
How to form a chapter
Print brochures and flyers
Candidates Fund
2021 Annual Dues
Become a Monthly Sustainer
Email Listservs, Etiquette, and Observer Policy
'Why I am Green-Rainbow'.
Elections and Candidates
WGBH Continues to Spurn Green-Rainbow Candidates in Public Debates
Juan Sanchez denied opportunity to educate voters on his goals for Secretary of the Commonwealth
Despite public protests, WGBH is sticking with its policies that bar third party candidates from participating in Jim Braude's series of debates on Greater Boston. They continue to cite "money raised, total number of donations and established campaign infrastructure." as their reason for non-inclusion.
"The Secretary of the Commonwealth is charged with ensuring a fair and open election process," said Juan Sanchez, the Green-Rainbow Party candidate for this office. "For Galvin and Amore to participate in any debate that keeps other officially balloted candidates out of the discussion is a travesty. I call on them to boycott this process."
WGBH also kept Jamie Guerin, the Green-Rainbow Party candidate for State Treasurer, out of a previous debate. By excluding Juan Sanchez from tonight's Secretary of the Commonwealth debate Jim Braude continues to stifle third party voices and portray Massachusetts politics as a simple two party race. This bias seems incompatible with the WGBH mission of being "a public media company that has always been committed to truth, knowledge and the public good."
Sanchez, the first Puerto Rican to make it onto the statewide ballot, brings a fresh perspective to an office that Galvin has held since 1995. As a Green-Rainbow Party candidate, he stands for campaign finance reform, rank choice voting and political transparency. By enhancing voter education and accessibility, he hopes to ensure that underprivileged and underrepresented groups have a real voice on Beacon Hill. He is a long-time activist that has been working to eliminate homelessness, ensure economic and workforce development, guarantee LGBTQ equal rights and promote social equity.
"I am running for Secretary of the Commonwealth to ensure that elections are not rigged against the 99% in favor of a system that is beholden to big money," said Sanchez. "I believe people should hold public media groups accountable when they deliberately suppress grassroots ideas and candidates without corporate backing. It is time for everyone to demand more from the electoral system."
The Green-Rainbow Party of Massachusetts seeks a world where money does not influence politics or the media that covers it. Join us in boycotting WGBH debates until they can have fair and equal representation for all balloted candidates.
The Green-Rainbow Party is the Massachusetts affiliate of the Green Party of the United States (MA political designation "J"). It was founded in 2002 through the union of the Massachusetts Green Party and the Rainbow Coalition Party.
Email: office@green-rainbow.org
Mail: 152 Westbrook Rd. So. Deerfield, MA 01373-9657
Click here to unsubscribe your email address: https://greenrainbow.nationbuilder.com/unsubscribe
Follow @GR_Party on Twitter


Food Management Today
FMT Website
Email Broadcasting Service
Weekly Email Newsletter
Nominate Your Products
2020 Awards Brochure
2020 Awards Photo Review
2020 Awards Video
2020 Awards Winners
Become an Awards Partner
Print Advert Specifications
Email Broadcasting Specifications
Website / Email Newsletter Specifications
Page Zero e-magazine Specifications
Vegan chocolate brand secures multi-million pound investment
(Pictured L to R) LoveRaw's Rimi Thapar, founder, Juliet Barratt, non-executive director and Manav Thapar, co-founder.
LoveRaw, a vegan chocolate brand, has received a multi-million pound investment deal from Blue Horizon Ventures.
Blue Horizon Ventures, already financial backers for Beyond Meat, a US based producer of plant-based meat substitutes and many others, is a venture capitalist firm with a reputation in investing in plant-based food brands.
The VC's investment comes just two years after Rimi Thapar, founder and managing director of LoveRaw, rejected a £50,000 investment offer from Dragon's Den star, Deborah Meaden, in order to maintain a higher equity stake in the business.
Since appearing on the show, Rimi and her business partner and husband, Manav Thapar, have manufactured the brand's 100% natural, vegan chocolate buttercup product, now produced in five flavours and sold in supermarkets and other retail chains across 10 different countries worldwide.
Rimi Thapar said: "Having Blue Horizon on board is game-changing. Regardless of the investment, our values align with theirs. We are all on a mission to make plant-based eating the norm and to also turn LoveRaw into an international brand. We are so glad that we waited for the right investor and didn't buckle when the Dragon's Den offer came in when we so needed it!"
"We are all on a mission to make plant-based eating the norm and to also turn LoveRaw into an international brand."
Having achieved a 98% year-on-year growth rate, combined with a 200% increase in monthly sales, the pair approached Blue Horizon Ventures for investment in early 2019, with the aim of creating tastier, healthier and sustainable food across the globe.
Michael Kleindl, founder and managing partner of Blue Horizon Ventures, said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome LoveRaw to the Blue Horizon portfolio. Together we will work to provide consumers around the world with plant-based and 'clean label' products from the indulgence category and aim to convert the current product options towards more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. We are confident that LoveRaw has the opportunity to become market leaders in their sector."
Speaking exclusively to Food Management Today regarding the investment deal, Rimi Thapar said: "While trying to lead a more healthier lifestyle, I was in search of snacks that were better for me and tasted good but there wasn't much on the market. So I thought "I can do this, I'll make a product that I would like to consume in the market" and off I went.
"I started the business with just £600, I didn't have thousands to invest and wanted to validate the product before going into production. I went to see a key buyer without a meeting, I sneaked past two reception desks and apologetically presented the product. It worked and I received my first order."
Thapar continued: "Vegan chocolate has a bad rep for not tasting that great, but we are here to make you think otherwise by making great tasting chocolate that also happens to be vegan. Our products aren't just for vegans, they are also for the conventional non-vegan.
"Well now the real hard work starts, we will continue as we have done and surround ourselves with the right people in order to grow the business. We will continue to innovate and launch more variations of vegan chocolate products, and in 5-10 years I would like to see the LoveRaw vegan chocolate ranges widely accessible in the UK and EU. However much LoveRaw grows, what will remain is the passion, culture and enthusiasm that we started with."
Seafood Scotland appoints exporting team to ease Brexit troubles
UK food and drink manufacturers to offer more than 400 Kickstart jobs
Deadline looming for feedback on AHDB's strategy
Food sector now eligible for free Covid-19 testing
Industry welcomes Skills for Jobs white paper
René Hansen appointed MD of Bettcher GmbH
© copyright Yandell Publishing, all rights reserved. Any unauthorised use, copying or reproduction of any information contained on this website will be subject to legal proceedings. Usage implies acceptance of our terms and conditions of use, click here to read them now. For details of our privacy policy and how we use data and information click here.
This site uses cookies to enhance your user experience.AcceptThese are not harmful and don't provide personal information. Read More


NUST Institutions Library Catalogue
NUST INSTITUTIONS' LIBRARY CATALOGUE
All libraries Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB) Central Library (CL) Centre for International Peace & Stability (CIPS) College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE) College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (CEME) Institute of Environmental Science & Engineering (IESE) Institute of Geographical Information Systems (IGIS) Military College of Engineering (MCE) Military College of Signals (MCS) NICE (SCEE) NUST Baluchistan Campus (NBC) NUST Creative Learning School & College (NCLS&C) NUST Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies (NIPCONS) Pakistan Navy Engineering College (PNEC) Research Center For Modeling & Simulation (RCMS) School of Art Design and Architecture (SADA) School of Chemical & Materials Engineering (SCME) School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering (SMME) School of Natural Sciences (SNS) U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E)
Details for: e-Data : turning data into information with data warehousing
e-Data : turning data into information with data warehousing Jill Dyche.
Series: Addison-Wesley information technology seriesPublisher: Reading, Mass. : Addison-Wesley, c2000Description: xxxi, 335 p. : ill. ; 24 cmISBN: 0201657805Subject(s): Data warehousingDDC classification: 005.756
Book Central Library (CL)
Central Library (CL)
NFIC First Floor - Databases 005.756 DYC (Browse shelf) Available SEECS003086
NUST Institutional Repository(DSpace)
© 2021 Central Library, National University of Sciences and Technology. All Rights Reserved.


EHNAC proposes standards changes
Paul Barr
The Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission, Farmington, Conn., unveiled new versions of its program criteria and is requesting comment on the proposed changes for 2013.
EHNAC, a not-for-profit organization that develops standard criteria and accredits organizations that electronically exchange healthcare data, will accept comments on the affected programs through Nov. 25, according to a news release.
Included in the criteria are two new programs: Electronic Prescription of Controlled Substances Certification Program–Pharmacy Vendor and Electronic Prescription of Controlled Substances Certification Program–Prescribing Vendor.
The affected existing programs are: the e-Prescribing Accreditation Program; the Financial Services Accreditation Program for Electronic Health Networks; the Financial Services Accreditation Program for Lockbox Services, the Health Information Exchange Accreditation Program, the Healthcare Network Accreditation Plus Select SAS 70 Criteria Program, the Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Electronic Health Networks (including payers), the HNAP Medical Biller–Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Medical Billers, the Healthcare Network Accreditation Program for Third Party Administrators, the Management Service Organization Accreditation Program and the Outsourced Services Accreditation Program.
Humana grows private equity-backed primary care
Insurers, employers start helping more with chronic disease
Daily Finance Newsletter: Sign up to receive daily news and data that has a direct impact on the business and financing of healthcare.


Front seat child seat and restraint device known as "Stay Secur Seat"
A device for use in vehicles for infants called a Stay Secur Seat. This device is comprised of a seat; an essentially vertical belt system to augment the existing seat belt; a means to connect the vertical belt to the seat; a means to removably connect the vertical belt to the existing seat support bar; and a means to adjust the vertical belt's length and resultant tension. A person normally has to accept the rear mount seats based on warnings associated with front seat air bags. The new Stay Secur Seat device features very few parts and is self-attaching. In operation, the new Stay Secur Seat device is easily affixed to the vehicle seat without the need of any special tools or fasteners. The device eliminates the need for the driver to continually monitor the rear seat to see the child or infant in the seat restraint.
Perry, Henry (Indianapolis, IN, US)
A47C1/08
20070035162 Conditioning system for cooling and heating surfaces, particularly automobile seats February, 2007 Bier et al.
20030122407 Removable vehicle seat July, 2003 Boyd et al.
20070132296 AUTOMATIC LUMBAR SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR A FOLDING SEAT SYSTEM June, 2007 Sturt et al.
20100007184 Seat assembly for sensing an occupant January, 2010 Griffin et al.
20080136244 Quick release armrest assembly for a bath chair June, 2008 Cheng
20080211286 Vehicular Seat Headrest and Method September, 2008 Morilhat et al.
20090121523 CONVERTIBLE PASSENGER SEAT ASSEMBLY May, 2009 Johnson
20070182221 CHILD ACTIVITY CENTER August, 2007 Mcconnell et al.
20020030394 Child seat assembled with vehicle seat March, 2002 Ito
20040183344 Seat energy absorber September, 2004 Glance et al.
20070284920 TABLET ARM FOR NESTING CHAIR December, 2007 Mehaffey et al.
NELSON JR, MILTON
RITCHISON LAW OFFICES, PC (Anderson, IN, US)
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is:
1. An attachment device for use with a child seat in a vehicle with a seat belt for securely and safely holding the child seat, comprising: (a) the child seat; (b) an essentially vertical belt system; (c) a means for connecting the vertical belt system to the child seat; (d) a means to removably connect the vertical belt to a seat support bar of the vehicle; and (e) a means to adjust the length and tension of the vertical belt whereby the device is installable to the vehicle and child seat and the security of the seat is increased.
2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the vertical belt system which is comprised of an upper belt, a lower belt and a means to removably and securely connect the upper and lower belts.
3. The device according to claim 2 wherein the means for connecting the upper belt to the lower belt is a standard seatbelt latch used in vehicles with a spring closure feature.
4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the belt system to the child seat is by a feature integral to the child seat.
5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the belt system to the child seat is by a sleeve feature that encompasses the top of the child seat.
6. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the belt system to the seat support bar is a latch with a spring closure feature.
8. The device according to claim 1 wherein the means for connecting the belt system to the seat support bar is essentially a "J" hook at lower the end of the belt system Whereby the hook engages the seat bar and is held in place when the belt system is under tension.
9. An attachment device for use with a child seat on a boat deck with a pair of seat belts for securely and safely holding the child seat, comprising: (a) the child seat; (b) a pair of belt systems; (c) a means for connecting the belt system to the child seat; and (d) a means to removably connect each of the belt systems to the boat deck whereby the device is installable to the boat deck and child seat and the security of the seat is increased.
This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/792,059 filed April 14, by Henry Perry, and titled Front Seat Child Seat and Restraint Device known as "Stay Secur Seat".
This invention pertains to a child or infant seat utilized with a motor vehicle seat with at least one passenger seat which has attachment devices for improved safety with the child's seat that can be attached to the vehicle passenger seat. Particularly this child seat device is related to devices and methods to allow and permit placing a child or infant seat in the front compartment of the vehicle even when the vehicle has air bags. The secure safety seat device may be featured with the original equipment as a manner to protect children and infants or as an after market enhancement to for individuals desiring this safety improvement.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
The new Front Seat Child Seat and Restraint Device known as "Stay Secur Seat". The device described in this specification is a product that is designed to easily and quickly provide a new and unique child seat that may be used in the front seat even in the presence of airbags. The product considers the shortfalls of current car-seats for infants and overcomes the limitations, as will be evident in the descriptions below.
A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed
In motor vehicles, a child's safety seat is usually attached to the passenger seat together with the child to be transported using safety belts and belt locks which are present on the passenger seat and/or child's safety seat. These are placed in the rear seats due to the presence of air bags in the front compartments of many vehicles. The disadvantage here is that the air bag, which is located in front of the child's safety seat, may represent a considerable danger to the child in the case of its activation. In order for the child in the safety seat to be better protected and better monitored, the child's safety seat is frequently positioned on the passenger seat, especially on the front passenger seat, with the back cushion part to the front in the direction of travel and secured with a safety belt. This positioning of the child's safety seat on the passenger seat, however, is not acceptable on a vehicle for safety reasons because, in the case of a collision, the opening air bag will strike against the back rest of the child's safety seat and thus would cause serious injuries to the child. To avoid this, the Stay Secur Seat device has been configured to eliminate this risk. For all types of previous attachments, the child's safety seat could not until now be fastened to the passenger seat with a simple tensioning of the seat with an additional belt to resist the air bag and prevent injury to the child.
B. Prior Art
Historically, the infant and child seats have been only connected by the seat belts. Since the advent of the air bags, these seats in the front compartment of a vehicle have been exposed to hurting the child by "crushing them" when the bag inflated. The historical devices just were not strong enough or installed properly to resist the pressure from the bags. State laws were enacted which essentially caused most seats to only meet codes when placed in the rear seats away from air bag exposure. The new Front Seat Child Seat and Restraint Device known as "Stay Secur Seat" changes that shortfall.
Early examples of prior child seats and equipment begin with U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,934 to Farrell, Jr. (1976) which teaches a child seat that is attached only with the standard lap belt in a vehicle. No attachment to the seat frame is discussed. Another patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,612 was issue to Meeker (1980). This teaches an infant car seat having a seat, back and sides. Support stands are connected to a plate member within compartments on either side of said seat which are in turn, pivotally connected to the side members of the seat. The seat also contains two recesses, one on either side of the upper face of the side of the seat, which accept the auto seat belt when the seat is facing in the rearward direction in the automobile.
Another improvement for a car seat was issued to Schrader as U.S. Pat. No. 4,707,024 (1987). It teaches a safety seat for the conveyance of babies and very small children in vehicles. The frame of the device permits some resistance against the back of the seat but is not integrally attached to the seat except for the lap belt. Other examples of protective seats include a "cocoon" like device taught by Davalos et al in the U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,593 issued in 1988. The device is front facing and is attached by only the seat belts.
A U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,014 issued to Gimbel et al (1995) teaches a child seat for a motor vehicle which has attachment devices for a child's safety seat that can be attached to it and at least one air bag in the region of the passenger seat. The invention proposes that at least one attachment device for the child's safety seat be provided with a sensor for deactivating the air bag which reacts to the attachment of the child's safety seat. This assures that during the transportation of the child in the child's safety seat, the air bag in front of the child's safety seat is deactivated. Another safety seat concept is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,965 issued to Barley (1996) that teaches a rather complex system where a child safety seat has a seat body, a support structure, a first releasable coupling for connecting the support structure to a motor vehicle and a second releasable coupling for connecting the seat body to the support structure. The support structure includes an upwardly facing abutment surface positioned above the seat portion of an adult vehicle seat and in front of the backrest portion thereof, when the first coupling is engaged. The second coupling is arranged to hold the seat body in rigid abutment with the abutment surface on the support structure either so that the seat body is facing forwardly in the vehicle or so that the seat body is facing rearwardly in the vehicle. The device has some connection means beyond just the seat belt but is much more complex than the simple, yet effective new Front Seat Child Seat and Restraint Device known as "Stay Secur Seat".
Another safety seat is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,095 issued to Lopez (1998) that teaches a child safety seat accessory apparatus for use in conjunction with a conventional child car seat which allows placement of the child car seat within an inner containment cavity from a seat containment casing. This casing includes a protective shield which protects the child occupant from the impact of an air bag and other flying debris in the event of an accident. The device differs and far more complex than the new Front Seat Child Seat and Restraint Device known as "Stay Secur Seat". Another U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,648 issued to Allan et al (2002) demonstrates a mounting for a for child-restraint system in a vehicle. The child-restraint system is mounted in relation to a seat of a motor vehicle by a mount which includes a base portion secured to the vehicle structure and a mounting portion which extends to an accessible position upon the seat where it may be engaged by the restraint system, the mounting portion being able to be moved from its position on the seat when it is not required to be engaged by the child-restraint system. The mounting requires tools and special assembly and is more complex than the new "Stay Secur Seat".
As far as known, there are no Stay Secur Seat devices at the present time which fully meet this need with as few of components and superior operation as the present Stay Secur Seat device. It is believed that this device is made with fewer parts, of a more durable design, and with much less expense than any previous child seat restraint device.
A Stay Secur Seat device has been developed for use by a person to secure a child or infant in the front or rear seat of a vehicle, boat or airplane including those vehicles with air bags. The preferred embodiment of this device is comprised of a child seat; an essentially vertical belt system to augment the existing seat belt; a means to connect the vertical belt to the child seat; a means to removably connect the vertical belt to the existing seat support bar; and a means to adjust the vertical belt's length and resultant tension.
A person normally has to accept the marketed rear mount seats since there has been much concern and warnings communicated in association with front seat air bags and potential injury or death to child seat occupants placed in the front compartment. Legislation, in fact, has obligated most parents and guardians to place the children in the rear passenger seat. This places additional limitations on the vehicle driver to safely monitor the condition of the child or infant. The driver must "turn around or use a mirror to track and review the child's condition. This turning motion often diverts that driver's attention from the safe operation of the vehicle.
The newly invented Stay Secur Seat device features very few parts and is self attaching. In operation, the new Stay Secur Seat device may be easily affixed to front or rear vehicle seat without the need of any tools or special fasteners.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
There are several objects and advantages of the Stay Secur Seat device. There are currently no known child seat restraining devices or systems that are effective at providing the objects of this invention.
One advantage and object of the present invention is that affords a safe manner and device to locate the child's seat in the front seat of the vehicle. By eliminating the damage to the seat from the onset of an airbag, the child may be located into easy sight and reach of the vehicle's driver.
Another object for the Stay Secur Seat device is to provide a device that no longer requires the driver of a vehicle to turn and remove their eyes from the driving path for a long period of time. The child is in the front seat and requires only a quick eye glance to assess the condition of the child in the seat. Currently, a driver needs to turn around or monitor the child by a mirror and remove that driver's eyes from the vehicles path for a considerable period of time. Depending on traffic, speed and/or weather, dangerous hazards may present themselves for the driver's reaction to immediately address these hazards.
There has been another object of the present invention which is to have a low manufacturing cost. This is accomplished by using existing belt materials, fastening means, and adjustment means. This invention provides new uses for a new device with a new configuration and combination to well-known materials and devices in the field of automotive safety.
A further advantaged offered with the Stay Secur Seat versatile in use. The device may be configured for use with original equipment vehicles; as an aftermarket add to older vehicles; as a security method for boats and watercraft; and for use with air travel.
Another advantage is expected with the Stay Secur Seat device which is that it is durable. Use of existing, well tested materials and attachment and adjustment means permit this new invention to enter the market with unquestioned strength and durability.
Finally, other advantages and additional features of the present Stay Secur Seat device will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the full description of the device. For one skilled in the art of devices and improvements for child seat devices, it is readily understood that the features shown in the examples with this mechanism are readily adapted to other types of child seat improvements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—FIGURES
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Stay Secur Seat device that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Stay Secur Seat device. It is understood, however, that the Stay Secur Seat device is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
FIG. 1 is a sketch of the general assembly of the Stay Secur Seat device.
FIG. 2 is a sketch of the general assembly of the Stay Secur Seat device with many of the component parts noted.
FIG. 3A through 3C are drawings and photographs of the Stay Secur Seat device showing added components.
FIGS. 4 including 4A through 4D are sketches of the belt for the Stay Secur Seat device showing the various features.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are photographs of a typical Child seat adapted for a Stay Secur Seat device.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are photographs that provide details of the Stay Secur Seat belt details.
FIGS. 7A and B are sketches that show the original equipment embodiment and the marine/aqua seat alternative embodiment with component details.
FIGS. 8A through 8C are sketches that show the aftermarket sleeve system for seats that need an alternative attachment means for use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS
The following list refers to the drawings:
31 general assembly of the Stay Secur Seat
32 infant or child seat—Original Equipment or after market
33 passenger seat (front) or rear
34 existing seat belt
35 floor of vehicle
36 existing vehicle seat bar (under seat 33)
37 means to attach belt 38 (to seat bar 36)
37A secure retention means to keep latch 37 fastened to bar 36 (spring mechanism or the like)
38 lower Stay Secur Seat belt
39 upper Stay Secur Seat belt
40 means to removably and securely fasten upper belt 39 to lower belt 38
40A exemplary—not limiting—male portion of fastening means
40B exemplary—not limiting—female portion of fastening means
41 seat attachment means (to enable loop 42 to attach to seat 32)
42 means to fasten Velcro™ (36) or the like to the vinyl (37)
43 means for adjustment to belt length and tension
44 front passenger air bag (deployed position)
44A Front vehicle dash
44B Front vehicle windshield
45 aqua/marine child seat
46 means to attach belt to deck
47 fastening means (screw, bolt, or the like)
48 sock boot that slides over seat 32
49 means to attach belt 39 to boot 48
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present device is a mechanism is a Stay Secur Seat device 31 has been developed for use by a person to secure a child or infant in the front or rear seat of a vehicle, boat or airplane including those vehicles with air bags. The device is comprised of a child seat 32; an essentially vertical belt system 38, 39, and 40 to augment the existing seat belt 34; a means to connect the vertical belt to the child seat 41; a means to removably connect the vertical belt to the existing seat support bar 37; and a means to adjust 43 the vertical belt's length and resultant tension. A person having ordinary skill in the field of seat belt and child restraint devices appreciates the various manners that may be used to physically permit this Stay Secur Seat device 31 to be produced and utilized.
The improvement over the existing art is providing a device that:
a. affords a safe manner and device to locate the child's seat in the front seat of the vehicle;
b. provides a device that no longer requires the driver of a vehicle to turn and remove their eyes from the driving path for a long period of time;
c. has a low manufacturing cost;
d. is versatile in use; and
e. is durable.
There is shown in FIGS. 1-8 a complete operative embodiment of the Stay Secur Seat device 31. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-8 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this invention. The preferred embodiment of the device is comprised of only a few parts as shown in the drawings. These members or parts of a Stay Secur Seat device are comprised of and include, but are not limited to a child seat 32; an essentially vertical belt system 38, 39, and 40 to augment the existing seat belt 34; a means to connect the vertical belt to the child seat 41; a means to removably connect 37 the vertical belt 38,39, and 40 to the existing seat support bar 36; and a means to adjust 43 the vertical belt's length and resultant tension. Various important features of these member components are delineated in FIGS. 1-8 of the drawings and are described below in appropriate detail for one skilled in the art to appreciate their importance and functionality to the Stay Secur Seat device 31.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Stay Secur Seat device 31 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Stay Secur Seat device 31. It is understood, however, that the Stay Secur Seat device 31 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For example, the preferred embodiment of the Stay Secur Seat device may have various embodiments as will be demonstrated.
FIG. 1 is a sketch of the general assembly 31 of the Stay Secur Seat device. The overall placement of the device on a vehicular seat is illustrated.
FIG. 2 is a sketch of the general assembly of the Stay Secur Seat device 31 with many of the component parts noted. Here the child seat 32 is shown placed onto the vehicle seat 33. The child seat 32 is secured to the vehicle seat 33 by the existing infant seat belt 34. Then, the child seat 32 is attached further to the vehicles structure. This further attachment is by means of the Stay Secur Seat device 31 including the upper belt 39, lower belt 38, connection means 40 for the belt sections (38 and 39), adjustment device 43 and an attachment means 37 to connect the belt system to the existing seat bar structure 36. The seat 32 rests on the vehicle's floor 33 and is adjacent to the vehicles dash 38 with an air bag 44. A loop 42 in the upper belt 39 is interposed through a means to connect 41 (slot or the like) in the structure of the seat 32.
FIG. 3A through 3C are drawings and photographs of the Stay Secur Seat device 31 showing added components. Similarly to FIG. 2, in FIG. 3A the infant seat 32 rests on the passenger seat 33 and is attached by the existing seat belt 34. The vertical belt system (38, 39 and 40) is attached to the passenger seat bar 36 by an attachment means 37. The same belt system components (38, 39, and 40) are attached to the uppermost section of the child seat 32 by means 41 and a loop 42 in the belt system. The belt system is then adjusted for length and tension by an adjustment means 43. In FIG. 3B, a side view with the same components as in FIG. 3A are shown. In FIG. 3C a photograph shows a typical seat 33 with a structural bar 36.
FIGS. 4 including 4A through 4D are sketches of the belt for the Stay Secur Seat device 31 showing the various features. In FIG. 4A, the uppermost belt section 39 has the adjustment means 43. This uppermost section 39 is directly and securely attached to the male connection means 40A. The female connection means 40B is directly connected to the lower belt section 38 at its upper distal end. The lower belt section 38 has the beam connection means 37 at its distal end. Additionally, there is a retention means 37A to secure and keep secure the connection between the means 37 and the seat bar or beam 36. For example, this connection means 37 may incorporate a spring feature, may be a "J" hook, or other fastening means.
In FIGS. 4B, and 4C the belt system is shown before and after connection. In FIG. 4D, the adjustment means for adjusting the length of the uppermost belt 39 and the resultant tension is demonstrated. For all these views of the safety belts 38 and 39, it is understood that the belt fabric will be of materials similar to existing seat belts in vehicles. These include for example, but not as a limitation, nylon, reinforced nylon and various other composite materials. It is well understood by those skilled in the art of safety belts that various materials, known and unknown, will fall within the scope and spirit of this Stay Secur Seat device 31
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are photographs of a typical Child seat 32 adapted for a Stay Secur Seat device 31. In photograph 5A the child seat 32 is shown where the uppermost belt 39 is attached to the seat 32 by a means 41 and loop 42. In FIG. 5B the open structure of seat 32 shows the means 41 as a slot in the plastic structure of seat 32. In both FIGS. 5B and 5C, the additional details of the uppermost belt 39, the connection means 40, the lowermost belt 38 and the bar attachment means 37 are depicted.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are photographs that provide details of the Stay Secur Seat belt 31. The uppermost belt 39 is shown in FIG. 6A with the male connector 40A ready to be connected to the female 40B attached to the lowermost belt section 38. In FIG. 6B, the sections are connected—by male 40A and female 40B—to complete the connection means 40. In each figure, the uppermost belt 39 has the adjustment means 43 shown and the lowermost belt 38 has the bar connection means 37 depicted.
FIGS. 7A and B are sketches that show the original equipment embodiment 31 and the marine/aqua seat alternative embodiment 45 with component details. In the FIG. 7A, the components have already been well described in the above descriptions. In FIG. 7B, the marine option includes the floatable seat 45 attached by the loop 42 and attachment means 41. Next, the uppermost belt 39 (including the loop 42) includes the adjustment means 43. The uppermost belt 39 is connected to the lowermost belt 38 by an attachment means 40. The lowermost belt 38 is connected to the deck of the watercraft (not shown) by an attachment device 46 and fasteners 47 such as screws, bolts or the like.
FIGS. 8A through 8C are sketches that show the aftermarket sleeve system 48 for seats that need an alternative attachment means for use. Here the sleeve/sock 48 is easily adapted to existing child seats 32 which have no attachment means 41 (such as slots) built into the seat 32. The sock/sleeve 48 is connected to the uppermost belt 39 by some attachment means 49 (such as sewing, riveting, adhesive, heat seal or the like). In the FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the front side and back views, respectively, are shown.
All of the details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components specific to describing a Stay Secur Seat device 31 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of child and infant seat restraint devices well appreciates.
OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The new Stay Secur Seat device 31 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One may note well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the Stay Secur Seat device 31. The preferred embodiment described above is essentially comprised of only a few parts as shown in the drawings. These components are comprised of and include, but are not limited to, a child seat 32; an essentially vertical belt system 38,39, and 40 to augment the existing seat belt 34; a means to connect the vertical belt to the child seat 41; a means to removably connect 37 the vertical belt 38,39, and 40 to the existing seat support bar 36; and a means to adjust 43 the vertical belt's length and resultant tension.
The manner of use is very simple and direct. The child seat 32 is placed on the vehicle seat 33. Next, the existing vehicle belt 34 is attached (through slots or other means) to the seat 32. The new Stay Secur Seat device 31 is attached by connecting the lowermost belt section 38 with the attachment means 37 and 37A to the seat structure bar 36. Next, the uppermost belt section 39 is attached to the child seat 32 by the means 41 and the loop 42. After this, the lowermost belt 38 is connected to the uppermost belt 39 by the connection means 40. Finally, the overall belt system (38, 39 and 40) is adjusted for length and tension by tightening (reducing slack and overall length) the system by the adjustment means 43.
Various uses may employ this new Stay Secur Seat device. Table A includes some examples of uses. These examples are not limiting to the overall Scope and Spirit of the Stay Secur Seat 31.
Table A of Uses
ITEM DESCRIPTION OF USE
1 Original Equipment Child Seat option
2 After Market add-on to existing units (sleeve device)
3 Marine/Aquatic application for security of child on a
4 Airline application for security of child on an
aircraft (plane, helicopter or other airborne craft)
With this description it is to be understood that the Stay Secur Seat device 31 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiments. The features of the Stay Secur Seat device 31 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.
Previous Patent: Baby/Child Support
Next Patent: Chair flexpad support arrangement


Little Boy's Merengue Moves Are Fire
The kid can dance!
Everybody has some kind of talent or something they're good at, but it can take a long time (sometimes a lifetime) to figure out what that thing is. With other people, though, they show a predisposition for doing certain things really well very early on. Maybe it's because they were exposed to the right inspiration when they were super small, who knows? The point is, some kids show amazing talents when they're still really little.
A perfect example is the boy in this video from @ladyliz8. He's just hanging out in the living room with his sister, both of them dancing around to the music playing on the TV. But when this kid gets going? Those are some smooth moves.
There are adults who can't merengue like that! Some people just have "it" when it comes to dancing, and this kid is one of those blessed with the ability to groove. All he needs is a partner (little sister still just needs a little more practice). Of course, the fact that he's doing all of this in Spider-Man pajamas just makes the whole thing that much cuter.
Commenters agreed that this little boy is a joy to watch:
"It's the merengue dancing Spider-Man for me"
"put them in dance, they were both on beat"
"The little tip toes thoooo TOO CUTE"
"Lmaoooo get it Spider-Man"
"This makes me scream!! So cute!"
"it's in the blood"
"He so smooth with it"
It's true, this kid's moves are ridiculously smooth for somebody still wearing superhero pajamas. Chances are he'll grow up still loving both...Spider-Man and merengue!