Author: claimsbot

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21. A method of hand exercising and massaging by means of an apparatus having a substantially hollow housing defined by at least a wall portion formed with at least two pairs of apertures, at least two elongated rods slidably movable within the respective pairs of apertures; said at least two elongate rods positioned at an angle with respect to each other and arranged in such a manner that said rods frictionally engage each other so as to resist the slidable movement of the rods within the respective pairs of apertures, said method comprising the steps of:
positioning said housing within a hand of a user; and
applying longitudinal pressure by the hand on said rods, so as to force said rods to slide within the respective pairs of apertures from an expanded position to a contracted position and to overcome said resistance to the slidable movement.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein in said step of applying pressure, the pressure is applied along longitudinal axes of said rods by fingers of said hand resulted in exercising of said fingers.
23. The method according to claim 21, wherein in said step of applying pressure on said rods, the pressure is applied by a palm of a user resulted in massaging of the palm.
24. The method according to claim 21, wherein in said step of applying pressure on said rod, the user holds said housing by one hand and said pressure is applied by the other hand of the user.
25. The method according to claim 21, further comprising a step of rotating said housing, so as to change position of the housing within the hand of the user and to expose opposite ends of said rods to the respective pressure.
26. The method according claim 21, wherein said elongate rods are formed of a resilient material, the rods are deformed upon insertion into the respective apertures, so as to provide additional frictional engagement between the rods and said apertures and to generate additional resistance to the slidable movement of the rods within said apertures.
27. The method according to claim 21, wherein said housing is formed so as to support a non-parallel orientation of said rods during their slidable movement.
28. The method according to claim 21, wherein in said step of applying pressure on said rods, said pressure is applied by means of engaging the ends of said elongated rods with a palm of a user, whereby a pinch action is generated to the skin of a the user by ends of the rods upon the slidable movement thereof from the expanded to the contracted position.
29. The method according to claim 21, wherein said at least two elongate rods are arranged within the housing in a non-parallel manner, so that when the pressure is applied by a palm of the user against said rods causing a slidable motion thereof from the expanded to the contracted position thereof a pinch action and deformation of the skin occurs at a part of the palm engaging the rods, so as to provide massaging function to the palm.
30. The method according to claim 21, wherein in said step of applying pressure, the pressure is generated by pressing said rods against skin of a user.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A method comprising identifying an infarct region within the ventricle of a subject; and
delivering near or in the infarct region material comprising aloe-derived pectin.
2. A method comprising identifying an infarct region within the ventricle of a subject; and
delivering to the infarct region material comprising aloe-derived pectin.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering aloe-derived pectin prevents thinning of the ventricle.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein delivery of the aloe-derived pectin occurs within 2 weeks of a myocardial infarction (MI).
5. The method of claim 1 wherein delivery of the aloe-derived pectin occurs within 5, 10, 15, or 20 weeks of a myocardial infarction (MI).
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the aloe-derived pectin material further comprises at least one of cells, proteins, peptides, growth factors or microparticles containing at least one of cells, proteins, peptides, or growth factors or nanoparticles containing at least one of cells, proteins, peptides or growth factors.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the aloe-derived pectin material comprises cells and proteins, cells and growth factors, or proteins and growth factors.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein said subject with the MI displays at least 20 percent ventricular damage.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the aloe-derived pectin displays a pseudoplastic characteristic.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering aloe-derived pectin comprises: delivering the aloe-derived pectin material to the infarct region in a liquid phase and once delivered the aloe-derived pectin material is capable of transitioning to a solid phase in the presence of an endogenous material.
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering at least one matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPIs) to the ventricle.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering the aloe-derived pectin comprises introducing the aloe-derived pectin to the ventricle through a procedure.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the procedure to the ventricle region is selected from at least one of minimally invasive such as sub-xiphoid, percutaneous, or surgical approach such as open-chest procedure in conjunction with Coronary Bypass Graft (CABG).
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the percutaneous introduction of the aloe-derived pectin into the ventricle comprises at least one of the following modes consisting of intracoronary infusion, intraventricular catheter, intravenous pressure perfusion, transvascular needle catheter, and retrograde venous perfusion.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering the aloe-derived pectin comprises delivering a composition suspended in a solution.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein delivering aloe-derived pectin near the infarct region is capable of increasing the compliance of the ventricle.
17. A kit comprising a delivery lumen; agents delivered from the delivery lumen; and at least one agent comprising a structural reinforcing agent wherein said structural reinforcing agent is capable of forming a matrix product within a ventricle wherein the structural re-inforcing agent comprises a material comprising aloe-derived pectin.
18. The kit of claim 17 further comprising forming a matrix product within or near an infarct region of a ventricle.
19. The kit of 17 further comprising a delivery device.
20. The kit of 17 wherein the structural reinforcing agent comprises a material in a liquid phase and once delivered the material is capable of transitioning to a solid phase in the presence of an endogenous material in or near an infarct region.
21. A kit comprising a delivery lumen and agents comprising aloe-derived pectin, wherein the agents are capable of increasing the compliance of a ventricle.
22. The kit of claim 21 further comprising a delivery device.
23. A method comprising delivering a liquid phase of a structural reinforcing agent to a ventricle wherein the structural reinforcing agent is capable of transitioning to a solid when an environmental temperature is approximately a body temperature of a mammalian subject and wherein the structural reinforcing agent comprises a material comprising aloe-derived pectin.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein delivering a liquid phase of a structural reinforcing agent to a ventricle comprises delivering a liquid phase of a structural reinforcing agent to or near an infarct region of a ventricle.
25. A method comprising delivering a first material and a second different material to a ventricle wherein a first material and a second different material are components of a final product and wherein the first or second material comprises aloe-derived pectin.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the final product prevents thinning of the ventricle.
27. A kit comprising at least two delivery lumen; agents delivered from each delivery lumen; and a first material and a second different material wherein the first material and the second different material are components of a final product and are capable of forming the final product within a ventricle and wherein the first or second material comprises aloe-derived pectin.
28. The kit of claim 27 wherein the first material and the second material are housed in separate lumen.
29. The kit of claim 27 wherein a final product is formed within or near an infarct region of a ventricle from the first material and the second material.
30. The kit of claim 27 further comprising a delivery device.
31. The kit of claim 30 wherein the delivery device comprises a dual chamber delivery device comprising separate chambers for the first material and the second different material.

1. A method for obtaining and processing location information, the method comprising:
communication between a terminal including a near field communication (NFC) tag and a tag reader in an environment in which tag readers are installed at a plurality of locations;
the tag reader being provided with user information from the NFC tag of the terminal;
the tag reader providing to the NFC tag of the terminal stored location information corresponding to the location of the tag reader; and
the tag reader providing the user information and the location information to a location information management server.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
the location information management server receiving the user information and the location information from the tag reader and storing and managing them; and
the location information management server providing an application service based on the user information and the location information.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
the location information management server receiving user information from the terminal; and
the location information management server obtaining location information corresponding to the user information received from the terminal,
wherein, in the location information management server providing an application service, the location information management server provides an application service based on the obtained location information to the terminal.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
the location information management server receiving a data request signal including user information from the terminal;
the location information management server obtaining location information corresponding to the user information included in the data request signal from the stored and managed information; and
the location information management server transmitting the obtained location information and response data to the terminal.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
the terminal receiving the response data and the location information from the location information management server;
the terminal executing an application unit according to the response data; and
the terminal being provided with an application-related service data from the location information management server through the executed application unit.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
the NFC tag of the terminal providing the user information to the tag reader;
the NFC tag of the terminal receiving the location information from the tag reader; and
the NFC tag of the terminal storing the received location information in the terminal for use by the terminal as its location.
7. A tag reader, comprising:
a first communication unit configured to transmitreceive tofrom a near field communication (NFC) tag of a terminal;
a second communication unit configured to transmitreceive tofrom a location information management server;
an information storage unit configured to store location information on a location at which the tag reader is installed; and
an information providing unit configured to provide the location information stored in the information storage unit to the NFC tag of the terminal through the first communication unit,
wherein the information providing unit is further configured to provide the user information and the location information provided to the terminal to the location information management server.
8. The tag reader of claim 7, wherein the location information stored in the information storage unit is one among:
information input by a user for managing a place at which the tag reader is installed,
information input through an additional terminal, and
information provided from a server for providing location information.
9. A terminal, comprising:
a near field communication (NFC) tag configured to communicate with a tag reader in an environment in which tag readers are installed at a plurality of locations, to provide user information stored therein to the tag reader, and to receive from the tag reader location information corresponding to the location of the tag reader; and
an application unit configured to provide data related to the location information by being executed based on response data provided from a location information management server.
10. The terminal of claim 9, wherein the terminal is further configured to transmit a data request signal including the user information and then receive the response data and location information from the location information management server.
11. The terminal of claim 9, wherein the application unit is further configured to be executed by the response data and then process and output application data based on the location information received from the location information management server.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An irrigation controller comprising:
a controller housing having a microprocessor for storing and executing a watering program for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations and a transformer module footprint; and
a transformer module removably coupled to said transformer module footprint within said controller housing, said transformer module comprising:
a transformer housing; and
a transformer disposed within said transformer housing.
2. The irrigation controller of claim 1 wherein said transformer module is removably coupled by mounting screws.
3. The irrigation controller of claim 1 wherein said transformer module includes a terminal block.
4. A method of adapting an irrigation controller for outdoor use comprising:
providing an irrigation controller;
providing a transformer module including a transformer disposed within a transformer housing;
mounting said transformer module at a mounting space within said irrigation controller;
connecting said transformer to said irrigation controller.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said connecting said transformer to said irrigation controller includes positioning power wires through an aperture on a bottom surface of said transformer housing.
6. An irrigation controller comprising:
a housing having a microprocessor for storing and executing a watering program for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations;
a plurality of receptacles disposed in said housing, each receptacle including a plurality of electrical contacts for communicating with said microprocessor;
a first module configured for interchangeable placement within any one of said plurality of receptacles and having a first terminal bank configured to connect to a plurality of irrigation stations; and
a second module configured for interchangeable placement within any one of said plurality of receptacles and having a first terminal bank configured to connect to a plurality of irrigation stations and a second terminal bank configured to connect to a plurality of irrigation stations;
wherein said first module and said second module are sized and shaped to be positioned within only one of said plurality of receptacles at one time.
7. The irrigation controller of claim 6 further comprising a third module configured for interchangeable placement within any one of said plurality of receptacles and having a first terminal bank configured to connect to a plurality of irrigation stations, a second terminal bank configured to connect to a plurality of irrigation stations, and a sensor bank configured to connect to a sensor.
8. The irrigation controller of claim 6 wherein said first module and said second module include a spring-biased latch configured to engage said housing to maintain a position within said plurality of receptacles.
9. A method of adapting an irrigation controller apparatus to control a number of irrigation stations comprising:
selecting a first removable module having a first number of irrigation terminals from a selection of removable modules, at least two of which being interchangeable with each other to fit within a single receptacle having a connection to a microprocessor of said irrigation control apparatus;
inserting said first selected removable module into the receptacle;
selecting a second removable module having a second number of irrigation terminals from said selection of removable modules, said second number being different than said first number;
inserting said second removable module into a receptacle having the same size as the receptacle containing said first selected removable module; and
connecting irrigation stations to said selected first and second removable modules of said irrigation control apparatus.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising connecting a sensor to said first removable module of said irrigation control apparatus.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein said inserting said first selected removable module into the receptacle includes a spring-biased latch.
12. A modular irrigation controller comprising:
a housing having a microprocessor for storing and executing a watering program for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations;
a plurality of receptacles disposed in said housing, each receptacle including a plurality of electrical contacts for communicating with said microprocessor; wherein
a first module configured for interchangeable placement within any one of said plurality of receptacles and having a first terminal bank configured to connect to a plurality of irrigation stations, said first module including a surge protector;
wherein said first module is further configured to communicate an inclusion of said surge protector in said first module to said microprocessor.
13. The modular irrigation controller of claim 12 wherein said surge protector includes a metal oxide varister.
14. A method of configuring a modular irrigation controller comprising:
selecting a first removable irrigation module;
coupling said first removable irrigation controller to a communication bus of said modular irrigation controller;
communicating information describing said first removable irrigation module to a microprocessor in said modular irrigation controller; and
displaying said information describing said first removable irrigation module on a display of said modular irrigation controller.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said information describing said first removable irrigation module is selected from a group of: a receptacle position, a station count, a sensor capability, and a type of sensor.
16. An irrigation controller comprising:
a controller housing;
a microprocessor for storing and executing a watering program for controlling a plurality of irrigation stations;
a modular rain sensor receiver configured to connect to said microprocessor within said controller housing;
a rain sensor including a wireless transmitter configured to communicate with said modular rain sensor receiver;
wherein said microprocessor prevents watering during said watering program based on communication sent to said wireless receiver by said wireless transmitter.
17. The modular irrigation controller of claim 16 wherein electrical power is provided to said modular rain sensor receiver by said irrigation controller.
18. A battery holder for an irrigation controller comprising:
a slot sized to accept a battery;
a battery terminal positioned at an end of said slot, said battery terminal electrically coupled to a microprocessor of said irrigation controller;
a biased spring arm positioned on a first side of said slot; and
a retaining lip positioned on a second side, opposite to said first side;
wherein said biased spring arm is configured to position an end of said battery against said retaining lip, thereby maintaining a position of said battery within said slot.
19. The battery holder of claim 18 wherein said battery is a 9-volt battery.
20. A method of installing a flow sensor comprising:
providing an irrigation controller for determining an irrigation schedule of an irrigation system;
selecting a flow sensor;
connecting said flow sensor to a sensor port on said irrigation controller;
manipulating a user interface of said irrigation controller to select a flow sensor model;
automatically determining configuration data for said flow sensor.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said configuration data includes K and Offset values for said flow sensor.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein said automatically determining configuration data for said flow sensor includes searching a lookup table for said flow sensor model.
23. An irrigation controller comprising:
an irrigation housing having a contoured edge;
a faceplate engaged adjacent to said contoured edge of said irrigation housing to allow hinged movement of said faceplate relative to said irrigation housing;
wherein said contoured edge is shaped to provide a detent angle for said faceplate during said hinged movement.
24. The irrigation controller of claim 23 wherein said faceplate engages a first aperture on said irrigation housing and a second aperture on said irrigation housing.
25. The irrigation controller of claim 23 wherein said first aperture includes a groove positioned to create a second detent force coinciding with said detent angle.
26. A method of programming an irrigation schedule for a modular irrigation controller comprising:
providing a modular irrigation controller with a first irrigation module and a second irrigation module;
selecting a first module icon representing said first irrigation module;
selecting a first irrigation station icon representing a first irrigation station;
programming said first irrigation station;
selecting a second module icon representing said second irrigation module;
selecting a second irrigation station icon representing a second irrigation station;
programming said second irrigation station.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising displaying an icon representing a functionality of said first irrigation module.