Elektrochirurgische Vorrichtung

Eine Elektrodenanordnung (2) zum Koagulieren von Gewebe umfasst zumindest eine Elektrode (4) zum Ionisieren eines ionisierbaren Gases sowie eine Verbindungsstruktur (6) zum Verbinden der Elektrode mit einer flexiblen, langgestreckten Röhre, wobei die Elektrode (4) einen distalen Zündbereich mit einem proximalen Abschnitt (12), einem distalen Abschnitt (11) und einem zwischen dem proximalen und dem distalen Abschnitt gelegenen Mittelabschnitt (13) umfasst, wobei der Mittelabschnitt (13) eine geringere Querschnittsdicke als der proximale Abschnitt (12) aufweist.

Chirurgisches Instrument

Endeffektoranordnung für ein elektrochirurgisches Instrument, wobei die Endeffektoranordnung ein Paar gegenüberliegender erster und zweiter Backenelemente (13, 14) umfasst, wobei wenigstens eines der Backenelemente relativ zu dem anderen zwischen einer ersten offenen Position, in der die Backenelemente in einer beabstandeten Beziehung relativ zueinander angeordnet sind, und einer zweiten geschlossenen Position, in der die Backenelemente zusammenwirken, um dazwischen Gewebe zu greifen, beweglich ist,wobei das erste Backenelement erste und zweite Versiegelungselemente (80, 81) umfasst, die entlang der Länge dieses Backenelements verlaufen, wobei die ersten und zweiten Versiegelungselemente durch ein dazwischen befindliches Isolationselement (17) getrennt sind, und versehen ist mit einer elektrisch leitenden Schneideelektrode (16), die auf dem Isolationselement unterstützt ist, undwobei das zweite Backenelement dritte und vierte Versiegelungselemente (83, 84) umfasst, die entlang dieses Backenelements ...

Laserliniensonde mit verbessertem großen Dynamikbereich

Ein Verfahren zum Messen von dreidimensionalen Koordinaten einer Objektoberfläche mit einem Linienscanner, wobei der Linienscanner einen Projektor und eine Kamera umfasst, wobei der Projektor eine erste Lichtlinie zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt und eine zweite Lichtlinie zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt auf die Objektoberfläche projiziert, wobei sich die integrierte Energie der zweiten Lichtlinie von der ersten Lichtlinie unterscheidet, wobei die Kamera die Reflexionen der ersten Lichtlinie und der zweiten Lichtlinie erfasst, wobei ein Prozessor die erfassten Daten verarbeitet, nachdem Teile des Bildes verworfen wurden, die gesättigt oder von elektrischer Störung dominiert sind, und Bestimmen von dreidimensionalen Koordinaten der Objektoberfläche zumindest teilweise basierend auf den verarbeiteten Daten und einem Grundlinienabstand.

Elektrochirurgisches Instrument

Endoskopisches chirurgisches Instrument (1) umfassend eine stationäre Komponente (2), einen sich von der stationären Komponente erstreckenden länglichen Schaft, und ein am distalen Ende des Schafts angeordnetes Wirkorgan. Die stationäre Komponente (2) umfasst mindestens einen Kontaktabschnitt (4), der für den Eingriff durch die Finger eines Benutzers angepasst ist, und das Instrument umfasst ebenfalls eine bewegliche Komponente (3), welche einen Kontaktabschnitt (5) aufweist, der für den Eingriff durch den Daumen eines Benutzers angepasst ist. Eine Längsbewegung zwischen den Kontaktabschnitten der beweglichen Komponente (3) und der stationären Komponente (2) bewirkt, dass sich die bewegliche Komponente (3) in Längsrichtung relativ zur stationären Komponente (2) zwischen einer ersten proximalen Position, einer zweiten distalen Position und einer dritten Position bewegt, wobei die dritte Position distal zu der zweiten Position einen relativ kleinen Abstand hat. Die Bewegung der beweglichen ...

Tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät mit abnehmbarem Zubehör

Es ist ein tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät (100) vorgesehen. Das Koordinatenmessgerät (100) umfasst ein Unterteil (116) mit einem Armabschnitt (104). Ein Sondenende (401) ist an ein Ende des Armabschnitts (104) distal von dem Unterteil (116) gekoppelt. Das Sondenende (401) weist eine Befestigungsvorrichtung (438) und ein erstes Verbindungsstück (428) auf. Eine Vorrichtung (400) ist durch die Befestigungsvorrichtung (438) abnehmbar an das Sondenende (401) gekoppelt, wobei die Vorrichtung (400) ein zweites Verbindungsstück (429) aufweist, das so angeordnet ist, dass es in das erste Verbindungsstück (428) eingreift, wenn die Befestigungsvorrichtung (438) die Vorrichtung (400) an das Sondenende (401) koppelt.

Multifunktionale Koordinatenmessgeräte

Ein tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät (Gelenkarm-KMG) umfasst einen manuell positionierbaren Armabschnitt mit entgegengesetzten ersten und zweiten Enden, wobei der Armabschnitt verbundene Armsegmente umfasst, wobei jedes Armsegment mindestens ein Positionsmessgerät zur Erzeugung eines Positionssignals umfasst, eine an einem ersten Ende des Gelenkarm-KMG angebrachte Messvorrichtung und eine elektronische Schaltung, die die Positionssignale von den Positionsmessgeräten empfängt und Daten bereitstellt, die einer Position der Messvorrichtung entsprechen. Die Implementierung des tragbaren Gelenkarm-KMG umfasst das Identifizieren einer Quellvorrichtung, von der Daten empfangen werden, durch Bestimmen eines Übertragungsweges, durch den die Daten übertragen werden, wobei die Quellvorrichtung abnehmbar an dem ersten Ende des Gelenkarm-KMG angebracht ist, das Bestimmen eines Datentyps der Daten basierend auf der Identifikation der Quellvorrichtung, das Durchführen einer Aktion an den Daten ...

Elektrodenanordnung

Eine Elektrodenanordnung (17) wird für den Gebrauch in einem Resektoskop bereitgestellt, wobei die Elektrodenanordnung (17) einen länglichen Schaft (33), mindestens einen Arm (33), erste Verbindungsmittel (4) zum Verbinden des Arms mit einer elektrochirurgischen Energiequelle (1) und ein Gewebebehandlungselement (26) am Ende des Arms umfasst. Der Arm umfasst ein Sauglumen (34), das sich von einem proximalen Ende zu einem distalen Ende erstreckt, wobei das distale Ende des Sauglumens (34) im allgemeinen Bereich des Gewebehandlungselements (26) endet und das proximale Ende des Sauglumens zweite Verbindungsmittel zum Verbinden des Sauglumens mit einer Saugquelle umfasst.

Chirurgisches Instrument und Griff für ein chirurgisches Instrument

Endoskopisches chirurgisches Instrument umfassend eine stationäre Komponente, einen sich von der stationären Komponente erstreckenden länglichen Schaft (1S), und ein am distalen Ende des Schafts (1S) angeordnetes Wirkorgan (1E), wobei die stationäre Komponente mindestens einen Kontaktabschnitt umfasst, der für den Eingriff durch die Finger eines Benutzers angepasst ist, und wobei das Instrument ebenfalls eine bewegliche Komponente umfasst, welche einen Kontaktabschnitt aufweist, der für den Eingriff durch den Daumen eines Benutzers angepasst ist, und wobei eine Längsbewegung zwischen den Kontaktabschnitten der beweglichen Komponente und der stationären Komponente bewirkt, dass sich die bewegliche Komponente in Längsrichtung relativ zur stationären Komponente zwischen einer ersten proximalen Position, einer zweiten distalen Position und einer dritten Position bewegt, wobei die dritte Position distal zu der zweiten Position einen relativ kleinen Abstand hat, die Bewegung der beweglichen Komponente ...

Bauform für die Spitze einer Radialantenne für monopolare Plasmakoagulation

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen mit ionisierbarem Gas arbeitenden, monopolaren Plasmakoagulationsapplikator umfassend: einen langgestreckten Schaft, der sich von einem proximalen Ende zu einem distalen Ende desselben erstreckt und darin einen Innenhohlraum und eine Längsachse des Applikators definiert; eine Applikatorspitze, die an dem distalen Ende des langgestreckten Schafts montiert ist, wobei die Applikatorspitze eine Durchbrechung definiert, die sich parallel zu der Längsachse erstreckt; und eine Elektrode, die sich durch den Innenraum hindurch erstreckt und mit der Applikatorspitze in Kontakt steht, wobei die Elektrode einen offenen Kanal mit einer Elektrodenspitze umfasst, wobei die Elektrodenspitze in dem Innenhohlraum des Schafts und innerhalb der Durchbrechung in der Applikatorspitze aufgenommen ist, um einen Gasströmungskanal zu definieren, der durch die Elektrode und den langgestreckten Schaft sowie durch die Elektrode und die Applikatorspitze definiert ist, wobei sich ...

GELENKARM-KOORDINATENMESSGERÄT MIT EINER 2D-KAMERA UND VERFAHREN ZUM ERHALTEN VON 3D-DARSTELLUNGEN

Ein tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät umfasst eine berührungslose 3D-Messvorrichtung, die einen Projektor, der dazu ausgestaltet ist, ein erstes Lichtmuster auf ein Objekt auszustrahlen, eine Scannerkamera, die so angeordnet ist, dass sie das erste Lichtmuster, das von der Oberfläche des Objekts reflektiert wird, empfängt, eine Kanten erkennende Kamera, die so angeordnet ist, dass sie Licht empfängt, das von einem Kantenmerkmal des Objekts reflektiert wird, und einen Prozessor aufweist, der dazu ausgestaltet ist, erste 3D-Koordinaten eines Kantenpunkts des Kantenmerkmals basierend auf elektrischen Signalen zu bestimmen, die von der Scannerkamera und der Kanten erkennenden Kamera empfangen werden.

GELENKARM-KOORDINATENMESSGERÄT MIT EINER 2D-KAMERA UND VERFAHREN ZUM ERHALTEN VON 3D-DARSTELLUNGEN

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät, das ein kontaktloses 3D-Messgerät umfasst, das einen Projektor aufweist, der manuell durch einen Bediener von einer ersten Position zu einer zweiten Position bewegt werden kann. Der Projektor ist dafür konfiguriert, ein erstes Lichtmuster auf ein Objekt zu emittieren. Das kontaktlose 3D-Messgerät umfasst ferner eine Scannerkamera und eine Kantenerfassungskamera. Die Scannerkamera ist derart angeordnet, dass sie das von der Oberfläche des Objekts reflektierte erste Lichtmuster auffängt. Die Kantenerfassungskamera ist derart angeordnet, dass sie das von einem Kantenmerkmal des Objekts reflektierte Licht auffängt. Das Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät umfasst einen Prozessor, der dafür konfiguriert ist, erste 3D-Koordinaten eines Kantenpunkts des Kantenmerkmals auf Basis elektrischer Signale zu ermitteln, die von der Scannerkamera und der Kantenerfassungskamera empfangen werden.

Tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät mit integrierten Softwaresteuerungen

Verfahren zur Durchführung einer Diagnose- oder Eichprozedur an einem tragbaren Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät (Gelenkarm-KMG). Das Gelenkarm-KMG umfasst einen manuell positionierbaren Gelenkarmabschnitt mit entgegengesetzten ersten und zweiten Enden, wobei der Armabschnitt mehrere verbundene Armsegmente umfasst, wobei jedes der Armsegmente mindestens ein Positionsmessgerät zur Erzeugung von Positionssignalen umfasst. Das Gelenkarm-KMG umfasst auch eine elektronische Schaltung mit einer eigenständigen Betriebsumgebung, die eine Benutzerschnittstellenanwendung und ein mit der Benutzerschnittstellenanwendung kommunizierendes Anzeigegerät umfasst. Ferner ist eine Messvorrichtung am ersten Ende des Gelenkarm-KMG befestigt. Die Benutzerschnittstellenanwendung und das Anzeigegerät sind dafür konfiguriert, die Durchführung und die Anzeige von Ergebnissen einer Diagnose- oder Eichprozedur am Gelenkarm-KMG zu erleichtern.

Eingebettete Arm-Dehnungssensoren

Ein tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät (Gelenkarm-KMG) kann Folgendes umfassen: einen manuell positionierbaren Gelenkarmabschnitt, eine an dem ersten Ende befestigte Messvorrichtung, ein Strukturteil des Gelenkarm-KMG, wobei das Strukturteil eine Axialrichtung aufweist, mindestens drei an das Strukturteil gekoppelte Dehnungsmesssensoren mit jeweils einer empfindlichen Achse, wobei die empfindliche Achse jedes Dehnungsmesssensors ungefähr parallel zur Axialrichtung orientiert ist, wobei jeder Dehnungsmesssensor ungefähr von einer senkrecht zur Axialrichtung verlaufenden Querebene geschnitten wird, wobei jeder Dehnungsmesssensor ein analoges Dehnungsmesssignal erzeugt und die Dehnungsmesssensoren derart angeordnet sind, dass sie Daten bereitstellen, die zur Bestimmung einer Biegedehnung an irgendeinem Punkt ausreichen, der sich sowohl auf dem Strukturteil als auch auf der Querebene befindet, und eine elektronische Schaltung, die das Positionssignal empfängt und Daten bereitstellt, die ...

Koordinatenmessgeräte mit entfernbaren Zusatzteilen

Es ist ein tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät vorgesehen. Das Koordinatenmessgerät umfasst einen Sockel mit einem Armabschnitt. Ein Sondenende ist entfernt vom Sockel an ein Ende des Armabschnitts gekoppelt. Eine Vorrichtung ist dafür konfiguriert, ein kodiertes strukturiertes Licht auf ein Objekt zu emittieren, um die dreidimensionalen Koordinaten eines Punkts auf dem Objekt zu ermitteln.

Dreidimensionaler Scanner und Betriebsverfahren

Es ist ein dreidimensionaler Scanner vorgesehen. Der Scanner umfasst einen Projektor, der ein Lichtmuster auf eine Oberfläche emittiert. Das Lichtmuster umfasst einen ersten Bereich mit einem Paar von einander gegenüberliegenden sägezahnförmigen Kanten und eine erste Phase. In dem Lichtmuster ist ein zweiter Bereich mit einem Paar von einander gegenüberliegenden sägezahnförmigen Kanten und einer zweiten Phase vorgesehen, wobei der zweite Bereich um eine erste Phasendifferenz gegenüber dem ersten Bereich verschoben ist. In dem Lichtmuster ist ein dritter Bereich mit einem dritten Paar von einander gegenüberliegenden sägezahnförmigen Kanten und mit einer dritten Phase vorgesehen, wobei der dritte Bereich um eine zweite Phasendifferenz gegenüber dem zweiten Bereich verschoben ist. Eine Kamera ist an den Projektor gekoppelt und dafür konfiguriert, das Lichtmuster zu empfangen. Ein Prozessor ermittelt dreidimensionale Koordinaten von mindestens einem Punkt auf der Oberfläche aus dem reflektierten ...

Laserliniensonde mit verbessertem großen Dynamikbereich

Verfahren zum Messen von dreidimensionalen Koordinaten einer Oberfläche eines Objekts, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst: Bereitstellen eines Linienscanners, der einen Prozessor, einen Projektor und eine Kamera umfasst, wobei der Linienscanner einen ersten Bezugsrahmen aufweist, wobei der Projektor eine Lichtquelle und eine Projektorlinse umfasst, wobei die Lichtquelle dafür ausgelegt ist, eine Lichtlinie im Wesentlichen gerade auszugeben, wenn sie auf eine Ebene senkrecht zu einer Ausbreitungsrichtung der Lichtlinie projiziert wird, wobei der Projektor ein Projektorperspektivitätszentrum umfasst, wobei die Kamera eine lichtempfindliche Matrix und eine Kameralinse umfasst, wobei die Kamera ein Kameraperspektivitätszentrum umfasst, wobei die Kameralinse dafür ausgelegt ist, ein Bild eines Abschnitts der Oberfläche auf der lichtempfindlichen Matrix zu bilden, wobei die lichtempfindliche Matrix eine Matrix von Pixeln umfasst, wobei die Matrix von Pixeln M Reihen und N Spalten aufweist, ...

Kompensation eines Scanners mit strukturiertem Licht, der in sechs Freiheitsgraden verfolgt wird

Es ist ein Verfahren zur Ermittlung der dreidimensionalen Koordinaten von Punkten auf der Oberfläche eines Objekts vorgesehen. Das Verfahren umfasst das Bereitstellen eines Scanners mit strukturiertem Licht und eines Koordinatenmessgeräts. Das Koordinatenmessgerät verfolgt während des Betriebs die Lage und Orientierung des Scanners mit strukturiertem Licht. Die Lage- und Orientierungsdaten werden mit vom Scanner aufgenommenen Einzelbildern kombiniert, um die Registrierung der Einzelbilder relativ zueinander zu ermöglichen. Die dreidimensionalen Koordinaten von Punkten auf der Oberfläche des Objekts können dann im Bezugssystem des Koordinatenmessgeräts ermittelt werden.

Integriertes Temperaturmesssystem für Teile

Beispielhafte Ausgestaltungen umfassen ein tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät, das Folgendes umfasst: einen manuell positionierbaren Gelenkarm mit entgegengesetzten ersten und zweiten Enden, wobei der Arm mehrere verbundene Armsegmente umfasst, wobei jedes der Armsegmente mindestens ein Positionsmessgerät zur Erzeugung eines Positionssignals umfasst; eine Messvorrichtung, die an einem ersten Ende des Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgeräts befestigt ist; eine elektronische Schaltung zum Empfang der Positionssignale von den Positionsmessgeräten und zur Bereitstellung von Daten, die einer Lage der Messvorrichtung entsprechen; mindestens ein Sensorelement, welches auf dem Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät angeordnet ist, das auf elektromagnetische Strahlung anspricht und ein elektrisches Signal als Reaktion auf eine Temperatur eines Objekts erzeugt; und ein elektronisches System, das das elektrische Signal in einen Temperaturwert umwandelt.

Tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät mit abnehmbarem Zubehör

Tragbares Gelenkarm-Koordinatenmessgerät (Gelenkarm-KMG) zum Messen der Koordinaten eines Objekts im Raum, aufweisend: ein Unterteil (116); einen manuell positionierbaren Armabschnitt (104) mit entgegengesetzten ersten und zweiten Enden, wobei der Armabschnitt (104) drehbar an das Unterteil (116) gekoppelt ist, wobei der Armabschnitt (104) eine Vielzahl von verbundenen Armsegmenten (106, 108) umfasst, wobei jedes Armsegment (106, 108) mindestens ein Positionsmessgerät zur Erzeugung eines Positionssignals umfasst; eine an das erste Ende gekoppelte Messvorrichtung (118, 500, 600, 700); eine elektronische Schaltung (210), die das Positionssignal von dem mindestens einen Positionsmessgerät empfängt und Daten zur Verfügung stellt, die einer Position der Messvorrichtung (118) entsprechen; ein zwischen der Messvorrichtung (118, 500, 600, 700) und dem ersten Ende angeordnetes Sondenende (401), wobei das Sondenende (401) eine Befestigungsvorrichtung (438) sowie ein erstes Verbindungsstück (428) ...

Elektrochirurgischer Generator

Ein elektrochirurgischer Generator (1) umfasst eine Radiofrequenz(RF)-Energie, mindestens ein Paar Ausgangsanschlüsse zur Verbindung mit einem bipolaren elektrochirurgischen Instrument (3) und eine Impulsschaltung für die Quelle. Der Generator (1) liefert dem elektrochirurgischen Instrument (3) ein amplitudenmoduliertes RF-Stromsignal in Form einer Impulsfolge. Der elektrochirurgische Generator (1) hat einen gemischten Betriebsmodus, umfassend eine schnell wechselnde Sequenz eines ersten Schneidmodus und eines zweiten Koagulationsmodus. Der erste Schneidmodus umfasst Impulse (11) mit einer vorbestimmten Spannungsamplitude und einer ersten Impulsdauer, und der zweite Koagulationsmodus umfasst Impulse (13) mit einer ähnlichen Spannungsamplitude, aber einer kürzeren Impulsdauer.

Elektrochirurgisches Instrument

Ein elektrochirurgisches Instrument für die Behandlung von Gewebe umfasst einen longitudinalen Instrumentenschaft (7) mit einer zentralen Achse und einen Endeffektor (8) an dem distalen Ende des Schafts, wobei der Endeffektor wenigstens ein Element umfasst, das zwischen einer ersten und einer zweiten Position beweglich ist. Ein Aktuator (4) umfasst ein Griffstück (5), das zur Hin- und Herbewegung zwischen einer ersten Aktuatorposition und einer zweiten Aktuatorposition fähig ist, und einen Betätigungsdraht (38), der mit dem Aktuator zur Bewegung damit verbunden ist. Ein Bewegen des Aktuators (4) bewirkt, dass der Betätigungsdraht (38) das Element zwischen seiner ersten und seiner zweiten Position bewegt, wobei der Betätigungsdraht (38) längs entlang des Schafts (7) verläuft und von der zentralen Achse des Schafts zu einer Seite versetzt ist. Ein Kompensationsdraht (42) ist ebenfalls mit dem Aktuator (4) verbunden, wobei der Kompensationsdraht (42) längs entlang des Schafts verläuft und ...

Lighted Fittings for Bathing Installations

A fixture for through hole mounting to a panel includes a flange structure fabricated of a translucent material. The flange structure includes a body portion adapted to extend through a mount hole in the panel and having a outer peripheral portion, and a transverse flange portion having an outer size larger than the hole opening. A periphery flange portion overlaps the panel surrounding the hole when the flange structure is installed in the panel hole. A light source attachment portion is configured to direct light emitted from a light source into the body portion of the flange structure, so that at least some of the emitted light passes into the flange portion to illuminate the flange portion.

Microelectromechanical optical shutter system

A microelectromechanical shutter system includes an actuator beam formed in a substrate, at least one actuator electrode spaced apart and electrically isolated from the actuator beam, the at least one actuator electrode angling away from a base of the actuator beam to actuate the actuator beam using a zipper action, and a fiber-optic channel in the substrate to receive a fiber-optic cable. A shutter mirror is included on a distal end of the actuator beam, with the shutter mirror in substantial alignment with a centerline of the fiber-optic channel. Upon application of a voltage between the actuator beam and the at least one actuator electrode, an electrostatic force is created between them to move the shutter mirror across the end of the fiber-optic channel.

Source conditioning for imaging directional backlights

Disclosed is an imaging directional backlight apparatus for providing large area uniform directed illumination from localized light sources. Within an exemplary optical valve system, a waveguide comprises a stepped structure, where the steps comprise extraction features hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Such controlled illumination may provide for efficient, multi-user autostereoscopic displays as well as improved 2D display functionality. Illumination uniformity is provided by the positioning, packaging, and optically modifying of individual input sources. The latter employs non-imaging and refractive optics.

Controlling light sources of a directional backlight

Disclosed is an imaging directional backlight including an array of light sources, and a control system arranged to provide variable distribution of luminous fluxes, scaled inversely by the width associated with the respective light sources in the lateral direction, across the array of light sources. The luminous intensity distribution of output optical windows may be controlled to provide desirable luminance distributions in the window plane of an autostereoscopic display, a directional display operating in wide angle 2D mode, privacy mode and low power consumption mode. Image quality may be improved and power consumption reduced.

Method of manufacturing directional backlight apparatus and directional structured optical film

Disclosed is a manufacturing method for a stepped imaging directional backlight apparatus which may include a structured optical film and a tapered body. The structured optical film may include multiple optical functions and may be assembled by folding onto the tapered body, reducing cost and complexity of manufacture.

Stepped waveguide autostereoscopic display apparatus with a reflective directional element

An autostereoscopic display apparatus may include a stepped waveguide, optical elements, and one or more reflective imaging and/or directional elements. These elements may be arranged to return light from the stepped waveguide into an array of viewing windows. Such elements can be used to achieve observer tracking autostereoscopic display for landscape and portrait modes of operation. System thickness and cost may be reduced and system brightness can be increased or low operating power modes may be achieved.

Determining a collection of data visualizations

A set of transition characteristics can be identified. The set of transition characteristics can include continuities and discontinuities between data fields and data visualization channels among a plurality of data visualizations. The set of transition characteristics can be identified by analyzing the plurality of data visualizations and identifying similarities and differences among the data fields and the data visualization channels. A distribution of the data fields and the data visualization channels across the plurality of data visualizations can be determined. A collection of the data visualizations can be determined based on the distribution of the data fields and the data visualization channels across the plurality of data visualizations. The collection of the data visualizations can include at least a subset of the plurality of data visualizations.

Fiber Optic Position Sensing System

A fiber optic sensing system for determining the position of an object requires a light source, an optical fiber, a fiber optic splitter, a fiber tip lens, an optical detector and signal processing circuitry. Light emitted by the light source is conveyed via optical fiber and the splitter to the lens and onto an object, such that at least a portion of the light is reflected by the object and conveyed via fiber and the splitter to the detector. Signal processing circuitry coupled to the detector determines the position of the object with respect to the lens based on a characteristic of the reflected light. The system is suitably employed with a hydraulic accumulator having a piston, the position of which varies with the volume of fluid in the accumulator, with the system arranged to determine the position of the piston, from which the volume can be calculated.

Optical stack for switchable directional display

A privacy display comprises a spatial light modulator and a compensated switchable liquid crystal retarder arranged between first and second polarisers arranged in series with the spatial light modulator. In a privacy mode of operation, on-axis light from the spatial light modulator is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance. The visibility of the display to off-axis snoopers is reduced by means of luminance reduction over a wide polar field. In a wide angle mode of operation, the switchable liquid crystal retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance is substantially unmodified.

Mutation of the ear motif of class ii hd-zip polypeptides

The application describes producing polynucleotide variants of the AtHB 17 clade members and introducing the mutant variants into plants to improve plant traits. The mutant polynucleotides encode polypeptides that comprise mutations in the EAR motifs.

Privacy display apparatus

An imaging directional backlight apparatus including a waveguide, a light source array, for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure, in which the steps may further include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. The directional backlight may be arranged to switch between at least a first wide angular luminance profile mode and a second narrow angular luminance profile mode. The directional backlight is arranged to illuminate an LCD with a bias electrode arranged to switch liquid crystal directors in black state pixels between a first wide angular contrast profile mode and a second narrow angular contrast profile mode. Performance of privacy operation for off-axis snoopers is enhanced in comparison to displays with only directional backlights or switchable contrast properties.

Resource use efficiency improvement in plants

Polynucleotides and polypeptides incorporated into expression vectors are introduced into plants and were ectopically expressed. These polypeptides may confer at least one regulatory activity and increased yield, increased resource use efficiency, increased water use efficiency, increased light use efficiency, increased photosynthetic capacity, increased photosynthetic rate, increased photosynthetic resource use efficiency, greater vigor, and/or greater biomass as compared to a control plant.

Surface features for imaging directional backlights

An imaging directional backlight apparatus includes a waveguide and light source array for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure in which steps may include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a forward direction. Returning light propagating in a backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Viewing windows are formed through imaging individual light sources and defines the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. Alignment of the waveguide to mechanical and optical components may be provided by surface relief features of the waveguide arranged in regions adjacent the input surface and intermediate the light emitting regions of the light sources. Efficient, uniform operation may be achieved with low cross talk for application to autostereoscopic and privacy modes of operation.

Controlling light sources of a directional backlight

Disclosed is an imaging directional backlight including an array of light sources, and a control system arranged to provide variable distribution of luminous fluxes, scaled inversely by the width associated with the respective light sources in the lateral direction, across the array of light sources. The luminous intensity distribution of output optical windows may be controlled to provide desirable luminance distributions in the window plane of an autostereoscopic display, a directional display operating in wide angle 2D mode, privacy mode and low power consumption mode. Image quality may be improved and power consumption reduced.

Light input for directional backlight

A directional backlight may include a light guiding apparatus including at least one transparent optical waveguide for providing large area collimated illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide is arranged in a first part and a second part with a light injection aperture between the respective parts. Such controlled illumination may provide for efficient, multi-user autostereoscopic displays as well as improved 2D display functionality including high brightness displays and high display efficiency.

Control of Ambient Light for a Privacy Display

A control system for a switchable privacy display apparatus comprises an ambient light sensor, a controllable light source and a display controller arranged to control the light source and the display luminance. High image visibility is provided for public mode operation while in privacy mode visual security level above a perceived privacy threshold may be obtained by means of control of image luminance and display illuminance, in response to the output of the ambient light sensor.

Directional backlights with light emitting element packages

A light emitting diode package for a directional display may comprise light emitting diodes and a protection diode. The protection diode may be arranged in a well that is at a different location to the well that the light emitting diodes are arranged. The directional display may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include light extraction features arranged to direct light from an array of light sources by total internal reflection to an array of viewing windows and a reflector arranged to direct light from the waveguide by transmission through extraction features of the waveguide to the same array of viewing windows. The brightness of the directional display can be increased. An efficient and bright directional display system can be achieved. Efficient light baffling for light escaping from the edge of the waveguide is achieved through light deflecting extraction films.

Optical stack for privacy display

A display apparatus comprises at least one spatial light modulator and at least one curved view angle control element that comprises plural retarders arranged between the display polariser of each spatial light modulator, and an additional polariser. The curvature of the view angle control element provides increased luminance uniformity for a head-on user and increased visual security to an off-axis snooper.

Illumination and display apparatus

An illumination apparatus comprises a first substrate, an optical structure, an array of light emitting elements disposed on the first substrate and between the first substrate and the optical structure, and a mask comprising a plurality of apertures therein. The optical structure is configured to receive light emitted by the array of light emitting elements, direct the received light into a direction away from the first substrate, direct at least some of the light which has been directed away from the first substrate back towards the first substrate, and direct at least some of the light which has been directed back towards the first substrate through the plurality of apertures of the mask.

Reflective optical stack for privacy display

A privacy display comprises a polarised output spatial light modulator, reflective polariser, plural polar control retarders and a polariser. In a privacy mode of operation, on-axis light from the spatial light modulator is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance. Further, display reflectivity is reduced for on-axis reflections of ambient light, while reflectivity is increased for off-axis light. The visibility of the display to off-axis snoopers is reduced by means of luminance reduction and increased frontal reflectivity to ambient light. In a public mode of operation, the liquid crystal retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance and reflectivity are unmodified.

Illumination apparatus

An illumination apparatus comprises a plurality of LEDs aligned to an array of directional optical elements wherein the LEDs are substantially at the input aperture of respective optical elements. An electrode array is formed on the array of optical elements to provide at least a first electrical connection to the array of LED elements. Advantageously such an arrangement provides low cost and high efficiency from the directional LED array.

Directional display apparatus

A switchable privacy display comprises a spatial light modulator (SLM), a first switchable liquid crystal (LC) retarder and first passive retarder between a first pair of polarisers and a second switchable LC retarder and second passive retarder between a second pair of polarisers. The first switchable LC retarder comprises a homeotropic alignment layer and a homogeneous alignment layer. The second switchable LC crystal retarder comprises two homeotropic alignment layers or two homogeneous alignment layers. In landscape or portrait privacy mode, on-axis light from the SLM is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance to reduce visibility to off-axis snoopers. Display reflectivity may be reduced for on-axis reflections of ambient light, while reflectivity may be increased for off-axis light to achieve increased visual security. In public mode, the LC retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance and reflectivity are unmodified. The display may switch between day-time and night-time operation.

Segmented imaging directional backlights

An imaging directional backlight apparatus includes a waveguide and a light source array, providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure, and the steps may further include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a forward direction. Returning light propagating in a backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Viewing windows are formed through imaging individual light sources and define the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. The imaging directional backlight apparatus further includes multiple waveguides with light extraction features arranged to provide uniform output luminance at the seam between the waveguides.

Illumination apparatus

A directional illumination apparatus comprises a catadioptric micro-optic array comprising a reflective surface comprising light reflecting facets and an output transmissive surface comprising refractive structures. An array of micro-LEDs is arranged between the reflective surface and output transmissive surface and arranged to illuminate the reflective surface. The light reflecting facets and refractive structures cooperate to provide a uniform output illumination across the output aperture of the array with collimated output. A thin and efficient illumination apparatus may be used for switching display backlighting or environmental illumination applications.

Illumination apparatus

An illumination apparatus comprises a plurality of LEDs aligned to an array of directional optical elements wherein the LEDs are substantially at the input aperture of respective optical elements. An electrode array is formed on the array of optical elements to provide at least a first electrical connection to the array of LED elements. Advantageously such an arrangement provides low cost and high efficiency from the directional LED array.

Directional display apparatus

Disclosed is a light guiding valve apparatus including an imaging directional backlight, an illuminator array and an observer tracking system arranged to achieve control of an array of illuminators which may provide a directional display to an observer over a wide lateral and longitudinal viewing range, wherein the number of optical windows presented to the observer as viewing windows is controlled dependent on the lateral and longitudinal position or speed of an observer.

Surface features for imaging directional backlights

An imaging directional backlight apparatus includes a waveguide and light source array for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure in which steps may include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a forward direction. Returning light propagating in a backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Viewing windows are formed through imaging individual light sources and defines the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. Alignment of the waveguide to mechanical and optical components may be provided by surface relief features of the waveguide arranged in regions adjacent the input surface and intermediate the light emitting regions of the light sources. Efficient, uniform operation may be achieved with low cross talk for application to autostereoscopic and privacy modes of operation.

Fold flat respirators and processes for preparing same

A fold flat respirator is provided. The respirator has a central portion having upper and lower edges, and joined to the upper edge of the central portion through either a fold-line or a bond, an upper portion adapted to fit over the nose of a wearer and joined to the lower edge of the central portion through either a fold-line or a bond, a lower portion adapted to fit over the chin of a wearer. At least one of the central, upper and lower portions is formed from filter media and the unjoined edges of the central, upper and lower portions are adapted to contact the nose, cheeks and chin of the wearer. Also provided are processes for producing the respirator.

Directional illumination apparatus and privacy display

A directional backlight comprises an array of mini-LEDs and an optical waveguide with first and second light guiding surfaces comprising apertures aligned to the array of mini-LEDs. A light turning element is arranged to collect light output from the waveguide for input into a spatial light modulator. The waveguide has an array of light deflecting features arranged on at least one guiding surface and an opposing surface so that a collimated output is provided with reduced power consumption and increased dynamic range in comparison to conventional backlights. A switchable privacy display with high visual security in privacy mode may be achieved.

Switchable illumination apparatus and privacy display

A directional illumination apparatus comprises a waveguide with a reflective surface comprising reflective light input facets, reflective light extraction facets and an output transmissive surface. An array of sub-arrays of micro-LEDs is arranged to illuminate the reflective surface in a rearwards direction. The reflective light extraction facets cooperate to provide a uniform output illumination across the output aperture of the waveguide with collimated light that is controllable by control of the sub-arrays of micro-LEDs. A thin and efficient illumination apparatus may be used for switching high dynamic range display backlighting, privacy display or environmental illumination applications.

Illumination apparatus including mask with plurality of apertures and display apparatus comprising same

An illumination apparatus comprises a first substrate, an optical structure, an array of light emitting elements disposed on the first substrate and between the first substrate and the optical structure, and a mask comprising a plurality of apertures therein. The optical structure is configured to receive light emitted by the array of light emitting elements, direct the received light into a direction away from the first substrate, direct at least some of the light which has been directed away from the first substrate back towards the first substrate, and direct at least some of the light which has been directed back towards the first substrate through the plurality of apertures of the mask.

Polarization recovery in a directional display device

Disclosed is an imaging directional backlight polarization recovery apparatus including an imaging directional backlight with at least a polarization sensitive reflection component with optional polarization transformation and redirection elements. Viewing windows may be formed through imaging individual light sources and hence defines the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. The base imaging directional backlight systems provide substantially unpolarized light primarily for the illumination of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) resulting in at least 50% loss in light output when using a conventional sheet polarizer as input to the display. The invention herein introduces a polarization sensitive reflecting element to separate desired and undesired polarization states for the purposes of transformation and redirection of the reflected light for usable illumination. Polarization transformation and redirection can be provided by additional components such as retarder films and specular mirror surfaces.

Condensed N-aclyindoles as antitumor agents

The invention provides compounds of general formula (I), wherein: X is halogen or OSO 2 R, where R represents H or is unsubstituted or hydroxy-or amino-substituted lower alkyl; Y is a nitro or amine group or a substituted derivative thereof; W is selected from the structures of formulae (Ia, Ib or Ic), where E is --N═ or --CH═, G is O, S, or NH, and Q is either up to three of R, OR, NRR, NO 2 , CONHR, NHCOR or NHCONHR, or is an additional group of formulae (Ia, Ib or Ic) and HET represents a 5- or 6-membered carbocycle or heterocycle; and A and B collectively represent a fused benzene or 2-CO 2 R pyrrole ring. In one embodiment, the group Y is an amine derivative substituted by a group which is a substrate for a nitroreductase or carboxypeptidase enzyme such that one of said enzymes is able to bring about removal of that group. ##STR1##

Bitumastic simulated paved surface

A method of laying a bitumastic simulated paved surface includes spreading a layer of hot bitumastic material on a foundation layer, the bitumastic material including a thermoplastic rubber copolymer material, filler and reinforcing fibres, allowing the bitumastic material to cool and set, heating the surface of the bitumastic material to soften it for moulding purposes, and imprinting the softened surface with a pattern of grooves to provide simulated gaps between simulated slabs of paving. A layer of bitumastic material has a simulated paved surface, including bitumen, hydrocarbon resin, block copolymer rubber, fillers and reinforcing fibre material, and a groove pattern is impressed into the upper surface of the layer in a pattern to simulate the joints in a paved surface. A road speed control hump of material, includes a hump of material applied to the road, the material including a mixture having rubber chips bound together with a bituminous binder, and a layer applied to the surface of the hump.

Method and apparatus for obtaining blood for diagnostic test

【課題】血液を信頼できる無痛方法で採取する為の方法及び装置を提供する。 【解決手段】方法は（ａ）血液サンプルを抜き取る皮膚面に非閉塞開口を形成するステップ及び（ｂ）皮膚の非閉塞開口から血液サンプルを真空及び皮膚伸張の補助により抜き取るステップを含む。装置は（ａ）サンプルを抜き取る皮膚面に非閉塞開口を形成するためのデバイス、好ましくは切開アセンブリ及び（ｂ）真空ポンプを含む。好ましくは前記装置はハウジングをも含む。更に、空気圧切開アセンブリを含み、この空気圧切開アセンブリはランセットを皮膚組織に押出すために差ガス圧を用いる。更に、血液を回収し、血液中のアナライトを検出し得る物品を含む。この物品は物品の検出素子により発生する信号を測定するメータと組み合わせて使用され得る。 【選択図】図２

Temperature setting device, equipment and method for thermotherapy using the same

(57)【要約】 【課題】 最小限の循環流体を用いるだけで、流体加熱 のエネルギー消費が最小であり、流体が漏れた場合に生 じるダメージを最小に抑えることができるような流体誘 起温度治療により、目標組織を選択的に治療する。 【解決手段】 温度治療装置は、循環流体を受ける比較 的導電性が低いチューブ状エレメント３と、このチュー ブ状エレメントを受容して固定保持するとともに、チュ ーブ状エレメントを電気回路と電気接続させるためのハ ウジングエレメントと、この電気回路に電気接続可能な トランス１１とから構成される。チューブ状エレメント はその両端が、電気絶縁されるとともに断熱された絶縁 チューブ（配管）エレメントに接続される。チューブ状 エレメント３の温度を検出するセンサ９を有し、センサ ９およびトランス１１はコントローラ１２と電気接続さ れる。センサ９により検出された温度に基づいてトラン ス１１のデューティサイクルを制御する。

Wide angle imaging directional backlights

An imaging directional backlight apparatus including a waveguide, a light source array, for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure, in which the steps may further include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide, in operation, luminance streaks and bright illumination regions may be formed due to undesirable imaging characteristics from the structure of the Fresnel mirror. Fresnel mirror draft facets and reflective facet microstructures are provided that achieve reduction of visibility' of light streaks and bright illumination regions.

Supported zeo-type membrane

Novel membranes comprise crystals of a zeo-type material carried by a porous support. The crystal growth of the zeo-type material is essentially continuous over the pores of the support and the zeo-type material is crystallized directly from and bonds directly to the support. Membranes may be prepared by immersing the support in a synthesis gel, crystallizing the gel, removing the support, and repeating these steps at least once.

Membranes

Novel membranes comprise crystals of a zeo-type material carried by a porous support. The crystal growth of the zeo-type material is essentially continuous over the pores of the support and the zeo-type material is crystallized directly from and bonds directly to the support. Membranes may be prepared by immersing the support in a synthesis gel, crystallizing the gel, removing the support, and repeating these steps at least once.

Safety razors

Safety razors comprise frames in which blade members are mounted in such a manner as to permit their angular displacement to change their shaving angle in use. The blade members are pivotally or hingedly mounted and are spring biassed to a normal position in which their shaving angles are at a maximum value. When, in use, the razor experiences high drag forces, the blade members are caused to move so as to reduce their shaving angles. The blade members may respond directly to drag forces applied to them or indirectly in response to deflection of guard members under high drag forces.

Electrochemical sensor

An electrode strip for use in an electrochemical sensor for measuring a compound in a sample is provided, including an electrode support, a reference or counter electrode disposed on the support, a working electrode spaced from the reference or counter electrode on the support, a covering layer defining an enclosed space over the reference and working electrodes and having an aperture for receiving a sample into the enclosed space, and a plurality of mesh layers interposed in the enclosed space between the covering layer and the support, the covering layer having a sample application aperture spaced from said electrodes and said reference electrode spaced from said working electrode at a position remote from and on the opposite side of said working electrode from said aperture. The working electrode includes an enzyme capable of catalyzing a reaction involving a substrate for the enzyme or a substrate catalytically reactive with an enzyme and a mediator capable of transferring electrons transferred between the enzyme-catalyzed reaction and the working electrode to create a current representative of the activity of the enzyme and representative of the compound.

Method and apparatus for obtaining blood for diagnostic tests

Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a blood collection device over a region on the surface of the skin from which said sample is to be obtained, (b) forming a seal between said blood collection device and said surface of the skin, (c) creating a vacuum sufficient to result in said surface of the skin becoming stretched and engorged with blood, (d) triggering a lancing assembly and causing a lancet to penetrate said skin, (e) retracting said lancet, (f) withdrawing blood toward and onto a fluid collector, and (g) releasing the vacuum. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a housing having a sealable chamber located therein and a sealable opening in fluid communication with said sealable chamber, (b) a power source, (c) a vacuum pump operably connected to said power source, said vacuum pump in communication with said sealable chamber, (d) a lancing assembly positioned within said housing, said lancing assembly capable of moving a lancet towards said sealable opening, and (e) a fluid collector positioned in said sealable chamber, said fluid collector in fluid communication with said sealable opening.

Muscarinic agonists

Substituted 1,4,5,6 -tetrahydropyrimidine compositions, substituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine compositions and substituted 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine compositions are disclosed. They are useful for stimulating muscarinic receptors including, for example, treating the symptoms of cognitive disorders, especially impared memory, which are associated with decreased acetylcholine synthesis and cholinergic cell degeneration.

Bioactive fusion proteins comprising the p35 and p40 subunits of IL-12

Fusion proteins, such as a bio active IL-12 polypeptide, which comprise at least two polypeptide monomers (chains of amino acids) joined through a heterologous polypeptide linker and which are bioactive, as well as to their production.

Privacy display apparatus

Stabilization for privacy display

A display comprises a polarised output spatial light modulator, switchable liquid crystal retarder, absorbing polariser and touch panel electrodes. The switchable liquid crystal layer is stabilised by a cured reactive mesogen material during application of an applied voltage. Light scatter in privacy mode is reduced and visual security level enhanced. Visibility of disclinations during application of applied pressure, for example from a finger on a touch screen is minimised.

Privacy display apparatus

A control system for a switchable privacy display apparatus comprises an ambient light sensor and a display luminance controller arranged to control the luminance of the display in response to measured illuminance. High image visibility is provided for public mode operation while in privacy mode visual security level above a perceived privacy threshold may be obtained by means of control of image luminance, in response to the output of the ambient light sensor.

Directional display apparatus

A switchable privacy display comprises a spatial light modulator (SLM), a first switchable liquid crystal (LC) retarder and first passive retarder between a first pair of polarisers and a second switchable LC retarder and second passive retarder between a second pair of polarisers. The first switchable LC retarder comprises a homeotropic alignment layer and a homogeneous alignment layer. The second switchable LC crystal retarder comprises two homeotropic alignment layers or two homogeneous alignment layers. In landscape or portrait privacy mode, on-axis light from the SLM is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance to reduce visibility to off-axis snoopers. Display reflectivity may be reduced for on-axis reflections of ambient light, while reflectivity may be increased for off-axis light to achieve increased visual security. In public inode, the LC retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance and reflectivity' are unmodified. The display may switch between day-time and night-time operation.

Tool-less rekeyable lock cylinder

Compounds having antitumor and antibacterial properties

The novel class of xanthenone-4-acetic acids represented by the general formula (I) ##STR1## where R 1 represents up to two of the groups lower alkyl, halogen, CF 3 , CN, NO 2 , NH 2 , CH 2 COOH, OR 2 , OH, NHCOR 2 , NHSO 2 R 2 , SR 2 , SO 2 R 2 , CH 2 CONHR 2 or NHR 2 (where R 2 is lower alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, amino or methoxy functions), at any of the positions 1-8 which are available, R 1 may also represent the substitution of an aza (--N═) group for one or two of the methine (--CH═) groups in the carbocyclic rings and two of R 1 on any two available adjacent positions may also represent the grouping --CH═CH--CH═CH-- to form an additional fused benzene ring; and basic addition salts thereof, possess antitumour and antibacterial properties.

Multi-spindle cnc lathe

Hydrodynamic separators, assemblies and methods for storm water treatment

A hydrodynamic separator for storm water includes weirs and a first plate within a housing to create a pretreatment area for the storm water. The separator further includes a hollow inner member for inducing rotational flow of water and having an outlet below the first plate which outlet is connected to a lower second plate. Solids further settle from the water in the housing below the lower second plate. A water exit path exists between the two plates.

Process for preparing substituted guanidines

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Pharmacologically active compounds of the formula: wherein R1 represents Het-CH2S(CH2)2-wherein Het is imidazole optionally substituted by (C1-4) alkyl, and R2 is hydrogen or (C1-4) alkyl. The compound can be in the form of a hydrate, a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt or a hydrated salt thereof. The compounds are histamine H2-antagonists and are useful as inhibitors of gastric acid secretion, as anti-inflammatory agents and as agents which act on the cardiovascular system.

Separation of minerals

ABSTRACT Minerals in low concentration are separated from an ore body by treating the mineral to give it a lyophilic surface, grinding and forming a slurry and then carrying out an agglomeration treatment with addition of an oil and agglom-erates of the mineral having a size below 500 microns. The agglomeration treatment is continued with recyling of the agglomerates to increase the mineral content in the agglomer-ates. Suitable minerals are cassiterite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena.

¬(phenyl-sulphamoyl or sulphonamido)- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-2-yl| alkyl acid

ABSTRACT The invention provides compounds of the formula (I): (I) and salts thereof; wherein A is a group NR3SO2 or SO2NR3: B is an acyclic hydrocarbon group having from one to six linear carbon atoms, provided that the carbon atom attached to the nitrogen atom is saturated: Y is CO2H or a group hydrolysable to CO2H; R1 is phenyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents chosen from the group comprising halogen, C1-4alkyl, C1-6acyl, C1-4alkoxy, nitro and trifluoromethyl; R2 is hydrogen or one or more C1-4alkyl substituents located at the 1, 3 and 4 positions of the isoquinoline ring: and R3 is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods for making them and the use of the compounds as thromboxane A2 antagonists.

Wide angle imaging directional backlights

An imaging directional backlight apparatus includes a waveguide and a light source array for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure. The steps may include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features, providing discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Viewing windows are formed through imaging individual light sources and define the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. The uncorrected system creates non-illuminated void portions when viewed off-axis preventing uniform wide angle 2D illumination modes. The input end may have microstructures arranged to remove this non uniformity at wide angles. The microstructures may have reduced reflectivity for parts of the input end that contribute to stray light in privacy and autostereoscopic modes.

Method and apparatus for offshore operations

ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE Methods and apparatus for offshore operations including individually significant aspects comprising: 1. Methods and apparatus for providing lateral force transmitting arch means extending across a vessel passageway which is laterally bounded by upwardly projecting portions of a substructure and bounded on the top by an integrated deck: 2. Methods and apparatus for assemblying an integrated deck with a substructure wherein there are effected horizontal and vertical shock absorbing action, motion dampening, and desired alignment; and 3. Methods and apparatus for assemblying an integrated deck with a substructure wherein, at a relatively slower rate, an integrated deck is lowered into engagement with a substructure and, at a subsequent more rapid rate, a vessel initially support-ing the integrated deck is vertically separated therefrom.

Illumination apparatus

An illumination apparatus comprises a plurality of LEDs aligned to an array of directional optical elements wherein the LEDs are substantially at the input aperture of respective optical elements. An electrode array is formed on the array of optical elements to provide at least a first electrical connection to the array of LED elements. Advantageously such an arrangement provides low cost and high efficiency from the directional LED array.

Directional display apparatus

A switchable privacy display comprises a spatial light modulator (SLM), a first switchable liquid crystal (LC) retarder and first passive retarder between a first pair of polarisers and a second switchable LC retarder and second passive retarder between a second pair of polarisers. The first switchable LC retarder comprises a homeotropic alignment layer and a homogeneous alignment layer. The second switchable LC crystal retarder comprises two homeotropic alignment layers or two homogeneous alignment layers. In landscape or portrait privacy mode, on-axis light from the SLM is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance to reduce visibility to off-axis snoopers. Display reflectivity may be reduced for on-axis reflections of ambient light, while reflectivity may be increased for off-axis light to achieve increased visual security. In public mode, the LC retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance and reflectivity are unmodified. The display may switch between day-time and night-time operation.

Flat-folded personal breathing apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

Reflective optical stack for privacy display

Interproximal brush

An interproximal brush (10) has an elongated one piece body member (12) forming a planar surface (22) disposed between two leg members (18, 20) from which a substantially rigid boss (24) extends for supporting a brush member (14). A plurality of hinges (26, 28, 30, 32) are formed in the body member (12) at either end of the boss (24) and the leg members (18, 20) are folded and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface (22) rotates to move the brush (14) from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members (18, 20) to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members (18, 20), when the leg members (18, 20) are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member (12) may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush (14) within the leg members (18, 20), or a bumper (100) may be provided for supporting the planar surface (22) when the brush (14) is rotated.

Nitroaniline-based alkylating agents and their use as prodrugs

Nitroaniline-based unsymmetrical mustards of the general formula (I) are provided, together with methods of preparation and methods for their use as produgs for gene-dependent enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) and cell ablation therapy in conjuction with nitroreductase enzymes as hypoxia selective cytotoxins and as anticancer agents.

Interproximal brush

Combination hepatitis c virus antigen and antibody detection method

An in vitro method that allows detection of hepatitis C by detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and antibodies to HCV core protein (anti-core antibodies) in a single assay is provided. Cross-reactivity is eliminated in the method preferably by utilizing short peptides, each of which has an amino acid sequence that corresponds to an immunodominant region of the native core protein but which does not wholly encompass the epitope bound by the antibodies utilized in the method. The method can be used to detect the presence of HCV in a subject, and/or to determine the suitability of donor blood or blood products for transfusion purposes. Also provided are diagnostic kits for carrying out the method and a process for selecting suitable capture peptides and monoclonal antibodies for use in the combination method.

Derivatives of benzo-1,2,4-triazines

ABSTRACT The invention concerns novel compounds of the formula I I The compounds are herbicides and in further embodiments the invention provides processes for the preparation of compounds of formula I, intermediates useful in the preparation of compounds of formula I, herbicidal compositions containing as active ingredient a compound of formula I, and processes for severely damaging or killing unwanted plants by applying to the plants or to the growth medium of the plants an effective amount of a compound of formula I.

Adjustment of perceived roundness in stereoscopic image of a head

In telecommunication video calling and videoconferencing systems, it is strongly desirable for remote observers to interact with natural gaze cues. In natural gaze interaction, the camera for a source observer appears to be co-located in the eye region of a destination observer image and vice versa. The appearance of camera co-location is achieved for stereoscopic camera pair that are placed either side of an autostereoscopic 3D display. Such cameras typically provide stereoscopic images that have disparity distributions that provide unnatural perceived head roundness. The present embodiments achieve perceived head roundness that is closer to that expected in natural face to face interaction by modification of perceived local depth in detected regions of the head.

Low volume electrochemical sensor

"SENSOR ELETROQUìMICO DE BAIXO VOLUME" Uma tira de eletrodo de sensor eletroquímico, que mede concentração de analita, em uma amostra aquosa tão pequena quanto de 2,5 a 2,0 Ál, é descrita. A redução na dimensão da amostra mínima é obtida por meio de um revestimento dielétrico impregnado nas regiões periféricas de uma ou mais camadas de malha hidrofílicas, reduzindo assim o volume morto da amostra. As camadas de malha são localizadas entre um suporte dos eletrodos e uma camada de cobertura, cuja camada de cobertura inclui uma abertura localizada a montante de um arranjo dos eletrodos.

Linear motor compressor with stationary piston

LINEAR MOTOR COMPRESSOR WITH STATIONARY PISTON Abstract of the Disclosure A linear motor compressor within a cryogenic refrigerator wherein the compressor space, within which a gaseous flud is alternately compressed and expanded, is formed by a stationary piston (11) and a reciprocating armature (10) that is concentric about the piston. The armature is supported along a clearance seal with the stationary piston. An axial bore (14) along the stationary piston conveys gaseous fluid from the compression space (24) to a displacer within the cold finger of the cryogenic refrigerator. An isolator for reducing transmission into and out of the compressor comprising a dynamic absorber (40) and flat springs (61, 71) mounted with a damping material (95, 96) between the compressor and a mounting frame. A sensor (80) for detecting the position of the armature utilizes a target magnet (81) whose magnetic flux lines are decoupled from the flux lines generated about the coil.

Switchable directional display apparatus

A switchable directional display apparatus comprises a spatial light modulator and a backlight comprising a waveguide, two light sources arranged to provide illumination through the edge of the waveguide and a switchable liquid crystal retarder. The light sources and switchable liquid crystal retarder may be controlled to provide a first operating state with a narrow field of view and a second operating state with a wide field of view. Image visibility in wide angle mode of operation may be maximised while visual security level may be maximised in a narrow angle mode of operation, to provide an efficient privacy mode of operation.

Pharmacologically active isothioureas derivatives

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Compounds of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 3 to 6, R is lower alkyl or

Time base circuit

Ring laser rotational rate sensor

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An improved ring laser rotational rate sensor includes a pair of lasing cavities, each of which is comprised of a non-planar arrangement of four cavity segments. Common gain and biasing media are associated with closely-spaced segments of the two cavities. The non-planar cavity geometry supports only circularly optically polarized lasing modes thereby requiring no intracavity elements for optical biasing and eliminating the need for dithering of mirrors to control optical path length.

Therapeutic substituted guanidines

The present invention provides therapeutically useful substituted guanidines of formula (I) and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise one or more of such guanidines.

Master cylinder assembly for a vehicle hydraulic braking system

In a master cylinder assembly comprising two pedal-operated master cylinders, each master cylinder comprises a pedal-operated piston of stepped outline working in a complementary stepped bore in a housing and having an inner end of smaller area carrying a first seal and an outer end of greater area carrying a second seal, a pressure space in the bore in advance of the inner end of the piston, a quick-fill chamber defined in the bore between the inner and outer ends of the piston, a normally-open recuperation valve providing communication between a reservoir for fluid and the pressure space at least when the piston is in a retracted position, and a normally-closed pressure-limiting valve assembly between the quick-fill chamber and the same or a second reservoir. The pressure-limiting valve assembly is adapted to open at a threshold value when the piston is moved in a brake-applying direction and following closure of the recuperation valve and the transfer of fluid to the pressure-space to take up the braking clearances, further movement of the piston in the same direction pressurizes fluid in the pressure space to apply the brake. The two quick-fill chambers are connected through a transfer passage so that fluid can be transferred between the two quick-fill chambers when both master cylinders are operated simultaneously at least until the said threshold value is attained.

Wide angle imaging directional backlights

An imaging directional backlight apparatus including a waveguide, a light source array, for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure, in which the steps may further include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second deflected direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Viewing windows are formed through imaging individual light sources from the side of the waveguide and hence defines the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. A directional backlight with small footprint and low thickness may be provided.

Process for the preparation of bis(heteroarylmethylthioethylguanidino) alkanes and the bis(heteroarylmethylthioethylguanidino) alkanes so formed

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A compound of the formula wherein X3 and X4, which may be the same or different, are NY wherein Y is hydrogen, lower alkyl, or cyano; R3 and R4 which may be the same or different, each represent a grouping of the structure Het-(CH2)mZ(CH2)n-where Het is 4-imidazolyl, or a 4-imidazolyl ring substituted by lower alkyl, or is 2-thiaszolyl; Z is sulphur; m is 1 and n is 2; W is NH, and when X3 and X4 are both NH, W may also be sulphur; and p is an integer from 9 to 12; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof is provided herein by means of an addition reaction and optionally a further hydrolysis reaction. These compounds are useful as histamine H2-antagonist, which are useful as inhibitors of gastric acid secretion, as antiinflammatory agents, and as agents, and as agents which act on the cardiovascular system.

Therapeutic substituted guanidines

The present invention provides therapeutically useful substituted guanidines and methods of treatment and pharmaceutical compositions that utilize or comprise one or more of such guanidines.

Preparation of conjugated dienes

ABSTRACT The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a conjugated diene from the corresponding carbonyl compound having the same number of carbon atoms by dehydration at a temperature of 300° to 450°C using a catalyst comprising aluminium phosphate having the cristobalite structure. This catalyst is superior to aluminium phosphate having the tridymite structure in the dehydration of carbonyl compounds and has advantages over boron phosphate catalysts. Using the process, isoprene may be prepared from 2-methyl butanal and/or methyl isopropyl ketone in high yields. Unexpectedly aluminium phosphate having the cristobalite structure is markedly superior to boron phosphate in converting methyl isopropyl ketone, which is an intermediate product formed in appreciable amounts in the dehydration of 2-methyl butanal to isoprene. This superiority significantly improves the process economics of the conversion reaction of 2-methyl butanal to isoprene.

Closing device for high voltage cable connections

Optical waveguide for directional backlight

A switchable directional backlight for a privacy display comprises a waveguide with first and second opposing input ends and a turning film arranged to collect light output from the waveguide for input into a spatial light modulator. The waveguide has an array of light deflecting features arranged on one guiding surface and an opposing planar surface. Light deflecting features are arranged such that light input from the first input end is output with a narrow angular range and light input from the second input end is output with a wide angular range.

Ring laser gyroscope cavity length control apparatus and method

RING LASER GYROSCOPE CAVITY LENGTH CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An apparatus and method for path length control for a laser gyro using two external gain cells and the shifted gain spectra of two neon isotopes. The laser cavity is stabilized by detecting the difference in the amplification ratebetween the two gain cells that are traversed by two rays. Absorption cells may be used to replace the gain cells.

Therapeutic substitute guanidines

Imidazolyl thioureas, ureas and guanidines

The compounds are N,N' -substituted thioureas, ureas and guanidines which are H-2 histamine receptor inhibitors. Two compounds of this invention are N,N'-bis[2-((4-methyl-5-imidazolyl)methylthio)ethyl] thiourea and N,N'-bis[2-((4-methyl-5-imidazolyl)methylthio)ethyl]-N''-cyanoguanidine.,

Compounds and compositions

ABSTRACT The invention concerns novel compounds of the formula I I The compounds are herbicides and in further embodiments the invention provides: processes for the preparation of compounds of formula I; intermediates useful in the preparation of compounds of formula 1; compositions containing as active ingredient compounds of formula I; and processes for severely damaging or killing unwanted plants by applying to the plants or to the growth medium of the plants an effective amount of a compound of formula I.

Mineral separation

ABSTRACT Gold or any desired mineral treated to have a lyophilic surface, is recovered from ore bodies by an agglomeration method in which coal and oil are added to the ground or slurry and contacted in a zone where any agglomerates are kept below 500 microns in size. Subsequently the mix is passed to an agglomeration zone where agglomerates of coal oil and gold or the lyophilic mineral are formed. The agglomerates are separated from the gangue and recycled to the contacting zone until a desired gold or mineral concentration in the agglomer-ates is achieved.

Autostereoscopic display device

An auto stereoscopic 3D display comprises a hybrid sandwich comprising a first lenticular screen, a spatial light modulator, a diffuser, and second lenticular screen. A plurality of light sources produce in turn divergent light beams which are modulated by the modulator with two interlaced views. The hybrid sandwich projects the views in different directions towards an observer. The different 2D views are thus visible from directions corresponding to the directions in which the views were captured during recording of a 3D image. Each eye of the observer sees a single view across the whole of the display.

Muscarinic agonists

Substituted 1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine compositions, substituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine compositions and substituted 3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine compositions of the formulae (see formulae I, II, III) where A, R and Z, are various functional groups, are disclosed. They are useful for stimulating muscarinic receptors including, for example, treating the symptoms of cognitive disorders, especially impaired memory, which are associated with decreased acetylcholine synthesis and cholinergic cell degeneration.

Hydrodynamic separators, assemblies, and methods for storm water treatment

A hydrodynamic separator for storm water includes weirs and a first plate within a housing to create a pretreatment area for the storm water. The separator further includes a hollow inner member for inducing rotational flow of water and having an outlet below the first plate which outlet is connected to a lower second plate. Solids further settle from the water in the housing below the lower second plate. A water exit path exists between the two plates.

Directional display apparatus

A switchable privacy display comprises a spatial light modulator (SLM), a first switchable liquid crystal (LC) retarder and first passive retarder between a first pair of polarisers and a second switchable LC retarder and second passive retarder between a second pair of polarisers. The first switchable LC retarder comprises a homeotropic alignment layer and a homogeneous alignment layer. The second switchable LC crystal retarder comprises two homeotropic alignment layers or two homogeneous alignment layers. In landscape or portrait privacy mode, on-axis light from the SLM is directed without loss, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance to reduce visibility to off-axis snoopers. Display reflectivity may be reduced for on-axis reflections of ambient light, while reflectivity may be increased for off-axis light to achieve increased visual security. In public inode, the LC retardance is adjusted so that off-axis luminance and reflectivity' are unmodified. The display may switch between day-time and night-time operation.

Multi-spindle CNC lathe

A multi-spindle CNC lathe comprises a frame assembly mounted on a base and including spaced apart, rigidly interconnected subframes defining spaced, parallel alignment surfaces. A plurality of spindles each includes a collet for rotating a stock about a spindle axis. An indexing mechanism positions the spindles in alignment with work stations located at equally spaced intervals about a central axis. Internal tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of one of the subframes each comprise a servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool along a work station axis. External tool slides mounted on the alignment surface of the other subframe each comprise a first servo mechanism for advancing and retracting a cutting tool toward and away from the work station axis and a second servo mechanism for selectively moving the cutting tool back and forth along a path extending parallel to the work station axis.

Wide angle imaging directional backlights

An imaging directional backlight apparatus including a waveguide, a light source array, for providing large area directed illumination from localized light sources. The waveguide may include a stepped structure, in which the steps may further include extraction features optically hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Viewing windows are formed through imaging individual light sources and hence defines the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. Lateral non-uniformities of output image are improved by means of adjustment of input aperture shape and reflective aperture shape. Cross talk in autostereoscopic and privacy displays may further be improved by light blocking layers arranged on the input end of the waveguide.

Illumination apparatus having an array of micro-LEDs and a plurality of catadioptric optical elements configured to output light from the array of micro-LEDs

A directional illumination apparatus comprises a catadioptric micro-optic array comprising a reflective surface comprising light reflecting facets and an output transmissive surface comprising refractive structures. An array of micro-LEDs is arranged between the reflective surface and output transmissive surface and arranged to illuminate the reflective surface. The light reflecting facets and refractive structures cooperate to provide a uniform output illumination across the output aperture of the array with collimated output. A thin and efficient illumination apparatus may be used for switching display backlighting or environmental illumination applications.

Housing for high voltage cabe connection: housing halves containing insulating gel with relatively high interfacial dielectric strength

A closure is provided for connections between high voltage cables and other electrical equipment, such as another high voltage cable, a transformer, or switch gear. Insulation is provided by an insulating gel which forms interfaces with itself and/or materials of the cable or other electrical equipment. The interfaces have a high interfacial dielectric strength, which prevents failure along the interfaces.

Pulse amplifier

Directional display apparatus

A switchable privacy display for an automotive vehicle comprises a spatial light modulator, a first switchable liquid crystal retarder and first passive retarder arranged between a first pair of polarisers and a second switchable liquid crystal retarder and second passive retarder arranged between a second pair of polarisers. A first switchable liquid crystal retarder comprises a two homeotropic alignment layers and a second switchable liquid crystal retarder comprises two homogeneous alignment layers. In a privacy mode of operation, on-axis light from the spatial light modulator is directed without loss to the passenger, whereas off-axis light has reduced luminance to reduce the visibility of the display to off-axis driver leaning towards the display. In a shared mode of operation, the liquid crystal layers are controlled so that off-axis luminance and reflectivity are unmodified.

electric shaver

Source conditioning for imaging directional backlights

Disclosed is an imaging directional backlight apparatus for providing large area uniform directed illumination from localized light sources. Within an exemplary optical valve system, a waveguide comprises a stepped structure, where the steps comprise extraction features hidden to guided light, propagating in a first forward direction. Returning light propagating in a second backward direction may be refracted, diffracted, or reflected by the features to provide discrete illumination beams exiting from the top surface of the waveguide. Such controlled illumination may provide for efficient, multi-user autostereoscopic displays as well as improved 2D display functionality. Illumination uniformity is provided by the positioning, packaging, and optically modifying of individual input sources. The latter employs non-imaging and refractive optics.

Determining user preferences for data visualizations

A method for determining user preferences for data visualizations is provided. The method may include receiving data visualizations. The method may also include collecting the shapes, the line segments, and the colors associated with the data visualizations. The method may further include converting the shapes and the line segments to polygonal outlines. Additionally, the method may include categorizing and measuring the line segments. The method may further include identifying and categorizing the angles formed by the line segments and determining weighted values for the angles. The method may further include calculating the total length for the line segments, and the total weighted value for the angles. The method may also include characterizing the line segments based on the categorization of the line segments and the angles based on the categorization of the angles. The method may further include scoring the at least one data visualization based on the characterizations.

Wide angle imaging directional backlights