DC high voltage to DC low voltage converter

A high voltage DC to low voltage converter having a plurality of switches, connected in series, paired to form half bridges, inputs connected in series across a high voltage DC source, with outputs summed together using one or more primaries of one or more transformers, with one or more secondaries rectified and filtered to form an isolated DC output at a lower voltage. Each half bridge has an input voltage that is less than the overall input voltage.

Association rule mining

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for associating rule mining. By way of example, embodiments obviate or mitigate performance and stability problems associated with conventional association rule mining approaches, by proposing concepts implementing association rule mining using rolling filtering bitmaps over dynamic data.

Stator assembly

A stator assembly 2 for receiving at least two rotors comprises at least two individual stators 4 having a peripheral portion 10 extending around the longitudinal axis of the stator, with part of the peripheral portion of each stator forming part of the peripheral portion of an adjacent individual stator. For example each stator is divided into stator segments 14, with at least one segment 14ꞌ being a shared segment which forms part of at least two adjacent individual stators. The assembly may be part of an engine valve actuation assembly 40. The stator assembly is secured to the mounting surface 40 of the engine valve actuation assembly by means of dowels 60,64 and bolts 50. The stators may be offset from adjacent stators so as to form so as to form two stator sets the longitudinal axis of each set lying in different planes (fig20 not shown). The stators may have differing teeth numbers, teeth length and rotor space dimensions (figs 21, 22-24 not shown) and the winding space between adjacent ...

Engine valve actuation

An electromagnetic valve actuator 100 for at least one valve 300 of an internal combustion engine (40, Fig. 1), the electromagnetic valve actuator 100 comprising: a rotor 102, a stator 101 for rotating the rotor, output means 104, 106 for actuating the valve in dependence on rotation of the rotor 102, mechanical energy storage means 108, 110, 116, 118 arranged to store energy in dependence on rotation of the rotor 102 and release the energy to assist rotation of the rotor 102; and phase varying means 400 for varying a phase between the mechanical energy storage means and the output means. The actuator 100 allows for continuously variable valve lift and improved engine efficiency.

Electromagnetic actuator and methods of operation thereof

METHOD AND SYSTEM TO FACILITATE SOCIAL ECOMMERCE

Method and system are provided to facilitate social ecommerce. A computer-implemented social ecommerce service may be deployed at one or more server computer systems that may be referred to, collectively as a provider system. A provider system may be in communication with one or more merchant computer systems and one or more on-line social network systems. The social ecommerce service executing at the provider system may be configured to interact with an on-line store and an on-line social service in order to facilitate a process of social ecommerce. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:using one or more processors to perform operations of:detecting that a social ecommerce control was activated at a merchant's website;determining a product identification associated with the social ecommerce control;generating a first overlay view, the overlay view comprising data associated with the product identification and a social network link, the social network link facilitating access to an on-line social network service and provide the first overlay view to the merchant's website;detecting activation of the social network link;generating a second overlay view, the second overlay view permitting selection of a member of the on-line social network service;detecting a selection of a member of the on-line social network service, the selection effectuated via the second overlay view; andproviding a third overlay view, the third overlay view comprising a link for effectuating transaction, the transaction comprising a purchase of a product associated with the product identification, a recipient identified as the member of the on-line social network service.2. The method of claim 1 , comprising:receiving a request from a merchant to register with a social ecommerce service; andin response to the request, facilitating of the social ecommerce control on a web page provided on the merchant's website.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising:in response to the detecting activation of ...

Actuation assembly and methods of operation thereof

A valve actuation assembly for an inlet or exhaust valve 92 of an internal combustion engine, wherein the assembly comprises an actuator 76 including a connector 80 for coupling to a valve stem 74 of the valve. The actuator is operable to move the connector between a first position and a second position, and the assembly includes a fail-safe mechanism 100,102,106 which is selectively operable to prevent the actuator from moving the connector more than a predetermined distance away from its first position. The fail-safe mechanism may urge the connector towards a first position if it is not in that position, or may prevent the connector from moving away from that position. The fail-safe mechanism may include a blocking member which impedes the movement of the connector in a deployed configuration. Also claimed is an internal combustion engine fitted with this valve actuation assembly.

Vacuum Cleaner

A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body 3;an elongate handle 5 connected to the cleaner body, the elongate handle being movable between an extended position, extending outwardly from the cleaner body, and a stowed position, in which the elongate handle is positioned substantially adjacent to the cleaner body; wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a carry handle 11 which becomes accessible for use when the elongate handle is moved from the extended to the stowed position.

Desmodromic valve train

Electromagnetic actuator and methods of operation thereof

A rotary electromagnetic actuator 2 includes a biasing assembly 30 for applying a torque to its rotor 4, the biasing assembly 30 is switchable between a first configuration in which the biasing assembly 30 exerts a torque on the rotor 4 over at least part of the range of rotation of the rotor 4, wherein the torque exerted varies with the rotational position of the rotor 4 according to a torque profile, and a second configuration in which the biasing assembly 30 exerts substantially no torque on the rotor 4 over the range of rotation of the rotor 4. This arrangement allows for energy to be stored and used when required, and may be used to operate a poppet valve of an internal combustion engine.

METHOD OF WELDING A CAGE AND NUT ASSEMBLY TO A WORKPIECE

This invention provides a method of welding a cage and nut combination to a surface of a workpiece using a welding electrode as a holding and locating member for the cage and nut. The cage and nut are placed, up-side-down, in a recess formed in the welding tip of a lower electrode which is positioned vertically with its tip up. The workpiece backed by an opposing welding electrode are positioned above the electrode holding the inverted cage. The inverted cage and workpiece are pressed together along a vertical axis and electrically welded. The lower electrode with its recess serves to accurately locate the inverted cage with its weld material projections for uniform welding contact with the surface of the workpiece for more efficient welding setup and an improved welded bond between the cage, retaining a nut, and the workpiece.

On-chip integrated mixer with balun circuit and method of making the same

A radio frequency (RF) mixing device wherein RF core circuit elements requiring signal splitting are provided with one or more signal splitting element(s) (“balun(s)”) integrated on-chip with the core RF circuit elements. The RF mixing device comprises one or more RF circuit element(s) integrated on a common substrate with one or more balun(s), wherein the common substrate is an insulating substrate further provided with associated silicon-based CMOS circuitry formed in a thin, highly crystalline silicon layer formed on the insulating substrate. The insulating substrate is selected from transparent crystalline materials such as sapphire, spinel, etc. The common substrate is preferably ultrathin silicon-on-sapphire.

Laryngoscope

Drive unit for automotive vehicle

A vehicle drive unit that provides improved power transfer to a differential input member of a differential assembly. The vehicle drive unit is configured with an interlock system that is configured to inhibit the supply of electrical power from a source of electrical power if certain predetermined conditions are not met.

Electromagnetic actuator

An electromagnetic actuator has coils (60, 62 fig 4) and a linearly moveable armature 14 and includes a fail-safe mechanism (spring 30) which is deployed by release assembly 40 in the event of electrical or other system failure. The release assembly may comprise a solenoid 42 and rods 44 and 50 attached to tubular body 32 by pivot 52. Rod 50 (trigger member) acts to keep plate 38 in place so that coil spring 30 remains in a retracted position during normal operation of the actuation device. When the fail-safe mechanism is triggered, the rods extend and release the coil spring which pushes the circular plate 38 towards the actuation device 4. By keeping the fail-safe spring in a retracted position during operation of the device, energy consumption is reduced. The linear electromagnetic actuator may be used to operate a lock assembly for selectively locking the rotational position of a shaft (fig 4). The lock assembly may be a park lock for a vehicle but it may also be any industrial machinery ...

Apparatus for a valve train

Apparatus for a valve train

A desmodromic valve actuation system comprises a rocker 300 coupling a valve 400 and valve actuator and arranged to rotate about a fulcrum 302 in response to actuator pushing and pulling forces. The rocker has an input portion 308 to receive actuator forces and an output portion 312, spaced from the input, for coupling to the valve. The output portion comprises pushing 316 and pulling 314 contact surfaces. The pushing contact surface contacts a first curved surface 406 e.g. a dome, at a valve upper end portion 404, pushing the upper valve end portion along a first axis 418 and the pulling contact surface contacts a second curved surface 414, e.g. a cylinder affixed by a tapered and friction fit, at a lower valve end portion and pulling the valve end lower portion along the first axis. The curved surfaces may share a virtual circle circumference and enable relative slippage between the respective contact and second curved surfaces to minimise side forces. The actuator may be rotary hydraulic ...

ANCHOR SYSTEM FOR WALL PANELS AND FORMWORK

An improved anchor for provision within a concrete panel or other structural member is provided. The anchor is operable to connect a wall panel or similar concrete to a footer member or other structural component. The anchor assembly comprises a void and a removable portion that allows for a portion of the anchor assembly to be pivoted from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position comprises a stowed position within the wall and the second position comprises a position operable to securing or connecting structural members. 1. An anchor assembly for securing a precast concrete panel to a structural component , the anchor assembly comprising:an anchor member comprising a plate portion having a first end and second end, the first end operable to be disposed within a volume of concrete;a bent portion provided proximal to the second end, wherein the bent portion comprises a deviation from the plate portion, and wherein the bent portion comprises an upper surface and a lower surface;a projection provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface;a link member which is selectively rotatable and secured to the projection; andthe link member comprising a first aperture for receiving the projection and a second aperture for receiving an elongate fastener.2. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a void former having a cap claim 1 , and wherein the void former is operable to receive the link member and allow selective access to the link member.3. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a threaded bolt that is operable to be received through the second aperture of the link member.4. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the projection comprises a welded stud.5. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the projection comprises a pin.6. The anchor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the projection comprises an elongate member comprising a length of at least approximately four inches.7. A precast concrete structural ...

MEDIA DEMAND AND PLAYBACK SYSTEM

A media system stores a plurality of media content items for transmission to a media receiver in response to requests for the items. The media system receives a request for a particular item and generates a playlist including the requested item. The media system adds at least one further media content item to the playlist and transmits the items to the media receiver for playback. A media receiver is also provided for playing back received items. The media receiver receives a playlist including the requested item and at least one preview secondary media content item provided at a playback position in the playlist before the requested item. The media receiver plays back the received items but user selection of a playback start position is disabled until the preview secondary media content item has been viewed in its entirety.

Desmodromic valve train

A desmodromic valve train 50 for an engine, comprising a valve actuator 100 e.g. an electromagnetic actuator, arranged to actuate a valve 400 independently of the crank angle of the engine. The valve train comprises: a load path arrangement comprising an input arranged to receive actuating force from the valve actuator, an output arranged to provide the actuating force to the valve, and mechanical advantage means arranged such that a first displacement of the input causes a second displacement of the output wherein the second displacement is a multiple of the first displacement, the multiple being up to 1.95, preferably within the range 1.3 to 1.95. The input may comprise push and pull cams on a shaft operating series connected rocker arms including a class three lever Y-shaped rocker 300 engaging a valve via curved valve push and pull contact surfaces arranged to minimise side force.

Association rule mining using max pattern transactions

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for associating rule mining in data comprising first and second variables, by generating a first and second filtering bitmap. The first filtering bitmap represents a set of values for the second variable for each of a plurality of values of the first variable. The second filtering bitmap represents, associations between frequent values of the second variable, which enables the identification of frequent 2-pattern itemsets. Thus, by performing first logical operations on the frequent 2-pattern itemsets, frequent high order-pattern itemsets may be identified. A max pattern itemset may be identified among the frequent high order-pattern itemsets. As a result, embodiments may mitigate performance and stability problems associated with conventional association rule mining approaches.

Elevator door sensor arrangement

An elevator door sensor arrangement including: a position sensor configured to determine a configuration of an elevator door of an elevator car; an auxiliary sensor configured to monitor for an object in a sensing region outside of the elevator car, the region being an approach to the elevator car; and a door sensor controller configured to output a signal to a door controller indicating that an object has been sensed by the auxiliary sensor in the sensing region, wherein the sensing region is altered in size and/or location based on the configuration of the elevator door as determined by the position sensor.

ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR

An electromagnetic actuator for use in locking mechanisms comprises a housing, a plurality of coils and an armature which is linearly moveable relative to the housing between two end-of-travel positions by selectively energising the coils of the actuator. The actuator includes a fail-safe mechanism which is operable to urge the armature towards one of the two end-of-travel positions. 1. An electromagnetic actuator comprising:a housing;a plurality of coils;an armature which is linearly moveable relative to the housing between two end-of-travel positions by selectively electrically energising the coils of the actuator; anda fail-safe mechanism which is operable to urge the armature towards one of its two end-of-travel positions.2. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the fail-safe mechanism comprises a mechanical potential energy store.3. The actuator of claim 2 , wherein the energy store comprises a resilient device.4. The actuator of claim 3 , wherein the resilient device is a coil spring.5. The actuator of claim 1 , including a release assembly which is operable to trigger the fail-safe mechanism.6. The actuator of claim 5 , wherein the release assembly is switchable from a first configuration to a second configuration claim 5 , such that switching the release assembly from the first configuration to the second configuration deploys the fail-safe mechanism which then urges the armature towards one of its two end-of-travel positions.7. The actuator of claim 6 , wherein the release assembly is a mechanically actuated assembly.8. The actuator of claim 6 , wherein the release assembly is an electrically actuated assembly.9. The actuator of claim 8 , wherein the release assembly comprises a solenoid and a mechanical linkage claim 8 , wherein the mechanical linkage is switchable by the solenoid from a first arrangement to a second arrangement claim 8 , such that switching the linkage from the first arrangement to the second arrangement deploys the fail-safe mechanism which ...

Integrated circuit with depletion mode JFET

An integrated circuit having an n-channel MOSFET device and a JFET device. The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor layer having an upper surface, an MOS transistor device formed in a doped well of a first conductivity type extending from the semiconductor upper surface and a JFET device. The JFET device includes a channel region in the semiconductor layer spaced from, and having a peak concentration positioned a predetermined distance below, the upper surface. An associated method of manufacturing includes introducing p-type dopant into the semiconductor surface to form a p-well in which the NMOS device is formed and a source and a drain of the JFET device. N-type dopant is introduced into the semiconductor surface to form an n-type region of the NMOS device below the p-well and a gate region of the JFET device. P-type dopant is introduced into the semiconductor layer to simultaneously form a higher concentration p-type region in the p-well of the NMOS device and a channel region ...

Skimmer Construction

A decorative pond which includes a pond area, a water feature for discharging water into the pond and a skimmer construction for receiving pond water, separating debris from the pond water and recirculating filtered water to the water feature. The skimmer construction includes: a housing which defines a fixed pond-water receiving aperture, an internal assembly positioned adjacent the fixed aperture defines a movable pond water receiving aperture that is selectively positionable relative to the fixed aperture. The combination of the fixed and movable apertures define an inlet opening to the skimmer for receipt of pond water in said housing. A debris collection member is positioned rearwardly of the inlet opening to receive incoming pond water from the inlet opening so as to collect debris. A controllably positionable discharge assembly is provided in association with the skimmer construction so as to permit control of water levels in the skimmer.

Rebar chair and supporting plate

A polymeric chair having a rebar cradle and legs of a T-shaped cross-section diverging downwardly from the cradle. The outer surface portions of the legs are arcuate and define segments of a cone. Inwardly extending web portions reinforce the legs and provide feet at the distal ends of the legs disposed to the inside of the outer surface portions. A flat sand plate for the chair has radially extending slots formed therethrough which are proportioned for snug engagement with side surfaces of the feet. The slots are elongate to accommodate different sized chairs having feet spaced at varying radial dimensions. The web portions taper to optimize their reinforcing function and conserve material. In one embodiment, a ring is formed integrally with the legs intermediate the table and the distal ends of the legs. The chair is of a unitary construction and may have an integrally formed strap for extension over the cradle to secure a rebar in place.

FINE-GRAINED ACCESS CONTROL TO DATASETS

A method, system and computer program for implementing fine-grained access control (FGAC) of data stored in a dataset. In response to receiving a data query statement from a user, any representational index exclusions that are relevant to the data query statement are identified, wherein each index exclusion specifies an access restriction to the data. It is then determined whether any of the identified representational index exclusions are to be applied to the data query statement, and if ‘yes’ then the data query statement is modified before being processed, so that processing of the query takes place by searching the dataset under restriction of the representational index exclusions. The proposed approach allows for easy creation and modification of FGAC privacy rules without introducing performance gaps in processing the data query statements. 1. A method for implementing fine-grained access control , FGAC , of data stored in a dataset , the method comprising:receiving a data query statement from a user;identifying any representational index exclusions that are relevant to the data query statement, each index exclusion specifying an access restriction to data in the dataset;determining whether any of the identified representational index exclusions are to be applied to the data query statement;amending the data query statement by incorporating the representational index exclusions that have been determined to be applicable so as to generate a modified data query statement;applying the modified data query statement to the database in order to access the data under restriction of the representational index exclusions; andgenerating a query result for the user.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , after receiving the data query statement claim 1 , parsing the data query statement.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein amending the data query statement comprises creating a dynamic pseudo-view object representation of the index exclusion and injecting ...

VERTICAL TINE TILLER

A gear train locking device having a locking device is provided. The gear train locking device includes a locking shaft having an outside diameter and a shaft axis. The locking shaft rotates about the shaft axis. Rotation of the locking shaft selectively moves the locking shaft between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The engaged position places the outside diameter of the locking shaft into engagement with at least one gear to provide physical interference between the locking shaft and the gear to change the rotational motion of at least one of the gears. Another embodiment includes a locking shaft that cooperates with a plurality of gears. 1. A gear train locking device comprising:a plurality of gears, wherein said gears include teeth such that said teeth from one of said plurality of gears engages said teeth from another of said plurality of said gears in order to transmit rotational motion from one of said plurality of gears to another of said plurality of said gears;a plurality of shafts, wherein said shafts are connected to said gears for transmitting rotational motion; anda locking shaft having an outside diameter and a shaft axis, said locking shaft rotates about said shaft axis,wherein rotation of said locking shaft selectively moves said locking shaft between an engaged position and a disengaged position,wherein the engaged position places said outside diameter of said locking shaft into engagement with one of said gears or said shafts to provide a physical interference between said locking shaft and said gear or said shaft to change the rotational motion of at least one of said gears or said shafts.2. The gear train locking device according to claim 1 , wherein said locking shaft rotates into and out of the engaged position through sliding contact with one of said gears or said shafts.3. The gear train locking device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of said gears or said shafts defines a plurality of cavities claim 1 , each of ...

Skimmer construction

A decorative pond which includes a pond area, a water feature for discharging water into the pond and a skimmer construction for receiving pond water, separating debris from the pond water and recirculating filtered water to the water feature. The skimmer construction includes: a housing which defines a fixed pond-water receiving aperture, an internal assembly positioned adjacent the fixed aperture defines a movable pond water receiving aperture that is selectively positionable relative to the fixed aperture. The combination of the fixed and movable apertures define an inlet opening to the skimmer for receipt of pond water in said housing. A debris collection member is positioned rearwardly of the inlet opening to receive incoming pond water from the inlet opening so as to collect debris. A controllably positionable discharge assembly is provided in association with the skimmer construction so as to permit control of water levels in the skimmer.

LOCK ASSEMBLY

A lock assembly for use in automotive and industrial transmission systems comprises: an actuator () having an impeller () movable between two rest positions by energising the actuator, wherein the impeller is retained in each of the two rest positions by passive magnetic forces generated by the actuator; a locking arrangement () switchable between a first configuration in which rotation of a shaft is unimpeded by the locking arrangement and a second configuration in which rotation of said shaft is blocked by the locking arrangement; and a linkage () between the impeller and the locking arrangement, wherein the assembly is arranged such that in one of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is in its first configuration and said shaft is freely rotatable, and in the other of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is urged towards and into its second configuration. 1. A lock assembly for selectively locking the rotational position of a shaft , comprising:an actuator having an impeller movable between two rest positions by energising the actuator, wherein the impeller is retained in each of the two rest positions by passive magnetic forces generated by the actuator;a locking arrangement switchable between a first configuration in which rotation of said shaft is unimpeded by the locking arrangement and a second configuration in which rotation of said shaft is blocked by the locking arrangement; anda linkage between the impeller and the locking arrangement, wherein the assembly is arranged such that in one of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is in its first configuration and said shaft is freely rotatable, and in the other of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is urged towards and into its second configuration.2. An assembly of claim 1 , wherein the linkage is arranged such that when the impeller moves into its other rest position claim 1 , the linkage resiliently urges the locking arrangement towards its ...

Radio frequency power amplifier and corresponding method

A radio frequency power amplifier and corresponding methods are arranged and configured to drive or provide a radio frequency signal to a resonant load. The amplifier includes a radio frequency switching stage with an output that is coupled to a resonant circuit and configured to provide an output signal with amplitude modulation corresponding to amplitude modulation of an input signal when powered from a fixed voltage power supply and a feedback control system coupled to the input signal and the output signal. The feedback control system includes a sequencer configured to provide a sequencer output that is used to drive the radio frequency switching stage, where the sequencer output has an OFF state that begins at a variable time corresponding to the input and output signal.

Laryngoscope with screen

Prepaints and methods of preparing paints from the prepaints

The preparation of a paint line using sets of prepaints containing a latex polymer binder. At least one of which contains a latex polymeric binder, is also is described. The paints may be applied to architectural coatings, and non-cementitious, aggregate finish coating suitable for application on a wall directly or as a topcoat.

Optimizing relational online analytical processing sort operations

Concepts for processing a SQL statement comprising a ROLAP sort operation are presented. One such concept comprises: determining whether a ROLAP partitioning column of the SQL statement does not refer to database columns from a sort operation of the SQL statement; and determining whether the ROLAP partitioning columns of the SQL statement are all referenced in the output of the SQL statement. Responsive to determining a ROLAP partitioning column of the SQL statement does not refer to database columns from a sort operation of the SQL statement, and to determining all of the ROLAP partitioning columns of the SQL statement are referenced in the output of the SQL statement, the SQL statement is modified by removing the ROLAP sort operation from the SQL statement.

Delivery system for a drug coated angioplasty balloon

A delivery system includes a catheter, and a drug coated angioplasty balloon mounted on the catheter. The balloon has a wrapped or folded delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. A protective sleeve surrounds the drug coated balloon in the delivery configuration to minimise wash-off of drug from the balloon during delivery. The protective sleeve is retractable, so that once the drug coated balloon is at or near the treatment site, the sleeve can be retracted to allow the drug coated balloon to operate effectively. The protective sleeve can have a spacer mounted to or integral with the protective sleeve. The spacer in one case can comprise of interior ribs or ridges on the sleeve which minimise the surface area of the sleeve in direct contact with the drug coating on the balloon.

Engine valve actuation

An electromagnetic valve actuator (100) and method of control thereof. The electromagnetic valve actuator is for at least one valve (300) of an internal combustion engine (40), the electromagnetic valve actuator comprising: a rotor (102); a stator (101) for rotating the rotor; output means (104, 106) for actuating the valve in dependence on rotation of the rotor; mechanical energy storage means (108, 110, 116, 118) arranged to store energy in dependence on rotation of the rotor and release the energy to assist rotation of the rotor; and phase varying means (400) for varying a phase between the mechanical energy storage means and the output means.

Fine-grained access control of column-major relational database management systems

A method of accessing objects with fine-grained access control (FGAC) in a relational database management system (RDBMS) storing a segmented column-major database. For each object with access restrictions, an artificial neural network (ANN), is trained by generating an equally distributed segment map of segmented data entries, so that the map reproduces the row disposition in the unsegmented object. When a user access request is received, these ANNs are referred to determine if any of the objects to be accessed are subject to access restrictions. If that is the case, then the ANN creates a pseudo-view construct of its associated object which is limited to data entries that the user has permission to access. The pseudo-views are then injected into the user access request to embed the fine-grained access controls for subsequent processing of the request, which can then proceed without further regard to user-specific access restrictions.

MOUNTING SYSTEM AND BRACKET FOR WINDOW TREATMENTS

A mounting bracket and system are provided for attaching window treatments to windows, the mounting bracket having an arm with a proximal end and a distal end having a first mounting member for supporting a curtain rod, the proximal end having a second mounting member for supporting blinds, and the proximal end having a third mounting member for supporting a roller shade. The distal end is offset laterally or vertically or both laterally and vertically from the proximal end. A window treatment system utilizes the mounting bracket to attach the curtain rods, blinds, and roller shades to the area adjacent a window.

Method and apparatus for trimming integrated circuits

A wafer containing integrated circuits having fuses which are selectively blown to trim circuit perimeters. The fuses are located adjacent scribe lanes, and fuse pads are located in the scribe lanes. The integrated circuits are trimmed by selectively energizing the fuse pads to blow selective fuses. When the integrated circuits are severed from the wafer, the fuse pads are severed from the integrated circuits.

Transmission system

A transmission system (8) comprising at least one floating gear (14a, 16a, 18a) rotationally mounted upon a first shaft the system comprising a floating gear activation system for controlling torque transfer between the at least one floating gear (14a, 16a, 18a) and the first shaft (10), the gear activation system comprising a first device (28, 30) having a friction interface (28) for frictional engagement with a friction interface (30) disposed on a first side of the at least one floating gear (18a), and a second device (25, 26) having a locking interface (25) for an interpositional engagement with a locking interface (26) disposed on a second side, opposing the first side, of the at least one floating gear (18a), whereby the floating gear (18a) is rotationally coupleable to the first shaft (10) by the friction interface (28/30) and/or the locking interface (25/26).

Torque sensor adaptor

The invention relates to a torque transducer assembly and to a torque transducer incorporating such an assembly. The invention has particular application to measuring torque in a fastening tool in which torque is generated in pulses and to measuring torque in an adaptor mountable to a pulsed-torque type of fastening tool.

Method and apparatus for producing discretely striped multi-property foam

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing a discretely striped, multi-property foam and the products and articles produced thereby. The invention provides a pre-foam stream at a first pressure and intermittently injects at least one additive into the pre-foam stream at a pressure higher than the first pressure, providing a laminar flow pre-foam stream with alternating segments having different properties. The pre-foam stream is poured onto a surface and cures into a discretely striped foam product which may be used for many purposes such as but not limited to padding, clothing, toys, or bedding.

Blade for a laryngoscope

Snowboard brake

A braking device (10, 50, 203) for a board includes a brake base (16,52) and a braking arm (56) which is mountable to the base and movable relative thereto between a retracted position and a braking position. The device further includes a biasing spring (72) to bias the braking arm into its braking position, and a locking mechanism (13,90,206) operative to releasably lock the braking arm in its retracted position.

ELEVATOR DOOR SENSOR ARRANGEMENT

An elevator door sensor arrangement including: a position sensor configured to determine a configuration of an elevator door of an elevator car; an auxiliary sensor configured to monitor for an object in a sensing region outside of the elevator car, the region being an approach to the elevator car; and a door sensor controller configured to output a signal to a door controller indicating that an object has been sensed by the auxiliary sensor in the sensing region, wherein the sensing region is altered in size and/or location based on the configuration of the elevator door as determined by the position sensor. 1. An elevator door sensor arrangement including:a position sensor configured to determine a configuration of an elevator door of an elevator car;an auxiliary sensor configured to monitor for an object in a sensing region outside of the elevator car, the region being an approach to the elevator car; anda door sensor controller configured to output a signal to a door controller indicating that an object has been sensed by the auxiliary sensor in the sensing region, wherein the sensing region is altered in size and/or location based on the configuration of the elevator door as determined by the position sensor.2. An elevator door sensor arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the sensing region is reduced in size when the configuration of the elevator door is such that a width of an elevator door aperture has been reduced below a threshold width.3. An elevator door sensor arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the sensing region location is moved as the elevator door configuration changes to centre the sensing region with respect to an elevator door aperture.4. An elevator door sensor arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the position sensor is a light curtain which is also configured to detect an object obstructing the elevator door.5. An elevator door sensor arrangement according to claim 4 , wherein the light curtain includes a plurality of ...

Pattern sequence and state transition triggers

A pattern sequence and state transition trigger generator provides a trigger when a specified transition from one pattern/state to another pattern/state occurs in a set of input signals. Decoders detect each specified pattern/state from the set of input signals to produce a prior value and a current value representing the transition. The prior value is slightly delayed and combined with the current value to produce an overlap when the specified transition occurs, which in turn generates the trigger.

Oscilloscope having advanced triggering capability

An advanced trigger circuit includes first and second trigger decoders, each being capable of triggering on one of respective first and second pluralities of continuous-time trigger events. In one embodiment, a programmable timer begins timing in response to an output signal of the first trigger decoder and generates an end-of-time signal at the expiration of its time period. A reset circuit is responsive to the end-of-time signal of the timer for resetting the first trigger decoder if the second selected continuous-time trigger event failed to occur before the end-of-time signal was generated. In another embodiment, a reset decoder generates a reset signal in response to an occurrence of a selected continuous-time trigger event. The reset circuit is responsive to the reset signal for resetting the first trigger decoder if the second selected continuous-time trigger event failed to occur before the reset signal was generated. In another embodiment of the invention, the advanced trigger ...

Enclosed structural support

Hydrophobic polyurethane foam

The invention is a hydrophobic polyurethane foam prepared from a conventional PO/EO polyether polyol, a graft polyol and a hydrophobicity inducing surfactant. The foam is sufficiently hydrophobic to pass a stringent water impermeability test.

Fine-grained access control to datasets

A method, system and computer program for implementing fine-grained access control (FGAC) of data stored in a dataset. In response to receiving a data query statement from a user, any representational index exclusions that are relevant to the data query statement are identified, wherein each index exclusion specifies an access restriction to the data. It is then determined whether any of the identified representational index exclusions are to be applied to the data query statement, and if ‘yes’ then the data query statement is modified before being processed, so that processing of the query takes place by searching the dataset under restriction of the representational index exclusions. The proposed approach allows for easy creation and modification of FGAC privacy rules without introducing performance gaps in processing the data query statements.

Beverage preparation capsules

A sealed beverage preparation capsule includes a sealed hollow body having a top and a bottom, a beverage preparation ingredient inside the body and a layer of filter material at least about 2 mm thick located inside the body and abutting said bottom of said body. A kit is also provided for assembling a plurality of beverage preparation capsules. The capsules include a cup-shaped base having a bottom, and side walls extending from the base to an upper rim defining an open top of the base component, and a plurality of ingredient pods. Each ingredient pod includes a top, side walls and a bottom, each formed of sheet material, wherein the pod contains a beverage preparation ingredient. The ingredient pod is shaped and configured to be engaged with the base component to assemble a beverage making capsule, with the top of the pod forming a lid for the base component and the bottom of the ingredient pod spaced from the bottom of the base inside the base.

EXHAUST GAS PURIFYING SYSTEM

A restaurant exhaust gas purifying system for filtering an exhaust gas of a cooking process including an exhaust vent and an exhaust gas purifier coupled to the exhaust vent. The exhaust gas purifier includes a housing which has an inlet connected to the exhaust vent and an outlet, a hot box connected to and housed within the housing, a heating device connected to the housing and configured for heating the hot box, and a rotating filter rotatably mounted to and housed within the housing. The rotating filter has a rotational cycle in which at least a portion of the rotating filter passes through the hot box. The exhaust gas purifier also includes a drive connected to the housing and operably coupled to the rotating filter for rotating the rotating filter, and a stationary filter positioned in the hot box.

Shared switching for multiple loads

Circuits, methods, and systems are directed to controlling the amount and polarity of current to multiple loads with switches, where the loads share switching components. The loads may be thermoelectric elements, which heat or cool based on the state of the switches. The switches may be run in a single mode during a duty cycle, or multiple successive modes during the duty cycle to achieve full control of the loads.

Switch mechanism for an electrically adjusted screen mount

A switch mechanism actuates an electrically adjustable screen mount. The switch mechanism allows a user to select between a first automatic operation for stowing and deployment of the display screen (6), and a second, user adjustable operation for adjustment of the deployed position of the display screen (6), in order to tilt the screen back and forth. The adjustment back and forth may be accompanied by a movement upward or downward, with an upward movement when the top of the screen tilts away from the user, and downward movement when the top of the screen tilts towards the user. This can compensate for tilting of the surface to which the screen mount is attached, such as a seat-back.

TRAY SEALER WITH EXCHANGEABLE BELT BODY

The invention relates to a tray sealer having a feed belt comprising a drive unit and a belt body having a conveyor belt. The belt body is adapted to be dismounted, together with the conveyor belt, from the drive unit without making use of a tool. An exchange unit is provided on or at the tray sealer, the exchange unit being configured for accommodating the belt body when the belt body is dismounted from the drive unit. A corresponding method for exchanging or cleaning at least one of a conveyor belt, a belt body and/or a drive unit of a tray sealer is also provided. 1. A tray sealer comprising:a belt body with a conveyor belt for conveying trays;a drive unit; andan exchange unit provided on or at said tray sealer, said exchange unit being configured for accommodating said belt body;wherein said belt body is transferrable to said exchange unit.2. The tray sealer according to claim 1 , wherein said exchange unit is configured for accommodating at least two belt bodies.3. The tray sealer according to claim 1 , wherein said exchange unit comprises at least one bracket configured for accommodating said belt body.4. The tray sealer according to claim 3 , wherein said bracket is a one-piece component.5. The tray sealer according to claim 1 , wherein said belt body is adapted to be dismounted claim 1 , together with said conveyor belt claim 1 , from said drive unit without making use of a tool.6. The tray sealer according to claim 1 , wherein said conveyor belt is adapted to be driven on an inner side by means of said drive unit and a drive shaft.7. The tray sealer according to claim 6 , wherein said belt body comprises said drive shaft claim 6 , which is releasably coupled to said drive unit.8. The tray sealer according to claim 1 , wherein said belt body is adapted to be supported in said drive unit and secured in position by means of locking devices without making use of a tool.9. The tray sealer according to claim 1 , wherein said exchange unit is provided at a feed ...

Anchor system for wall panels and formwork

An improved anchor for provision within a concrete panel or other structural member is provided. The anchor is operable to connect a wall panel or similar concrete to a footer member or other structural component. The anchor assembly comprises a void and a removable portion that allows for a portion of the anchor assembly to be pivoted from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position comprises a stowed position within the wall and the second position comprises a position operable to securing or connecting structural members.

SWITCH MECHANISM FOR AN ELECTRICALLY ADJUSTED SCREEN MOUNT

A switch mechanism actuates an electrically adjustable screen mount. The switch mechanism allows a user to select between a first automatic operation for stowing and deployment of the display screen (6), and a second, user adjustable operation for adjustment of the deployed position of the display screen (6), in order to tilt the screen back and forth. The adjustment back and forth may be accompanied by a movement upward or downward, with an upward movement when the top of the screen tilts away from the user, and downward movement when the top of the screen tilts towards the user. This can compensate for tilting of the surface to which the screen mount is attached, such as a seat-back.

Vacuum cleaners

An attachment for a vacuum cleaner includes a suction head which includes a suction chamber to create and contain a region of low pressure adjacent to a surface to be cleaned. The suction head includes a number of air bleeds and these may be arranged as a first array first air bleeds and a second row of second air bleeds. Each air bleed is arranged to induce cyclonic airflow as the atmospheric airflows into the suction chamber. This cyclonic airflow is directed towards the surface to be cleaned and, in particular, an apex of this cyclonic airflow is arranged to coincide or penetrate the surface to be cleaned. For example, the apex of the cyclonic airflow may locate within the carpet fibers of a carpet in order to disturb and disrupt dust and debris within the carpet. Accordingly, the cyclonic air bleeds agitate the surface to be cleaned whilst also performing the function of a conventional air bleed within a suction head of a vacuum cleaner.

Hard drive spindle motor controller with soft commutation

A pulse width modulation controller for a hard disc drive spindle motor controls the rapid spin up of the spindle motor from a stop condition to normal operating speed using a multi-level peak current limiting and six state commutation. At the beginning of each commutation state, peak motor current is limited to less than its steady state peak value for a selected number of pulses. The peak current target then returns its normal level for the remainder of the commutation state. By reducing the peak current target for several pulses after each commutation state change, the effective supply current spike at commutation is reduced or eliminated.

Tray sealer with exchangeable belt body

The invention relates to a tray sealer having a feed belt comprising a drive unit and a belt body having a conveyor belt. The belt body is adapted to be dismounted, together with the conveyor belt, from the drive unit without making use of a tool. An exchange unit is provided on or at the tray sealer, the exchange unit being configured for accommodating the belt body when the belt body is dismounted from the drive unit. A corresponding method for exchanging or cleaning at least one of a conveyor belt, a belt body and/or a drive unit of a tray sealer is also provided.

Integrated programmable error amplifier

An error amplifier for use in a disk drive actuator system having an actuator motor for radially positioning a transducing head with respect to a rotatable disk is newly designed to enable full implementation as an integrated circuit. The error amplifier includes a switched-capacitor proportional-integral controller for comparing first and second differential input signals representing a respective actual current and commanded current for driving the actuator motor, and providing a differential output signal. A transconductor-capacitor filter is connected to filter the differential output signal of the switched-capacitor integrator, and provides a motor control signal to control the actuator motor.

Ink-jet print head assemblies with a spacer surrounding an ink fill port and method of manufacturing

A print head assembly for an ink-jet printer operable with a continuous ink supply system is disclosed, with an ink compartment, a foam insert, an ink fill port, and a spacer. The ink fill port receives ink fed from an external supply and to be printed by the print head assembly. The ink compartment stores the ink to be printed. The foam insert is in the ink compartment and takes up the ink to be stored. The spacer extends into the ink compartment, provides for the formation of a clearance between the foam insert and the ink fill port and surrounds the ink fill port either completely or with one or more gaps having a gap width. The gap width of none of the gaps presents an aperture angle of more than 25% of 36° with respect to a center of the ink fill port.

CONNECTOR FOR PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

An apparatus, system, and method is provided to connect precast concrete panels to a structural member. The connector can have a receiving member embedded in a precast concrete panel and can further have an attachment member that selectively interconnects to the receiving member. This attachment member can have a surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the precast concrete panel and that receives or supports a structural member such as a floor joist or a second precast concrete panel. The configuration of a protrusion of the attachment member allows for a rapid and secure interconnection with an aperture in the receiving member. A builder can use the connector system described herein to rapidly and securely assemble multiple precast concrete panels to structural members in the construction of, for example, a parking garage or other similar structure. 1. A precast concrete panel with integral connector mechanism , comprising:a precast concrete panel with an outer surface, an inner surface, and sidewalls extending around a perimeter edge;a receiving member having a body extending in a first plane that is configured to be substantially parallel with at least one of said outer surface and said inner surface of said precast concrete panel, said receiving member having at least one aperture, wherein each aperture has a longitudinal dimension;at least one anchor extending into said precast concrete panel from an interior surface of said body; anda void former positioned adjacent to each of said apertures, each void former defines a partially enclosed volume adapted to receive a protrusion.2. The precast concrete panel of claim 1 , further comprising:an attachment member having at least one protrusion and having a horizontal member extending in a second plane;a retention surface of each protrusion, said retention surface oriented substantially perpendicular to said second plane, wherein a top surface is positioned adjacent said retention surface;a bearing ...

METHOD FOR ENRICHING AND DETECTION OF VARIANT TARGET NUCLEIC ACIDS

This invention provides methods and kits for enriching and/or detecting a nucleic acid with at least one variant nucleotide from a nucleic acid population in a sample.

Blade for a laryngoscope

Void forming and anchor positioning apparatus and method for concrete structures

A void former for positioning an anchor within a concrete structure is comprised of a hollow polymeric body having first and second sections hinged together for movement between a closed condition engageable around the anchor received therebetween and an open condition in which the sections are separated at the lower portions thereof to release the anchor received therebetween. The void former is monolithically formed by injection molding and includes integrally formed latch elements on the respective sections for mutual engagement to secure the sections in the closed condition and a bridge between the sections to provide a hinged connection therebetween. In the injection molding process the sections are formed so as to be positioned in the open condition. Upon removal from the injection mold, the sections are hinged relative to one another by bending the bridge therebetween, before the polymer is fully cured. Such bending aligns the molecules of the polymeric material within the bridge ...

Print fluid manifold

A manifold to provide print fluid to a printhead, the manifold comprising: an inlet to receive print fluid from a print fluid supply; and an outlet to provide print fluid to the printhead; the inlet to couple with a flow control device to control flow of print fluid from the print fluid supply to the manifold; and wherein the inlet comprises an element to engage an actuatable member of the flow control device to activate the flow control device to allow print fluid to flow from the print fluid supply to the printhead.

Stator Assembly

A stator assembly for receiving at least two rotors. The assembly comprises at least two individual stators which are divided into stator segments, with at least one segment being a shared segment which forms part of at least two adjacent individual stators. An engine valve actuation assembly includes a stator assembly comprising at least two individual stators. Each individual stator comprises a peripheral portion extending around the longitudinal axis of the stator, with part of the peripheral portion of each stator forming part of the peripheral portion of an adjacent individual stator. Methods for assembling a stator assembly are also described.

ELEVATOR DOOR SENSOR ARRANGEMENT

An elevator door sensor arrangement including: a position sensor configured to determine a configuration of an elevator door of an elevator car; an auxiliary sensor configured to monitor for an object in a sensing region outside of the elevator car, the region being an approach to the elevator car; and a door sensor controller configured to output a signal to a door controller indicating that an object has been sensed by the auxiliary sensor in the sensing region, wherein the sensing region is altered in size and/or location based on the configuration of the elevator door as determined by the position sensor.

Desmodromic valve train

A desmodromic valve train (20) for an engine (40), comprising a valve actuator (100) arranged to actuate a valve (400) independently of the crank angle of the engine (40), wherein the desmodromic valve train (20) comprises: a load path arrangement comprising an input arranged to receive actuating force from the valve actuator (100), an output arranged to provide the actuating force to the valve (400), and mechanical advantage means arranged such that a first displacement, of the input, causes a second displacement, of the output, wherein the second displacement is a multiple of the first displacement, the multiple being within the range 1.3 to 1.95.

Bicycle component

Water feature construction

A water feature for use in landscaping applications. A water issuing device, such as a waterfall construction is provided for receiving water and discharging water onto a gravel bed. The bed is positioned below the waterfall and forms a path or surface along which the water can flow in a stream-like manner and through which the water can percolate downwardly into the bed. A perforated and tubularly shaped collection module having a plurality of openings for receiving water percolating downwardly through the bed. A cylindrically-shaped and generally vertically oriented stack is coupled to the module for receiving water therefrom. A pump in the stack receives water from the water collection member and directs water to the waterfall construction. It is noted that water from the waterfall appears to disappear into the gravel and only a shallow stream is formed.

ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF

A rotary electromagnetic actuator includes a biasing assembly for applying a torque to its rotor. Such an actuator may be used to operate a poppet valve of an internal combustion engine. The biasing assembly is switchable between (a) a first configuration in which the biasing assembly exerts a torque on the rotor over at least part of the range of rotation of the rotor, wherein the torque exerted varies with the rotational position of the rotor according to a torque profile, and (b) a second configuration in which the biasing assembly exerts substantially no torque on the rotor over the range of the rotor.

CONNECTOR FOR PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

An apparatus, system, and method is provided to connect precast concrete panels to a structural member. The connector can have a receiving member embedded in a precast concrete panel and can further have an attachment member that selectively interconnects to the receiving member. This attachment member can have a surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the precast concrete panel and that receives or supports a structural member such as a floor joist or a second precast concrete panel. The configuration of a protrusion of the attachment member allows for a rapid and secure interconnection with an aperture in the receiving member. A builder can use the connector system described herein to rapidly and securely assemble multiple precast concrete panels to structural members in the construction of, for example, a parking garage or other similar structure.

PROGRAMMABLE PULSE WIDTH MODULATED WAVEFORM GENERATOR FOR A SPINDLE MOTOR CONTROLLER

A motor controller for a three-phase spindle motor used in the hard disc drive provides pulse width modulated (PWM) signals used to drive the motor. The PWM signals have duty cycles which are a function of rotational position of the motor, a magnitude control signal, a stored set of main waveform coefficients, a stored set of modifier coefficients, and a modifier signal. By varying the modifier signal, the duty cycle of the PWM signals can be varied to adjust the shape of the motor current waveform to match the torque profile of the motor.

Method and apparatus providing interleaved data from multiple signal acquisition devices

A system comprising a plurality of digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) in which each DSO acquires a common signal under test (SUT) according to respective clock signals having common frequency parameters and respective phase parameters such that a plurality of acquisition records may be interleaved to produce a higher effective resolution acquisition record.

ESD protection for differential mode magnetic transducer

Use of a depletion mode MOSFET to protect differential terminals of a disk drive read head transducer from an electrostatic discharge event, wherein MOSFET source and drain terminals are connected to the differential terminals. The MOSFET is normally “on” such that a conductive path is provided between the differential signal terminals during assembly of the transducer into a disk drive data storage system and during periods when the transducer is inoperative. The conductive path, limits the differential voltage between the terminals that is generated by a current pulse of an ESD event. The MOSFET is gated off during operation of the disk drive to permit a differential read signal, representing the read data bits, to be developed between the differential terminals.

Connector for precast concrete structures

An apparatus, system, and method is provided to connect precast concrete panels to a structural member. The connector can have a receiving member embedded in a precast concrete panel and can further have an attachment member that selectively interconnects to the receiving member. This attachment member can have a surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the precast concrete panel and that receives or supports a structural member such as a floor joist or a second precast concrete panel. The configuration of a protrusion of the attachment member allows for a rapid and secure interconnection with an aperture in the receiving member. A builder can use the connector system described herein to rapidly and securely assemble multiple precast concrete panels to structural members in the construction of, for example, a parking garage or other similar structure.

Lock assembly

A lock assembly for use in automotive and industrial transmission systems comprises: an actuator (2) having an impeller (6) movable between two rest positions by energizing the actuator, wherein the impeller is retained in each of the two rest positions by passive magnetic forces generated by the actuator; a locking arrangement (10, 22; 42, 52; 62, 64; 70, 74; 80, 96) switchable between a first configuration in which rotation of a shaft is unimpeded by the locking arrangement and a second configuration in which rotation of said shaft is blocked by the locking arrangement; and a linkage (14, 16; 44, 46, 61, 88) between the impeller and the locking arrangement, wherein the assembly is arranged such that in one of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is in its first configuration and said shaft is freely rotatable, and in the other of the impeller rest positions, the locking arrangement is urged towards and into its second configuration.

Apparatus and method for controlling common mode voltage of a disk drive write head

An apparatus and method for controlling the common mode voltage across a data storage device write head. The write current is supplied by a first plurality of parallel current sources each independently activated to limit the common mode voltage generated across the write head. A plurality of parallel resistive elements responsive to current supplied by a second plurality of parallel current sources bias an output transistor that further controls the write current. Each of the plurality of parallel resistive elements and each of the second plurality of parallel current sources is also independently activated to limiting the common mode voltage generated across the write head.

Void forming and anchor positioning apparatus and method for concrete structures

A void former for positioning an anchor within a concrete structure is comprised of a hollow polymeric body having first and second sections hinged together for movement between a closed condition engageable around the anchor received therebetween and an open condition in which the sections are separated at the lower portions thereof to release the anchor received therebetween. The void former is monolithically formed by injection molding and includes integrally formed latch elements on the respective sections for mutual engagement to secure the sections in the closed condition and a bridge between the sections to provide a hinged connection therebetween. In the injection molding process the sections are formed so as to be positioned in the open condition. Upon removal from the injection mold, the sections are hinged relative to one another by bending the bridge therebetween, before the polymer is fully cured. Such bending aligns the molecules of the polymeric material within the bridge ...

Connector for precast concrete structures

An apparatus, system, and method is provided to connect precast concrete panels to a structural member. The connector can have a receiving member embedded in a precast concrete panel and can further have an attachment member that selectively interconnects to the receiving member. This attachment member can have a surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the precast concrete panel and that receives or supports a structural member such as a floor joist or a second precast concrete panel. The configuration of a protrusion of the attachment member allows for a rapid and secure interconnection with an aperture in the receiving member. A builder can use the connector system described herein to rapidly and securely assemble multiple precast concrete panels to structural members in the construction of, for example, a parking garage or other similar structure.

DATABASE QUERY DATA REDUNDANCY NULLIFICATION

A database query can be performed on a database with data redundancy nullification. A probabilistic data structure filter, such as a Bloom filter, can be created from each query statement, where the filter specifies consultation to data in tables of the database at the row and column level. The filter can be applied to remove data from the tables that are redundant to the query statement, thereby generating a filtered subset of the table data. The query statement can then run against the filtered subset of the table data, where the consultation avoids consultation to the redundant data 1. A method of performing a database query on a database containing at least one table comprising one or more rows and columns , the method comprising:receiving a query statement;creating a probabilistic data structure filter from the query statement, wherein the probabilistic data structure filter specifies consultation to data in at least one table at a level of at least one of: rows and columns;removing any data from the at least one table that are redundant to the query statement as determined by applying the probabilistic data structure filter to generate a filtered subset of the at least one table;performing consultation to the filtered subset based on the query statement, whereby the consultation avoids consultation to the redundant data; andreturning a query result from the consultation.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the probabilistic data structure filter specifies consultation to data in one or more tables in the database at a level of both individual rows and individual columns.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said performing is preceded by parsing and optimizing the query statement.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the probabilistic data structure filter is created having regard to a layout of the at least one table.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the probabilistic data structure filter is created at a run time for each query statement.6. The method of claim 1 , ...

Exhaust gas purifying system

A restaurant exhaust gas purifying system for filtering an exhaust gas of a cooking process including an exhaust vent and an exhaust gas purifier coupled to the exhaust vent. The exhaust gas purifier includes a housing which has an inlet connected to the exhaust vent and an outlet, a hot box connected to and housed within the housing, a heating device connected to the housing and configured for heating the hot box, and a rotating filter rotatably mounted to and housed within the housing. The rotating filter has a rotational cycle in which at least a portion of the rotating filter passes through the hot box. The exhaust gas purifier also includes a drive connected to the housing and operably coupled to the rotating filter for rotating the rotating filter, and a stationary filter positioned in the hot box.

Vacuum cleaner

A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body 3; an elongate handle 5 connected to the cleaner body, the elongate handle being movable between an extended position, extending outwardly from the cleaner body, and a stowed position, in which the elongate handle is positioned substantially adjacent to the cleaner body; wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a carry handle 11 which becomes accessible for use when the elongate handle is moved from the extended to the stowed position.

Media device and interface

A media device is provided for receiving a listing of media content items from a server, at least one of the media content items being a group entity which is representative of a collection of individual media content items. Each of the media content items is then presented to the user for selection. A user may select one of the group entities and the associated individual media content items will then be presented to the user for further selection. An individual media content item may be selected and the selected media content may be transmitted from the server to the media receiver for immediate play back or saved for later playback.

Semiconductor testing

A method of testing a semiconductor circuit including a pair of contact pads, a biasing circuit for applying a voltage to the pair of contact pads, and a sensing circuit for providing a signal indicative of the voltage applied across the contact pads. The method includes determining a voltage gain and voltage offset of the sensing circuit while the biasing circuit is disabled. The method also includes enabling the biasing circuit to produce a voltage across the contact pads and determining, from the resulting output voltage produced by the sensing circuit, an actual output voltage produced by the biasing circuit at the contact pads based on the determined voltage gain and voltage offset of the sensing circuit.

PRINT FLUID MANIFOLD

A manifold to provide print fluid to a printhead, the manifold comprising: an inlet to receive print fluid from a print fluid supply; and an outlet to provide print fluid to the printhead; the inlet to couple with a flow control device to control flow of print fluid from the print fluid supply to the manifold; and wherein the inlet comprises an element to engage an actuatable member of the flow control device to activate the flow control device to allow print fluid to flow from the print fluid supply to the printhead. 1. A manifold to provide print fluid to a printhead , the manifold comprising:an inlet to receive print fluid from a print fluid supply; andan outlet to provide print fluid to the printhead;the inlet to couple with a flow control device to control flow of print fluid from the print fluid supply to the manifold; andwherein the inlet comprises an element to engage an actuatable member of the flow control device to activate the flow control device to allow print fluid to flow from the print fluid supply to the printhead.2. A manifold according to claim 1 , wherein the element is arranged to provide an engagement surface and a print fluid passageway within the inlet claim 1 , the engagement surface to engage the actuatable member of the flow control device.3. A manifold according to or claim 1 , wherein the element extends across the inlet.4. A manifold according to claim 3 , wherein the print fluid passageway passes at a side of the element.5. A manifold according to claim 4 , wherein the print fluid passageway comprises a first print fluid passageway and the side comprises a first side of the element claim 4 , the manifold further comprising a second print fluid passageway which passes at a second side of the element claim 4 , wherein the second print fluid passageway comprises a conduit which passes between the first and second sides of the element.6. A manifold according to claim 5 , wherein the first and second print fluid passageways are in fluid ...

MEDIA DEVICE AND INTERFACE

A media device is provided for receiving a listing of media content items from a server, at least one of the media content items being a group entity which is representative of a collection of individual media content items. Each of the media content items is then presented to the user for selection. A user may select one of the group entities and the associated individual media content items will then be presented to the user for further selection. An individual media content item may be selected and the selected media content may be transmitted from the server to the media receiver for immediate play back or saved for later playback.

METHOD TO CREATE A LITHIUM MANGANESE NICKEL OXIDE CATHODE USING ULTRA-PURE ELECTROLYTIC MANGANESE DIOXIDE FOR IMPROVED ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL PERFORMANCE

A method of forming an LMNO cathode with electrolytic manganese dioxide includes dissolving metallic manganese in acid to create a dissolved manganese solution, disposing the solution within an electrolytic cell including an electrolytic cell anode and an electrolytic cell cathode, and applying a current between the cell anode and the cell cathode to the solution. Applying the current forms an MnO2deposit upon the cell anode. The method further includes harvesting the deposit, creating a manganese precursor by neutralizing the deposit and grinding the deposit to form an MnO2powder, and mixing the manganese precursor with a nickel precursor and a lithium precursor to create a mixture. The method further includes calcining the mixture to create an LMNO powder and coating a current collector with the LMNO powder to thereby form the LMNO cathode. The method may include testing the cathode electrode in an electrochemical pouch format cell.

AQUACULTURE FISH PEN WITH MORTALITY TRAP

A mortality trap (150) for a spar buoy fish pen (100) is configured to receive and trap deceased fish, or morts (M), that sink from the fish pen. The mortality trap attaches to a lower portion of the spar buoy (110) to define a first passage (90). The sinking mort passes into an upper receiver portion (150U) of the mortality trap, and encounters a sloping transverse panel (154). Gravity causes the mort to continue through a second passage (B) into a lower entrapment portion (150L), and further into a region underlying the transverse panel (154) preventing the mort from escaping if it becomes positively buoyant. The entrapment portion optionally includes a converging channel into a valved port, to permit extraction of morts. The mortality trap may be located on the distal end of the spar buoy, or at an intermediate location on the lower portion of the spar buoy.

Method and apparatus providing concatenated data from multiple signal acquisition devices

A system comprising a plurality of digital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) in which each DSO requires a respective temporal portion of a signal under test (SUT) according to a synchronized triggering signal and respective post-trigger count period such that a plurality of acquisition records may be concatenated to produce a longer acquisition record.

Covalently bonded protectors for nylon fibers, yarns and finished products

The invention provides a method for reacting a variety of protective entities to form covalent bonds with nylon, which entities can be applied directly in the dyebath with the dyes that are used to dye the nylon without blocking such dyes or interfering with their color yield. Such protective entities include stain-blockers, chlorine resist agents, fire retardants, UV absorbers, antimicrobial agents, fume fade protectors, soil-resist agents and anti-stats. According to this method, a protective entity is reacted with a moiety having the capability of forming a covalent bond with a nylon fiber to create a modified protective entity that is adapted to form a covalent bond with a nylon fiber. The modified protective entity is added to a dyebath containing one or more dyes selected from the group consisting of fiber reactive dyes, acid dyes, acid-premetalized dyes and disperse dyes. The dyebath is applied to nylon fiber at a pH within the range of about 0.5 to about 6.5, and an alkali solution ...

Fiber reactive dyeing system

A method for dyeing fiber including, contacting the fiber with fiber reactive dye and fixing the dye utilizing an alkali metal carbonate.

Device for welding and/or combined cutting and welding of films

A device for welding or combined cutting and welding comprises a heating element, the heating rail of which is heated and cools down in each work cycle, and an opposed tool which has a rail made of elastic material.

Radio frequency power amplifier and corresponding method

A radio frequency power amplifier and corresponding methods are arranged and configured to drive or provide a radio frequency signal to a resonant load. The amplifier includes a radio frequency switching stage with an output that is coupled to a resonant circuit and configured to provide an output signal with amplitude modulation corresponding to amplitude modulation of an input signal when powered from a fixed voltage power supply and a feedback control system coupled to the input signal and the output signal. The feedback control system includes a sequencer configured to provide a sequencer output that is used to drive the radio frequency switching stage, where the sequencer output has an OFF state that begins at a variable time corresponding to the input and output signal.

Engine valve actuation

An electromagnetic valve actuator and method of control thereof. The electromagnetic valve actuator is for at least one valve of an internal combustion engine, the electromagnetic valve actuator comprising: a rotor; a stator for rotating the rotor; output means for actuating the valve in dependence on rotation of the rotor; mechanical energy storage means arranged to store energy in dependence on rotation of the rotor and release the energy to assist rotation of the rotor and phase varying means for varying a phase between the mechanical energy storage means and the output means.

HVAC AIR BALANCE AND REPORTING SYSTEM FOR DESIGN, INFECTION CONTROL, CONTAMINATION REMOVAL, AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

This invention presents an integrated air and hydronic testing, adjusting, balancing, and reporting system. Comprising essential HVAC data collection equipment, data processing software, and advanced algorithms leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence, the system analyzes building design, energy conservation, and actual conditions against infection control requirements, contamination removal requirements, and regulatory standards. The invention's methodology gathers room condition data and applies ventilation regulations and structural attributes to assess adherence to air balance standards, breathing zone requirements, exhaust rates, energy efficiency, occupational safety, infection control, and regulatory mandates.

ANTIMICROBIAL IV ACCESS CAP

An antimicrobial IV access cap having an inner surface for retaining an antimicrobial agent, and further configured to receive a portion of an access port of an intravascular device. 1. A device for preventing contamination of an access port , the device comprising a cap having an inner surface defining a space for receiving a portion of the access port , the inner surface further including an antimicrobial agent.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the access port comprises a portion of an intravascular device.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the cap is hingedly coupled to the intravascular device.4. The device of claim 2 , wherein the cap is slidably coupled to the intravascular device.5. The device of claim 2 , wherein the cap is tethered to the intravascular device.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is in direct contact with the access port when the portion of the access port is positioned within the inner surface.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is retained by a material disposed within the inner surface.8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the material comprises at least one of a sponge claim 7 , a gel claim 7 , a foam material claim 7 , a woven material claim 7 , a non-woven material claim 7 , and a polymeric material.9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the access port is an external portion of the access port.10. A method for preventing contamination of an access port claim 1 , the method comprising:providing a cap having an inner surface defining a space for receiving a portion of the access port;applying an antimicrobial agent to a portion of the inner surface; andattaching the cap to the access port.11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the cap is slidably coupled to the access port.12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the cap is hingedly coupled to the access port.13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is retained by a material disposed within the inner surface.14. An ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING A REGION OF INTEREST IN A MEDICAL IMAGE

In a method or apparatus for identifying a region of interest in a medical image of a subject, at least one local maximum region of the image is determined for which a value of a given variable is a local maximum value. A user-selection of an initial voxel in the image is registered. As the region of interest, a connected set of voxels for which values of the given variable are greater than a threshold is selected, the selected set of voxels comprising a first local maximum region at a distance from the user-selected voxel, and the threshold being a given fraction of the local maximum value of the first local maximum region in the set. 1. A method of identifying a region of interest in a medical image of a subject , comprising:determining at least one local maximum region of the image for which a value of a given variable is a local maximum value;registering a user-selection of an initial voxel in the image; andselecting, as said region of interest, a connected set of voxels for which values of the given variable are greater than a threshold, the selected set of voxels comprising a first local maximum region at a distance from the user-selected voxel, and the threshold being a given fraction of the local maximum value of the first local maximum region in the set.2. The method according to wherein in the connected set of voxels each voxel of the set is adjacent to another voxel of the set claim 1 , and any pair of voxels of the set is connected by a path of adjacent voxels of the region.3. The method according to wherein in a further iteration of the method claim 2 , the given fraction is altered.4. The method according to wherein claim 3 , if in the initial iteration said distance between the user-selected voxel and the selected local maximum region is greater than a tolerated distance claim 3 , the given fraction is altered to increase the threshold until the first local maximum region is no longer included in the connected set.5. The method according to wherein ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMPARING 3D AND 2D IMAGE DATA

In a method or apparatus of comparing two image data sets from medical imaging data of a subject, a first, three-dimensional image data set of the subject is obtained. A second, two-dimensional image data set of the subject is also obtained. The first data set is registered with the second data set. Data from the first, three-dimensional image data set is processed to determine a voxel in the first data set which corresponds to a given pixel in the second, two-dimensional image data set. 1. A method of comparing two image data sets from medical imaging data of a subject , comprising the steps of:obtaining a first, three-dimensional image data set of the subject;obtaining a second, two-dimensional image data set of the subject;registering the first data set with the second data set; andprocessing data from the first, three-dimensional image data set to determine a voxel in the first data set which corresponds to a given pixel in the second, two-dimensional image data set.2. The method according to wherein the step of registering further comprises:generating from the first, three-dimensional image data set a two-dimensional image; andregistering the two-dimensional image from the first data set with a two-dimensional image derived from the second, two-dimensional image data set.3. The method according to wherein the two-dimensional image generated from the first claim 2 , three-dimensional image data set is a two-dimensional projection image.4. The method according to wherein the projection image is a virtual planar projection.5. The method according to wherein the step of processing data from the first data set to determine a voxel comprises identifying the voxel from the first claim 2 , three-dimensional image data set which provides a greatest contribution to generating a pixel in the generated two-dimensional image claim 2 , said pixel corresponding to the given pixel in the second claim 2 , two-dimensional image data set.6. The method according to wherein the ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A MODIFIED INTENSITY PROJECTION IMAGE

In a method or apparatus for generating, from medical image data of a subject from a functional imaging modality, a modified intensity projection image for display. An intensity projection image data set is obtained from the image data. A segmentation for the image data is obtained. Based on information from the segmentation, a modified display property is calculated for at least one voxel of the intensity projection image data set. 1. A method of generating , from medical image data of a subject from a functional imaging modality , a modified intensity projection image for display , comprising the steps of:obtaining an intensity projection image data set from the image data;obtaining a segmentation for the image data; andcalculating, based on information from the segmentation, a modified display property for at least one voxel of the intensity projection image data set.2. The method according to wherein the modified display property comprises an altered color component.3. The method according to wherein the modified display property comprises an altered hue for an HSV display.4. The method according to wherein the segmentation is three-dimensional claim 3 , and comprises at least one volume of interest.5. The method according to further comprising a step of determining for the at least one voxel a corresponding position in the three-dimensional segmentation claim 4 , and determining whether the position is contained in a volume of interest.6. The method according to wherein the step of calculating comprises calculating a modified display property for each of a plurality of voxels of the intensity projection image data set contained by the volume of interest.7. The method according to wherein the segmentation comprises a plurality of volumes of interest claim 6 , and wherein the step of calculating comprises claim 6 , for a volume of interest containing the at least one voxel claim 6 , dividing an integer identifier for the volume of interest by a total number of ...

System and method for controlling emissions in a combustion system

A system includes an emissions control system. The emissions control system includes a chemical injection conduit. The emissions control system also includes a chemical injector coupled to the chemical injection conduit, wherein the chemical injector is configured to output an emissions control chemical into the chemical injection conduit. The emissions control system further includes a wave generator coupled to the chemical injection conduit, wherein the wave generator is configured to output multiple waves that propagate through the chemical injection conduit into a flow path of combustion products to drive improved mixing of the emissions control chemical with the combustion products.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING ACTIVITY OF A TRACER

In a method and apparatus for measuring activity of a tracer in a subject in a medical imaging protocol, comparable features in each of a time series of image data sets of the subject are detected. A first activity value for a first region of interest containing a first of the features in a first image data set is obtained, and a size of the first feature is measured. The first activity value is then modified using the measured size of the first feature. A second activity value for a second region of interest containing a second of the features in a second image data set is obtained. The modified first activity value and the second activity value are then combined to produce a measure of activity of the tracer over the time series. 1. A method of measuring activity of a tracer in a subject in a medical imaging protocol , comprising:detecting comparable features in each of a time series of image data sets of the subject;obtaining a first activity value for a first region of interest containing a first of the features in a first image data set;measuring a size of the first feature;modifying the first activity value using the measured size of the first feature;obtaining a second activity value for a second region of interest containing a second of the features in a second image data set; andcombining the modified first activity value and the second activity value to produce a measure of activity of the tracer over the time series.2. A method according to claim 1 , comprising obtaining the second activity value by modifying an activity value for the second region of interest using a measured size of the second feature.3. A method according to claim 1 , comprising combining activity values for regions of interest for each image data set to produce the measure of activity of the tracer over the time series.4. A method according to claim 1 , comprising producing the measure of activity over the time series as a series of values for activity of the tracer.5. A method ...

Optical Imaging Probes and Related Methods

In part, the invention relates to an optical probe including a torque wire; an optical fiber positioned within the torque wire; a beam director positioned coaxial with and adjacent to one end of the optical fiber; and an overcladding, positioned adjacent to and over the optical fiber and the beam director, the overcladding defining an air gap adjacent the beam director so as to cause total internal reflection alight passing from the optical fiber through the beam director. In one embodiment, the optical probe includes a beam expander and a beam shaper coaxial with and located between the optical fiber and the beam director. In another embodiment, the optical probe further includes a marker band positioned over a portion of the overcladding. In yet another embodiment, the overcladding is made of flurosilica glass. 1. An optical probe comprising:a torque wire configured to rotate;an optical fiber positioned within the torque wire;a beam director positioned coaxial with and adjacent to one end of the optical fiber and having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; andan overcladding, positioned adjacent to and over the optical fiber and the beam director, the overcladding defining an air gap adjacent the beam director so as to cause total internal reflection of light passing from the optical fiber through the beam director, the overcladding having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the beam director and the overcladding are coupled along an involved length that is substantially free of any gaps and wherein the interface between the overcladding and the beam director outside of the involved length defines one or more gaps configured to reduce stress on the optical probe.2. The optical probe of further comprising a beam expander and a beam shaper coaxial with and located between the optical fiber and the beam director.3. The optical probe of further comprising a marker band positioned over a portion of the overcladding.4. The optical probe of wherein ...

Cable Reel and Reel Carrying Caddy

A resilient cable caddy comprising a portable housing for storing reels of cable that has a lower base with a hinged top forming an enclosure for the reel. A reel of cable is rotatably mounted within the interior. A handle formed by abutting base and top portions enables carrying. Each reel comprises a spool with a central axle coupled at each end to spaced apart end caps, being retained by mounting rings. The spindles have bearing rings journalled to bearing races defined in the end caps. Both spindles comprise hubs disposed within case gudgeons. A two-piece spindle has a removable hub portion fitted to an internal socket. When reels are transported they may be stacked vertically atop one another with the one piece spindle engaging the empty and exposed spindle hub socket of an upper reel. Caddies may also be opened and stacked vertically for transportation 1. A caddy system for enclosing , transporting and dispensing cable , wire or other filamentary material , the caddy system comprising:a base adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface, the base comprising integral front and rear panels, a pair of integral, spaced apart end panels, and an interior defined between said front and rear and end panels;a top coupled to said base for enclosing said interior;a gudgeon defined in each of said end panels; and, a spool upon which said cable, wire or other filamentary material is wound;', 'a pair of spaced apart end caps coupled to said spool; and,', 'a pair of spindles, each spindle comprising a bearing portion coupled to an end cap and a hub nested within a gudgeon., 'a reel adapted to be rotatably disposed within said base, the reel comprising2. The caddy system as defined in wherein an axle extends coaxially through said spool between said end caps.3. The caddy system as defined in wherein each end cap comprises:coupling rings on a first end for mating with ends of said axle; and,a bearing race on an opposite end engaged by said spindle bearing portions.4. The ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING MEDICAL IMAGING DATA

In a method and apparatus for correcting image data from a medical imaging scan of a subject, into which subject a specified amount of an imaging substance has been introduced, a region of the image data, containing an anomalous proportion of the imaging substance introduced, is identified. For the identified region a regional value of a variable in the image data associated with the imaging substance is determined. The regional value is used to determine the proportion of the substance in the region, and the proportion is subtracted from the specified amount of the imaging substance. 1. A method of correcting for image data supplied to a computerized processor from a medical imaging scan of a subject , into which subject a specified amount of an imaging substance has been introduced , comprising , in the processor , the steps of:identifying a region of the image data containing an anomalous proportion of the imaging substance introduced;determining for the identified region a regional value of a variable in the image data associated with the imaging substance;using the regional value to determine the proportion of the substance in the region;subtracting the proportion from the specified amount of the imaging substance to obtain a corrected amount of the imaging substance; andmaking an indication of the corrected amount available from the processor.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the imaging substance is a pharmaceutical tracer.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the variable is activity of the tracer.4. A method according to claim 3 , wherein the step of determining comprises measuring an SUV value for the region.5. A method according to claim 2 , further comprising determining the mean activity concentration in the identified region claim 2 , and a volume claim 2 , to determine a total activity in the identified region.6. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the steps of using and subtracting comprise:subtracting the total activity from a ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING REGIONS OF INTEREST IN MEDICAL IMAGING DATA

In a method and apparatus for identifying a region of interest in medical imaging data of a subject is described, an intensity projection image is generated from the medical imaging data. The medical imaging data is then processed to find one or more maxima in the medical imaging data. The found maxima are compared with the intensity projection image, and one of the maxima which is not represented in the intensity projection image is identified. 1. A method of identifying a region of interest in medical imaging data of a subject , comprising the steps of:generating an intensity projection image from the medical imaging data;in a processor, processing the medical imaging data to find one or more maxima in the medical imaging data;in said processor, comparing the found one or more maxima with the intensity projection image; andin said processor, identifying one of the maxima which is not represented in the intensity projection image, and making an indication of said one of said maxima available in electronic form at an output of said processor.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of processing comprises defining a criterion establishing a minimum below which maxima are not considered.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the criterion is one of: a minimum intensity threshold; a minimum volume of region containing the maximum; a minimum local intensity gradient; and a minimum intensity to background ratio.4. A method according to claim 3 , wherein the criterion is a minimum intensity threshold claim 3 , and the method comprises selecting all maxima in the medical imaging data exceeding the threshold.5. A method according to claim 2 , wherein maxima are identified as being contained in regions of the medical imaging data exceeding the minimum criterion claim 2 , the maximum of the region being the voxel containing the highest intensity value for the region.6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the intensity projection image is a maximum ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AN ENHANCED IMAGE FROM MEDICAL IMAGING DATA

In a method and apparatus for generating an enhanced image for display from medical imaging data of a subject, a feature of interest in the imaging data elongated in at least one dimension is determined. A location of a line through the imaging data along the feature of interest is obtained, and a projection image along the line is generated from the imaging data. 1. A method for generating an enhanced image for display from medical imaging data of a subject , comprising:in a processor provided with medical imaging data, automatically determining a feature of interest in said medical imaging data that is elongated in at least one dimension;in said processor, automatically identifying a location of a line through said medical imaging data along a feature of interest in said medical imaging data; andin said processor, generating a projection image from said medical image data along said line, and making said projection image available in electronic form at an output of said processor.2. A method as claimed in comprising generating said projection image as a two-dimensional claim 1 , maximum intensity projection image.3. A method as claimed in comprising identifying said line as a centerline along said feature of interest.4. A method as claimed in wherein said feature of interest and said line follow an arcuate or non-linear path.5. A method as claimed in wherein said feature of interest is a rib of said subject.6. A method as claimed in comprising generating said projection image by:generating a series of sets of image data along said line; andusing said series to generate said projection image.7. A method as claimed in comprising generating said series as a plurality of sets of planes of image data that are respectively orthogonal to said line along said feature of interest.8. A method as claimed in comprising:implementing a segmentation of said feature of interest from said medical imaging data; andgenerating a plurality of projection images along said line, ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING MEDICAL IMAGING DATA

In a method and apparatus for analyzing medical imaging data of a subject from an imaging modality using a tracer in which a characteristic of the tracer varies with time, are disclosed, a region of interest in a scanned image volume is determined. Data are then obtained from detection of tracer emission events in the scanned imaging volume, and from the data those events which originated in the region of interest are determined. A time series of emission events for the region of interest is then recorded. 1. A method of analyzing medical imaging data of a subject acquired from an imaging modality using a tracer administered to the subject , in whom a characteristic of the tracer varies with time , comprising:determining a region of interest in a scanned image volume;obtaining data from detection of tracer emission events in the scanned imaging volume;determining from the data those events which originated in the region of interest; andrecording a time series of emission events for the region of interest.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of determining the events which originated in the region of interest comprises determining those events for which the line of response passes through the region of interest.3. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising calculating from the time series a rate of change of emission events per unit time for the region of interest.4. A method according to claim 3 , further comprising comparing the rate of change of emission events per unit time for the region of interest with an expected behavior for a particular type of tissue of a scan subject.5. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising using the time series as an estimate of a blood input function for the scanned image volume.6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the characteristic of the tracer is uptake of the tracer by tissue of the subject.7. A method according to claim 6 , further comprising calculating from the time series a rate of ...

ENCLOSING ARRANGEMENT OF RACKS IN A DATACENTER

Enclosing arrangements of racks of computing devices fully encloses a space, either solely by the racks themselves, or in conjunction with structural features, such as walls and doors. The enclosed space can be either a hot aisle, whose hot air is vented out by fans positioned in at least one vertical extremity of the enclosed space, such as the floor, or ceiling, or it can be a cold aisle, whose cold air is pumped in by those fans. To maintain proper pressurization across a vertical cross-section of the enclosed space, specific ones of the computing devices have their fans adjusted based on their vertical position within the racks or have passive airflow adjustments, such as impedance screens. Computing devices can draw or vent air from their sides, taking advantage of the interstitial space between the racks provided by the enclosing arrangement. 1. At least two enclosing arrangements of racks of computing devices , the at least two enclosing arrangements being positioned adjacent to one another and each enclosing a space separate and apart from spaces enclosed by others of the at least two enclosing arrangements , and each of the at least two enclosing arrangements individually comprising either at least three racks of computing devices arranged to fully enclose a space and to create triangular interstitial space between the racks , or at least two racks of computing devices and at least one structural element of a facility hosing the at least two enclosing arrangements , the at least two racks of computing devices and the at least one structural element being arranged to fully enclose a space and to create triangular interstitial space between the racks.2. The at least two enclosing arrangements of claim 1 , wherein the at least one structural element comprises a door providing access into the enclosed space.3. The at least two enclosing arrangements of claim 1 , wherein the at least one structural element comprises a wall.4. The at least two enclosing ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO INJECT REAGENT IN SNCR/SCR EMISSION SYSTEM FOR BOILER

An apparatus to introduce a reagent to reduce nitrogen oxides in flue gas including: nozzles mounted to a passage for the flue gas, wherein the nozzles are mounted downstream of a SNCR system and upstream of a SCR system, wherein the nozzles are mounted on one or more walls of the passage and are configured to inject a pressurized fluid into the flue gas; a source of the pressurized fluid which is in fluid communication with the nozzles such that the pressurized fluid flows to the nozzles; a source of a NOx reducing reagent and a mixing device which mixes the reagent with the pressurized fluid such that the pressurized fluid flowing to the nozzles includes the reagent. 1. An apparatus to introduce a reagent to reduce nitrogen oxides in flue gas , the apparatus comprising:nozzles mounted to a passage for the flue gas, wherein the nozzles are mounted downstream of a SNCR system and upstream of a SCR system, wherein the nozzles are mounted on at least one wall of the passage and are configured to inject a pressurized fluid into the flue gas;a source of the pressurized fluid which is in fluid communication with the nozzles such that the pressurized fluid flows to the nozzles;a source of a NOx reducing reagent, anda mixing device which mixes the reagent with the pressurized fluid such that the pressurized fluid flowing to the nozzles includes the reagent.2. The apparatus of wherein the source of NOx reducing reagent is a source of at least one of urea and ammonia.3. The apparatus of wherein the nozzles are mounted on opposite sidewalls of the passage.4. The apparatus of wherein the nozzles on each sidewall are vertically aligned.5. The apparatus of wherein the nozzles are arranged in a staggered pattern.6. The apparatus of wherein the nozzles on each sidewall are not in horizontal alignment with the nozzles on the opposite sidewall.7. The apparatus of wherein the source of the pressurized fluid is a source of steam.8. A boiler having a system to reduce nitrogen oxides in ...

Coaxial Connector with Grommet Biasing for Enhanced Continuity

A compressible F-connector and method for interconnection with coaxial cable that includes a biasing grommet for promoting electrical continuity despite inadequate nut tightening. Each connector has a rigid nut, a post penetrating the nut, a tubular body, and an end cap. The conductive post coaxially extends through the connector, linking the nut and body. A post end penetrates the coaxial cable. Each connector body comprises a frontal annular groove in which is seated a biasing grommet with projections extending from one or both grommet ends that bias the nut to insure mechanical and electrical contact with the post. In one embodiment of the invention the projections are semicircular. In alternative embodiments the projections may be triangular or square, and projections on one grommet end may be radially offset from projections on the opposite end. 1. A compressible coaxial connector comprising:a nut adapted to threadably fasten the connector;an elongated, hollow post comprising a portion that internally abuts the nut;a hollow, tubular body coaxially disposed over said post, the body comprising a front end with a groove;a grommet disposed in said groove;wherein said grommet is configured to provide a biasing force to the nut to promote mechanical and electrical contact between the nut and the post; and,an end cap adapted to be coupled to said body.2. The connector as defined in wherein the grommet is resilient.3. The connector as defined in wherein the grommet comprises a plurality of radially spaced apart projections.4. The connector as defined in wherein the projections have a semi-circular profile.5. The connector as defined in wherein the grommet comprises a front end and a rear end claim 4 , and a plurality of integral claim 4 , radially spaced apart projections are defined upon each end.6. The connector as defined in wherein the body has an annular front surface and said projections on said grommet front end extend outward from said annular front surface.7. ...

Coaxial Connector with Internal Nut Biasing Systems for Enhanced Continuity

A compressible, F-connector for interconnection with coaxial cable that includes at least one biasing system for promoting electrical continuity, despite inadequate nut tightening. Each connector has a rigid nut, a post penetrating the nut, a tubular body, and an end cap. The conductive post coaxially extends through the connector, linking the nut and body. A post end penetrates the coaxial cable. Biasing systems emanating from the body pressure the nut. The biasing systems comprise pistons or bearings yieldably biased by springs seated within radially spaced-apart bores in the connector body that are pressured outwardly of the body towards the nut. Yieldable pressure applied to the nut by the biasing systems insures mechanical and electrical contact between the nut and the post. 1. A compressible coaxial connector comprising:a nut adapted to threadably fasten the connector;an elongated, hollow post comprising a portion that internally abuts the nut;a hollow, tubular body coaxially disposed over said post, the body comprising a front end and at least one bore defined in said body front end;an end cap adapted to be coupled to said body;a biasing means disposed in each said body bore for pressuring the nut to promote mechanical and electrical contact between the nut and the post; and,wherein the biasing means yieldably contacts said nut in assembly.2. The connector as defined in wherein the body comprises a plurality of radially spaced apart bores.3. The connector as defined in wherein the biasing means comprises a ball bearing assembly associated with each bore claim 2 , each ball bearing assembly comprising a bearing activated by a spring coaxially disposed within a bore claim 2 , wherein the bearing is pressured away from said body by said spring towards and into contact with said nut.4. The connector as defined in wherein the bearing and spring are coaxially fitted within a tubular retainer that is fitted to said body bore.5. The connector as defined in wherein ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING BURST TRIGGERING IN A TEST AND MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT

A test and measurement apparatus, system, and method for synchronizing an acquisition or triggering system to a specific burst of interest. The subject apparatus and method triggers on varying energy content of a signal qualified by time in the presence of high-frequency input signal bursts, by using an adjustable pulse width envelope detector, disposed in the signal path of the trigger circuitry, as a digital rectifier or to otherwise process and extract an envelope signal. An RF envelope probe having an analog envelope detector among other suitable components is disclosed. A method is implemented for isolating an interval of interest in a signal under test. An envelope detector circuit produces an envelope signal from the signal. Trigger circuitry receives the envelope signal from the envelope detector, and isolates the interval of interesting in the signal under test using the envelope signal. 1. A test and measurement instrument , comprising:an input terminal to receive a signal under test;an envelope detector analog circuit coupled to the input terminal and structured to receive the signal under test and produce an envelope signal from the signal under test; andtrigger circuitry coupled to the envelope detector circuit, the trigger circuitry structured to isolate a burst in the signal under test using the envelope signal.2. The test and measurement instrument of claim 1 , wherein the trigger circuitry is structured to isolate a gap in the signal under test using the envelope signal.3. The test and measurement instrument of claim 1 , wherein the trigger circuitry is structured to receive the envelope signal and to isolate the burst in the signal under test having a defined width corresponding to a pulse in the envelope signal.4. The test and measurement instrument of claim 3 , wherein the defined width corresponds to one of (a) a range of widths within predetermined bounds and (b) a range of widths outside of predetermined bounds.5. The test and measurement ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING BURST TRIGGERING IN A TEST AND MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT

A test and measurement apparatus, system, and method for synchronizing an acquisition or triggering system to a specific burst of interest. The subject apparatus and method triggers on varying energy content of a signal qualified by time in the presence of high-frequency input signal bursts, by using an adjustable pulse width envelope detector, disposed in the signal path of the trigger circuitry, as a digital rectifier or to otherwise process and extract an envelope signal. An RF envelope probe having an analog envelope detector among other suitable components is disclosed. A method is implemented for isolating an interval of interest in a signal under test. An envelope detector circuit produces an envelope signal from the signal. Trigger circuitry receives the envelope signal from the envelope detector, and isolates the interval of interesting in the signal under test using the envelope signal. 1. A test and measurement instrument , comprising:an input terminal to receive a signal under test;an envelope detector digital circuit coupled to the input terminal and structured to receive the signal under test and produce an envelope signal from the signal under test; andtrigger circuitry coupled to the envelope detector circuit, the trigger circuitry structured to isolate a burst in the signal under test using the envelope signal.2. The test and measurement instrument of claim 1 , wherein the envelope detector digital circuit comprises:a delay circuit to receive the signal under test; anda logic gate to receive the signal under test and a delayed signal from the delay circuit, wherein the logic gate is structured to produce the envelope signal using the signal under test and the delayed signal.3. The test and measurement instrument of claim 1 , wherein the trigger circuitry is structured to isolate a gap in the signal under test using the envelope signal.4. The test and measurement instrument of claim 1 , wherein the trigger circuitry is structured to receive the ...

Golf Cart Bag Strap Sleeve

A protective golf cart bag strap sleeve system which includes a sleeve and a golf cart bag strap, wherein the sleeve comprises a first layer of durable material; a second layer of padding; and a third layer of durable material, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are folded over to form a folded edge, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are fastened opposite the folded edge to form a sleeve having a first open end and a second open end, wherein the sleeve receives the golf cart bag strap between the first open end and the second open end of the sleeve.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING

A method and system are provided for facilitating decision making, such as in a clinical setting. In accordance with this technique, a set of encoded guidelines are executed to identify information that may be used to generate patient management options. The information is acquired, if available. Based on the encoded guidelines and the acquired information, a set of patient management options are generated and provided to one or more reviewers for review and selection of a patient management option. 1. A method for reviewing a decision making process , comprising:generating one or more patient management recommendations based on an analysis of available patient-specific information using encoded guidelines;selecting a patient management option after reviewing the one or more patient management recommendations, wherein the act of selecting is performed by one or more reviewers;providing commentary related to the selection of the patient management option, the commentary comprising an indication of unavailable information and an indication of a potential impact of the unavailable information on the selection of the patient management option;electronically storing at least the one or more patient management recommendations, the selected patient management option, and the commentary; andreviewing the selection of the patient management option based upon at least the stored patient management recommendations, the stored selected patient management option, and the stored commentary.2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the encoded guidelines comprise at least one of a set of encoded clinical guidelines or a set of encoded local preferences.3. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the one or more reviewers comprise a multi-disciplinary panel of reviewers or other care-giving team.4. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the commentary comprises an explanation for the selection provided by at least one of the reviewers.5. The method as recited in claim 1 , ...

METHOD FOR FACILITATING COMPARISON OF MEDICAL IMAGE DATA

A method for facilitating comparison of medical image data captured using first and second combinations of scanner and reconstruction protocol (‘systems’) includes using a modifier to modify image data of a first subject captured using a first system to reduce a difference from image data of a second subject captured using a second system. 1. A method of facilitating comparison of medical image data captured using first and second systems , each system comprising a combination of a scanner and a reconstruction protocol , comprising:operating a medical imaging device to obtain image data from a scan of a reference object using the first system;operating the medical imaging device to obtain image data from a scan of the reference object using the second system;in a processor, comparing the image data of the first system with the image data of the second system;in said processor, determining a modifier usable to reduce a difference between the image data of the first system and the image data of the second system; andin said processor, using the modifier to modify image data of a first subject captured using the first system to reduce a difference from image data of a second subject captured using the second system.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein comparing and determining the modifier comprise iteratively optimizing one or more post-processing methods to align the image quality of the image data from the first system and the image data from the second system.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the modifier comprises at least one of: a smoothing filter; a deconvolution filter; and a window level or look-up table used to display image data from a respective first or second system. 1. Field of the InventionThe present invention concerns a method for facilitating comparison of medical image data with reference images, or with a clinician's own “mental” reference image template.2. Description of the Prior ArtFor some medical imaging procedures the ...

EQUALIZING SMOOTHING FOR A SCAN COMPARISON TO DATABASE

A method for facilitating comparison of image data from a given medical imaging protocol with archive image data, includes obtaining subject image data from a scan of a subject using the medical imaging protocol, obtaining archive image data differing from the subject image data in a given variable, determining a modifier usable to reduce the difference between the archive and subject image data, using the modifier to modify one of the subject image data and the archive image data to reduce the difference, and comparing the modified archive or subject image data with the subject or archive image data. 1. A method for facilitating comparison of image data from a given medical imaging protocol with archive image data , comprising:obtaining subject image data from a scan of a subject using the medical imaging protocol;obtaining archive image data differing from the subject image data in a given variable;determining a modifier usable to reduce the difference between the archive and subject image data;using the modifier to modify one of the subject image data and the archive image data to reduce the difference; andcomparing the modified archive or subject image data with the subject or archive image data.2. A method according to claim 1 , comprising determining the modifier by claim 1 , for at least one of the archive and subject image data:obtaining reference image data from a scan of a reference object using the medical imaging protocol used to capture the archive or subject image data;comparing the obtained reference image data of the reference object to standard reference image data for the reference object; anddetermining a factor modifying the obtained reference image data to reduce a difference between the obtained reference image data and the standard reference image data.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein determining the modifier further comprise determining a modifying factor for the other of the archive or subject image data claim 2 , and combining the ...

Coaxial Connectors withPressure-Enhanced Continuity

Axially compressible, F-connectors for conventional installation tools for interconnection with coaxial cable include biasing fingers for promoting electrical continuity despite inadequate nut tightening. Each connector has a rigid nut, a post penetrating the nut, a tubular body, and an end cap. The conductive post coaxially extends through the connector, linking the nut and body. A post end penetrates the coaxial cable. Each connector body comprises a plurality of radially, spaced apart biasing fingers for pressuring the nut to insure mechanical and electrical contact with the post. In one form of the invention the fingers border spaced apart notches in the body, and extend parallel with the axis of the connector. In an alternative embodiment, fingers are defined between radially spaced-apart slots on a flange associated with the body. 1. A compressible coaxial connector comprising:a nut adapted to threadably fasten the connector;an elongated, hollow post comprising a portion that internally abuts the nut;a hollow, tubular body coaxially disposed over said post, the body comprising a plurality of spaced-apart fingers for biasing the nut to promote mechanical and electrical contact between the nut and the post; and,an end cap adapted to be coupled to said body.2. The connector as defined in wherein the body and the fingers are resilient.3. The connector as defined in wherein the body comprises a plurality of radially spaced apart notches defined at its front.4. The connector as defined in wherein each finger emanates from said body proximate a notch.5. The connector as defined in wherein the body has an annular front surface and said fingers are offset from said annular surface.6. The connector as defined in wherein the connector has a longitudinal axis and said fingers run parallel with said axis.7. The connector as defined in wherein the body comprises a resilient claim 1 , front biasing flange claim 1 , and the flange comprises a plurality of integral claim 1 , ...

Generating Broadband Spectral Power In Multimode Optical Fibers

A broadband spectral power generator in a multimode optical fiber utilizes a standard multimode fiber that is coiled. A plate is placed on the coiled fiber and a force is applied to compresses the coiled fiber and thereby increase the interactions between the compressed windings and induce modal mixing and birefringence in the fiber. In addition, the compression causes additional non-linear processes to be excited and occur in the compressed fiber coil to generate more broadband light. This allows for better “mixing” of the spatial beam in the multimode fiber coil and allows for the various modes to overlap. The multimode fiber coil is made of silica, silicate, germinate, phosphate, fluoride, chalcogenide, or telluride. The compressed coiled fiber may be driven by a laser providing more than one wavelength output and this greatly increases the amount of nonlinear mixing in the fiber for a greatly enhanced spectral coverage. 1. An optical fiber coil for creating a broadband spectral output when driven by a laser , the optical fiber coil for creating a broadband spectral output comprising;a standard optical fiber coiled to form a coil that has an axis about which the coil is formed; andmeans for mechanically compressing the coiled optical fiber in a direction parallel to the axis of the coiled fiber;wherein compressing the coiled fiber induces modal mixing and birefringence in the fiber for to produce the broadband spectral output.2. The optical fiber coil for creating broadband spectral output of wherein the mechanical compression of the coiled fiber causes additional non-linear processes to be excited in the fiber coil to generate more broadband light.3. The optical fiber coil for creating broadband spectral output of wherein the multi-mode fiber is selected from the group consisting of silica claim 2 , silicate claim 2 , germinate claim 2 , phosphate claim 2 , fluoride claim 2 , chalcogenide and telluride.4. The optical fiber coil for creating broadband spectral ...

Automatic Frequency Prescaler

A test and measurement instrument including an input port configured to receive an input signal. One or more divider circuits, coupled to the input port, employ a plurality of divide ratios such that each divide ratio scales an event signal indicating events in the input signal by a predetermined integer value. A control system is also included. The control system is configured to iteratively determine an estimated signal frequency of the event signal, and automatically select a divide ratio for the event signal based on the estimated signal frequency. The instrument may also include one or more counters to count triggers in the event signal subsequent to application of the divide ratio. The instrument may also employ frequency hysteresis to prevent chatter in divide ratio selection. 1. A test and measurement instrument , comprising:{'b': 105', '201', '301', '125, 'an input port (//) configured to receive an input signal ();'}{'b': 205', '305, 'one or more divider circuits (/) employing a plurality of divide ratios such that each divide ratio scales an event signal indicating events in the input signal by a predetermined integer value; and'}{'b': 210', '310, 'claim-text': [{'b': '413', 'iteratively determine an estimated signal frequency of the event signal (), and'}, {'b': '415', 'automatically select a divide ratio for the event signal based on the estimated signal frequency ().'}], 'a control system (/) configured to2209309409413. The test and measurement instrument of claim 1 , further comprising a frequency range counter (/) configured to count a number of trigger events in the event signal and forward the count to the control system claim 1 , wherein the control system is further configured to determine an elapsed time result based on the counted number of trigger events () claim 1 , and wherein the control system determines the estimated signal frequency based on the determined elapsed time result ().3308309325310. The test and measurement instrument of claim ...

APPARATUS FOR STAGING OF PATIENTS FROM MEDICAL IMAGE DATA

The present invention concerns a system for calculating a suggested patient stage, the system including a processor and an associated display monitor, at which patient medical image data are displayed together with a form. The form has entry locations therein at which data can be entered by a user of the processor, and automatically from a data source that is accessible by the processor. The processor applies the data entered into the form in order to stage guidelines embodied in a logic algorithm that is used by the processor to calculate a suggested stage for the patient. The calculated suggested stage is displayed at the display monitor. 1. A system for calculating a suggested patient stage , comprising:a processor;a display monitor in communication with said processor;said processor having access to a data base containing patient medical image data and said processor being configured to display said patient medical image data at said display monitor together with a form having entry locations therein allowing entry of data into said form locations by a user and automatically by said processor; andsaid processor being configured to apply data entered into said form locations of said form to staging guidelines embodied in a logic algorithm accessible by the processor, said processor being configured to execute said logic algorithm to calculate a suggested stage for the patient, and to display the calculated suggested stage at said display monitor.2. A system as claimed in wherein said processor is configured to apply data to said staging guidelines selected from the group consisting of data derived from the patient medical image data claim 1 , data entered manually claim 1 , and data retrieved from a patient record.3. A system as claimed in wherein said data entry fields of said form correspond to a selected region of interest in the displayed patient medical image data.4. A system as claimed in comprising selecting said region of interest by executing a ...

ROTARY DEBULKING ATHERECTOMY DEVICE WITH A CROSSING BALLOON

An atherectomy system that utilizes an anchoring balloon with a rotary debulker and a crossing balloon to remove or debulk lesions formed on the interior wall surface of a body vessel. The system may include a first balloon coupled to a first tubular member, a rotary debulker coupled to a second tubular member, a second balloon coupled to both the third tubular member and the axially moveable fourth tubular member such that the second balloon is disposed inside the third tubular member. Methods for operating this device are also provided. 1. An atherectomy device that includes a handle coupled to a working tip via a plurality of axially disposed tubular members , the handle including:a housing that extends from a first housing end to a second housing end along a housing longitudinal axis, the second housing end being coupled to a first tubular member, the first tubular member surrounding at least a portion of a second tubular member, the second tubular member being coupled to a rotary member proximate the housing and disposed around a portion of a third tubular member, the third tubular member disposed around a portion of an axially moveable fourth tubular member; and a first balloon coupled to the first tubular member,', 'a rotary debulker coupled to the second tubular member, and', 'a second balloon coupled to both the third tubular member and the axially moveable fourth tubular member such that the second balloon is disposed inside the third tubular member., 'a working tip spaced from the handle and extending along a working tip longitudinal axis, the working tip including2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising outer sheath coupled to the housing claim 1 , the outer sheath surrounding a portion of the first tubular member.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the outer sheath comprises a polymeric tubular member having a proximal end mounted to the handle and configured for axial movement along the housing longitudinal axis so that when the outer sheath is ...

LEVER COMPRESSION LATCH

A latch assembly for mounting in an opening of a door and for releasably latching the door to a door frame. The latch assembly includes a housing that is mountable to the opening of the door. A lever is rotatably coupled to the housing between a deployed position and a retracted position. A lock plug is rotatably mounted within the housing, the lock plug having one end for receiving either a tool or key, and an opposite end having an engagement surface. A latching member is movably coupled to the housing, and is engaged with both the rotatable lock plug and the lever in the retracted position of the lever. A torsion spring biases the lock plug back to a starting position after the lock plug is rotated from the starting position using the tool or the key. 1. A latch assembly for mounting in an opening of a door and for releasably latching the door to a door frame , said latch assembly comprising:a housing that is mountable to the opening of the door;a lever that is rotatably coupled to the housing between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein in the retracted position, a handle portion of the lever is substantially flush with the door, and in the deployed position, the handle portion of the lever protrudes from the door for grasping by a user and moving the door relative to the door frame;a lock plug that is rotatably mounted within the housing, the lock plug having one end for receiving either a tool or key, and an opposite end having an engagement surface;a latching member that is movably coupled to the housing, and is engaged with both the rotatable lock plug and the lever in the retracted position of the lever, wherein, starting from the retracted position of the lever, rotation of the lock plug causes movement of the latching member, which causes the latching member to release the lever; anda torsion spring for biasing the lock plug back to a starting position after the lock plug is rotated from the starting position using the tool or the key.2. ...

AUTOMATIC BACKGROUND REGION SELECTION FOR LESION DELINEATION IN MEDICAL IMAGES

In a method and apparatus for automatic background region selection for lesion segmentation in medical images, a patient medical image dataset is loaded into a computer and an image region is delineated to obtain a segmentation containing a lesion. A background region is created from the segmentation representing the patient organ. 1. A method for automatic background region selection for lesion segmentation in medical image data , comprising:loading a medical image data set of a patient into a computer;in said computer, automatically identifying and delineating an image region that contains a lesion, within said medical image data set;in said computer, automatically identifying a background region within said image region;in said computer, automatically calculating a segmentation of said lesion by comparison of said lesion with said background region; andfrom said computer, causing the segmented lesion to be visually displayed at a display screen in communication with said computer.2. A method as claimed in comprising identifying said background region by:automatically identifying regions of said lesion in said image region, and identifying potential non-background regions; andautomatically identifying said background region by subtracting, from said image region, said regions identified as said lesion and as potential non-background regions.3. A method as claimed in comprising providing said computer with co-registered functional and anatomical data sets claim 1 , respectively obtained with multiple imaging modalities claim 1 , as said medical image data set.4. A method as claimed in comprising delineating said image region by executing said algorithm on said anatomical data set claim 3 , and transferring a segmentation of said lesion from said anatomical data set to said functional data set claim 3 , and performing the identification of said background region using said functional data set.5. A method as claimed in wherein said medical image data set is a ...

SERIAL PORT COMMUNICATION FOR STORAGE DEVICE USING SINGLE BIDIRECTIONAL SERIAL DATA LINE

A method is provided to enable communication between a controller and a preamplifier in a storage device. For example, the method includes implementing a serial port which is configured to transmit digital signals between the controller and the preamplifier over a single bidirectional serial data line. The serial port is controlled to selectively transmit digital signals over the bidirectional serial data line in either a first direction from the controller to the preamplifier or a second direction from the preamplifier to the controller. 1. A method to provide communication between a controller and a preamplifier in a storage device , comprising:implementing a serial port that is configured to transmit digital signals between the controller and the preamplifier over a single bidirectional serial data line; andcontrolling the serial port to selectively transmit digital signals over the bidirectional serial data line in either a first direction from the controller to the preamplifier or a second direction from the preamplifier to the controller.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the serial port comprises:transmitting a serial bit stream over the bidirectional serial data line from the controller to the preamplifier;generating a clock signal in the preamplifier using a phase-locked loop circuit, wherein the clock signal is generated based on a bit rate of the serial bit stream received by the preamplifier; andusing the clock signal to receive and deserialize the serial bit stream received by the preamplifier.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein controlling the serial port further comprises:transmitting a direction switch control signal over the bidirectional serial data line to the preamplifier; and generating a control signal to suspend phase and frequency adjustments of the phase-locked loop circuit of the preamplifier and maintain a static clock signal output from the phase-locked loop circuit of the preamplifier;', 'assuming control of the bidirectional ...

COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEMS AND COMPUTING DEVICES CONFIGURED TO UTILIZE ONE OR MORE AUTHENTICATION SERVERS FOR SECURING DEVICE COMMANDS TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

In some embodiments, securing device commands includes a first electronic device receiving a command authorization request message from a second electronic device, including a device command to be performed by the second electronic device, a command argument, and a first message authentication code (MAC) generated by applying a hash function to the device command, the command argument and a first counter value. The first electronic device generates a second MAC by applying the hash function to the device command, the command argument and a second counter value synchronized with the first counter value. The first electronic device compares the first MAC and the second MAC to authenticate the device command and transmit a command approval message or a command denial message. The command approval message causes the second electronic device to perform the device command and the command denial message causes the second electronic device to reject the device command. 1. A method for securing device commands , the method comprising: i) at least one first message authentication code (MAC),', 'ii) at least one device command, and', 'iii) at least one command argument;', 'wherein the at least one device command is a respective command to be performed by the second electronic device;', 'wherein the at least one first MAC has been generated by applying a one-way hash function to a first hash input to produce the non-reusable hashing;', 'wherein the first hash input comprises at least one first counter value;, 'receiving, by a first electronic device, a command authorization request message having non-reusable hashing from a second electronic device, comprisinggenerating, by the first electronic device, at least one second counter value based on a current time associated with receiving the command authorization request message; wherein the second hash input comprises the at least one second counter value;', 'wherein the at least one second counter value being based on the ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TESTING MULTI-ELEMENT LIGHTED DISPLAYS

Systems and methods for testing a light emitting display unit having a plurality of light emitting elements are disclosed. Embodiments include a system with a test module, the test module including a plurality of light detection elements. Each of the plurality of light detection elements may generate a signal upon detection of light emitted from a light emitting element. The test module may also include a circuit. The circuit may receive input signals from the plurality of light detection elements, process the input signals based on a pre-determined function of the circuit, and generate an aggregate output signal based on the processing of the input signals. The circuit may also process the input signals based on discrete implementation of a combinational logic. The circuit may further receive instructions determining the combinational logic to be implemented. 120-. (canceled)21. A system for testing a light emitting display unit having a plurality of light emitting elements , the system comprising:a test fixture, including:a plurality of light detection elements positioned such that light emitted by the plurality of light emitting elements is captured without interference from light emitted from a neighboring light emitting element; and receive input signals from the light detection elements;', 'process the input signals based on a pre-determined function of the circuit and discrete implementation of a combinational logic; and', 'generate an aggregate output signal based on the processing of the input signals, wherein the aggregate output signal is configured to determine a total number of activated light emitting elements., 'a circuit configured to22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the light detection elements are configured to generate signals upon detection of light emitted from the light emitting element.23. The system of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of light detection elements are positioned at an optimum distance from the plurality of light emitting ...

MULTI-FUNCTION TRANSACTION CARD

A multi-function transaction card may determine whether to submit a first payment as a passive payment device or to receive a second payment from another transaction card. The multi-function transaction card may have a length and a width that are in accordance with a standard for transaction cards. The multi-function transaction card may selectively perform a payment transaction based on determining whether to submit the first payment or to receive the second payment. The payment transaction may be performed by providing first card data to a transaction terminal for processing when the multi-function transaction card is to submit the first payment. The payment transaction may be performed by receiving second card data from the other transaction card, and processing the second card data via online data authentication, or via offline data authentication, when the multi-function transaction card is to receive the second payment. 1. A method , comprising: 'the multi-function transaction card having a length and a width that are in accordance with a standard for transaction cards; and', 'determining, by a multi-function transaction card, whether to submit a first payment as a passive payment device or to receive a second payment from another transaction card,'} the first payment transaction being performed by providing first card data to a transaction terminal for processing when the multi-function transaction card is to submit the first payment, or', pairing with a user device,', 'receiving, from the user device and based on pairing with the user device, an instruction to initialize a card reading functionality of the multi-function transaction card,', 'receiving, based on initializing the card reading functionality, second card data from the other transaction card,', 'determining whether an active connection exists between the multi-function transaction card and the user device, and', the online data authentication being performed based on determining that the active ...

Fixation system and method that detects proper attachment

Methods and apparatus are provided for attaching a first device to a second device. The method includes providing an attachment structure for attaching the first device to the second device that includes a fastener that is movable from a first position to a second position within the attachment structure, moving the first device into position to be attached to the second device with the fastener in the first position, obscuring an attachment detection window with a window barrier fixed to the fastener, securing the first device to the second device by sliding the fastener from the first position to the second position, locking the fastener in the second position, revealing the attachment detection window when the fastener is locked in the second position, and reading the attachment detection window to detect that the first device has been properly attached to the second device.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYTE SENSING IN PHYSIOLOGICAL GAS SAMPLES

Embodiments herein relate to systems and devices for measuring analyte presence on graphene varactors, which can be used for analyte sensing in physiological gas samples. In an embodiment, a system for measuring analyte presence on a graphene varactor is included having a capacitance to digital converter (CDC) and a graphene varactor. The CDC can be in electrical communication with the graphene varactor and can be configured to measure the capacitance of the graphene varactor in response to an excitation signal over a plurality of DC bias voltages. Other embodiments are also included herein. 1. A system for measuring analyte presence on a graphene varactor comprising:a capacitance to digital converter (CDC);a graphene varactor;the CDC in electrical communication with the graphene varactor and configured to measure the capacitance of the graphene varactor in response to an excitation signal over a plurality of DC bias voltages.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a multiplexor configured to selectively provide electrical communication between the CDC and a plurality of graphene varactors.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein an excitation signal is applied to a selected graphene varactor through the multiplexor.4. The system of claim 1 , the excitation signal comprising an alternating voltage.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the amplitude of the excitation signal is fixed by the CDC.6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller circuit configured to receive an electrical signal reflecting the capacitance of the graphene varactor.7. The system of claim 6 , the controller circuit comprising a microcontroller.8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an electronic component in electrical communication with the controller circuit and the CDC claim 1 , the electronic component selected from the group consisting of an IC or an SPI.9. The system of claim 1 , the graphene varactor comprising a functionalized graphene varactor.10. The system of claim ...

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT MOUNTING APPARATUS AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENT MOUNTING METHOD

A control unit of an electronic component mounting apparatus controls a component imaging unit so as to move an electronic component that is held by the holding unit, when the holding unit is moved in a direction, which is oblique to a conveyance direction of a substrate and is close to the substrate, by a movement mechanism unit. 1. An electronic component mounting apparatus comprising:a substrate conveyance mechanism unit configured to convey a substrate with an electronic component mounted thereon in a first direction;a component supply unit configured to supply the electronic component;a holding unit configured to hold the electronic component supplied from the component supply unit;a movement mechanism unit configured to move the holding unit;a component imaging unit configured to image the electronic component that is held by the holding unit;a control unit configured to control an imaging form of the electronic components by the component imaging unit; anda component recognition unit configured to recognize the electronic component based on an image that is imaged by the component imaging unit,wherein the component imaging unit has an area camera that includes at least one imaging element, andthe control unit controls the component imaging unit so as to image the electronic component that is held by the holding unit, when the holding unit is moved in a direction oblique to the first direction and close to the substrate by the movement mechanism unit.2. The electronic component mounting apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the component imaging unit so as to image the electronic component held by the holding unit while the holding unit is moved at a constant speed.3. The electronic component mounting apparatus according to claim 1 ,wherein the component imaging unit has a component lighting unit that lights the electronic component that is held by the holding unit during imaging, andwhen the holding unit holds a first electronic ...

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT MOUNTING APPARATUS AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENT MOUNTING METHOD

In a control unit of an electronic component mounting apparatus, when an imaging form of a component imaging unit is set to a first mode, a component recognition unit recognizes a first electronic component based on an imaged image due to a first imaging element of the component imaging unit, and recognizes a second electronic component based on an imaged image due to a second imaging element of the component imaging unit. Meanwhile, when the imaging form is set to a second mode, the component recognition unit recognizes the electronic components based on an image in which the imaged image by the first imaging element is combined with the imaged image by the second imaging element.

OPTIMIZING RELATIONAL ONLINE ANALYTICAL PROCESSING SORT OPERATIONS

Concepts for processing a SQL statement comprising a ROLAP sort operation are presented. One such concept comprises: determining whether a ROLAP partitioning column of the SQL statement does not refer to database columns from a sort operation of the SQL statement; and determining whether the ROLAP partitioning columns of the SQL statement are all referenced in the output of the SQL statement. Responsive to determining a ROLAP partitioning column of the SQL statement does not refer to database columns from a sort operation of the SQL statement, and to determining all of the ROLAP partitioning columns of the SQL statement are referenced in the output of the SQL statement, the SQL statement is modified by removing the ROLAP sort operation from the SQL statement. 1. A computer-implemented method for processing a Structured Query Language (SQL) statement comprising a Relational OnLine Analytical Processing (ROLAP) sort operation , the method comprising:determining whether a ROLAP partitioning column of the SQL statement does not refer to database columns from a sort operation of the SQL statement;determining whether the ROLAP partitioning columns of the SQL statement are all referenced in the output of the SQL statement; andresponsive to determining the ROLAP partitioning column of the SQL statement does not refer to database columns from the sort operation of the SQL statement and to determining all of the ROLAP partitioning columns of the SQL statement are referenced in the output of the SQL statement, modifying the SQL statement by removing the ROLAP sort operation from the SQL statement to generate a modified SQL statement.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying the SQL statement further comprises processing the SQL statement as a row-major organized relational database statement.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein processing the SQL statement as a row-major organized relational database statement comprises:consuming column-major organized database data; ...

FISH PEN FOR OPEN SEA AQUACULTURE

An aquaculture pen includes an annular floatation assembly formed from a plurality of float platforms connected end to end. A weight ring is suspended from the floatation assembly by a first plurality of tension members at a central portion of the float platforms. A net support ring is suspended from the floatation assembly by a second plurality of tension members that are attached to the floatation assembly, for example, outboard of the first plurality of tension members. A mesh enclosure for the pen includes a main portion attached to the net support ring, a jump net portion that extends from the net support ring to engage the inboard side of the floatation assembly, and a top portion that closes an upper end of the mesh enclosure. 1. An aquaculture pen comprising:an annular floatation assembly comprising a plurality of float platforms connected end to end with platform joints, the annular floatation assembly having an inboard side and an outboard side;a weight ring suspended from the floatation assembly by a first plurality of tension members that are attached to a bottom side of the floatation assembly at first transverse locations between the inboard side and the outboard side of the floatation assembly;a net support ring suspended from the floatation assembly by a second plurality of tension members that are attached to the bottom side of the floatation assembly at second transverse locations in a middle one-third of the floatation assembly between the inboard side and the outboard side of the floatation assembly; anda mesh enclosure comprising a main portion having an upper end that is attached to the net support ring, a jump net portion that extends from the net support ring to the inboard side of the floatation assembly, and a top portion that closes an upper end of the mesh enclosure.2. The aquaculture pen of claim 1 , wherein the first transverse locations are located in the middle one-third of the floatation assembly between the inboard side and the ...

LASER ASSEMBLY FOR A LASER PRINTER

An example laser assembly for a laser printer may include a plurality of lasers to emit respective photons; a prism to redirect the respective laser beams emitted from the plurality of lasers toward a collimator lens of the laser printer to generate a photon beam; and one or more processors to: determine a timing schedule for individually activating the plurality of lasers based on a resolution setting of the laser printer, and when printing at a resolution corresponding to the resolution setting, control activation of each of the plurality of lasers to emit the respective photons according to the timing schedule to form the photon beam. 1. A system comprising:a plurality of lasers that include a first laser and a second laser; 'stagger times at which the first laser and the second laser are at least one of powered or powered off; and', 'a laser controller configured toa cone prism to redirect photons of the plurality of lasers toward a mirror.2. The system of claim 1 ,wherein the plurality of lasers further include a third laser, andwherein, when staggering the times, the laser controller is configured to stagger the times at which the first laser, the second laser, and the third laser are at least one of powered or powered off.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: 'wherein the cone prism redirects the photons of the plurality of lasers toward the collimator lens.', 'a collimator lens that is between the cone prism and the mirror,'}4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a collimator lens shaped to shape focus an adjustable photon beam before the adjustable photon beam reaches the mirror.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lasers are configured to emit the photons into a conical surface of the cone prism.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cone prism redirects the photons ninety degrees through a tip of the cone prism.7. The system of claim 1 , where a photon beam is formed from the cone prism.8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the ...

ENGINE VALVE ACTUATION

An electromagnetic valve actuator () and method of control thereof. The electromagnetic valve actuator is for at least one valve () of an internal combustion engine (), the electromagnetic valve actuator comprising: a rotor (); a stator () for rotating the rotor; output means () for actuating the valve in dependence on rotation of the rotor; mechanical energy storage means () arranged to store energy in dependence on rotation of the rotor and release the energy to assist rotation of the rotor; and phase varying means () for varying a phase between the mechanical energy storage means and the output means.

Quarantine Apparatus including Bird Health Maintenance System and a Lighting Device

A quarantine apparatus including walls, an opening for entering and exiting the apparatus, a floor made of non-porous material covered with sheeting, the sheeting covering the edges between the floor and the walls, an air decontamination device to take in air and filter out contaminants, the air decontamination device attached to the apparatus, a ceiling of the apparatus joined together with the walls, the ceiling including diffusion material having a diffusion structure, a bird health maintenance lighting system secured above the ceiling, secured to direct light into the apparatus, and the bird health maintenance lighting system including at least one luminous element.

ANTIMICROBIAL IV ACCESS CAP

An antimicrobial IV access cap having an inner surface for retaining an antimicrobial agent, and further configured to receive a portion of an access port of an intravascular device. 120.-. (canceled)21. An intravenous device adapter , comprising:a body, wherein the body comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises a first coupling surface for receiving a first intravenous device, wherein the distal end comprises a second coupling surface for receiving a second intravenous device;a cap;a tether, wherein the tether comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the cap, wherein the distal end is pivotally coupled to the body to allow the tether to rotate between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the cap covers the proximal end of the body when the tether is in the closed position and does not cover the proximal end of the body when the tether is in the opened position; andan antimicrobial agent coupled to the cap and configured to contact the proximal end of the body when the tether is in the closed position.22. The intravenous device adapter of claim 21 , wherein the tether further comprises a handle to facilitate rotation of the tether between the closed position and the opened position.23. The intravenous device adapter of claim 22 , wherein the distal end is pivotally coupled to the body at a pivoting connection claim 22 , wherein the handle is disposed proximate the pivoting connection.24. The intravenous device adapter of claim 22 , wherein the handle is disposed at the distal end of the tether claim 22 , wherein the handle extends along a length of the body when the tether is in the closed position.25. The intravenous device adapter of claim 22 , wherein the handle comprises a surface that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the body claim 22 , wherein in response to a force being applied to the surface claim 22 , the tether moves from the closed position to the opened ...

POLYMER ENCAPSULATED TITANIUM DIOXIDE PARTICLES

A process for encapsulating TiOparticles by polymerizing sodium styrene sulfonate with a redox initiator system; then polymerizing a first monomer mixture comprising at least 60 wt % acrylic monomers; then polymerizing a second monomer mixture comprising at least 40 wt % vinyl ester monomers. 1. A process comprising steps of:{'sub': '2', '(a) contacting a mixture of i) an aqueous dispersion of TiOparticles and a sulfur-acid containing polymer; ii) an anionic surfactant; and iii) an aqueous solution of sodium styrene sulfonate with a redox initiator system; then'}(b) adding to the mixture of step (a) an aqueous dispersion of a first monomer mixture comprising monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic monomers, ethylene monomers, styrene monomers, vinyl ester monomers, and combinations thereof; wherein said first monomer mixture comprises at least 60 wt % acrylic monomers, based on total weight of monomers in the first monomer mixture;{'sub': '2', '(c) polymerizing the first monomer mixture to form an aqueous dispersion of a first polymer that at least partially encapsulates the TiOparticles;'}(d) adding to the aqueous dispersion of step (c) an aqueous dispersion of a second monomer mixture comprising monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic monomers, ethylene monomers, styrene monomers, vinyl ester monomers, and combinations thereof;wherein said second monomer mixture comprises at least 50 wt % vinyl ester monomers, based on total weight of monomers in the second monomer mixture; and(e) polymerizing the second monomer mixture.2. The process of wherein a ratio of the total weight of monomers in the first monomer mixture to weight of TiOparticles is from 0.1:1 to 0.6:1 and a ratio of the total weight of monomers in the second monomer mixture to weight of TiOparticles is from 0.4:1 to 1.4:1.3. The process of wherein a ratio of weight of sodium styrene sulfonate to weight of TiOparticles is from 0.001:1 to 0.015:1.4. The process of wherein said ...

Compressible Non-Fibrous Adjuncts

Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided. 1. A method of manufacturing a stapling assembly , the method comprising:providing a non-fibrous adjunct having a plurality of repeating unit cells, wherein the plurality of repeating unit cells are interconnected such that the adjunct, while under an applied stress in a range of 30 kPa to 90 kPa, undergoes a strain in a range of 0.1 to 0.9; andreleasably attaching the adjunct to a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein such that the adjunct can be stapled to tissue by the deployment of at least a portion of the plurality of staples from the cartridge.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the strain is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the adjunct comprises curing liquid plastic resin using ultraviolet light to form the adjunct.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the adjunct comprises heating a thermoplastic filament and extruding the melted filament layer by layer to form the adjunct.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attachment of the adjunct to the cartridge comprises placing a cartridge-contacting surface of the adjunct against a surface of the cartridge so as to insert at least one projection extending outward from the surface of the cartridge into at least one void within the adjunct.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attachment of the adjunct to the cartridge comprises placing a cartridge-contacting surface of the adjunct against a surface of the cartridge ...

Compressible Non-Fibrous Adjuncts

Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided. 1. A stapling assembly for use with a surgical stapler , comprising:a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein, the plurality of staples being configured to be deployed into tissue; anda non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge such that the adjunct can be attached to tissue by the plurality of staples in the cartridge, the adjunct being formed of a plurality of repeating interconnected unit cells with hollow tubular interconnections formed therebetween, each unit cell having an internal surface defining an internal volume, wherein the hollow tubular interconnections allow the internal volumes of the unit cells to be in fluid communication to promote accelerated tissue ingrowth within the adjunct.2. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein each hollow tubular interconnection defines an opening having a diameter from 100 micrometers to 3500 micrometers.3. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of repeating unit cells comprises a triply periodic minimal surface structure.4. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of repeating unit cells comprises a Schwarz-P structure.5. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of repeating unit cells comprises a modified Schwarz-P structure.6. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the hollow interconnections at least ...

Compressible Non-Fibrous Adjuncts

Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided. 1. A stapling assembly for use with a surgical stapler , comprising:a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein, the plurality of staples being configured to be deployed into tissue; and a first lattice structure having a first compression ratio, the first lattice structure extending from a top surface to a bottom surface that opposes the top surface, and', 'a first outer layer positioned on the top surface of the first lattice structure and configured to be positioned against tissue, the first outer layer having a second compression ratio that is different than the first compression ratio such that the adjunct, while under an applied stress in a range of 30 kPa to 90 kPa, undergoes a strain in a range of 0.1 to 0.9, wherein the first outer layer includes a plurality of openings that allow a portion of the tissue to penetrate at least into the first outer layer when the adjunct is attached to tissue by the plurality of staples to thereby promote tissue ingrowth within the adjunct., 'a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge such that the adjunct can be attached to tissue by the plurality of staples in the cartridge, the adjunct comprising,'}2. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the strain is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7.3. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first compression ratio is greater than the second ...

Compressible Non-Fibrous Adjuncts

Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the stapling assembly includes a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein and a non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge. Adjunct systems for use with a surgical stapler are also provided. Surgical end effectors using the stapling assemblies are also provided. Methods for manufacturing stapling assemblies and using the same are also provided. 1. A stapling assembly for use with a surgical stapler , comprising:a cartridge having a plurality of staples disposed therein, the plurality of staples being configured to be deployed into tissue; anda non-fibrous adjunct formed of at least one fused bioabsorbable polymer and configured to be releasably retained on the cartridge such that the adjunct can be attached to tissue by the plurality of staples in the cartridge, the adjunct having a plurality of repeating unit cells, wherein the plurality of repeating unit cells are interconnected such that the adjunct, while under an applied stress in a range of 30 kPa to 90 kPa, undergoes a strain in a range of 0.1 to 0.9.2. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the strain is in the range of 0.1 to 0.7.3. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein each unit cell includes a plurality of connecting interfaces claim 1 , and wherein adjacent unit cells are connected to each other at corresponding connecting interfaces.4. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the adjunct has an undeformed state in which a maximum height of the adjunct in the undeformed state is greater than a maximum height of the plurality of staples in a formed configuration.5. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of repeating unit cells comprises a triply periodic minimal surface structure.6. The stapling assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of repeating unit cells comprises a Schwarz-P ...

METHOD FOR PREPARING AN AQUEOUS DISPERSION OF MULTISTAGE POLYMER PARTICLES

The present invention relates to a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions and in a staged fashion an aqueous dispersion of carboxylic acid functionalized core polymer particles with first monomers and second monomers. The core comprises structural units of a high Thydrophobic monomer and/or the first monomers comprise a high Thydrophobic monomer, and the second monomers comprise at least 80 percent styrene. The high Thydrophobic monomer is cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate, or a combination thereof. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO. The particles exhibit excellent collapse resistance and unusually low dry bulk density, and do not require acrylonitrile to achieve this desired combination of properties. 1. A method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising the steps of:a) contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions an aqueous dispersion of core polymer particles with first monomers to form an aqueous dispersion of core/first stage polymer particles; andb) contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions the aqueous dispersion of core/first stage polymer particles with second monomers to form the aqueous dispersion multistage polymer particles; andc) neutralizing the aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles with a base; wherein{'sub': 'g', 'the core polymer particles comprise from 25 to 60 weight percent structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof, from 40 to 75 weight percent structural units of a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and up to a total of 15 weight percent structural units of styrene and a high Thydrophobic monomer; wherein'}{'sub': 'g', 'the high Thydrophobic monomer is one or more monomers ...

AQUEOUS DISPERSION OF MULTISTAGE POLYMER PARTICLES

The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising a first and a second phase, wherein the first phase comprises structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof, and a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and wherein the second phase comprises a first and second polymer, wherein the first phase or the second phase first polymer or both comprise structural units of a high Thydrophobic monomer; and wherein the second phase second polymer comprises at least 80 percent structural units of styrene. The high Thydrophobic monomer is defined as being one or more of the following monomers: cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO. The particles exhibit excellent collapse resistance and unusually low dry bulk density, and do not require acrylonitrile to achieve this desired combination of properties. 1. A composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising a first and a second phase , wherein:{'sub': 'g', 'a) the first phase comprises, based on the weight of the first phase, from 25 to 60 weight percent structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof, from 40 to 75 weight percent structural units of a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and up to a total of 15 weight percent structural units of styrene and a high Thydrophobic monomer; and wherein'} [{'sub': 'g', '1) the first polymer comprises, based on the weight of the first polymer, i) from 5 to 15 weight percent structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof; ii) from 45 to 55 weight percent structural units of styrene; and iii) from 37 to 47 weight percent structural units of methyl methacrylate or the high Thydrophobic monomer or a combination ...

HARDWARE-ENFORCED FIRMWARE SECURITY

A Root of Trust hardware hierarchy provides firmware security for motherboard and peripheral devices. Power is received at a computer system and, in response to the receipt of power, of a standby power rail of a motherboard of the computer system is energized, and a first microcontroller mounted on the motherboard authenticates first firmware associated with a baseboard management controller mounted on the motherboard and coupled to the first microcontroller. If the authentication of the first firmware is successful, the baseboard management controller is powered on, a central processing unit coupled to the first microcontroller is held in reset, and a standby power rail of a peripheral component card coupled to the motherboard is energized. Second firmware associated with the central processing unit is authenticated using the first microcontroller and a second microcontroller mounted on the peripheral component card authenticates third firmware associated with a system on chip mounted on the peripheral component card and coupled to the second microcontroller. 1. A system comprising:a central processing unit;a first microcontroller coupled to the central processing unit;a first memory coupled to the first microcontroller and storing first firmware associated with the central processing unit;a system on chip;a second microcontroller coupled to the system on chip;a second memory coupled to the second microcontroller and storing second firmware associated with the system on chip,wherein, in response to receipt of power by the system, and prior to execution of the first firmware by the central processing unit, the first microcontroller authenticates the first firmware and the second microcontroller authenticates the second firmware.2. A system according to claim 1 , further comprising:a motherboard, the central processing unit and the first microcontroller being mounted to the motherboard;a peripheral card coupled to the motherboard, the system on chip and second ...

SECURING PRINTED FEATURES USING VOLATILE DETERMINANTS

Securing printing systems and methods include a printer with a controller coupled to a memory and configured to perform a printer operation. The printer controller receives an instruction comprising a first font element and a second font element. An identifier corresponding to the second font element is retrieved from a memory. The printer generates and prints a graphical character that based on the first font element and an augmented symbol corresponding to the identifier. 1. A method for operation of a printer , the printer comprising a controller coupled to a memory and configured to perform a printer operation , the method comprising:receiving, by the controller, an instruction comprising a first font element and a second font element;retrieving, from the memory, an identifier corresponding to the second font element;generating, by the controller, a graphical character based on the first font element and a volatile determinant corresponding to the identifier; andprinting, by the printer, the graphical character.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identifier comprises a printer name claim 1 , serial number claim 1 , MAC address or authentication key corresponding to the printer.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first font element comprises information about a font typeface claim 1 , spacing claim 1 , orientation claim 1 , bitmap claim 1 , height claim 1 , pitch claim 1 , or weight of the graphical character.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the volatile determinant comprises information about a font typeface claim 1 , spacing claim 1 , orientation claim 1 , bitmap claim 1 , height claim 1 , pitch claim 1 , or weight of the graphical character claim 1 , wherein the information is determined based on information associated to the identifier.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the printing comprises printing the graphical character on a security paper claim 1 , and enables authentication of the security paper by a device configured to read the graphical ...

System and method for combustion tuning

A method for combustion tuning, comprises collecting exhaust parameters indicating combustion status of a boiler by a sensor array; determining whether the exhaust parameters of the boiler match a preset optimization target; and optimizing combustion, if the exhaust parameters do not match the preset optimization target by selecting a model from a model repository based on a current boiler condition, wherein the model corresponds to a relationship between model input variables and the exhaust parameters; determining at least one optimized model input variable of the boiler for realizing the optimization target, based on the selected model; and adjusting actuators of the boiler according to the optimized model input variable.

SECURE PAYMENT USING A NETWORK OF WEARABLE DEVICES

Systems and methods using a network of wearable devices to support secure payment for a user are described. The network of wearable devices may include a wearable secure unit including a first short-range transceiver, a wearable sensory unit including a second short-range transceiver, and a wearable communication unit including a third short-range transceiver and a long-range transceiver. The systems and methods may include receiving a transaction request from a merchant device. Thereafter, the systems and methods may obtain information from the wearable secure unit configured to provide an environment in which processes and data are securely stored and executed. The systems and methods may also obtain information from the wearable sensory unit configured to capture and compare biometrics of the user with a stored profile. Based on the obtained information, the systems and methods may instruct the wearable communication unit to transmit to the merchant device user authentication data. 1. A system for facilitating secure payment , comprising:a first wearable device comprising a secure unit storing a plurality of virtual slots each storing a virtual token associated with a financial account, wherein the plurality of virtual slots are rotated through such that only a first virtual slot of the plurality of virtual slots is active at a time;a second wearable device comprising a sensory unit configured to capture and compare biometrics of a user with a stored profile associated with the user; anda third wearable device comprising a communication unit configured to transmit, to a merchant device, user authentication data and a virtual token stored in the first virtual slot to cause the merchant device to obtain information related to a financial count associated with the virtual token stored in the first virtual slot to facilitate a payment transaction, wherein the first wearable device, the second wearable device, and the third wearable device form a personal mesh network ...

SECURE INSTALLATION OF BASEBOARD MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER FIRMWARE VIA A PHYSICAL INTERFACE

A computing device includes circuitry that is configured to disable a physical interface between a baseboard management controller (BMC) and a processor when the BMC is not running and a logical interface between the BMC and the processor is not available. Disabling the physical interface prevents an attacker from writing malicious code to the BMC using the physical interface. The computing device also includes circuitry that enables the physical interface between the BMC and the processor in response to receiving a unique signal sequence from a trusted external entity. When firmware should be installed on the BMC, someone with proper authorization can cause the trusted external entity to send the unique signal sequence to the circuitry on the computing device, thereby enabling the physical interface between the BMC and the processor. The processor can then write the firmware to non-volatile memory within the BMC across the physical interface. 1. A computing device , comprising:a processor;memory in electronic communication with the processor;a baseband management controller (BMC) comprising non-volatile memory;a physical interface between the BMC and the processor;circuitry that is configured to disable the physical interface when the BMC is not running and to enable the physical interface in response to receiving an authorization signal sequence from a trusted external entity; andinstructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable by the processor to install firmware within the non-volatile memory of the BMC via the physical interface when the BMC is not running and the physical interface is enabled.2. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the circuitry comprises:disabling circuitry that is configured to disable the physical interface in response to detecting that the BMC has entered a reset mode; andenabling circuitry that is configured to enable the physical interface in response to receiving the authorization signal sequence.3. The ...

CABLE REEL AND REEL CARRYING CADDY

A resilient cable caddy comprising a portable housing for storing reels of cable that has a lower base with a hinged top forming an enclosure for the reel. A reel of cable is rotatably mounted within the interior. A handle formed by abutting base and top portions enables carrying. Each reel comprises a spool with a central axle coupled at each end to spaced apart end caps, being retained by mounting rings. The spindles have bearing rings journaled to bearing races defined in the end caps. Both spindles comprise hubs disposed within case gudgeons. A two-piece spindle has a removable hub portion fitted to an internal socket. When reels are transported they may be stacked vertically atop one another with the one piece spindle engaging the empty and exposed spindle hub socket of an upper reel. Caddies may also be opened and stacked vertically for transportation. 1. A caddy system for enclosing , transporting and dispensing cable , the caddy system comprising:a reel for holding a spool of cable;the reel including an axel and first and second end caps;the first end cap including a first bearing race;the second end cap including a second bearing race;in the first bearing race a spindle or shaft is fitted;the shaft having a bearing part mating with the first bearing race and an adjoining support part that mates with a first gudgeon of the caddy;the shaft irrotatably mated with the first gudgeon and the shaft rotatably mated with the first bearing race;in the second bearing race, a spindle or socket is fitted;the socket having a bearing part mating with the second bearing race and the bearing part receiving a key that mates with the second gudgeon of the caddy; and,the key irrotatably mated with the second gudgeon, the key irrotatably mated with the socket, and the socket rotatably mated with the second bearing race.2. The caddy system of wherein socket is dimensioned to irrotataby receive the adjoining support part.3. The caddy system of wherein portions of the shaft ...

CONTEXT-SENSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF REGIONS OF INTEREST IN A MEDICAL IMAGE

A voice controlled system uses context-sensitive interpretation of voice comments received by a voice recognition system to identify a region of patient image data identified by a verbal comment. 1. A method for identifying a region of interest within patient functional image data , comprising:providing patient functional image data to a computer and, in said computer, automatically identifying and segmenting candidate regions of interests within the patient functional image data;displaying the patient functional image data at a user interface of the computer, in at least one view;receiving verbal comments, that describe a region of interest, into the computer from a user via a voice input interface of the computer and, in said computer, automatically interpreting said comments by executing a voice recognition algorithm in the computer;in said computer, automatically evaluating said interpreted verbal comments, dependent on said at least one view, to identify a region of interest, among said candidate regions of interest, that most closely corresponds to the description of the region of interest in the interpreted verbal comments; anddisplaying said most closely corresponding region of interest at said user interface.2. A method as claimed in comprising claim 1 , receiving claim 1 , as said verbal comments claim 1 , respective descriptions of a plurality of regions of interest and evaluating each verbal description to identify a region of interest claim 1 , among said candidate regions of interests claim 1 , that most closely corresponds thereto claim 1 , and allowing further interaction with said computer by said user to select one region of interest among said most closely corresponding regions of interest.3. A method as claimed in comprising implementing said further interaction verbally claim 2 , with a further voice input via said voice input interface and by interpreting said further voice input with said voice recognition algorithm.4. A method as claimed in ...

OBSTRUCTION DETECTION OF A TRANSACTION DEVICE DISPLAY SCREEN

In some implementations, a transaction device may include a display screen, at least one photosensitive sensor configured to detect a luminance of a viewing surface of the display screen, and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to monitor an output of the at least one photosensitive sensor, determine that the output is indicative of an obstruction on the display screen based on the output indicating a change to the luminance of the viewing surface of the display screen, and disable one or more operations of the transaction device based on determining that the output is indicative of the obstruction on the display screen. 1. A transaction device capable of obstruction detection , the transaction device comprising:a display screen;at least one photosensitive sensor configured to detect a luminance of a viewing surface of the display screen; and monitor an output of the at least one photosensitive sensor;', 'determine that the output is indicative of an obstruction on the display screen based on the output indicating a change to the luminance of the viewing surface of the display screen; and', 'disable one or more operations of the transaction device based on determining that the output is indicative of the obstruction on the display screen., 'one or more processors configured to2. The transaction device of claim 1 , wherein the display screen is an edge-lit display screen.3. The transaction device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one photosensitive sensor is disposed on at least one edge of the display screen.4. The transaction device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one photosensitive sensor is positioned in front of the viewing surface of the display screen.5. The transaction device of claim 4 , further comprising an arm having a distal end directed toward the viewing surface of the display screen claim 4 ,wherein the at least one photosensitive sensor is disposed on the distal end of the arm.6. The transaction device of claim 1 , ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED STENT DEPLOYMENT and RECONSTRAINT

A medical device delivery system including a mechanism to concurrently move an inner member and an outer member in opposite directions and at pre-set speed ratio can be operated, for example, to reconstrain a foreshortening self-expanding stent with a known foreshortening ratio between the crimped diameter in an intraluminal catheter based delivery system and the nominal deployed diameter in the body lumen. The mechanism can include two oppositely handed lead screws that concurrently turn and two followers, each follower operatively connected to one of the two shafts (e.g., the inner and outer member). 1. A method of reconstraining a foreshortening self-expanding stent with a known foreshortening ratio between the crimped diameter in an intraluminal catheter based delivery system and the nominal deployed diameter in the body lumen , wherein the proximal end of the stent is in releasable fixed relation about a location along the length of an inner member of a stent delivery system , the method comprising:translating proximally the outer member with respect to the stent at a first rate, thereby exposing at least a portion of the stent;at the same time that the outer member is translating proximally, translating distally the inner member, thereby translating distally the proximal end of the stent, at a rate equal to the known foreshortening ratio multiplied by the first rate at which the outer member is translating proximally;after exposing at least a length of the stent, but before translating proximally the distal end of the outer member past the proximal end of the stent, deciding to reconstrain the partially deployed stent;subsequently translating distally the outer member with respect to the stent at a second rate, thereby reconstraining the length of the stent exposed in the previous translating proximally step; andat the same time that the outer member is translating distally, translating proximally the inner member at a rate equal to the known foreshortening ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SHAPING METAL PRODUCT

A method for shaping a blank comprising a metal includes a step of loading the blank onto a first die, a step of bringing the first die and a second die together, a step of forming a seal around the blank, and a step of injecting a pressurized molten salt into a space in the blank to supply a hydraulic pressure to the blank. 120-. (canceled)21. A method of shaping a blank , the method comprising:preheating the blank by placing the blank onto a surface of a molten salt reservoir before loading;loading the blank onto a first die;assembling the first die and a second die to form a seal around the blank; andinjecting a molten salt into a space between the blank and the second die to supply hydraulic pressure to the blank so as to force the blank against an inner surface of the first die.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein a temperature of the molten salt is greater than 800° C.23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the assembling further comprises positioning the first and second dies in a hydroforming apparatus.24. The method of claim 21 , wherein the molten salt reservoir is attached to the assembled first and second dies claim 21 , and the injecting further comprises:supplying a solid salt to the molten salt reservoir;heating the solid salt in the molten salt reservoir to transform the solid salt into the molten salt; andpressurizing and pumping the molten salt into the space.25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the molten salt reservoir is attached to the assembled first and second dies claim 21 , and the injecting further comprises:heating a solid salt in a salt container to transform the solid salt into a molten salt;transferring the molten salt from the salt container to the molten salt reservoir; andpressuring and pumping the molten salt into the space.26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the salt container is disposed on the top of the molten salt reservoir and the transferring the molten salt further comprises:opening a valve that connects the salt container ...

Determining a printing anomaly related to a 3d printed object

A device may obtain measurement data concerning a three-dimensional (3D) printed object, where the 3D printed object has a plurality of physical elements that comprise a plurality of different physical attributes, and where the plurality of physical elements and the plurality of different physical attributes are designed to exhibit one or more printing capabilities of a 3D printer that printed the 3D printed object. The device may process the measurement data to determine one or more printing anomalies relating to one or more physical elements, of the plurality of physical elements, and one or more physical attributes of the plurality of different physical attributes. The device may generate a set of instructions to permit the 3D printer to be adjusted to address the one or more printing anomalies, and may cause an action to be performed based on generating the set of instructions.

FREEZE-THAW STABLE PAINT FORMULATION

The present invention relates to a pre-paint composite comprising an aqueous slurry of TiOparticles and attached and unattached polymeric binder, and a sufficient amount of a secondary alcohol ethoxylate of the formula CHO(CHCHO)H to give 35 to 90 weight percent attachment of polymeric binder to the TiOparticles, based on the weight of total polymeric binder in the pre-paint composite, where x is from 15 to 50; and the O(CHCHO)H group is bonded to a CH group on the CHchain. The present invention also relates to a coatings composition containing the composite as well as a process for preparing the pre-paint composite and the coatings composition. 1. A process for preparing a pre-paint composite comprising the steps of: [{'sub': '2', 'i) an aqueous dispersion of TiOparticles and an adsorbing sulfur acid functionalized polymer;'}, 'ii) an anionic surfactant;', 'iii) sodium styrene sulfonate; and', 'iv) a redox initiator system;, 'a) contacting together a mixture ofto form a first composite intermediate; then i) methyl methacrylate or styrene or a combination thereof;', {'sub': 1', '10, 'ii) a C-Calkyl acrylate; and'}, 'iii) a carboxylic acid containing monomer under emulsion polymerization conditions;, 'b) contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions the first composite intermediate with a first monomer emulsion comprisingto form a second composite intermediate; then i) styrene or methyl methacrylate or a combination thereof;', {'sub': 1', '10, 'ii) a C-Calkyl acrylate;'}, 'iii) carboxylic acid containing monomer; and', {'sub': 10-15', '22-32', '2', '2', 'x, 'iv) a secondary alcohol ethoxylate of the formula CHO(CHCHO)H;'}], 'c) contacting the second composite intermediate with a second monomer emulsion comprising{'sub': 2', '2', '2', 'x', '10-15', '22-32, 'to form an aqueous dispersion of TiOparticles with incomplete attachment of polymeric binder; where x is from 15 to 50 and the O(CHCHO)H group is bonded to a CH group on the CHchain.'}2. The process of ...

BEVERAGE PREPARATION CAPSULES

A sealed beverage preparation capsule includes a sealed hollow body having a top and a bottom, a beverage preparation ingredient inside the body and a layer of filter material at least about 2 mm thick located inside the body and abutting said bottom of said body. A kit is also provided for assembling a plurality of beverage preparation capsules. The capsules include a cup-shaped base having a bottom, and side walls extending from the base to an upper rim defining an open top of the base component, and a plurality of ingredient pods. Each ingredient pod includes a top, side walls and a bottom, each formed of sheet material, wherein the pod contains a beverage preparation ingredient. The ingredient pod is shaped and configured to be engaged with the base component to assemble a beverage making capsule, with the top of the pod forming a lid for the base component and the bottom of the ingredient pod spaced from the bottom of the base inside the base. 1. A sealed beverage preparation capsule comprising:a sealed hollow body having a top and a bottom;a beverage preparation ingredient inside said body; anda layer of filter material at least about 2 mm thick located inside said body and abutting said bottom of said body.2. The sealed beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1 , wherein said body is substantially frustoconical in shape.3. The sealed beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1 , wherein said body comprises a thermoformed cup-shaped base portion and a top cover sheet bonded across the top of said base portion.4. The sealed beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1 , wherein said layer of filter material is retained in abutment with said bottom of said body by an adhesive claim 1 , or by a retaining bead on an inside surface of the hollow body claim 1 , or both.5. The sealed beverage preparation capsule according to claim 1 , wherein said layer of filter material is from about 4 mm to about 10 mm thick.6. A kit for assembling a plurality ...

DUAL MODE LASER TARGET DESIGNATOR/RANGEFINDER WITH AN OPTICAL PARAMETRIC OSCILLATOR-OPTICAL PARAMETRIC AMPLIFIER (OPO-OPA) CONVERTER

The current disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method of a Laser Designator/Rangefinder (LDR) having two wavelengths of 1064 nm and 1572 nm. The 1064 nm wavelength laser is generated by a pump diode by exciting Nd:YAG medium (source). The 1572 nm wavelength laser is produced using an OPO-OPA converted which is located in a by-pass path. Because the 1572 nm wavelength uses near diffraction limited signal, it provides long range identification and tracking capability needed for advanced tactical platforms, while using the smallest transmit aperture, in a low Size, Weight and Power Consumption (SWaP) package. 1. A long range laser target designator/rangefinder (LDR) system , comprising:a 1064 nm wavelength laser, wherein a medium of the laser is adapted to be excited by a laser pumping source;an optical beam selector, wherein the selector is selectable between a range finding mode and a target designation mode; andan optical parametric oscillator-optical parametric amplifier (OPO-OPA) converter system wherein the converter system comprises an OPO-OPA converter, a half wave plate and a beam reducer, wherein the 1064 nm wavelength laser passes through the OPO-OPA converter system if the range finding mode is selected.2. The LDR system of claim 1 , further comprising a beam expander located between the laser pumping source and the half wave plate.3. The LDR system of claim 1 , further comprising a polarizer located between the half wave plate and an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) of the OPO-OPA converter.4. The LDR system of claim 3 , further comprising a beam reducer located between the polarizer and the OPO.5. The LDR system of claim 4 , further comprising a first mirror located between the beam reducer and the OPO.6. The LDR system of claim 1 , further comprising a beam expander located between an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) of the OPO-OPA converter and an optical parametric amplifier (OPA) of the OPO-OPA converter.7. The LDR system of claim 6 , ...

FREEZE-THAW STABLE PAINT FORMULATION

The present invention relates to a pre-paint composite comprising an aqueous slurry of TiOparticles and a polymeric binder, wherein from 35 to 90 weight percent of the polymeric binder is attached to the TiOparticles, based on the weight of polymeric binder in the pre-paint composite. The pre-composite of the present invention is useful in paint compositions, particularly those that require freeze-thaw stability 1. A pre-paint composite comprising an aqueous dispersion of TiOparticles and a polymeric binder , wherein from 35 to 90 weight percent of the polymeric binder is attached to the TiOparticles , based on the weight of polymeric binder in the pre-paint composite.2. The pre-paint composite of wherein from 60 to 85 weight percent of the polymeric binder is attached to the TiOparticles claim 1 , based on the weight of polymeric binder in the pre-paint composite.3. The pre-paint composite of which further comprises a secondary alcohol ethoxylate of the formula CHO(CHCHO)H; wherein x is from 15 to 50 and the O(CHCHO)H group is bonded to a CH group on the CHchain.4. The pre-paint composite of which further comprises a secondary alcohol ethoxylate of the formula CHO(CHCHO)H; wherein x is from 15 to 50 and the O(CHCHO)H group is bonded to a CH group on the CHchain.5. The pre-paint composite of wherein x is from 20 to 40.6. The pre-paint composite of wherein the polymer binder is a copolymer of 1) styrene or methyl methacrylate; and 2) a C-C-alkyl acrylate; and 3) a carboxylic acid containing monomer.7. The pre-paint composite of which further comprises an adsorbing sulfur acid functionalized polymer.8. The pre-paint composite of wherein the sulfur acid functionalized polymer is an adsorbing amphoteric polymer.9. The pre-paint composite of wherein the adsorbing sulfur acid functionalized polymer comprises structural units of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propanesulfonic acid or sulfoethyl methacrylate or salts thereof or a combination thereof.10. The pre-paint composite of ...

Method for frame averaging post-filter optimization

In a method to generate a nuclear medicine image reconstructed from an average of multiple subsets of acquired counts of a dataset, having an image quality characteristic aligned with that of a corresponding image obtained from a reconstruction of all counts of the dataset, a phantom data acquisition is used to determine an appropriate post-processing step necessary to align each image quality characteristic which provides a desired alignment of a given image quality characteristic. The determined post-processing step is applied to the combination of the multiple reconstructions.

Method for combining multiple image data sets into one multi-fused image

In a method and an apparatus to visualize nuclear medicine data from different modalities in a single image, image data sets acquired with different modalities are aligned with a data set representing corresponding anatomical data. The image data in each data set are segmented into separate regions, representing respective structures of interest, with reference to a segmentation derived from anatomical data. For each region, a corresponding segment of image data is selected from a selected image data set. The selected segments of the image data set are combined to generate a multi-fused image of the regions, by applying spatially dependent look-up tables to the multiple image data sets, thereby to determine whether each data set is hidden or displayed in each region.

FIBER-OPTIC CONNECTOR

A fiber-optic connector for connecting an optical fiber to other optical assemblies is disclosed. The fiber-optic connector includes a top plate having a window of similar refractive index and transmission index as the material of an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector. The fiber-optic connector also includes a ferrule connected to the top plate via multiple spring-loaded screws. The ferrule includes an interface and an insert. The insert is capable of firmly gripping an optical fiber. In order to reduce Fresnel reflection losses of the fiber-optic connector, the window is pre-coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector. 1. A fiber-optic connector comprising:a polygonal shaped top plate having a plurality of tips and having fasteners inserted through at least some of said tips of said polygonal shaped top plate;a window contained within said top plate, wherein said window is of substantial refractive index and transmission index as an optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector; anda ferrule connected to said top plate, wherein said ferrule includes an interface and an insert capable of firmly gripping said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector.2. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said window is coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite said optical fiber to be contained within said fiber-optic connector.3. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said top plate is made of steel.4. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , herein said top plate has a thickness of less than approximately 2 mm.5. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said interface is made of steel.6. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said insert is made of Zirconia.7. The fiber-optic connector of claim 1 , wherein said insert is glued to said interface via an epoxy.8. The fiber-optic connector of ...

Systems and Methods for Multi-Path Preamplifier Fault Processing

Systems and method relating generally to data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for utilizing multiple data streams for data recovery from a storage device. 1. A preamplifier circuit , the circuit comprising: a first flaw scan detector circuit operable identify a first flaw on a first surface of a storage medium based upon a first information set corresponding to the first surface; and', 'a second flaw scan detector circuit operable identify a second flaw on a second surface of a storage medium based upon a second information set corresponding to the first surface., 'a single integrated circuit including2. The preamplifier circuit of claim 1 , wherein the single integrated circuit further includes:an amplifier circuit operable to amplify a third information set derived from a third sensor.3. The preamplifier circuit of claim 2 , wherein:the information corresponding to the first surface is derived from a first sensor disposed in relation to the first surface; andthe information corresponding to the second surface is derived from a second sensor disposed in relation to the second surface.4. The preamplifier circuit of claim 3 , wherein the preamplifier circuit is implemented as part of a storage system claim 3 , and wherein the storage system includes:a head disposed in relation to the first surface of the storage medium, wherein the head includes the first sensor and the third sensor.5. The preamplifier circuit of claim 4 , wherein the first sensor is a temperature sensor claim 4 , and the third sensor is a data sensor.6. The preamplifier circuit of claim 4 , wherein the storage system further includes:the storage medium.7. The preamplifier circuit of claim 6 , wherein the storage system is a hard disk drive.8. The preamplifier circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first flaw scan detector is a first thermal asperity based flaw scan detector circuit claim 1 , and wherein the second flaw scan detector is a second thermal asperity based flaw scan ...

ACTIVATING AN OUTPUT COMPONENT TO INDICATE AN ORIENTATION OF A NEAR-FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC)-CAPABLE TRANSACTION CARD

A transaction card may monitor an amount of electric current induced in a first near-field communication (NFC) component of a transaction card. Electric current may be induced in the first NFC component when the first NFC component is within an electromagnetic field generated by a second NFC component of a transaction terminal. The transaction card may dynamically activate one or more output components associated with the transaction card based on the amount of electric current induced in the first NFC component. The one or more output components may indicate whether the transaction card can communicate with the transaction terminal. The transaction card may perform an action related to completing a transaction after determining that the amount of electric current induced in the NFC component satisfies a first threshold. The first threshold may indicate that the transaction card can communicate with the transaction terminal. 1. A transaction card , comprising: [ 'an amount of electric current induced in the first NFC component being indicative of a strength of coupling between the first NFC component and the second NFC component;', 'detect an electric current induced in the first NFC component when the first NFC component is within an electromagnetic field generated by a second NFC component of another device,'}, 'trigger a first sensory output of the one or more sensory outputs of the one or more output components based on a first amount of electric current induced in the first NFC component; and', the first sensory output and the second sensory output being different, and', 'the first sensory output and the second sensory output being configured to indicate a change in the strength of coupling based on a change between the first amount of electric current and the second amount of electric current., 'trigger a second sensory output of the one or more sensory outputs of the one or more output components based on a second amount of electric current induced in the ...

COMPUTER-BASED SYSTEMS AND COMPUTING DEVICES CONFIGURED TO UTILIZE ONE OR MORE AUTHENTICATION SERVERS FOR SECURING DEVICE COMMANDS TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

In some embodiments, securing device commands includes a first electronic device receiving a command authorization request message from a second electronic device, including a device command to be performed by the second electronic device, a command argument, and a first message authentication code (MAC) generated by applying a hash function to the device command, the command argument and a first counter value. The first electronic device generates a second MAC by applying the hash function to the device command, the command argument and a second counter value synchronized with the first counter value. The first electronic device compares the first MAC and the second MAC to authenticate the device command and transmit a command approval message or a command denial message. The command approval message causes the second electronic device to perform the device command and the command denial message causes the second electronic device to reject the device command. 1. A method for securing device commands , the method comprising: i) at least one first message authentication code (MAC), and', 'ii) at least one device command;', 'wherein the at least one device command is a command to be performed by the second electronic device;', 'wherein the at least one first MAC has been generated by applying a one-way hash function to the at least one device command and at least one first counter value to produce the non-reusable hashing;, 'receiving, by a first electronic device from a second electronic device, a command authorization request message having a non-reusable hashing, comprisingdetermining, by the first electronic device, at least one second counter value; 'wherein the second hash input comprises the at least one device command and the at least one second counter value such that each MAC generated by the one-way hash function for every message is unique; and', 'generating, by the first electronic device, at least one second MAC by applying the one-way hash function to ...

SYSTEM FOR CASH DISINFECTION BY APPLYING CONTROLLED DOSES OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND METHODS OF DISINFECTION VERIFICATION THEREOF

An apparatus includes a bill feeder, a housing for holding a bill that is received from the bill feeder, sensors coupled to the housing, an ultraviolet (UV) lamp that emits ultraviolet light to illuminate a portion of the bill, a UV shutter to control a power of the ultraviolet light on the bill, a memory and a processor. The processor configured to determine at a property of the bill from a first output of a first sensor, to determine a bill contaminant on the bill from a second output from a second sensor, to retrieve a UV dose rate to be applied by the ultraviolet light needed to sterilize the bill based on the type of bill contaminant on the bill, the property of the bill, an illumination area or any combination thereof, and to apply the UV dose rate to the bill. 1. An apparatus , comprising: 'wherein the bill feeder comprises a bill feed motor that controls a speed with which the bill moves in the housing;', 'a housing for holding a bill and comprising a bill feeder;'}a plurality of sensors coupled to the housing and positioned to detect the bill that moves in the housing;an ultraviolet (UV) lamp that emits ultraviolet light to illuminate a portion of the bill;a UV shutter to control a power of the ultraviolet light on the portion of the bill;a non-transitory computer memory; and receive at least one first sensor output from at least one first type sensor from the plurality of sensors;', 'wherein the at least one property of the bill identifies at least one of:', 'determine at least one property of the bill based at least in part on the at least one first sensor output;'}, '(i) a denomination and country of issue of the bill, or', '(ii) a type of material on which the bill is printed;', 'receive at least one second sensor output from at least one second type sensor from the plurality of sensors;', 'determine at least one bill contaminant that is present on the bill based at least in part on the at least one second sensor output;', 'retrieve from a database a UV ...

LASER ASSEMBLY FOR A LASER PRINTER

An example laser assembly for a laser printer may include a plurality of lasers to emit respective photons; a prism to redirect the respective laser beams emitted from the plurality of lasers toward a collimator lens of the laser printer to generate a photon beam; and one or more processors to: determine a timing schedule for individually activating the plurality of lasers based on a resolution setting of the laser printer, and when printing at a resolution corresponding to the resolution setting, control activation of each of the plurality of lasers to emit the respective photons according to the timing schedule to form the photon beam. 1. A method comprising:determining, by a device, a timing schedule for activating each laser of a set of lasers to print at a particular resolution;identifying, by the device, a threshold amount of power that is based on an amount of power needed to energize a junction of a laser, of the set of lasers, to emit photons; andactivating, by the device and based on determining the timing schedule, the set of lasers by applying the threshold amount of power to the set of lasers.2. The method of claim 1 , where the device is a laser printer.3. The method of claim 1 , where the threshold amount of power is less than or equal to an amount of power needed to cause the laser to generate a laser beam.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:identifying a resolution setting, of the device, that indicates the particular resolution at which the device is to print.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:identifying a characteristic of an image that is to be printed,where identifying the resolution setting comprises:identifying the resolution setting based on identifying the characteristic of the image.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining the set of lasers, from a plurality lasers, based on the particular resolution.7. The method of claim 1 ,where the device includes a laser assembly with a particular quantify of ...

MULTI-BAND LASER ARCHITECTURE

Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing a laser system. In one specific example embodiment, the system includes a thulium-doped fiber laser coupled by silica glass fiber to a remote optical converter (ROC) including a Ho:YAG laser and, optionally, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) utilizing in germanium phosphide (ZnGeP, ZGP) or orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs). The fiber laser may emit a low-peak-power, continuous wave pump signal that pumps the Ho:YAG laser, which in turn emits a higher-peak-power, pulsed signal. When included, the OPO can be used to convert the resultant, pulsed signal to a longer wavelength (e.g., about 2-5 μm, or greater). In some cases, distributed architecture and reduced weight/bulk may be realized while eliminating the need to actively cool the ROC for operation, for example, over a broad temperature range (e.g., −55-125° C.). Also, methods of preparing high-peak-power, pulsed signals using such systems are disclosed. 1. A system comprising:a thulium-doped fiber laser; Q-switched holmium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAS); and', {'sub': '2', 'an optical parametric oscillator comprising zinc germanium phosphide (ZnGeP) or orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs); and'}], 'a remote optical converter comprisinga silica glass optical fiber operatively coupling the fiber laser and the remote optical converter;wherein the system is configured to operate in the temperature range of about −55-125° C. in the absence of active cooling.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fiber laser is configured to emit a continuous wave signal having a wavelength less than 2 μm and a peak power less than about 200 W claim 1 , and the remote optical converter is configured to convert the signal to a second signal of higher peak power and/or different wavelength. This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/441,435 tiled Apr. 6, 2012 and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. ...

ROTARY DEBULKING ATHERECTOMY DEVICE WITH A CROSSING BALLOON

An atherectomy system that utilizes an anchoring balloon with a rotary debulker and a crossing balloon to remove or debulk lesions formed on the interior wall surface of a body vessel. The system may include a first balloon coupled to a first tubular member, a rotary debulker coupled to a second tubular member, a second balloon coupled to both the third tubular member and the axially moveable fourth tubular member such that the second balloon is disposed inside the third tubular member. Methods for operating this device are also provided. 1. An atherectomy device that includes a handle coupled to a working tip via a plurality of axially disposed tubular members , the handle including:a housing that extends from a first housing end to a second housing end along a housing longitudinal axis, the second housing end being coupled to a first tubular member, the first tubular member surrounding at least a portion of a second tubular member, the second tubular member being coupled to a rotary member proximate the housing and disposed around a portion of a third tubular member, the third tubular member disposed around a portion of an axially moveable fourth tubular member; and a first balloon coupled to the first tubular member,', 'a rotary debulker coupled to the second tubular member, and', 'a second balloon coupled to both the third tubular member and the axially moveable fourth tubular member such that the second balloon is disposed inside the third tubular member and wherein a distal end of the axially movable fourth tubular member is configured to be extendable beyond a distal end of the third tubular member., 'a working tip spaced from the handle and extending along a working tip longitudinal axis, the working tip including2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising outer sheath coupled to the housing claim 1 , the outer sheath surrounding a portion of the first tubular member.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the outer sheath comprises a polymeric tubular member ...

Transmission System

A transmission system () comprising at least one floating gear () rotationally mounted upon a first shaft the system comprising a floating gear activation system for controlling torque transfer between the at least one floating gear () and the first shaft (), the gear activation system comprising a first device () having a friction interface () for frictional engagement with a friction interface () disposed on a first side of the at least one floating gear (), and a second device () having a locking interface () for an interpositional engagement with a locking interface () disposed on a second side, opposing the first side, of the at least one floating gear (), whereby the floating gear () is rotationally coupleable to the first shaft () by the friction interface () and/or the locking interface (). 1. A method for shifting gear ratios of a transmission system comprising:providing a first floating gear rotationally mounted upon a first shaft and a floating gear activation system for controlling torque transfer between the first floating gear and the first shaft, the gear activation system comprising a first device having a friction interface for frictional engagement with a friction interface disposed on a first side of the first floating gear, and a second device having a locking interface for interpositional engagement with a locking interface disposed on a second side of the first floating gear, the second side opposing the first side;providing a second floating gear rotationally mounted upon the first shaft and the gear activation system comprising a third device having a friction interface for frictional engagement with a friction interface disposed on a first side of the second floating gear, and a fourth device having a locking interface for interpositional engagement with a locking interface disposed on a second side of the second floating gear, the second side opposing the first side;engaging the friction interface of the first device with the friction ...

FINE-GRAINED ACCESS CONTROL OF COLUMN-MAJOR RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

A method of accessing objects with fine-grained access control (FGAC) in a relational database management system (RDBMS) storing a segmented column-major database. For each object with access restrictions, an artificial neural network (ANN), is trained by generating an equally distributed segment map of segmented data entries, so that the map reproduces the row disposition in the unsegmented object. When a user access request is received, these ANNs are referred to determine if any of the objects to be accessed are subject to access restrictions. If that is the case, then the ANN creates a pseudo-view construct of its associated object which is limited to data entries that the user has permission to access. The pseudo-views are then injected into the user access request to embed the fine-grained access controls for subsequent processing of the request, which can then proceed without further regard to user-specific access restrictions. 1. A computer-automated method for accessing objects in a segmented column-major database with fine-grained access control (FGAC) taking account of user-specific access restrictions to data entries in the objects , the method comprising:providing an artificial neural network (ANN) structure of multiple ANNs, each storing an equally distributed segment map of segmented data entries of an object so as to permit reproduction of a row disposition of data entries in that object prior to segmentation;receiving an access request from a user to access data in one or more objects stored in the segmented column-major database;referencing the ANN structure to determine if any objects to be accessed by the access request are subject to access restrictions;modifying the access request by referencing the ANN of each access-restricted object to generate a pseudo-view construct for that object that is limited to data entries that the user has permission to access, thereby to embed the FGAC in the access request; andprocessing the modified access ...

AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE SYSTEM FOR AUTHENTICATING A USER DEVICE

A system includes a customer authentication system and an automatic teller machine (ATM). The ATM includes a display, one or more memory devices storing software instructions, and one or more processors configured to: execute the software instructions to perform operations to display an item on display; store information regarding the item; receive from a customer device captured information regarding the item; receive from the customer device identifying information of a customer; send the identifying information to the customer authentication system; compare the captured information with the information stored in the one or more memory devices; authenticate the customer device based on the comparison; and allow access to the customer account via the ATM after the authentication. 1. An automatic teller machine (ATM) , comprising:a display;one or more memory devices storing software instructions; and detect, through a detection device configured to detect proximity of a telecommunication device to the ATM, a smart phone of a user;', 'display, in response to detection of the smart phone, a series of images on the display, with a respective time interval for displaying each image in the series of images;', 'receive, from the smart phone of the user, captured time intervals corresponding to times each image in the series of images was displayed, the captured time intervals comprising at least two captured time intervals;', 'determine a match exists between the at least two captured time intervals and displayed time intervals; and', 'allow access to a financial account of the user through the ATM based at least in part on the match., 'one or more processors configured to execute the software instructions to perform operations to2. The ATM of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise:receive, from the smart phone of the user, a time interval between display of two images in the series of images; anddetermine the match exists between the time interval received and ...

Datacenter And Cooling Control Fault-Tolerance Using Compute Resources

Management of infrastructure devices is performed by computing devices that are associated with the processing being provided by the data center, such as chassis managers. A master is first selected through polling or consensus algorithms, and then subsequently the master is endowed with the authority to manage infrastructure devices and generate the control output to such infrastructure devices. Alternatively, no master need be elected and, instead, output to such infrastructure devices is generated by a computing device selected utilizing polling or consensus algorithms, and in accordance with a management decision made through polling or consensus algorithms. The interplay between the cooling apparatuses of individual server computing devices and the cooling apparatuses of the data center as a whole is also managed to increase the portion of the cooling of server computing devices provided by data center air movers. Control of data center air movers can be determined empirically or predictively.

PRESSURE TESTABLE HYDRAULICALLY ACTIVATED WELLBORE TOOL

A wellbore tool is provided that can withstand applied pressure tests without becoming hydraulically actuated. The wellbore tool includes a tubular housing including an inner bore; a tool mechanism responsive to fluid pressure; and an indexing mechanism that indexes responsive to tubing pressure cycles of at least an indexing pressure. The indexing mechanism is configured to activate the tool mechanism after a preset number of indexes. The wellbore tool can be pressure tested at pressures above an activation pressure without activating the tool mechanism. 1. A wellbore tool comprising:a tubular housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a central bore;a tool mechanism responsive to hydraulic pressure; andan indexing mechanism that indexes responsive to tubing pressure cycles of at least an indexing pressure, the indexing mechanism having an adjustable indexing pressure and configured to activate the tool mechanism after a preset number of indexes, wherein the wellbore tool is pressure testable at pressures above an activation pressure without activating the tool mechanism for a number of tubing pressure test cycles.2. The wellbore tool of claim 1 , wherein the indexing pressure is adjustable such that the indexing pressure is defined for the number of tubing pressure test cycles.3. The wellbore tool of claim 1 , wherein the indexing mechanism comprises a biasing member to bias the indexing mechanism against pressure applied to the indexing mechanism and a hydrostatic preloader adjustable to preload the biasing member to adjust the adjustable indexing pressure.4. The wellbore tool of claim 3 , wherein the indexing mechanism comprises:a ratchet mechanism defining a plurality of indexing positions and comprising a movable ratchet and an indexing member translatable through the plurality of indexing positions from an initial indexing position to a final indexing position; andan indexing piston adapted to move the movable ratchet to ...

ANCHOR AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Anchors, clutches, and lifting systems are described herein that increase the size of a shear cone within a precast concrete panel without using multiple clutches and without increasing the complexity of the lift system. A shear cone is the volume within the panel that the anchor and clutch pull on when orienting and positioning the precast concrete panel. Anchors described herein encompass a larger volume of the panel in different ways to produce a larger shear cone. Similarly, the clutches described herein have features that allow a clutch to accommodate the improved anchors. As a result, the anchors, clutches, and lifting systems provide a larger shear cone in the panel to increase the load capacity of the lifting system and reduce the likelihood of failure. 1. A lifting clutch for selectively engaging and receiving a lifting anchor embedded in a precast concrete panel , comprising:a top portion at least partially defining an opening, wherein a top surface of said top portion has a first radius of curvature, and said top portion has a width;a bottom portion defining a recess configured to receive an anchor, wherein a bottom surface of said bottom portion has a second radius of curvature, and said second radius of curvature is larger than said first radius of curvature; anda first wing and a second wing of said bottom portion extend outwardly to define a width of said bottom portion that is larger than said width of said top portion.2. The lifting clutch of claim 1 , wherein said second radius of curvature is at least 10% larger than said first radius of curvature claim 1 , and said width of said bottom portion is at least 10% larger than said width of said top portion.3. The lifting clutch of claim 1 , further comprising:a pin extending through said opening in said clutch, said pin positioned in a volume at least partially defined by said top portion and said bottom portion, wherein said pin is configured to rotate between an open position to allow an anchor to ...

SELECTIVE EXTRACTION OF NETWORK LINK TRAINING INFORMATION

An apparatus and method that captures a complete history of serial network Link Training negotiations by continuously monitoring multiple analog signals representing both sides of full duplex lanes in real-time by pattern matching the Link Training Frame Marker and the subsequent negotiation request/response data values. The apparatus and method compare the digitized version of the incoming signal against a nominal pattern at the start to find the Frame Markers and Control Channel data, storing only those Control Channel data values that do not match the current compare pattern, and further by updating the current compare pattern to the new pattern just received, so that only the transitions in the data values are stored, thereby vastly reducing the amount of data presented to the user, but nonetheless retaining the complete substantive history of the Link Training negotiations. 1. A test and measurement instrument , comprising:inputs for receiving a plurality of analog input signals carrying link training information; and memory to store control channel data values,', 'a comparator structured to evaluate control channel values from the analog input signals against the stored control channel values, and', 'a loopback facility structured to store new control channel values from the analog input signals into the memory when channel values from the analog input signals do not match the stored control channel data values., 'a link training information extractor coupled to the inputs and structured to select particular link training information from the plurality of analog signals, the particular link training information including control channel data, the information extractor including2. The test and measurement instrument according to claim 1 , in which the information extractor further comprises an output queue structured to output control channel values from the analog input signals when the control channel values from the analog input signals do not match stored ...

DESMODROMIC VALVE TRAIN

A desmodromic valve train () for an engine (), comprising a valve actuator () arranged to actuate a valve () independently of the crank angle of the engine (), wherein the desmodromic valve train () comprises: a load path arrangement comprising an input arranged to receive actuating force from the valve actuator (), an output arranged to provide the actuating force to the valve (), and mechanical advantage means arranged such that a first displacement, of the input, causes a second displacement, of the output, wherein the second displacement is a multiple of the first displacement, the multiple being within the range 1.3 to 1.95. 133-. (canceled)34. A desmodromic valve train for an engine including a valve actuator arranged to actuate a valve independently of a crank angle of the engine , the desmodromic valve train comprising:a load path arrangement comprising an input arranged to receive actuating force from the valve actuator;an output arranged to provide the actuating force to the valve; andmechanical advantage means arranged such that a first displacement of the input, causes a second displacement of the output wherein the second displacement is a multiple of the first displacement, the multiple being within a range from 1.3 to 1.95.35. A desmodromic valve train as claimed in claim 34 , wherein the valve actuator is an electromagnetic valve actuator.36. A desmodromic valve train as claimed in claim 34 , wherein the valve actuator is arranged to rotate a camshaft comprising one or more camshaft lobes for camming the input of the load path arrangement to cause the first displacement of the input.37. A desmodromic valve train as claimed in claim 34 , wherein the second displacement of the output is for pushing the valve away from a valve seat or for pulling the valve towards the valve seat.38. A desmodromic valve train as claimed in claim 34 , wherein the mechanical advantage means comprises a rocker arranged to enable claim 34 , at least in part claim 34 , the ...

ELECTROMAGNETIC NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH MAGNETO-RESISTIVE SENSORS AND APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

A sensing apparatus includes a magneto-resistive (MR) sensing element for sensing magnetic fields and semiconductor circuitry including an output circuit coupled to the MR sensing element. The output circuit generates a sensing signal proportional to the sensed magnetic fields to be combined with a bias signal to the MR sensing element. 1. A sensing apparatus comprising:a magneto-resistive (MR) sensing element for sensing magnetic fields; andsemiconductor circuitry including an output circuit coupled to the MR sensing element,wherein the output circuit generates a sensing signal proportional to the sensed magnetic fields to be combined with a bias signal to the MR sensing element, andwherein the MR sensing element is formed on a first chip and the semiconductor circuitry is formed on a second chip.2. The sensing apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:a reset coil element for resetting a magnetic orientation of the MR sensing element; andwherein the semiconductor circuitry further includes a reset configured to supply a reset current to the reset coil element.3. The sensing apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a tuning resistor claim 2 , wherein the sensing signal is based on a resistance value of the tuning resistor.4. The sensing apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the reset coil element and the tuning resistor are formed on the first chip.5. The sensing apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first chip and the second chip are electrically connected to one another.6. The sensing apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first chip is located on top of the second chip.7. A sensor assembly comprising a plurality of sensing apparatuses mechanically coupled to a substrate claim 5 , wherein each of the plurality of sensing apparatuses comprises:a magneto-resistive (MR) sensing element for sensing magnetic fields; andsemiconductor circuitry including an output circuit coupled to the MR sensing element,wherein the output circuit generates a sensing signal proportional to the ...

ELECTROMAGNETIC NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH MAGNETO-RESISTIVE SENSORS AND APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

A sensing apparatus includes a magneto-resistive sensing element and a coil element formed on a first chip, and semiconductor circuitry formed on a second chip. The magneto-resistive sensing element senses magnetic fields, while the coil element is used to reset a magnetic orientation of the magneto-resistive sensing element. The semiconductor circuitry includes a reset circuit that controls the coil element and an amplifier circuit coupled to the magneto-resistive sensing element. The amplifier circuit operates to generate a sensing signal that is proportional to the sensed magnetic fields. The sensing signal is then used to activate the reset circuit. 1. A sensing apparatus comprising:a magneto-resistive (MR) sensing element for sensing magnetic fields;a reset coil element configured to generate a reset field for resetting a magnetic orientation of the MR sensing element; and a reset circuit configured to supply a reset current to the reset coil element, and', 'an amplifier circuit coupled to the MR sensing element, the amplifier circuit including an amplifier output and configured to generate a sensing signal proportional to the sensed magnetic fields,', 'wherein the MR sensing element and the coil element are formed on a first chip and the semiconductor circuitry is formed on a second chip., 'semiconductor circuitry including2. The sensing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the semiconductor circuitry is further configured to generate a reset control signal operative to activate the reset circuit and cause the reset circuit to supply the reset current to the reset coil element.3. The sensing apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the amplifier circuit is configured to generate the reset control signal upon detecting a triggering event.4. The sensing apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the triggering event includes the amplifier output being short-circuited.5. The sensing apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising:a gain setting resistor, wherein the amplifier circuit is further ...

Electromagnetic navigation system having a demodulation unit

A method uses an electromagnetic navigation system, including a number of field transmitters and at least one receiver. The method includes receiving a field signal from the at least one receiver, and the field signal includes a number of different frequencies corresponding to each of the field transmitters. The received field signal is multiplied by a synchronization signal using a frequency-division multiplexing scheme, and the received field signal is integrated over a predetermined sampling interval and converted into an integrated signal having only a desired signal based on the synchronization signal. The integrated signal is outputted for subsequent processing of the electromagnetic navigation system.

CABLE REEL AND REEL CARRYING CADDY

A cable caddy with a portable housing stores cable reels. Each reel includes a drum coupled to end caps. Plugs inserted in the end caps are irrotatable with respect to the housing and rotatable with respect to the drum. During transport reels are stacked vertically atop one another with a plug of a first reel inserted in a plug of a second reel. 1. A caddy system for enclosing , transporting and dispensing cable , the caddy system comprising:a clamshell housing for enclosing a tubular drum that holds a coil of electrical cable;inserted in each end of the drum is a tubular projection of an end cap;opposite the tubular projections are receivers within each end cap;rotatably inserted in the receivers are first and second plugs;a key irrotatably inserted in the housing is irrotatably inserted in the first plug; and,the second plug is irrotatably inserted in the housing such that the drum and end caps rotate about the plugs.2. The caddy system of further including:a drum first end with latching holes and a drum second end with latching holes.3. The caddy system of further including:tubular projection spring tabs that mate with the latching holes.4. The caddy system of wherein the housing includes molded “V” shaped hangers for receiving the key and the second plug.5. The caddy system of wherein the end caps have six sides.6. The caddy system of wherein the key has six sides.7. The caddy system of wherein the second plug has six sides.8. The caddy system of further comprising a slot located along a top edge of the housing near a housing handle for dispensing cable therethrough.9. The caddy system of wherein a key cross section is shaped like a rectangle with a triangle at either end.10. A caddy system for enclosing claim 1 , transporting and dispensing cable claim 1 , the caddy system comprising:a clamshell housing for enclosing a tubular drum for holding a coil of electrical cable;inserted in each end of the drum is a tubular projection of an end cap;the drum and end caps ...

Trigger on final occurrence

This disclosure relates generally to test and measurement instruments structured to detect that a series of events occurred, and structured to generate a trigger signal in response to detecting that a final event in the series of events occurred. The trigger may be generated based on a timeout signal, or based on another event, trigger, or signal. Stored data in the acquisition memory may be marked relative to the detection of the final event. An external forced timeout signal may control which in a series of events is marked as a final event. The triggering on final event may be enabled after another trigger is satisfied, and may be used as one of many different types of triggers.

Golf Cart Bag Strap Sleeve

A protective golf cart bag strap sleeve system which includes a sleeve and a golf cart bag strap, wherein the sleeve comprises a first layer of durable material; a second layer of padding; and a third layer of durable material, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are folded over to form a folded edge, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are fastened opposite the folded edge to form a sleeve having a first open end and a second open end, wherein the sleeve receives the golf cart bag strap between the first open end and the second open end of the sleeve. 1. A method of securing a golf bag to a golf cart comprising the steps of:(a) positioning a golf bag on a bag rack of a golf cart;(b) inserting a first end of a bag strap through of a first opening and a second opening of a covering, wherein a second end of said bag strap is attached to said golf cart; and(c) releasably attaching said first end of said bag strap to said golf cart, thereby securing said golf bag to said golf cart.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of removing said bag strap from said covering.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , prior to the step of releasably attaching said first end of said bag strap to said golf cart claim 1 , said bag strap and said covering are pulled across a front surface of said golf bag.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of releasably attaching said first end of said bag strap to said golf cart comprises the step of inserting said first end of said bag strap in a buckle of said bag rack.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the step of closing said buckle.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising the step of opening said buckle.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said covering is a padded sleeve. This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/910,724, filed on Jun. 5, 2013 and entitled “Golf Cart Bag Strap Sleeve,” which ...