Abstract: A high-resolution position sensor device for use in precise positioning of servomechanisms, by providing increased resolution using of an encoder mounted on the shaft of a motor, which produces transition pulses through a light-sensitive arrangement using a photodetector. Each time the pulse makes a transition because the groove of the encoder wheel has passed, a reset signal is produced which resets to zero the number of clock pulses which have been measured for that interval between the transition pulses. The transition pulses and the time between them changes with changes in motor speed, while the system clock pulse rate remains fixed. The invention provides a more accurate position sensor, which operates by generating more transition pulses than the encoder itself actually generates. If the encoder produces transition pulses at a given resolution, the sensor device produces output pulses having a higher resolution.

Abstract: A computer system for allocating memory comprises a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling said system, a local memory for said CPU, means for allocating a plurality of memory blocks to tasks executed on said CPU, and block headers for said memory blocks. The block header further comprises a free block header comprising addresses of free memory blocks designated by the free block header, and further comprising an allocated block header including addresses of allocated memory blocks designated by said allocated block header.

Abstract: A system for measuring heart rate variability (HRV) of a patent comprises: recording means for obtaining and regulating heartbeat-to-heartbeat intervals for a predetermined period of time; processing means for digitizing said intervals, forming a recurrence plot, and assigning a unit mass to each point on the plot representing a measured interval, and calculating the determinant by the expression Qdet=QxxQyy wherein: Qxx is the quadrupole moment relative to the X axis of the principal coordinate, Qyy is the quadrupole moment relative to the Y axis of the principal coordinate; and Qdet is the product of Qxx and Qyy.

Abstract: A method for the generation of volume spatially-resolved holographic data storage within a photosensitive glass sample that incurs changes of optical properties in response to two-photon absorption, the method including directing non-ultraviolet pulsed laser radiation at the photosensitive glass sample to induce changes of optical properties in the glass sample, splitting of the pulsed laser radiation, prior to reaching the glass sample, into an object beam having a direct optical path of a first predetermined length and a reference beam, changing the path of the reference beam to have an indirect optical path of a second pre-determined length, focusing each of the object beam and the reference beam along the respective optical paths, to intersect at a focal volume of the glass sample, and therein to cause the two-photon absorption, providing a variable time delay in the direct path of the object beam so that it reaches the chosen region within the focal volume of glass at the same time as the reference beam,

Abstract: A hair depilating device having a plucking assembly comprising at least two hubs, each accomodating at least one radially-extending swivel element mounted on the hub via a pin radially extending from the wall of the hub. The sidewall of the hub further includes a pinch plate, which projects radially outwardly therefrom. The radially-extending swivel element and pinch plate of a neighboring disc-like assembly define a V-shaped hair trap. The other side of the pinch plate forms a second V-shaped hair trap with a radial extension swivel element of a third opposing neighboring disc-like assembly. The opposing edges of the hair-traps at the rear end meet first, and only afterwards is the entire trap closed. This design provides a substantially reduced rotational closure distance, traveled by the hair-trap elements from the instant the trap begins to close until full trap closure.

Abstract: A catheter according to the present invention comprises a tube having a distal end and an open proximal end; at least one fluid conduit disposed within and along the tube, the fluid conduit having open proximal end and a closed distal end; an expandable balloon in fluid communication with the at least one fluid conduit; and anchoring means for securely engaging the catheter in a passage, the anchoring means being located on a surface of the balloon and operable by the expansion of the balloon.

Abstract: A similarity measurement method for the classification of medical images into predetermined categories. A small set of pre-classified images is required to employ the method. The images can be real world images acquired using a camera, computer tomography, etc., or schematic drawings representing samples of different classes. The use of schematic drawings as a source of images allows a quick test of the method for a particular classification problem. The eigenvectors for each category are mathematically derived, and each image in each category is represented as a weighted linear combination of the eigenvectors. A test image is provided and projected onto the eigenvectors of each of the categories so as to reconstruct the test image with the eigenvectors. The RMS (root-mean-square) distance between the test image and each of the categories is measured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and materials for producing digitally imaged short-run gravure printing plates and cylinders comprising the steps of providing an image-ready printing blank having a substrate, a UV curing layer, and an IR absorbing, UV-opaque layer. Alternatively, the blank plate can be provided in a two-part construction comprising the metallic substrate and an IR-sensitive film for either processless ablation or ablation transfer imaging Digital imaging of the blank plate is performed using an IR laser which causes selective ablation of areas of the upper IR absorbing layer, thus forming an image structure having exposed and unexposed areas on the underlying UV curing layer. The plate is then flood-cured with UV radiation and washed to better expose the hardened image structure areas of the UV curing layer which have formed and which provide the cells for holding printing ink for use in the gravure printing process.

Abstract: A holster security device comprising a latching mechanism which is attached to a holster on a side portion thereof so as to form an integral unit. The device comprises a finger-operated tab extending beyond the housing of the security device and a latch hook which engages a male fastener mounted on a holster safety strap. When the male fastener engages its female counterpart and is aligned with the security device, the strap acts to restrain a firearm. A standard lock and key system is used to provide a high-level of security by locking the moving portions of the safety device and preventing unauthorized removal or theft of a firearm. Another feature of the invention is a trigger safety lock operable in conjunction with a latching mechanism while the firearm is seated in the holster. Optionally, the operation of the safety device parts can be mechanically, electrically, or electronically assisted.

Abstract: Circuitry and methodology for transferring a representation of a data signal between clock domains. In particular, the disclosure teaches a method for creating representations of signals input from a slow clock domain into a fast clock domain and vice versa. The methods and apparatus use a RAM-free architecture which may be easily incorporated into integrated circuits to enhance efficiency.

Abstract: A concrete contraction and expansion joint with a mechanism providing adjustable height, enabling fast, efficient pouring of concrete over layout surfaces, achieving accurate thickness and desired slope of the concrete slab. In a preferred embodiment, the concrete section joint assembly (35) is pre-formed by using longitudinal sections having a channel (37) for holding elastomeric material (42), with the section supported from its underside by shaped support units, each mounted on two threaded studs (24). A specially designed nut (28) threaded on each stud (24) provides height adjustability and by rotation raises or lowers the height of support unit sides. The height adjustment, provided from above the assembly, can be performed before concrete pouring is completed and an upper edge portion of the elastomeric material or the upper edges of the channel are visible with the concrete surface, providing a reference height and slope for the concrete surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving interfacial chemical reactions in electroless depositions of metals, in which the substrate to be plated is pre-heated prior to its immersion in the various processing solutions that require elevated temperatures, and especially before immersion in the electroless plating solution. The pre-heating is carried out to a temperature that is needed to bring about the desired chemical reaction at the substrate-solution interface, allowing the bath of that process step to operate significantly below the temperature that would have been needed if the panel had not been pre-heated, and below the solution temperature of current practice. According to another aspect of the present invention, the electroless plating apparatus for plating a workpiece operates in a vertical mode and it comprises a heating station, with the panel to be plated returning to the heating station as dictated by the temperature required for a given process step.

Abstract: A motor-powered depilatory device employing a hair-plucking assembly containing a right hand actuator element and a left hand actuator element, identical in construction, each carrying opposing tweezer elements, which fit together in interleaved fashion, arranged to define hair-traps, with the hair-plucking assembly being rotatable about a central shaft and operable to close and open the hair-traps by a system of cams and springs. The device is designed to allow for self-alignment of the tweezer elements, ensuring that all tweezer elements close simultaneously during a revolution of the hair-plucking assembly, with no excessive applied force being required, thus enabling uniform distribution of gripping force among all hair-traps, despite inaccuracies in manufacture. Quality of hair plucking is thereby improved, where quality of plucking is defined as the percentage of hairs plucked versus percentage of hairs cut.

Abstract: A system of interconnected ornamental rings which convey a definite and clear message regarding the existence of an interpersonal relationship which, when worn by an individual, cannot be mistaken in the culture. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive system of interconnected ornamental rings comprises a pair of separate finger rings, each having a connection point at which there is attached a decorative chain interconnecting the separate rings. The system of interconnected rings can be worn on two fingers of the hand, with a finger in-between them, so that the decorative chain is prominently displayed. The message conveyed by such a pair of interconnected ornamental rings is very clear, indicating an interpersonal relationship with another, with the decorative chain which enhances the message with its particular type of decorative style.

Abstract: A metal halide magnetic/electronic ballast with a compensation function for adjustment in autotransformer output voltage, which applies the compensation in various steps of voltage, to maintain the power constant. The metal halide ballast provides constant monitoring of the autotransformer input voltage, enabling the level to be stepped by triac switching. The triac switching is controlled by a switching control provided by a microcontroller. Less components are required, making the present invention simpler, less expensive to manufacture and more reliable.

Abstract: An improved method for controlling a servomechanism, applicable to nearly all types of servomechanism control systems. The inventive method improves the performance of servomechanism control systems which utilize a digital feedback sensor by enabling the gain to be varied. The variable gain allowed by the inventive method enables tighter control, and better performance.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system having at least one patch (20) with an electrosmotic, electro porous membrane (26) comprised of an inert biochemical substance which becomes actively electro-osmotic when an electric charge is passed through the membrane enabling a drug solution passing through to a skin surface to create an electroporative effect. The patch may be powered by a battery, an external power source (82), or self-powered by an auto-bio-fuel cell which acts as a battery during drug solution saturation. Multiple patches may be configured as a linked patch unit for use with a flexible cuff apparatus (70) to provide circumferential treatment of a body part. A network of supply tubes (66) may be connected to an external reservoir (68) to provide a slow supply of medicated fluid to each patch. A titration regulator (72) is in communication with the transdermal patch to regulate permanent flow to the skin.

Abstract: An item of jewelry or decorative article of attractive and original appearance, formed from spheres of sinterable material using a low pressure sintering process such that the spheres retain their individual shapes. The spheres may have diameters in the range 0.1-2.0 mm and may be solid or hollow. Items may be produced using a combination of materials and sphere sizes and may combine elements produced by sintering and by casting. Items of jewelry produced by this method are lighter and more comfortable to wear than those produced by casting.

Abstract: A method for improving the electrical conductivity and appearance of copper films produced by reduction of copper ions using hypophosphite, comprising exposure of the as-deposited copper film to a solution of dimethylamino borane (DMAB) or equivalents thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating microalgae from water without rupturing cells. The method comprises the steps of flocculation, flotation and dehydration. Microalgae suspension from a reservoir is passed to a mixer unit where flocculation is carried out, using modified starch or other flocculating agents. The suspension is then directed to a flotation column. Dissolved gas in water is transferred to the flotation column through a disperser. A layer of foam containing microalgae is formed on the liquid layer in the column, which can be skimmed off through an overflow outlet. The flotation column is a telescopic column of adjustable height, which enables the position of the overflow outlet to be aligned with the level of the foam layer for efficient foam removal. Foam containing microalgae is then passed to a filtration unit for cloth filtration, followed by drying in a drying chamber.