Abstract: A system for transmission of mode of access information between a first device operated by a first user and a second device operated by a second user includes a database that is in network communication with the first device and the second device. The database stores a plurality of different modes of access for contacting the first user that are devoid of alpha-numeric identifiers specific to the first user. The database allows the first user to select one of the modes of access as a current mode of access of the first user. The current mode of access of the first user can be communicated to the second device once the second device queries the database. The current mode of access of the first user can be selected from the group consisting of mobile phone, text message and electronic mail. The current mode of access of the first user can change automatically over time according to a schedule input into the database by the first user.

Abstract: A zone isolation assembly array (794) for a well (712) includes a first zone isolation assembly (722A) and a second zone isolation assembly (722B). The first zone isolation assembly (722A) selectively inhibits fluid communication between a first zone (726) and a second zone (728) of the well (712). The second zone isolation assembly (722B) selectively inhibits fluid communication between the second zone (728) and a third zone (796) of the well (712). In another embodiment, the zone isolation assembly array (794) includes a first docking receiver (748A), a second docking receiver (748B), a first docking apparatus (750A) and a second docking apparatus (750B). The docking receivers (748A, 748B) can be positioned in an in-line manner. The second docking apparatus (750B) is coupled to the first docking apparatus (750A).

Abstract: A highly portable, high-powered infrared laser source is produced by intermittent operation of a quantum cascade laser power regulated to a predetermined operating range that permits passive cooling. The regulation process may boost battery voltage allowing the use of more compact, low-voltage batteries.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled electronic ballast for lighting equipment is described wherein light level control is performed by varying the power provided to the light. Lighting power is adjusted by driving the lamp through a resonant circuit with a variable frequency power signal. The programmable microprocessor controls overall operation including preheating, ignition, and shutdown.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus (10) for capturing an image (214) of a scene (12) includes an apparatus frame (222), a capturing system (226), and an illumination system (230). The capturing system (226) captures the image (214). The illumination system (230) can alternatively generate a first generated light beam (348A) having a first color composition (368A) and a second generated light beam (348B) having a second color composition (368B) that is different than the first color composition (368A). The scene (12) can have a first lighting condition (366A) or a second lighting condition (366B) that is different than the first lighting condition (366A). Further, the illumination system (230) generates the first generated light beam (348A) when the scene (12) has the first lighting condition (366A) and the illumination system (230) generates the second generated light beam (348B) when the scene (12) has the second lighting condition (366B).

Abstract: An image apparatus (10) for providing an adjusted image (242) of a scene (236) includes a capturing system (16) and a control system (24). The capturing system (16) captures an underexposed first frame (240) that is defined by a plurality of pixels (240A), including a first pixel and a second pixel. The first frame (240) includes at least one of a first texture region (240S) and a second texture region (240T). The control system (24) can analyze information from the pixels (240A) and determine if the first pixel has captured a portion of the first texture region (240S) or the second texture region (240T). Further, the control system (16) can analyze information from the pixels (240A) and to determine if the second pixel has captured a portion of the first texture region (240S) or the second texture region (240T). With this design, the control system (16) can reduce the noise in the first frame (240) to provide a well exposed adjusted image (242).

Abstract: A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) along a first axis, along a second axis and along a third axis includes a first stage (238), a first mover assembly (242) that moves the first stage (238) along the first axis, a second stage (240) that retains the work piece (200), a second mover assembly (244), and a non-contact bearing (257). The second mover assembly (244) moves the second stage (240) relative to the first stage (238) along the first axis, along the second axis, and along the third axis. The non-contact bearing (257) supports the mass of the second stage (240). Further, the non-contact bearing (257) allows the second stage (240) to move relative to the first stage (238) along the first axis and along the second axis. The second mover assembly (244) can move the second stage (240) with at least four degrees of movement.

Abstract: A laser source (10) for emitting a set of sequential, different wavelength output beams (12) includes a gain medium (16), a feedback assembly (26) and a control system (30). The gain medium (16) includes a first facet (16A), and the gain medium (16) generates a beam (12A) that exits the first facet (16A). The feedback assembly (26) includes a feedback device (40) and a device mover (42). The feedback device (40) is positioned in the path of the beam (12A) that exits the first facet (16A) and the feedback device (40) redirects at least a portion of the beam (12A) back to the gain medium (16). The device mover (42) continuously adjusts an angle of incidence (?) of the beam (12A) on the feedback device (40). The control system (30) selectively directs pulses of power to the gain medium (16) as the device mover (42) is continuously adjusting the angle of incidence (?) of the beam (12A).

Abstract: An adjustable attachment apparatus for adjusting the position of a footpeg of a motorcycle relative to a frame of the motorcycle includes a primary adjuster, a secondary adjuster and a tertiary adjuster. The primary adjuster and the secondary adjuster adjust the footpeg in a first direction. The tertiary adjuster is spaced apart from the primary adjuster and the secondary adjuster, and adjusts the footpeg in a second direction that is different than the first direction. The second direction has a vector component that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The second direction can includes a first vector component that is substantially similar to the first direction and a second vector component that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The adjustable attachment apparatus can also include a footpeg positioner. The primary adjuster can include a plurality of sets of at least two attachment holes.

Abstract: An image apparatus (10) for providing an adjusted image (474) of a scene (12) that includes an photo-emissive object (18) includes an apparatus frame (228), a capturing system (232), and a control system (236). The capturing system (232) captures a raw captured image (466) of the scene (12). The control system (236) identifies a captured photo-emissive object (418) in the raw captured image (466). Further, the control system (236) can perform a different level of image compensation on the captured photo-emissive object (418) than on other portions of the captured image (466). Stated in another fashion, the control system (236) can perform a first level of white balance correction on at a first region (482A) of the captured image (466) and can perform a second level of white balance correction on a second region (482B) of the captured image (466). With this design, the control system (236) can provide the adjusted image (474) having a more uniform and acceptable white balance correction.

Abstract: A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) along a first axis includes a stage base (236), a guide bar (238), a device table (240) that retains the work piece (200), a mover assembly (242), and a damper (225). The damper (225) can be a passive, electromagnetic damper that passively dampens movement of the guide bar (238) relative to the stage base (236) along a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. The damper (225) can include a magnet array (356) and a conductor (366) that is positioned in a magnetic field that surrounds the magnet array (356). With this design, relative movement between the guide bar (238) and the stage base (236) along the second axis induces the flow of current in the conductor (366) and eddy current damping. The damper (225) can include a first damper subassembly (252A) that is coupled to the guide bar (238) and a second damper subassembly (252B) that is coupled to the stage base (236).

Abstract: A data storage system (10) that receives a data set from a software module (18A-D) includes a first tier storage device (240), a second tier storage device (242), a redundancy reducer (21) and a migration engine (28). The first tier storage device (240) has a first effective storage capacity and the second tier storage device (242) can have a second effective storage capacity that is greater than the first effective storage capacity. The redundancy reducer (21) subdivides the data set into a plurality of data blocks (20) and reduces the redundancy of the data blocks (20). The migration engine (28) moves one or more of the data blocks (20) between the first tier storage device (240) and the second tier storage device (242) based on a migration parameter of the data block (20). The first tier storage device (240) can store data in a random access manner and the second tier storage device (242) can store data in a random or sequential access manner.

Abstract: A massage table for supporting a person during a massage above a surface includes a leg assembly that engages the floor, and a first table top that includes a frame that is supported above the surface with the leg assembly. The frame includes a frame base that supports at least a portion of the person, and a border flange that is secured to the frame base and that extends downward from the frame base. The border flange can include a first side section, a first transverse section that extends transversely to the first side section, and a first connector section that connects the first side section to the first transverse section. The first connector section can be curved. Additionally, the border flange can include a second transverse section that extends substantially parallel to the first transverse section and a curved second connector section that connects the first side section to the second transverse section.

Abstract: An optical analyzer (14) for performing spectral analysis on an optical beam (18) includes an optical filter (28), a mover (30), an optical launcher (36), and an optical receiver (38). The optical filter (28) includes a filter area (46) that is a narrow band pass type filter having multiple alternative center bandwidths that are distributed along the filter area (46). The mover (30) moves the optical filter (28). The first optical launcher (36) directs the optical beam (18) at the filter area (46) so that the optical beam (18) is near normal incidence to the filter area (46). The optical analyzer (14) can be used to simultaneously monitor multiple optical signals. Additionally, the optical analyzer (14) can include a beam redirector (40) that causes the optical beam (18) to make two passes through the optical filter (28).

Abstract: In a semiconductor lasers using quantum well gain medium, a quantum well stack is mounted in an epi-down configuration. The epitaxial side of the device may be directly bonded to an efficient heat transport system so that heat may more easily leave the quantum well stack layers and be disposed at a heatsink. Such a device runs cooler and exhibits reduced loss mechanisms as represented by a laser system loss-line. External cavity systems using this configuration may permit a high degree of tunability, and these systems are particularly improved as the tuning range is extended by lowered cavity losses.

Abstract: A communications system for an automated irrigation system includes one or more communication lines connecting one or more irrigation units and a main control system of the automated irrigation system, a communications device and a means for transmitting and receiving digital data across the communication lines. The communications device generates the digital data in the form of pulsed signals that are transmitted and received by irrigation fluid flowing through irrigation lines of the irrigation system. The digital data generated and transmitted can be used, for example, to create a data network between the irrigation units and the main control system, to program or reprogram the irrigation units and to provide power to the irrigation units.

Abstract: In a method of implementing power savings in an automated storage system, a power savings mode authorization is sent from a library controller to a tape drive, such that the tape drive is authorized to enter an extended power savings mode that maintains an operational host interface in the tape drive for communicating with a host system. A media move command is received at a tape library of the automated storage system. The media move command comprises a command from the host system for the tape library to move a tape cartridge to the tape drive. In response to receiving the media move command, an instruction is issued to the tape drive to transition from the extended power savings mode to an active power mode. The instruction is issued prior to notifying the host system of completion of the media move command.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid template (110) in a sample includes the steps of combining the sample in a reaction vessel with a first primer (112F) and a second primer (112R) having a first section (114), a second section (118) and a spacer (116). The method also includes one or more of the steps of extending the first section (114) with additional nucleotides, binding the first primer (112F) to the extended first section, extending the first primer (112F) with additional nucleotides and terminating extension of the first primer (112F) with the spacer (116). The first section (114) includes a plurality of nucleotides that bind with a portion of the nucleic acid template (110). The second section (118) is spaced-apart from the first section (114) and includes a plurality of nucleotides that do not bind with the nucleic acid template (110). The spacer (116) couples the first section (114) to the second section (118). The invention is also directed toward the second primer (112R).

Abstract: A lens may operate in the mid-IR spectral region and couple highly divergent beams into highly collimated beams. In combination with a light source having a characteristic output beam, the lens may provide highly stable, miniaturized mid-IR sources that deliver optical beams. An advanced mounting system may provide long term sturdy mechanical coupling and alignment to reduce operator maintenance. In addition, devices may also support electrical and thermal subsystems that are delivered via these mounting systems. A mid-IR singlet lens having a numerical aperture greater than about 0.7 and a focal length less than 10 mm may be combined with a quantum well stack semiconductor based light source such that the emission facet of the semiconductor lies in the focus of the lens less than 2 mm away from the lens surface. Together, these systems may provide a package that is highly portable and robust, and easily integrated with external optical systems.