Abstract: Prediction of a channel capacity is accomplished based on a TDR echo without explicitly estimating the topology of the line. The prediction is based on obtaining a measured TDR echo, determining a theoretical TDR echo for a plurality of loop lengths, estimating the equivalent TDR length based on an optimization, updating the equivalent TDR length and utilizing the updated TDR length to predict one or more of the upstream and downstream data rates.

Abstract: A combined electrical and chemical stimulation lead is especially adapted for providing treatment to intervertebral discs. The combination lead may be placed proximate to intervertebral disc cellular matrix and nucleus pulposus tissue to promote tissue regeneration and repair, as well as nociceptor and neural tissue modulation. The stimulation lead includes electrodes that may be selectively positioned along various portions of the stimulation lead in order to precisely direct electrical energy to stimulate the target tissue. The lead also includes a central infusion passageway or lumen that communicates with various infusion ports spaced at selected locations along the lead to thereby direct the infusion of nutrients/chemicals to the target tissue.

Abstract: A soil nail launching device and method are provided wherein the launching device includes an improved configuration for the protective shroud and an improved configuration for a connection between the breach and barrel of the launching device. For the protective shroud, a plurality of removable shroud plates are provided to ease maintenance of the shroud plate, as well as to provide more consistent pressure release after the launcher has been fired. The improved breach and barrel design includes a connection that does not reduce the area of the annular space that is evacuated during firing of the device, thereby optimizing the available volume of air to be transferred to the breach for launching the soil nail through the barrel.

Abstract: Through the use of feedback in determining frequency domain equalization, intersymbol interference can be reduced. Specifically, the determined constellation point closest to the determined received point can be fed back to aid in determining one or more other closest constellation points.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for cooling a dispensed beverage. Direct cooling of the beverage is achieved by circulation of a refrigerant in contact with a reservoir that holds the beverage just prior to being dispensed. The reservoir is disposed within a dispense font. The open space within the font acts as an evaporator of a closed refrigeration loop thereby achieving cooling without having to use a separate heat transfer loop. A refrigeration subsystem is mounted directly adjacent the dispense font to provide a controlled flow of refrigerant to the open space within the font. Evaporated refrigerant is recycled in the refrigeration subsystem.

Abstract: Messages transmitted between a receiver and a transmitter are used to maximize a communication data rate. In particular, a multicarrier modulation system uses messages that are sent from the receiver to the transmitter to exchange one or more sets of optimized communication parameters. The transmitter then stores these communication parameters and when transmitting to that particular receiver, the transmitter utilizes the stored parameters in an effort to maximize the data rate to that receiver. Likewise, when the receiver receives packets from that particular transmitter, the receiver can utilize the stored communication parameters for reception.

Abstract: Data is collected and interpreted in response to one or more transmitted signals to determine if an interfering device is present. If an interfering device is present, a message is generated and presented to a user indicating, for example, that the installation of a micro-filter is appropriate. The system can then determine if the micro-filter was installed properly and, for example, commence communication or, if the micro-filter(s) did not solve the problem, initiate communication with or contact a technician.

Abstract: Provided is a color filter substrate that comprises a substrate. A black matrix, a color filter layer, and a transparent conductive layer are formed on the substrate and the color filter layer is formed in a pixel area defined by the black matrix. A metal conductivity-enhanced layer is formed above and/or below the transparent conductive layer and contacts with the transparent conductive layer in an area corresponding to the black matrix.

Abstract: The temperature of a bipolar semiconductor element using a wide-gap semiconductor is raised using heating means, such as a heater, to obtain a power semiconductor device being large in controllable current and low in loss. The temperature is set at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the decrement of the steady loss of the wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element corresponding to the decrement of the built-in voltage lowering depending on the temperature rising of the wide-gap bipolar semiconductor element is larger than the increment of the steady loss corresponding to the increment of the ON resistance increasing depending on the temperature rising.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for fabricating a reinforced concrete cylinder, and more specifically to a method for centering a reinforcing frame within a form used during the placement of a concrete slurry. One embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of centering arms that are adapted for selective engagement with the reinforcing frame, thus maintaining it in the predetermined radial location during the fabrication process.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a hydrant to a roof. The assembly includes a housing that is adapted to fit about a standpipe that is disposed through a roof top. The assembly additionally has a sealing member that is positioned between the housing and the standpipe and a mounting plate that is connected to the housing to mount the hydrant to the roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid-state range sensing system. As with previous solid-state range sensing systems, an energy source is activated and deactivated in a cyclic pattern with a selected source frequency. A receiver is adapted to sense the reflection of emitted energy from the target. The receiver includes a shielding system to block the sensing of the reflected energy from the target in a cyclic pattern with a selected receiver frequency. Unlike the prior art, the frequency of the source and receiver are offset by a small frequency. The resulting output signal of the receiver is a further cyclic pattern beat signal of frequency equal to the difference between the source activation and receiver shielding modulation frequencies. The best signal is effectively a down-converted version of the source modulation frequency and, unlike the prior art, is compared with a reference beat signal whereby the phase difference between the two beat signals is used to determine a range value.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for promoting vegetation growth on a steeply sloping surface. The system of the present invention includes anchors that are secured to the sloping surface, an inner mesh layer in contact with the slope, a geosynthetic layer placed over the inner mesh layer, and seeded compost material placed in the gap or space between the geosynthetic layer and the inner mesh layer. An outer mesh layer is placed over the geosynthetic layer to help stabilize the geosynthetic layer. The geosynthetic layer and outer mesh layer are also secured to the protruding anchors. Vegetation grows in the compost material and roots of the vegetation penetrate the inner mesh layer into the slope. An established root system stabilizes the slope. The seeded compost material provides an environment that greatly enhances the growth of vegetation on steeply sloping surface which otherwise do not have adequate soil to promote growth.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating and mobilizing the patella and patellar tendon following injury to the knee or surgery thereon to reduce pain, reduce the formation of scar tissue about the patella and eliminate stiffness and loss of range of motion of the knee, is formed by an elongated, rigid bar having a first end, a second end and an elongated portion extending between the ends. The elongated portion has a central section intermediate the ends defining a V-shaped notch. The first end defines a generally rectangular flattened blade having a lateral beveled edge. The second end defines a generally triangular flattened blade having a lateral arcuate beveled edge. An elastomeric coating is provided on the central section defining the V-shaped notch, on the rectangular blade and on the triangular blade. A method for using the tool is also described.

Abstract: An inflatable pad assembly includes a connecting unit for interconnecting pivotally and detachably first and second inflatable pads such that the second inflatable pad is operable so as to pivot relative to the first inflatable pad between a first position, where one of opposite first and second sides of the first inflatable pad abuts against one of opposite first and second sides of the second inflatable pad, and a second position, where the second inflatable pad is superposed on the first inflatable pad.

Abstract: A spiral or helical structure for retaining hair or hair-like strands is constructed from one or more rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible materials. Rigid or substantially rigid portions of the structure can be inter-spaced with flexible portions of similar spiral or helical structures to accommodate the ability to create desired bends, curves and/or curls. Elastomeric bands can be employed to secure the spiral or helical structures to hair strands, to other spiral or helical structures and/or other hair retention devices. Applying hair dye/stain to bundled hair within the spiral or helical structures provides an ability to “tie dye” hair strand bundles to create desired highlighting and/or hair coloring. The spiral or helical structure can be made of hollow or partially hollow material. Decorative items can be attached or interconnected to the various embodiments of the present invention. In a separate embodiment, an interior component is coupled with an outer component.

Abstract: A system for the intelligent management of knowledge and delivery of content is provided. The system allows end users to access targeted fixes in connection with resolving problems with appliances, such as computers or other devices. The system further provides for the delivery of inventory information and information regarding attempts that have been made to fix problems with an appliance to technical support personnel. Technical support personnel may selectively access approved fixes or potential fixes through selections made from a tree of devices and/or problems or through the identification of key indicators. Technicians may also create fixes and made such fixes available to other technicians immediately.

Abstract: A carrying case for an electronic device, such as a tablet personal computer, is provided, and more specifically a case that allows a user to selectively position a display screen of the tablet personal computer by rotation coupled with angular support. The case is easily adapted for use with many types and models of personal electronic devices and may be utilized to view the display screen in a plurality of orientations.