Abstract: Methods and apparatus for autonomous in-receiver prediction of orbit and clock states of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are described. Only the GNSS broadcast message is used, without need for periodic externally-communicated information. Earth orientation information is extracted from the GNSS broadcast ephemeris. With the accurate estimation of the Earth orientation parameters it is possible to propagate the best-fit GNSS orbits forward in time in an inertial reference frame. Using the estimated Earth orientation parameters, the predicted orbits are then transformed into Earth-Centered-Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinates to be used to assist the GNSS receiver in the acquision of the signals. GNSS satellite clock states are also extracted from the broadcast ephemeris and a parameterized model of clock behavior is fit to that data. The estimated modeled clocks are then propagated forward in time to enable, together with the predicted orbits, quicker GNSS signal acquision.

Abstract: A microfiltration apparatus and method for separating cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from a sample using a microfiltration device having a top porous membrane and a bottom porous membrane. The porous membranes are formed from parylene and assembled using microfabrication techniques. The porous membranes are arranged so that the pores in the top membrane are offset from the pores in the bottom membrane.

Abstract: Electrical connecting element (2) that is designed to be welded or soldered onto an electrically conductive component (11) of a window pane, comprising an electrically conductive body (20), of which one section is designed to be welded or soldered onto the component (11) for its electrical connection, and of which another if section is designed to be connected in the direction of the outer side of the window pane, characterized in that the body comprises an electrically conductive foil (21) with a thickness between 1 and 500 ?m and intermediate means (5, 6) that serve as shock-absorbing means between the stiff section of the body of the connecting element and the window pane.

Abstract: A circuit having a fingerprint for identification of a particular instantiation of the circuit is disclosed. The circuit may include a plurality of digital circuits or gates. Each of the digital circuits or gates is responsive to a configuration voltage applied to its analog input for controlling whether or not the digital circuit or gate performs its intended digital function and each of the digital circuits or gates transitioning between its functional state and its at least one other state when the configuration voltage equals a boundary voltage. The boundary voltage varies between different instantiations of the circuit for a majority of the digital circuits or gates and these differing boundary voltages serving to identify (or fingerprint) different instantiations of the same circuit.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure with an electrically controlled pressure source is shown. The pressure source is an electrolyte connected with electrodes. Dissociation of the electrolyte generates the pressure, which is used to obtain a valve-like or pump-like behavior inside the microfluidic structure. A process for manufacturing the microfluidic structure and a method to circulate fluids in a microfluidic channel are also described.

Abstract: Method for quality control of mechanical pieces, such as screws, pins, pivots and similar, intended for mass-production mechanical industries such as automobile and household appliances industries and similar, by means of an apparatus comprising in casings a plurality of operation stations and a piece-holder table which is pitched revolving to convey the pieces to the operation stations.

Abstract: Detection of image salience in a visual display of an image. The image is analyzed at multiple spatial scales and over multiple feature channels to determine the likely salience of different portions of the image. One application for the system is in an advertising context. The detection may be improved by second order statistics, e.g. mean and the standard deviations of different image portions relative to other portions. Different edges may be considered as being extended edges by looking at the edges over multiple spatial scales. One set of feature channels can be optimized for use in moving images, and can detect motion or flicker. The images can be obtained over multiple spectral ranges the user can be instructed about how to maximize the saliency. This can be applied to automatically evaluate and optimize sales or advertisement displays.

Abstract: An optical system comprising two lens cells, each lens cell comprising multiple lens elements, to provide imaging over a very wide image distance and within a wide range of magnification by changing the distance between the two lens cells. An embodiment also provides scannable laser spectroscopic measurements within the field-of-view of the instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for making an imaging model and an imaging apparatus. An apparatus for image processing may include an optical element having a field of view, and image sectoring element coupled to the optical element, the image sectoring element configured to sector the field of view in a plurality of areas, and an image processor coupled to the image sectoring element, the image processor configured to process an image in accordance with the plurality of areas. Methods to make the foregoing apparatus are also described.

Abstract: True time delay silica waveguides and related fabrication methods are disclosed. Also disclosed are true time delay silica waveguides comprising wedged silica structures.

Abstract: A system and method for making an image processor. A system for processing an image may include a target image processing element, a distorted image calculating element coupled to the target image processing element, an eccentricity estimator coupled to the distorted image calculating element, an eccentricity compensator coupled to the distorted image calculating element, a distorted foveated image modeler coupled to the eccentricity compensator, a log-polar image generator coupled to the eccentricity compensator, and an unreliable feature omitter coupled to the eccentricity compensator. Methods to make the foregoing system are also described.

Abstract: Thermal evaporation apparatus for depositing of a material on a substrate, comprising material storage means; heating means to generate a vapor of the material in the material storage means; vapor outlet means comprising a vapor receiving pipe having vapor outlet passages, and emission reducing means arranged such that an external surface of the vapor outlet means directed to said substrate exhibits low emission, and wherein the apparatus further comprises pipe heating means in the interior of said vapor outlet means, wherein at least the surfaces of the material storage means, heating means, and emission reducing means and pipe heating means arranged to come into contact with the material vapor are of a corrosion-resistant material.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating passivated silicon nanowires and an electronic arrangement thus obtained are described. Such arrangements may comprise a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure such that the arrangements may be utilized for MOS field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or opto-electronic switches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mercury dispensing system (11; 21, 31) for fluorescent lamps, comprising a dispensing member (12; 22, 32) containing a mercury releasing compound. The dispensing member (12; 22, 32) is fixed on a metal support (13; 23; 33) suitable to be heated by electromagnetic induction in order to cause the activation of said mercury releasing compound. The surface area of the metal support (13; 23; 33) is comprised between 9 and 64 mm2. The invention also relates to fluorescent lamps comprising said mercury dispensing system (11; 21; 31).

Abstract: FGF2-binding peptides are here described, which have been designed starting from the N-terminal region of PTX3, in particular spanning the PTX3(82-11O) region. Synthetic peptides related to this sequence are able to bind FGF2 and to inhibit its pro-angiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo with no anticipated impact on innate immunity.

Abstract: A method for operating vacuum-operated hoists with at least one elastically deformable vacuum-operated lifting mechanism, with a controllable vacuum generator, and with at least one motorized lifting drive is disclosed. A load detection device is used in order to detect the weight of a load picked up by the hoist. The load detection device generates a protection signal directly after detection of a load exceeding a predetermined tare weight of the hoist if the vacuum is insufficient to lift the load. The protection signal indirectly or directly deactivates the lifting drive with the aid of a switch-off control and/or prevents further lifting of the load if an insufficient vacuum or no vacuum is present when an increased load is detected and lifting begins.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating improved gemstones and gemstones thus obtained are described. Roughness is introduced on facets of a gemstone through application of nanometer and/or micrometer sized features, to provide the facets with a hazy white-colored appearance. Alternatively, millimeter-sized reflective features can be applied on the facets, to form a gemstone with improved scintillation or play of light.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for the electroporation of cells contained in a substrate wherein the cells are placed in contact with carbon nanotubes and then said substrate is subjected to the action of two orthogonal pulsed electric fields generated by means of two pairs of electrodes in contact with said substrate according to a specific time sequence in such a way that, when a pair of electrodes is active, the other pair of electrodes is deactivated and vice versa. A device for performing electroporation according to this method.

Abstract: Block-cutting gangsaw with vertical frame for cutting granite or other hard materials, comprising a blade-holding frame (19) that is supported with the possibility of reciprocating movement on an independent oscillating frame (40) which imparts the oscillating movement to it, so that each blade (20) of blade-holding frame (19) is always in contact with workpiece (18), and the contact area moves along a convex, curved trajectory.