Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating mast cell tumors and soft tissue sarcomas using 6,7-epoxy-4,5,9,12,13,20-hexahydroxy-1-tigliaen-3-one derivatives in combination with at least one other pharmaceutically active agent. In particular embodiments, the tigliaen-3-one derivatives are 12, 13-acyl or ether derivatives and the derivative compound is delivered in a localised manner to the tumor or sarcoma. In particular embodiments, the at least one other pharmaceutically active agent is selected from an antihistamine, an anti-inflammatory agent and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method permitting a user to perform traction of the back is provided. The design includes a seat bottom and seat back. The seat back is configured to pivot about the seat bottom enabling the seat back to recline while rotating away from the seat bottom. An adjustable strap is positioned in association with the seat back for the purpose of securing the user's upper body. An adjustable strap is positioned in association with the seat bottom for the purpose of securing the user's lower body, buttocks and hips. A leg rest may be provided to support the user's legs. A locking mechanism may be provided to permit the user to easily sit down, engage the lower body and upper body straps, release the locking mechanism and recline backwards from a seated to a supine position thereby providing traction and providing decompression of the of the spinal column.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the deleterious effects of specular reflections (e.g., glint) on active illumination systems are disclosed. An example system includes an illuminator or light source configured to illuminate a scene with electromagnetic radiation having a defined polarization orientation. The system also includes a receiver for receiving portions of the electromagnetic radiation reflected or scatter from the scene. Included in the receiver is a polarizer having a polarization axis crossed with the polarization orientation of the emitted electromagnetic radiation. By crossing the polarizer with the polarization of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, the polarizer may filter out glint or specular reflections in the electromagnetic radiation returned from the scene.

Abstract: A method of producing graphene or other two-dimensional material such as graphene including heating the substrate held within a reaction chamber to a temperature that is within a decomposition range of a precursor, and that allows two-dimensional crystalline material formation from a species released from the decomposed precursor; establishing a steep temperature gradient (preferably >1000° C. per meter) that extends away from the substrate surface towards an inlet for the precursor; and introducing precursor through the relatively cool inlet and across the temperature gradient towards the substrate surface. The steep temperature gradient ensures that the precursor remains substantially cool until it is proximate the substrate surface thus minimizing decomposition or other reaction of the precursor before it is proximate the substrate surface. The separation between the precursor inlet and the substrate is less than 100 mm.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encryption control in optical networks without data loss enable various transitions related to encryption of an ODU data payload. A transition from unencrypted data payload to encrypted data payload is performed without data loss or dropping of OTN frames. A transition from encrypted data payload to unencrypted data payload is performed without data loss or dropping of OTN frames. A rotation of the encryption key to another encryption key is also performed without data loss or dropping of OTN frames.

Abstract: Methods and systems may use optical transport network overhead data for encryption. In particular, specific overhead encryption bits and other encryption data may be stored in an OTN header and used for signaling between a transmitter and a receiver for encrypted transmission without lost data frames.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus that provide for perceptual, cognitive, and motor behaviors in an integrated system implemented using neural architectures. Components of the system communicate using artificial neurons that implement neural networks. The connections between these networks form representations—referred to as semantic pointers—which model the various firing patterns of biological neural network connections. Semantic pointers can be thought of as elements of a neural vector space, and can implement a form of abstraction level filtering or compression, in which high-dimensional structures can be abstracted one or more times thereby reducing the number of dimensions needed to represent a particular structure.

Abstract: The methods and systems disclosed herein improve upon previous 3D imaging techniques by making use of a longer illumination pulse to obtain the same or nearly the same range resolution as can be achieved by using a much shorter, conventional laser pulse. For example, a longer illumination pulse can be produced by one or more Q-switched lasers that produce, for example, 5, 10, 20 ns or longer pulses. In some instances, the laser pulse can be longer than the modulation waveform of a MIS-type imaging system and still produce a repeatable response function. The light pulse generation technologies required to achieve longer pulse lengths can be significantly less expensive and less complex than known technologies presently used to generate shorter illumination pulse lengths. Lower-cost, lower-complexity light pulse sources may facilitate lower-cost, commercial 3D camera products.

Abstract: A sheet jammer device comprises a first jamming sheet having a first surface within a compression region. A first inflatable bladder includes a first contact area within the compression region and a second jamming sheet has a surface within the compression. A second inflatable bladder that includes a second contact area that is within the compression region. An amount of inflation of the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder controls the first friction force and the second friction force to restrict movement of the first jamming sheet relative to the second jamming sheet.

Abstract: A drive system for use in a piece of an appliance includes a drive shaft and a first rotary coupling and a second rotary coupling. When the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction, the first rotary coupling and the second rotary coupling rotate about an axis of the drive shaft at a same speed. When the drive shaft is rotated in a second opposite direction, the first rotary coupling and the second rotary coupling rotate about the axis of said drive shaft at different speeds.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a frame that includes laterally spaced apart guide rails. A flexible cover is slidably supported with respect to the guide rails. The cover has laterally opposing end portions each with an end that is arranged over and overlaps a respective one of the guide rails to provide an outer seal. In one embodiment, a flap is secured to the cover near each of the ends. Each flap is configured to retain its respective end portion to its respective guide rail. The cover is secured in a desired position by clamping a portion of the cover, for example, the flap.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a frame that provides an opening and includes laterally spaced apart guide rails and includes a drive system. A flexible cover has laterally opposing edge portions with intermittent retainers received in the guide rails. The retainers are configured to slide relative to the guide rails between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. Multiple spaced apart bows extend laterally between guide rails. The bows provide a laterally and outwardly extending arc that maintains tension on the flexible cover laterally between the retainers.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining natural colorants from plant material (e.g., tobacco material) and for using such natural colorants to dye various substrates are provided. Natural colorants are obtained using particular enzymes and particular conditions (e.g., time, temperature, and pH profiles). Such colorants can be used to dye substrates, for example, using conventional dyeing techniques or using unique in situ methods.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus that provide for perceptual, cognitive, and motor behaviors in an integrated system implemented using neural architectures. Components of the system communicate using artificial neurons that implement neural networks. The connections between these networks form representations—referred to as semantic pointers—which model the various firing patterns of biological neural network connections. Semantic pointers can be thought of as elements of a neural vector space, and can implement a form of abstraction level filtering or compression, in which high-dimensional structures can be abstracted one or more times thereby reducing the number of dimensions needed to represent a particular structure.

Abstract: A food processing system includes a food processor wherein an initial operation of said food processor is configured to cut a food item in a first, generally vertical direction and a later operation of said food processor is configured to cut said food item in a second direction. The second direction is distinct from the vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for processing food items includes a rotatable cutting component capable of performing a plurality of food processing operations and a container for receiving a food item processed by said rotatable cutting component. The plurality of food processing operations are selected by a position of said food item as said food item engages said cutting component.

Abstract: A cap for closing a container including a cap body for contacting an open end of the container and at least one connector mounted to an exterior of said cap body for coupling said cap body to the container. The at least one connector includes an engaging piece and a lever. An initial movement of said at least one connector causes said engaging piece to contact the container and a further movement of said at least one connector causes said engaging piece to affix said cap body to the container.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a frame that provides an opening and a drive system. A flexible cover is configured to slide relative to the frame between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system. Multiple spaced apart bows are configured to slide relative to the frame and relative to the flexible cover.

Abstract: A retractable cover system includes a frame that provides an opening. A drive system includes a motor operatively connected to a main roller through a first drive element. A resilient member is interconnected between the motor and a second drive element. The main roller is connected to one of the first and second drive elements. A flexible cover is mounted to the main roller and is configured to slide relative to the frame between first and second positions within the opening in response to actuation of the drive system.

Abstract: A machine for forming an elongate swale in an earth surface includes a motor for powering the machine along a predetermined path of travel, a first blade housing, a second blade housing, the first and second blade housings being positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the machine at a predetermined angle with respect to the earth surface. A first disc is rotatably mounted in the first blade housing and a second disc is rotatably mounted in the second blade housing. The first and second discs are counter-rotated by the motor. Each of the discs has at least two blades secured to an outer peripheral edge in diametrically opposed relation to one another. The two blades include a digging blade a sweeping blade. Each digging blade depending downwardly from the plane of the disc and each sweeping blade extending upwardly from the plane of the disc.