Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for transfer of data between a host device (400) and a peripheral device (300) via a USB Type-C connector (100; 304) of the host device. A data controller is described that has a path controller (309, 310; 706) for establishing signal paths between circuitry of the host device and contacts (101) of said USB Type-C connector. The path controller is operable in at least first and second modes. In the first mode the path controller establishes separate signal paths to each of at least first, second, third and fourth contacts (A6, A7, B6, B7) of the USB Type-C connector and a plurality of the established signal paths are for transfer of analogue audio data. In the second mode the path controller establishes a pair of signal paths to only a subset of said first to fourth contacts to provide a differential digital data path.

Abstract: A method of measuring signals from a surface. The method comprises: placing on the surface a flexible sensing device having an array of coated electrodes, wherein at least one electrode of the array is metallic and is at least partially coated by a polymer; and collecting signals from the sensing device.

Abstract: A method of measuring signals from a surface. The method comprises: placing on the surface a flexible sensing device having an array of coated electrodes, wherein at least one electrode of the array is metallic and is at least partially coated by a polymer; and collecting signals from the sensing device.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a wellbore servicing system that comprises an engine operable to provide power to one or more pumps. The one or more pumps are operable to direct a fluid into a wellbore, wherein the engine is coupled to the one or more pumps via a transmission. The system further comprises an engine control module (ECM) coupled to the engine. The system further comprises a controller coupled to the one or more pumps and operable to determine the volumetric efficiency of each of the one or more pumps. The system further comprises an information handling system, wherein the ECM and the controller are communicatively coupled to the information handling system, wherein the information handling system is operable to determine a divergence when a load is placed on the engine and a pumping plan for the system.

Abstract: A thermal therapy headgear for a patient includes a plurality of thermal reaction compartments, a liquid chamber, a gas chamber, and a gas container. The thermal reaction compartments contain a first of at least two thermal reaction components, and the liquid chamber contains the second thermal reaction component. The gas container has therein a pressurized gas and a gas valve for selectively releasing the pressurized gas into the gas chamber. The gas in the gas chamber will apply pressure to the liquid chamber and force the second thermal reaction component through the valve and into the thermal reaction compartments to react and transfer heat with the patient, and the presence of the gas within the gas chamber will cushion the patient. A method for conducting hypothermic therapy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for preparing a test sample includes a vial holder, a needle trap connected to the vial holder, and a sample preparation station. The vial holder includes a vial chamber configured to hold a vial, a purge gas needle, and a needle trap heater. The needle trap includes a needle with the needle trap heater surrounding a distal end portion of the needle. A packing bed is disposed in the needle at the distal end portion. The sample preparation station includes a housing and a vial heater assembly including a vial heater and defining a cavity. The vial holder is configured to be received in the cavity in an installed position with the vial heater surrounding at least a portion of the vial.

Abstract: Systems, networks, methods, compositions and recombinant hosts for biosynthesizing hydrocarbons from a feedstock, such as gas, are provided.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for providing an output signal to an audio transducer, comprising: a first signal path for receiving a first digital audio input signal, applying a first digital gain, and outputting an amplified first digital audio input signal; a second signal path, for receiving a second digital audio input signal, applying a second digital gain, and outputting an amplified second digital audio input signal; converter circuitry, coupled to the first and second signal paths, for converting at least the amplified first and second digital audio input signals into the analogue domain, and outputting an analogue audio input signal; and an analogue gain element, for applying an analogue gain to the analogue audio input signal and outputting the output signal.

Abstract: This application relates to transfer of digital audio data between a host device and an accessory apparatus that may be connected to the host device via a suitable connector, such as a USB connector. A path selector is operable to establish either a first digital data path or a second digital data path for transfer of digital data. The first digital data path includes a first data bus host and a general purpose digital data interface suitable for bulk data transfer between the first data bus host and the applications processor of the device. This may be a default USB path. The second digital data path includes a second data bus host and at least one pair of second path data interfaces. The second data bus host does not form part of the applications processor and each of said second path data interfaces comprises a digital audio interface suitable for streaming of audio data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for providing substantially synchronised haptic and audio outputs. The system includes a signal processor which is configured to receive an audio signal from a main processor of the system and to receive a haptic signal, which may be received from the main processor, or may be retrieved from memory, or else may be generated in real-time by the signal processor. The signal processor calculates a delay to be applied to the haptic signal or the audio signal and outputs a delayed version of the audio signal and the haptic signal, or a delayed version of the haptic signal and the audio signal, to appropriate output stages.

Abstract: A thermal therapy headgear for a patient includes a plurality of thermal reaction compartments, a liquid chamber, a gas chamber, and a gas container. The thermal reaction compartments contain a first of at least two thermal reaction components, and the liquid chamber contains the second thermal reaction component. The gas container has therein a pressurized gas and a gas valve for selectively releasing the pressurized gas into the gas chamber. The gas in the gas chamber will apply pressure to the liquid chamber and force the second thermal reaction component through the valve and into the thermal reaction compartments to react and transfer heat with the patient, and the presence of the gas within the gas chamber will cushion the patient. A method for conducting hypothermic therapy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for preparing a test sample includes a vial holder, a needle trap connected to the vial holder, and a sample preparation station. The vial holder includes a vial chamber configured to hold a vial, a purge gas needle, and a needle trap heater. The needle trap includes a needle with the needle trap heater surrounding a distal end portion of the needle. A packing bed is disposed in the needle at the distal end portion. The sample preparation station includes a housing and a vial heater assembly including a vial heater and defining a cavity. The vial holder is configured to be received in the cavity in an installed position with the vial heater surrounding at least a portion of the vial.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for providing an acknowledgement output at an output transducer of a device in response to detection of a trigger signal. The system includes an input transducer, a signal processor, a main processor separate from the signal processor and an output driver. The signal processor monitors an input signal received at the signal processor from the input transducer and outputs an acknowledgement signal to the output driver if the received input signal corresponds to the trigger signal. The signal processor also outputs an interrupt signal to the main processor to cause the main processor to enter an active state. In this way an acknowledgement output can rapidly be provided to a user of the system, as there is no need to wait until the main processor has entered its active state and processed the trigger signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for peripheral device discovery, the detection of orientation of a connector having multiple degrees of rotational symmetry, and the provision of appropriate signal paths between a host device and a peripheral device. Some embodiments provide a characteristic impedance within the peripheral device that is coupled between rotationally symmetric contacts of the connector and thus enables detection of the connector orientation. The value of the characteristic impedance may be used in some embodiments to determine the type or model of peripheral device. Some embodiments are concerned with the enablement of appropriate signal paths to a peripheral device having a transducer (e.g. a loudspeaker) coupled only to rotationally symmetric contacts of the connector, such as headphones implemented in a “balanced” configuration.

Abstract: An efficient nanoscale semiconducting optoelectronic system, containing a P/N acceptor donor organic hetrojunction which is optimized for neuronal stimulation—an organic electrolytic photocapacitor. The devices comprise a thin (80 nm) trilayer of metal and p-n semiconducting organic nanocrystals. When illuminated in physiological solution, these metal-semiconductor devices charge up, transducing light pulses into localized displacement currents that are strong enough to electrically stimulate neurons with safe light intensities.

Abstract: A system for preparing a test sample includes a vial holder, a needle trap connected to the vial holder, and a sample preparation station. The vial holder includes a vial chamber configured to hold a vial, a purge gas needle, and a needle trap heater. The needle trap includes a needle with the needle trap heater surrounding a distal end portion of the needle. A packing bed is disposed in the needle at the distal end portion. The sample preparation station includes a housing and a vial heater assembly including a vial heater and defining a cavity. The vial holder is configured to be received in the cavity in an installed position with the vial heater surrounding at least a portion of the vial.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for peripheral device discovery, the detection of orientation of a connector having multiple degrees of rotational symmetry, and the provision of appropriate signal paths between a host device and a peripheral device. Some embodiments provide a characteristic impedance within the peripheral device that is coupled between rotationally symmetric contacts of the connector and thus enables detection of the connector orientation. The value of the characteristic impedance may be used in some embodiments to determine the type or model of peripheral device. Some embodiments are concerned with the enablement of appropriate signal paths to a peripheral device having a transducer (e.g. a loudspeaker) coupled only to rotationally symmetric contacts of the connector, such as headphones implemented in a “balanced” configuration.

Abstract: Interface circuitry is provided for a host device, the interface circuitry for controlling data connections between the host device and a peripheral device.