Abstract: Optical apparatus for use with an image capture device having an optical input and an image sensor (22) defining a principal optical axis therebetween, the apparatus being configured to provide, via said input, a plurality of substantially parallel, spaced-apart optical beams to said image sensor (22), and comprising: a first optical unit (26) comprising a plurality of optical elements (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20), at least a first one of said optical elements being a first refractive element (12, 14, 18, 20) for refracting an optical beam incident thereon through substantially 90°; and a plurality of focusing lenses (lens0, lens1, lens2, lens3, lens4, lens5), each focusing lens being associated with a respective optical element and being configured to direct a respective incident optical beam thereon; wherein the focusing lens associated with said refractive element is arranged and configured to direct an incident optical beam thereon at substantially 90° to said principal optical axis, and the refractive ele

Abstract: Devices having a handle that provides unlimited roll to an end-effector at the distal end of the device. For example, described herein are medical devices that have an elongate tool frame, an end-effector, and a handle that includes: a first portion, a second portion that rolls relative to the first portion, a push rod within the first portion connected to a control input, and a shuttle body within the second portion that rotates with the second portion but is axially driven by the push rod when the user actuates the control input. The device may include a proximal wrist/forearm attachment allowing one or more degrees of freedom in pitch, yaw or roll about the user's arm. The handle may articulate relative to the tool frame, and this articulation may be transmitted to the end-effector. The end-effector may be a jaw assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention overcome the shortcomings of existing trading systems by providing an invoiceless trading system that creates incentives for customers to pay suppliers within a predetermined period of time, such as a settlement period. Specifically, the invoiceless trading system enables a customer to obtain a discount on orders placed with suppliers in return for an immediate payment (e.g., within 24 hours) by the customer. The supplier receives payment within the predetermined period of time, and the customer receives additional cash benefits by providing an early payment to the supplier. To communicate with and transfer funds between customers and suppliers, the invoiceless trading system may use an electronic gateway and a settlement bank. In addition to creating an incentive to embrace e-commerce, both customers and suppliers avoid the need to manually process orders and use invoices to complete transactions.

Abstract: An optical inertial measurement method for determining a 6DOF pose in respect of a moving platform, the method comprising providing, in respect of said moving platform, a camera unit (10) comprised of at least three monocular cameras (14, 16, 18) connected rigidly together and configured such that their fields of view do not overlap and cover motion of said platform in each of three principal, substantially orthogonal axes; receiving video outputs from each of said cameras; determining individual point correspondences from said video outputs, and estimating therefrom, for each camera, a transform that includes translation values representative of direction of translation in the x and y axes, rotation about the optical axis and a scale factor, each transform being expressed with respect to a local 3D coordinate system associated with a respective camera; and mapping said translation values in the x and y axes to a global 3D coordinate system, having its origin defined by a point between said cameras, and multi

Abstract: A marine catamaran craft, comprising at least one forward hydrofoil fixed to each of the catamaran hulls and at least one rear hydrofoil in which: At least one forward hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation At least one rear hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation at low speeds and for planing operation at higher speeds A rear part of each of the catamaran hulls remains wetted at all speeds.

Abstract: Inductive power transfer flux coupling apparatus includes a first coil arranged in a first layer and configured to generate or receive a magnetic coupling flux in a flux coupling region, and a second coil.

Abstract: A hydrofoil section (401) comprising upper (4014) and lower (4015, 4018, 4017) cambered profiles and a reference line in which: the reference line is drawn between the trailing edge (307) of the section and the leading edge (304) or a point close to and below such leading edge, and both profiles have a positive camber, and a substantial part of the lower profile lies above such reference line, and the area bounded by such reference line and by such lower profile lying above such reference line is greater than any area lying below such reference line.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for attaching a minimal access tool to a user's body (e.g., wrist or forearm) so that movements of the user's forearm, wrist, hand and fingers can control movements at a distal end of the minimal access tool. In particular, described herein are forearm attachment devices (which may be used with or integrated into) a minimal access tool including a cuff configured to secure to the user's forearm and a coupling joint configured to connect the cuff to the frame so that the cuff may move relative to the frame with between 1 and 4 degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Methods and systems for leveraging one's social network in the context of an opportunities marketplace are described. One aspect of the invention involves integrating social networking features into an online marketplace, or exchange. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention involves facilitating an opportunity search in a manner that provides social networking information with the results of the search.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Devices having a handle that provides unlimited roll to an end-effector at the distal end of the device. For example, described herein are medical devices that have an elongate tool frame, an end-effector, and a handle that includes: a first portion, a second portion that rolls relative to the first portion, a push rod within the first portion connected to a control input, and a shuttle body within the second portion that rotates with the second portion but is axially driven by the push rod when the user actuates the control input. The device may include a proximal wrist/forearm attachment allowing one or more degrees of freedom in pitch, yaw or roll about the user's arm. The handle may articulate relative to the tool frame, and this articulation may be transmitted to the end-effector. The end-effector may be a jaw assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a prescription eyeglass mounted sound reflective hearing aid device with sound reflectors that remove surrounding noise. The hearing aid device is comprised of a pair of eyeglasses with two molded half cone shaped directional sound reflectors. Both of the reflectors have an interior surface and an exterior surface. The reflectors take surrounding noise out of the wearer's perception, making it easier to listen to people.

Abstract: A system to control fluid flow through a fluid passage includes a valve that is fail-safe closed to selectively control fluid flow through the fluid passage, and a hydraulic actuator operatively coupled to the valve to open the valve when hydraulic pressure above a predetermined amount is received. The system further includes an inlet to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator and open the valve and an outlet to vent hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic actuator and close the valve.

Abstract: A flexible resealable label to cover a dispensing opening includes a polymeric sheet having flap and base portions. The flap portion has a hinge side and a lifting side. The hinge side is connected to the base portion along a hinge, such that the flap portion can pivot with respect to the base portion about an axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the hinge is defined by a straight line of intermittent cuts, and each cut extends all the way through the sheet thickness, and the line of cuts resides in the hinge axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the flap portion has a hinge side edge defined by a straight line of intermittent cuts. Connecting strips extend from the hinge side edge into the base portion. Each connecting strip terminates at the axis of rotation, and the line of intermittent cuts does not reside in the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and a method for detecting cloud features. The method comprises: obtaining (402) image data (401); identifying (404) regions of the image data corresponding to a below-horizon region and an above-horizon region; classifying (404) one or more parts of the above-horizon region as a cloud feature; determining (409) an identification model specifying a visual appearance of some or all of the parts of the above-horizon region that have been classified as a cloud feature; and using the determined identification model, classifying (404), as cloud features, those regions of the of the below-horizon region whose visual appearance is as specified by the identification model.

Abstract: Methods and systems for leveraging one's social network in the context of an opportunities marketplace are described. One aspect of the invention involves integrating social networking features into an online marketplace, or exchange. Accordingly, one aspect of the invention involves facilitating an opportunity search in a manner that provides social networking information with the results of the search.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for decreasing calorie intake, food intake, and appetite in a subject. The methods include peripherally administering PYY or an agonist thereof and GLP-1 or an agonist thereof to the subject, simultaneously or sequentially, thereby decreasing the calorie intake of the subject.

Abstract: A method of converting particulate lignocellulosic material to produce volatile organic compounds and char, comprising, forming a mixture of the particulate lignocellulosic material with a catalyst composition containing polar organic liquid and an acid in the presence or absence of added water, heating the mixture to a temperature sufficiently high and for a period sufficiently long as to convert a major portion of any remaining solid phase of the mixture to char while agitating the mixture, and separating volatile organic compounds and the catalyst composition as a gaseous phase from the solid phase.