Abstract: A non-linear conversion capability within an on-chip, per-column analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided to expand a compressed analog signal such that the resulting digital output that has a predetermined (linear or non-linear) mapping with respect to input brightness level of an incoming light signal to a row of pixels. The predetermined mapping may also be provided by a non-linear amplifier coupled to a linear or non-linear ADC and a resulting compressed non-linear digital representation at the output of the ADC is substantially linearized by an on-chip or an off-chip look-up table (LUT).

Abstract: A roof box 1 for mounting to a vehicle is described. The roof box 1 includes a clamping mechanism that enables the roof box 1 to be secured to a vehicle via one or more externally accessed actuating handles 5. A crossbar interchangeable clamp shape is also described for linking an accessory item such as a roof box 1 to a roof rack cross bar.

Abstract: A first method comprises: dissolving a polymer in a terpene, terpenoid, or aromatic solvent to form a polymer solution; dissolving a salt in a polar organic solvent to form a salt solution; and mixing the salt solution and the polymer solution to form a mixture. The salt and the polar organic solvent do not cause substantial precipitation of the polymer upon mixing with the polymer solution. A resulting terpene, terpenoid, or aromatic solvent phase of the mixture is suitable for forming fibers by electric-field-driven spinning from one or more spinning tips onto a target substrate. A composition comprises the terpene, terpenoid, or aromatic solvent phase of the mixture resulting from the method. A second method comprises forming fibers by electric-field-driven spinning of the first composition from one or more spinning tips onto a target substrate. A second composition comprises the fibers formed by the second method.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of novel line dispensing devices and methods for dispensing and retracting a line of a line dispensing device.

Abstract: A first layer of a catalyst material is formed on a substrate and heat treated to form a first plurality of nanoparticles. A second layer of a catalyst material is then formed over the substrate and the first plurality of nanoparticles and heat treated to form a second plurality of nanoparticles. The first layer of nanoparticles is advantageously not affected by the deposition or heat treatment of the second layer of catalyst material, for example being pinned or immobilised, optionally by oxidation, before formation of the second layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a fishing lure comprising a body (10) having an appearance generally attractive to fish and one or more hooks (30, 32) supported on a fishing line. The hooks are disengagable from the body, which a recess (22) for receiving an insert (26) and the line in a friction fit. The insert and line are releasable from the recess upon the application of opposing longitudinal forces to the line.

Abstract: A leg assembly is described that links a roof rack bar to a vehicle roof. The leg assembly utilises a T-bar member linked to a rocker member and via a biasing arrangement, the T-bar flanges impinge with the bar flanges to lock the leg assembly in place or optionally move the leg assembly along the bar length by forcing the T-bar member flanges up from the bar flanges until the desired position is reached before release and re-locking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof box 1 for mounting to a vehicle via roof racks 100. The roof box 1 includes a base section 3 mountable to a vehicle roof or roof rack 100 and a top section 2 that is movable relative to the base section 3 to allow the roof box 1 to be opened and closed. The roof box 1 includes no external protruding seam 4 with the seam 4 flush with the exterior of the roof box 1. The roof box 1 also includes a curved seam 4, double skinned top 2 and double acting action hinge 12 design that all combine to provide improved aesthetics, lower weight, reduced aerodynamic drag, better fuel efficiency and equivalent strength, rigidity and loadings to the art.

Abstract: A connection assembly is described that may be used to snap fit and lock together a channel containing member to other members. One embodiment described is use of the connection assembly to snap fit and lock together a roof rack accessory rack or item to fit roof rack crossbar on a vehicle.

Abstract: An electrohydrodynamic spraying or spinning deposition system, which includes a common source of pressurized liquid within a manifold, and an array of 2 or more spraying tips, each tip being fed from the common source of pressurized liquid to create a liquid flow path. An individual flow impedance device is disposed within each tip's individual liquid flow path from the pressurized liquid source into each spraying tip. The individual flow impedance devices are disposed within a replaceable sheet, which can be easily cleaned or changed to accommodate the instance liquid viscosity and composition. A high voltage source is applied to create a high voltage potential applied between the tip array and a deposition surface.

Abstract: Disclose are methods, systems and products for providing financial payments to investors who live longer than a specified survival age. Premium payments are received (14) from a plurality of investors. For each investor, a corresponding survival age is established (10, 12, 150). The premium payments are invested to form an investment pool (652) for the investors. An account is maintained that quantifies a respective notional share of the investment pool for each of the investors. If an investor dies, a proportion of the deceased investor's notional share in the investment pool is distributed (104) to the shares of surviving investors of the investment pool. Where a surviving investor is older than the surviving investor's established survival age (110), a survival benefit is paid to the surviving investor, the survival benefit being based (112) upon at least a value of the investment pool.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor is disclosed. The CMOS image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a surface. An epitaxial layer is grown on the surface. A p-type CMOS pixel formed substantially in the epitaxial layer. In one version of the CMOS image sensor, there exists a net n-type dopant concentration profile in the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer which has a maximum value at a predetermined distance from the surface and which decreases monotonically on both sides of the profile from the maximum value within the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer. In another version of the CMOS image sensor, there exists a net n-type dopant concentration profile in the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer which has a maximum value at the surface and which decreases monotonically with increasing distance from the surface within the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer.

Abstract: An eddy-current braking mechanism including a rotor, rotatable about a rotor axis; at least one electrically conductive member coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith; at least one magnet configured to apply a magnetic field extending at least partially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the conductive member, and characterised in that upon rotation of the rotor, the conductive member is configured to move at least partially radially from the rotor axis into the applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A pixel design is disclosed. The pixel includes a photo-sensitive element. A first reflective layer substantially overlies the photo-sensitive element. A second reflective layer substantially underlies the photo-sensitive element and forms a cavity with the first reflective layer that is non-resonant with respect to photon absorption. An aperture is formed in either the first reflective layer or the second reflective layer. When electromagnetic radiation enters the aperture, the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer are configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation substantially toward each other until substantially absorbed in the cavity.

Abstract: A method comprises introducing a fluid composition into one or more electrically insulating emitters, and applying voltage to the fluid to cause ejection of the solvent from the fluid after it exits the emitter. The fluid composition comprises first material having a dielectric constant greater than ˜25 and polymer mixed into liquid solvent having a dielectric constant less than ˜15, or polymer mixed into solvent having a dielectric constant greater than ˜8. Voltage can be applied to the fluid composition via a conductive electrode immersed in the fluid, or positioned outside and adjacent to the emitters. Conductivity of the fluid composition can be less than ˜100 ?S/cm. A composition of matter comprises nanofibers formed by the method.

Abstract: A non-linear conversion capability within an on-chip, per-column analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is provided to expand a compressed analog signal such that the resulting digital output that has a predetermined (linear or non-linear) mapping with respect to input brightness level of an incoming light signal to a row of pixels. The predetermined mapping may also be provided by a non-linear amplifier coupled to a linear or non-linear ADC and a resulting compressed non-linear digital representation at the output of the ADC is substantially linearized by an on-chip or an off-chip look-up table (LUT).

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method of producing a handleable wafer of medicament powder (for example, aspirin powder) by utilizing a restraining envelope of fine water-soluble fibers, which are, upon use, quickly dissolved by bodily fluids. Such wafer would quickly provide sublingual or buccal cavity medications without significant excipients. Additional applications for such a wafer is in the prompt provision of a variety of medicaments to selected moist areas, such as, surgery or trauma sites, such as, a wound dressing.