Abstract: An electronic device may receive or provide power using bidirectional wired and wireless power converters. A bypass path may be included to bypass the battery charger and to allow direct power transfers from a connector of the electronic device to the wireless power converter or from the wireless power converter to the connector of the electronic device. Current limiting and regulation circuitry may also be included.

Abstract: An electronic device may receive or provide power using bidirectional wired and wireless power converters. A bypass path may be included to bypass the battery charger and to allow direct power transfers from a connector of the electronic device to the wireless power converter or from the wireless power converter to the connector of the electronic device. Current limiting and regulation circuitry may also be included.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy structure comprises at least one tubular member formed of shape memory material, each tubular member including a plurality of panels having side edges, wherein each tubular member is moveable between a radially contracted position and a radially extended position, and wherein the coupled side edges of adjacent panels of each tubular member form hinges for moving the structure between the contracted position and the extended position. Multiple layer tubular structures, methods for forming and fixtures for collapsing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy structure comprises at least one tubular member formed of shape memory material, each tubular member including a plurality of panels having side edges, wherein each tubular member is moveable between a radially contracted position and a radially extended position, and wherein the coupled side edges of adjacent panels of each tubular member form hinges for moving the structure between the contracted position and the extended position. Multiple layer tubular structures, methods for forming and fixtures for collapsing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy structure comprises at least one tubular member formed of shape memory material, each tubular member including a plurality of panels having side edges, wherein each tubular member is moveable between a radially contracted position and a radially extended position, and wherein the coupled side edges of adjacent panels of each tubular member form hinges for moving the structure between the contracted position and the extended position. Multiple layer tubular structures, methods for forming and fixtures for collapsing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy structure comprises at least one tubular member formed of shape memory material, each tubular member including a plurality of panels having side edges, wherein each tubular member is moveable between a radially contracted position and a radially extended position, and wherein the coupled side edges of adjacent panels of each tubular member form hinges for moving the structure between the contracted position and the extended position. Multiple layer tubular structures, methods for forming and fixtures for collapsing same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for large-scale, incrementing clustering. A plurality of processing nodes each include a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory computer readable medium stores a plurality of clusters of feature vectors and machine executable instructions for determining a plurality of values for a distance metric relating each of the plurality of clusters to an input feature vector and selecting a cluster having a best value for the distance metric. An arbitrator is configured to receive the selected cluster and best value for the distance metric from each of the plurality of processing nodes and determine a winning cluster as one of the selected clusters and a new cluster. A multiplexer is configured to receive the winning cluster and provide the winning cluster and a new input feature vector to each of the plurality of processing nodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for large-scale, incrementing clustering. A plurality of processing nodes each include a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium. The non-transitory computer readable medium stores a plurality of clusters of feature vectors and machine executable instructions for determining a plurality of values for a distance metric relating each of the plurality of clusters to an input feature vector and selecting a cluster having a best value for the distance metric. An arbitrator is configured to receive the selected cluster and best value for the distance metric from each of the plurality of processing nodes and determine a winning cluster as one of the selected clusters and a new cluster. A multiplexer is configured to receive the winning cluster and provide the winning cluster and a new input feature vector to each of the plurality of processing nodes.

Abstract: Optical-based wireless systems for electrophysiological stimulation are provided. One or more small implantable devices, referred to as trigger pods, receives infrared light transmitted from an optical transmitter and converts the light into electrical energy, which is then used to generate electrical impulses. The impulses are used for biomedical applications, such as cardiac pacing and neurostimulation for pain relief. Because the trigger pods are battery-less and rely solely on the incident optical signals for power, they can be highly miniaturized for ease of deployment into the body of a patient. The optical signals can also be used for data/signal transmission in addition to power transmission for greater control of the electrical stimulation. Systems having optical fibers and implantable transmitters are also provided.

Abstract: An endoscope to perform non-tethered macroscopy and microscopy at the same time is provided. An electromagnetic source is used to deliver electromagnetic energy through a first optical pathway to a tissue inside a body. An image detector is used to detect the reflected electromagnetic energy from the tissue through a second optical pathway as real-time images. A macro-to-micro lens set is used to change the magnification of the reflected electromagnetic energy before it reaches the image detector with two or more different magnification levels. A filter set is used to filter the reflected electromagnetic energy before it reaches the image detector. Furthermore, the endoscope includes a flexible shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a spread and spot means to spread and spot the electromagnetic energy at the tissue. A processing means is also included for processing the detected images.

Abstract: An endoscope to perform non-tethered macroscopy and microscopy at the same time is provided. An electromagnetic source is used to deliver electromagnetic energy through a first optical pathway to a tissue inside a body. An image detector is used to detect the reflected electromagnetic energy from the tissue through a second optical pathway as real-time images. A macro-to-micro lens set is used to change the magnification of the reflected electromagnetic energy before it reaches the image detector with two or more different magnification levels. A filter set is used to filter the reflected electromagnetic energy before it reaches the image detector. Furthermore, the endoscope includes a flexible shaft. The distal end of the shaft includes a spread and spot means to spread and spot the electromagnetic energy at the tissue. A processing means is also included for processing the detected images.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus receives a sealed container of food inside a cooking chamber. A controller operates a motor to drive a rack and pinion gear set to lower a nozzle to puncture the cover of the container. Limit switches position the nozzle at a predetermined location within the container. The controller activates solenoids which open steam and/or water valves to permit steam and/or water from a boiler to be introduced inside the food container through the nozzle to mix and complete cooking of the food contents of the container. The controller operates the motor to withdraw the nozzle from within the container and activates a solenoid of a steam valve to provide steam through a confinement cylinder that subjects the nozzle to a steam bath after the nozzle has been retracted from within the food container. A limit switch cooperates with the controller to prevent the nozzle from being withdrawn from the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A transitional printed circuit board (10) is disclosed for terminating four multiconductor flat electrial transmission cables (44, 46, 48, 50) wherein only a single substrate (12) is utilized. A first electrical plane (A) is formed on one side of the substrate and a second electrical plane (B) is formed on an opposing side of the substrate with the substrate material in between serving as an insulator. Each electrical plane includes a ground plane (26, 41) and spaced electrical lands (14, 16, 32 ,34). Plated through holes (24) allow the lands from opposing sides to be connected to the opposite side for programmed termination. A series of electrical pads (22, 42) provide for termination to the prongs (52a, 52b) of terminal connector (52). Two cables may be terminated on each electrical plane of the printed circuit board by terminating ground wires of the first cable to the ground plane (26, 41), and the signal wires to the electrical lands (14, 32).