Abstract: Described herein is the sensor assembly and method for rapidly obtaining accurate readings of a variable. The sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the signals of the individual transducers to the microcontroller. The microcontroller contains software that maximizes the refresh rate and/or minimizes the time it takes to process the outputs of each of the transducers. The microcontroller that is coupled to the sensor assembly selectively measures the outputs of each transducer so as to speed up the refresh rate of the sensor.

Abstract: A coating composition including an inorganic sol material and an organic colorant is applied to mineral particles and cured at a temperature less than 200 degrees Celsius provides roofing granules with improved luster.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for selecting one of a plurality of clock signals used to drive a bus of a WLAN-enabled device having a WLAN radio module coupled to the bus and designed to operate over a plurality of WLAN channels. A network infrastructure device, such as an access point or port, is provided that comprises a WLAN radio module, a PCI bus coupled to the WLAN radio module, a look up table (LUT) and a processor. The WLAN radio module designed to operate over a plurality of WLAN channels in a first frequency band. The LUT comprises a plurality of entries. Each entry comprises: a particular one of the WLAN channels and a corresponding one of a first clock signal having a first clock frequency and a second clock signal having a second clock frequency that is to be selected.

Abstract: Described herein is the sense element assembly for a capacitive pressure sensor and method for creating same that has increased sensitivity without additional size. The sense element assembly and method includes fabricating an off-centered elliptically shaped center electrode, at least one elliptical annular-like electrode around the center electrode, a ground electrode and a method for fusing the layers together to optimize sensitivity.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus based on metamaterial structures are provided for antenna and transmission line devices, including multilayer metallization metamaterial structures with one or more conductive vias connecting conductive parts in two different metallization layers.

Abstract: Described herein is the sensor assembly and method for rapidly obtaining accurate readings of a variable. The sensor assembly comprises a plurality of sensors which are connected to a microcontroller that processes the signals of the individual transducers to the microcontroller. The microcontroller contains software that maximizes the refresh rate and/or minimizes the time it takes to process the outputs of each of the transducers. The microcontroller that is coupled to the sensor assembly selectively measures the outputs of each transducer so as to speed up the refresh rate of the sensor.

Abstract: Described herein is the sense element assembly for a capacitive pressure sensor and method for creating same that has increased sensitivity without additional size. The sense element assembly and method includes fabricating an off-centered elliptically shaped center electrode, at least one elliptical annular-like electrode around the center electrode, a ground electrode and a method for fusing the layers together to optimize sensitivity.

Abstract: Roofing granules having a color coating layer are covered with a clear, transparent or translucent outer coating composition including a functional material, such nanoparticles of anatase titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Methods and systems for utilizing promotion data accessible via a mobile device are disclosed. A digital record of promotion data from a product provider may be stored in a database. A plurality of such digital records may be aggregated for one or more providers. A digital record may be associated with an incentive account associated with an individual. An electronic request to apply promotion data associated with the individual to a transaction and authentication data identifying the individual may be received. A digital record associated with the individual's incentive account may be located and transmitted to a transaction processing system. A processing result record associated with the digital record may be received from the processing system. Usage information derived from the processing result record may be associated in a database.

Abstract: A measurement system and a method of configuring and gathering data are described.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing increased security when storing biometric information and personal information in a biometric access system. A personal information number or personal search code that is known only to the individual and not stored by the biometric access system may be used to generate encryption keys, bin numbers and addresses in the biometric access system that make it difficult to access biometric information or relate biometric information to personal information that may be stored in a segregated database.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for limiting the in-rush current of a radio device coupled to a low-power external power source and includes a switch circuit in series between the power source and the radio device, the switch having an “off” state with a high impedance and an “on” state with a low impedance. Also included is a time-delay shorting circuit coupled to the switch circuit, the time-delay shorting circuit having a time constant. In operation, before the time constant elapses, the switch circuit is in the high impedance “off” state for limiting the in-rush current to the radio device and after the time constant elapses, the switch circuit is in the low impedance “on” state so that the radio device is powered by the external power source.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for limiting the in-rush current of a radio device coupled to a low-power external power source and includes a switch circuit in series between the power source and the radio device, the switch having an “off” state with a high impedance and an “on” state with a low impedance. Also included is a time-delay shorting circuit coupled to the switch circuit, the time-delay shorting circuit having a time constant. In operation, before the time constant elapses, the switch circuit is in the high impedance “off” state for limiting the in-rush current to the radio device and after the time constant elapses, the switch circuit is in the low impedance “on” state so that the radio device is powered by the external power source.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for transporting a fluid to one or more fluid handling components. The fluid delivery apparatus includes one or more modular subassemblies having an upper module, a lower module, and a base block. The upper module includes a passageway for coupling with a fluid handling component such that the upper passageway is in fluid communication with the fluid handling component. The lower module includes a lower passageway for coupling with the upper module such that the passageways are in fluid communication. The lower module includes a flow channel having a lower passageway. The base block includes a receptacle and a channel. The upper module is received within the receptacle and the lower module extends through the channel. The modular subassembly can include a spacer having a plurality of alignment apertures for aligning fluid coupling ports of the upper and lower modules. A method of using the fluid delivery apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for sensing the dielectric constant of liquids, and for detecting contamination, includes a central ceramic chip with a sensing capacitor formed on one end thereof and a signal processing circuit on the other end thereof. The capacitor is formed of two sets of closely spaced conductive lines or pathways with one set being grounded and the other set providing the variable output from the capacitor to the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: An assembly for sensing the dielectric constant of liquids, and for detecting contamination, includes a central ceramic chip with a sensing capacitor formed on one end thereof and a signal processing circuit on the other end thereof. The capacitor is formed of two sets of closely spaced conductive lines or pathways with one set being grounded and the other set providing the variable output from the capacitor to the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for transporting a fluid to one or more fluid handling components. The fluid delivery apparatus includes one or more modular subassemblies having an upper module, a lower module, and a base block. The upper module includes a passageway for coupling with a fluid handling component such that the upper passageway is in fluid communication with the fluid handling component. The lower module includes a lower passageway for coupling with the upper module such that the passageways are in fluid communication. The lower module includes a flow channel having a lower passageway. The base block includes a receptacle and a channel. The upper module is received within the receptacle and the lower module extends through the channel. The modular subassembly can include a spacer having a plurality of alignment apertures for aligning fluid coupling ports of the upper and lower modules. A method of using the fluid delivery apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A phosphatizing system for phosphatizing an object including a closed-loop phosphatizing assembly is provided configured to pass a phosphatizing reagent solution over an object during a phosphatizing procedure. The phosphatizing assembly includes a collection compartment in fluid communication with a run-off portion of a subfloor assembly supporting the object for receipt of substantially all the reagent run-off fluids from the subfloor assembly. A storage assembly is configured to pass a rinsing solution over the object to wash the reagent solution therefrom during a finishing rinse procedure performed after the phosphatizing procedure. This storage assembly includes a storage compartment in fluid communication with the run-off portion for receipt of substantially all the rinsing/reagent run-off fluids from the subfloor assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for ophthalmic surgery, allowing the user to form a uniform circular incision of the anterior lens capsule of an eyeball, as part of an anterior capsulotomy. The capsulectomy device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has first and second ends, with a rotor emanating from one end, the rotor having a cutting blade or bin situated at the distal end of the rotor, the rotor rotating in pivotal fashion up to 360 degrees, while simultaneously reciprocating the cutting blade at a consistent stroke so as to provide optimal incision edge and depth of the anterior lens capsule of the eyeball. The device is hand held and relatively compact, having provided therein a motor and gear reduction/transmission system for driving the rotor and providing the reciprocating action to the cutting blade or pin.

Abstract: A new blading system for controlling the structural vibrations in axial-flow compressors, turbines, or fans, as in aircraft engines and like turbomachines including a stator disc and a rotor disc is presented. The rotor disc defines several radial hubs that retain the rotor blading systems. Each blading system includes a blade formed of an airfoil, and a root attachment which is dimensioned to fit within, and to engage a corresponding hub. Viscoelastic dampers are selectively applied to the outer surfaces of the root attachment on which compressive or shear forces are likely to develop, intermediate the root attachment and the hub, for compression therebetween upon rotation of the rotor disc, in order to dampen structural vibrations. One advantage presented by the viscoelastic dampers lies in its simplicity, efficiency, cost effectiveness, and its ability to be retrofitted into existing turbomachines with minor surface treatment of the root attachments.