Abstract: An example article includes a substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate. The barrier coating includes a matrix including a rare-earth disilicate extending from an inner interface facing the substrate to an outer surface opposite the inner interface. The barrier coating includes a graded volumetric distribution of rare-earth oxide rich (REO-rich) phase regions in the matrix along a direction from the inner interface to the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a first volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a first region of the matrix adjacent the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a second volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a second region of the matrix adjacent the inner surface. The second volumetric density is different from the first volumetric density. An example technique includes forming the barrier coating on the substrate of a component.

Abstract: In some examples, an article may include a substrate and a coating system on the substrate. The coating system may include a layer comprising a plurality of voids, wherein respective voids of the plurality of voids define respective void volumes; and a nucleating agent within at least some of the respective void volumes of the layer, wherein the nucleating agent is configured to induce crystallization of the molten CMAS. The coating system may include an environmental barrier coating, thermal barrier coating, and/or abradable coating.

Abstract: Technologies for tracking the location of mobile assets include a tracking device mounted to an asset and radio-frequency identification tags installed or attached to static structures. The radio-frequency identification tags include identification data stored thereon. The identification data is associated with the installed location of the corresponding radio-frequency identification tags. The tracking device includes one or more transceivers configured to energize or trigger the radio-frequency identification tags and receive the stored identification data when the tracking device and asset are in proximity to the tags. The current location of the mobile asset is determined based on the identification data received from the radio-frequency identification tags.

Abstract: An example article includes a substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate. The barrier coating includes a matrix including a rare-earth disilicate extending from an inner interface facing the substrate to an outer surface opposite the inner interface. The barrier coating includes a graded volumetric distribution of rare-earth oxide rich (REO-rich) phase regions in the matrix along a direction from the inner interface to the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a first volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a first region of the matrix adjacent the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a second volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a second region of the matrix adjacent the inner surface. The second volumetric density is different from the first volumetric density. An example technique includes forming the barrier coating on the substrate of a component.

Abstract: In some examples, an article may include a substrate and a coating system on the substrate. The coating system may include a layer comprising a plurality of voids, wherein respective voids of the plurality of voids define respective void volumes; and a nucleating agent within at least some of the respective void volumes of the layer, wherein the nucleating agent is configured to induce crystallization of the molten CMAS. The coating system may include an environmental barrier coating, thermal barrier coating, and/or abradable coating.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that is contained inside the confined space of a Point of Sale Cash Register, Cash Drawer and is designed specifically to sterilize currency and or additional items placed inside the drawer, automatically. The invention includes UVC lighting source(s), either CCFL tube (spanning the length of the enclosure, and located centrally above the denomination separation slots, or by high powered LED-UVC with printed circuit board and located directly above the tray/till slots). The upper, interior surface of the enclosure is lined with highly reflective material. Each slot in the cash tray/till is also lined with highly reflective material. The system is controlled electronically, via an external power supply, that is connected to a dedicated circuit board, which is located in the rear of the enclosure, and is activated by a photo sensor each time the drawer is opened. A programmable timer initializes at the moment the drawer is fully closed.

Abstract: A transceiver module release system is disclosed. The system may be used to release a transceiver module housed in a cage that is permanently mounted on a printed circuit board. The release system may include a bail that rotates a slide-block through a slot to urge the bail forward in a slide-block path on the transceiver module. The bail has a hook shaped structure adapted to be connected with a detachable pull tab. As the bail begins to move forward from the locked position, wedge elements at the end of a pair of slide-block arms extending rearward from the bail may contact locking tabs on the cage, forcing the locking tabs outward. As the locking tabs are forced outward, the shoulders of the transceiver module are released, and the transceiver module is free to slide-block out of the cage as the operator pulls on the bail.

Abstract: A transceiver module release system is disclosed. The system may be used to release a transceiver module housed in a cage that is permanently mounted on a printed circuit board. The release system may include a bail that rotates a slide-block through a slot to urge the bail forward in a slide-block path on the transceiver module. The bail has a hook shaped structure adapted to be connected with a detachable pull tab. As the bail begins to move forward from the locked position, wedge elements at the end of a pair of slide-block arms extending rearward from the bail may contact locking tabs on the cage, forcing the locking tabs outward. As the locking tabs are forced outward, the shoulders of the transceiver module are released, and the transceiver module is free to slide-block out of the cage as the operator pulls on the bail.

Abstract: A lower lumbar traction device for pulling and bending of the human spine with the hips suspended above the underlying surface. This device and method of use is a simple tool that when used properly may help those suffering from common forms of mechanically induced low back pain. The device and method of use uses gravity, leverage, and friction to produce decompressive forces directed at the most common location of discomfort, i.e., the posterior side of the lower lumbar vertebrae where bulging disc materials press against spinal nerves emerging from the spinal column as well as muscle stretching forces applied to lower and middle back area. The device comprises of: a width-adjustable and position-adjustable popliteal support mechanism; a popliteal support attachment mechanism; a truss with a plurality of slots; a hinge mechanism; a height-adjustable forward leg assembly with optional handles; a height-adjustable aft truss support mechanism; and a plurality of cables.

Abstract: A release mechanism for releasing a transceiver module from a cage includes a fixed component, a locking component, and a pull component, where the locking component is used for locking the transceiver module in the cage and pivotally connected to the transceiver module. The user pulls the pull component to make the locking component to rotate to unlock and then draw out the transceiver module. The locking component further includes a spring part against the fixed component to resist the rotation and assist the locking component back to the original position. According to the fewer components and the easy assembly of the release mechanism, the total assembly cost of the transceiver module can be reduced significantly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient monitoring system for automatically monitoring patient parameters over time while the patient occupies a bed. The patient monitoring system may include a sensing system positioned underneath a patient and separated from the patient by at least one layer of material, the sensing system comprising a plurality of sensor cells, the sensor cells automatically collecting sensor data related to the patient parameters. The patient monitoring system may further include an interface for receiving the collected sensor data from the sensing system and a monitoring engine receiving the collected sensor data from the interface. Calculation components may be provided for determining the patient parameters from the collected sensor data.

Abstract: An improved window shade system, thought to be most beneficial in the Aviation and mass transit context. This system has a series of individual window shade units, each having a multilayer shade configuration. Such multilayer shade configuration provides for a great degree of control with regard to the amount of incidental light actually allowed to enter a passenger compartment. Further, each individual window shade unit is fully automated and may be linked to an adjacent window shade unit in a daisy chain fashion. This system presents novel features in the window shade itself, within the electronic components that operate the window shade, and the relationship between the system and its operators.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic valve reader used as an indicator tool. The magnetic valve reader determines a location and an orientation for a magnetic indicator device to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes the magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically the Earth's magnetic field, may interfere with the compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The electronic reader estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.

Abstract: A remote processor receives from a terminal over a communications network (e.g., a cable TV network) commands relating to a presentation of programming content (e.g., fast-forward, rewind pause and select), and compiles data concerning the received commands. The data is analyzed to determine users' viewing patterns and preferences. For example, the relative popularity of various programs, say, a list of most popular TV shows (and episodes), may be determined. The list may be displayed on a user's TV screen during or immediately after a show. In addition, another list of shows (and episodes) popular among the viewers of a particular show may also be determined based on the compiled data. Such a list may be displayed on a user's TV screen during or immediately after that particular show.

Abstract: In a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable system, programming content can be readily reserved and accessed for viewing using an interactive program guide, a network home graphic user interface (GUI), Quick View Guide, etc., in accordance with the invention. Such programming content may include in-progress programs, future programs and previously broadcast programs which are recorded at a headend in the cable system, and which may or may not have overlapping broadcast times. In addition, the user may reserve programs at a set-top terminal, and may also do so remotely from the terminal through a communications network such as, the Internet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless telephone network, etc.

Abstract: An improved window shade system, thought to be most beneficial in the Aviation and mass transit context. This system has a series of individual window shade units, each having a multilayer shade configuration. Such multilayer shade configuration provides for a great degree of control with regard to the amount of incidental light actually allowed to enter a passenger compartment. Further, each individual window shade unit is fully automated and may be linked to an adjacent window shade unit in a daisy chain fashion. This system presents novel features in the window shade itself, within the electronic components that operate the window shade, and the relationship between the system and its operators.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic valve reader used as an indicator tool. The magnetic valve reader determines a location and an orientation for a magnetic indicator device to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes the magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically the Earth's magnetic field, may interfere with the compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The electronic reader estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and indicating an internal anatomical obstacle encountered during insertion of a medical device into the body of a patient, comprising an elongated member such as a tube, catheter, guidewire, or other device, having a location indicating element, such as a permanent magnet, flexibly coupled to its distal end, and an external detector that tracks and displays the location and orientation of the location indicating element. The flexible coupling has sufficient stiffness to maintain the orientation of the location indicating element against the forces from both gravity and flowing blood within a patient's vasculature, but allows the location indicating element to change orientation if it encounters an obstacle during insertion. The medical caregiver monitors the detector's display and determines encounters with obstacles by observing changes in the orientation of the location indicating element.