Abstract: An optical system including a dual-layer microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device, and methods of fabricating and operating the same are disclosed. Generally, the MEMS device includes a substrate having an upper surface; a top modulating layer including a number of light modulating micro-ribbons, each micro-ribbon supported above and separated from the upper surface of the substrate by spring structures in at least one lower actuating layer; and a mechanism for moving one or more of the micro-ribbons relative to the upper surface and/or each other. The spring structures are operable to enable the light modulating micro-ribbons to move continuously and vertically relative to the upper surface of the substrate while maintaining the micro-ribbons substantially parallel to one another and the upper surface of the substrate. The micro-ribbons can be reflective, transmissive, partially reflective/transmissive, and the device is operable to modulate a phase and/or amplitude of light incident thereon.

Abstract: Spatial light modulators (SLMs) and systems using same are described. Generally, the system includes a laser, a fixture holding a workpiece to be processed using the laser, illumination optics to illuminate the SLM with laser light, imaging optics to focus modulated light from the SLM onto the workpiece, and a controller to control the laser, the SLM, imaging optics and the fixture to scan the modulated light across a workpiece surface. The SLM includes an array of microelectromechanical system based diffractors, each including an electrostatically deflectable member coupled to a first light reflective surface and to bring light reflected from the first light reflective surface into interference with light reflected from a second light reflective surface in the SLM. The controller is operable to provide analog gray-scale control of an intensity of modulated light reflected from each diffractor by controlling an electrostatic force generated by a driver coupled thereto.

Abstract: A method of driving a multi-pixel electrophoretic display that is designed to enable at least three colors, e.g., eight, at each pixel. This method uses a first drive scheme capable of effecting transitions between all of the color states that can be displayed at each pixel; and a second drive scheme that contains only transitions ending at white or black, which is very useful for drawing black lines on a white page, reading black text on a white page, or reading white text on a black page. In order to control the amount of impulse potential accumulated at each pixel during the switch between drive modes, two intermediate transitional modes are added.

Abstract: A lockable food handling apparatus provides ease of use to users. The apparatus includes a pair of arms each having a respective engagement member and end. The arms are affixed at a pivot point defined at a fastening point adjacent the ends of the pair of arms. A spring mechanism is positioned between the two arms which applies a linear force to the first arm and the second arm. Affixed to an inner surface of one of the pair of arms is a track that includes a retaining element positioned adjacent the ends of the pair of arms. Due to a difference in length of the ends of the pair of arms, one of the ends may engage the retaining element when the ends of the pair of arms are pivoted toward the retaining element, thus placing the apparatus into a reversible locked state.

Abstract: A tarp for a vehicle bed is developed for engagement with a reel that is rotated by a motor for rolling and unrolling the tarp across a vehicle bed. When the tarp has been unrolled and fully covers the vehicle bed, the tarp stretches across the vehicle bed and has side edges supported upon the respective upper edges of the bed side walls. The features or structures of the tarp that are kinematic are designed such that they may be permanently attached to the other members in the machine or tarp system, which thereby meets functional needs of the tarp, and provide long term consistent deployment of the tarp covering sections. The material used in this kinematic part of the tarp is chosen such that the life of this component is improved. Additionally, covering sections are provided in this tarp configuration.

Abstract: A regulator assembly is disclosed. The regulator assembly can include a regulator having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The regulator assembly can also include an extension pipe having a proximal end and a distal end. The regulator assemble can also include an orifice disposed in the extension pipe for modification of the gas flow.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity monitoring system includes an operator area portion comprising a computer processor programmed for receiving and processing both wireless-based data communications and wire-based data communications. A proximity detection portion of the monitoring system may include a condition monitoring device and associated components for wirelessly transmitting data collected by the condition monitoring device to the operator area portion. The proximity detection portion may be configured for communication with a controller area network (CAN) bus operatively associated with the vehicle, and a power line of the vehicle for pairing at least one component of the proximity detection portion with at least one component of the operator area portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending and retracting a cover over a bed of a vehicle transporting material therein. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly, a motor and a tarp reel for rolling and unrolling a tarp to uncover and cover the vehicle bed. To improve tarp tensioning, rollers are provided on a bracket in which the reel seats when the tarp is unrolled. Locations of sliding friction found in known designs are avoided and replaced with rolling friction. Rolling friction is significantly less than sliding friction and thus greater levels of motor output torque can be incorporated into stretching the tarp tighter before the motor is shut off. At this point of the covering operation, the vehicle bed is covered and the tarp held taut. The bracket may also be configured to provide a braking effect to the reel to assist in holding the tarp in tension.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extending and retracting a cover over a bed of a vehicle transporting material therein. The apparatus comprises an arm assembly, a motor and a tarp reel for rolling and unrolling a tarp to uncover and cover the vehicle bed. To improve tarp tensioning, rollers are provided on a bracket in which the reel seats when the tarp is unrolled. Locations of sliding friction found in known designs are avoided and replaced with rolling friction. Rolling friction is significantly less than sliding friction and thus greater levels of motor output torque can be incorporated into stretching the tarp tighter before the motor is shut off. At this point of the covering operation, the vehicle bed is covered and the tarp held taut. The bracket may also be configured to provide a braking effect to the reel to assist in holding the tarp in tension.

Abstract: A tarp for a vehicle bed is developed for engagement with a reel that is rotated by a motor for rolling and unrolling the tarp across a vehicle bed. When the tarp has been unrolled and fully covers the vehicle bed, the tarp stretches across the vehicle bed and has side edges supported upon the respective upper edges of the bed side walls. The features or structures of the tarp that are kinematic are designed such that they may be permanently attached to the other members in the machine or tarp system, which thereby meets functional needs of the tarp, and provide long term consistent deployment of the tarp covering sections. The material used in this kinematic part of the tarp is chosen such that the life of this component is improved. Additionally, covering sections are provided in this tarp configuration.

Abstract: A roller tarp system for covering a truck bed includes a first pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to one side of the truck bed and a second pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to an opposite side of the truck bed. A generally hollow and cylindrical tarp spool extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends. The tarp spool is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot arm assemblies for rotatably supporting a flexible tarp cover. A drive assembly is housed within the tarp spool adjacent one of the first and second ends. The drive assembly is operatively coupled between one of the first and second pivot arm assemblies and the tarp spool for selectively rotating the tarp spool and actuating the tarp system between an open position uncovering the truck bed and a closed position covering the truck bed.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.

Abstract: A roller tarp system for covering a truck bed includes a first pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to one side of the truck bed and a second pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to an opposite side of the truck bed. A generally hollow and cylindrical tarp spool extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends. The tarp spool is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot arm assemblies for rotatably supporting a flexible tarp cover. A drive assembly is housed within the tarp spool adjacent one of the first and second ends. The drive assembly is operatively coupled between one of the first and second pivot arm assemblies and the tarp spool for selectively rotating the tarp spool and actuating the tarp system between an open position uncovering the truck bed and a closed position covering the truck bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for loading a beneficial agent into an expandable medical device. The method includes the steps of sealing a plurality of openings extending through the medical device from a first side to a second side with a sealing member to substantially prevent a beneficial agent from passing through the openings, partially filling the openings with the beneficial agent delivered from an automated micro-jetting dispenser, substantially solidifying the beneficial agent, and removing the sealing member from the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a beneficial agent in the form of a viscous liquid or paste allows holes in a medical device to be loaded in a single step process. The loading of a beneficial agent in a paste form also provides the ability to deliver large and potentially sensitive molecules including proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antisense, ribozymes, gene/vector constructs, and cells including endothelial cells.