Abstract: Vector format based computer graphics tools have become very powerful tools allowing artists, designers etc. to mimic many artistic styles, exploit automated techniques, etc. and across different simulated physical media and digital media. However, hand-drawing and sketching in vector format graphics is unnatural and a user's strokes rendered by software are generally unnatural and appear artificial. In contrast to today's hand-drawing and sketching which requires significant training of and understanding by the user of complex vector graphics methods embodiments of the invention lower the barrier to accessing computer graphics applications for users in respect of making hand-drawing or sketching easier to perform. Accordingly, the inventors have established a direct vector-based hand-drawing/sketching entry format supporting any input methodology.

Abstract: An interface pillow for insertion into a nostril of a user for delivering positive air pressure (e.g. during sleep) has a pliable member having a body. The body has an insertion end and a distal sealing end that includes a seal for interfacing with a cannula. An insertion bulge extends from the body limiting an insertion distance into the user's nostrils. An insertion area of the body extends between the insertion end and the insertion bulge, the sides of which angle inwardly towards the insertion end at an angle. The outer shape of the insertion area is flattened on one side for interfacing with a septum of a nose, and an upper interface area of the outer shape of the insertion area is narrower than a lower interface area of the outer shape of the insertion area to conform to a shape of a nostril of the nose.

Abstract: Vector format based computer graphics tools have become very powerful tools allowing artists, designers etc. to mimic many artistic styles, exploit automated techniques, etc. and across different simulated physical media and digital media. However, hand-drawing and sketching in vector format graphics is unnatural and a user's strokes rendered by software are generally unnatural and appear artificial. In contrast to today's hand-drawing and sketching which requires significant training of and understanding by the user of complex vector graphics methods embodiments of the invention lower the barrier to accessing computer graphics applications for users in respect of making hand-drawing or sketching easier to perform. Accordingly, the inventors have established a direct vector-based hand-drawing/sketching entry format supporting any input methodology.

Abstract: A control module for controlling an operation of a hydraulic actuator that is associated with an earthmoving machine includes a body. The body has a spool chamber and a load sensing passageway associated with the spool chamber. The body also has a spool positioned axially, and at least partially, within the spool chamber. The spool is spring-biased by an end cap located at a first end of the body. The body also has a pair of electrohydraulic spool actuators that are located at a second end of the body and operable to axially displace the spool within the spool chamber. The pair of spool actuators are positioned in parallel and disposed adjacent to one another. The body also has an inlet chamber disposed parallel to the spool chamber and in selective fluid communication with the spool chamber via a spool supply passageway.

Abstract: Provided is a method for calculating a timestamp associated with a data packet before transcoding of the data packet. The method may include sampling a time of day (TOD) signal to provide a sampled TOD. A previously sampled TOD estimate may be retrieved. An internal TOD estimate may be determined based on the sampled TOD and the previously sampled TOD estimate. A timestamp may be determined based on the internal TOD estimate. A system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A regeneration valve includes a housing defining a first port, a second port, a third port, and a chamber fluidly communicating with the first, second, and third ports. The chamber has a valve element movable between a first position, in which the second port fluidly communicates with the first port, and a second position, in which the second port fluidly communicates with the third port. A resilient member biases the valve element towards the first position. In operation, a flow restrictor element moves between the first port and the second port for restricting fluid flow from the second port to the first port. At a predetermined flow rate between the second port and the first port, if a supply pressure of fluid at the actuation chamber exceeds the bias of the resilient member, the valve element moves to the second position for fluidly communicating the second and third ports.

Abstract: A phase shifter having both digital and analog shifting components is disclosed. The digital-analog phase shifter includes an input/output port configured, in part, for receiving an input radio frequency (RF) signal from an external source and outputting a phase shifted RF signal. A digital shifter performs coarse phase shifts of the input RF signal, while an analog shifter variably shift the phase of the input RF signal relative to the coarse phase shift. This produces a phase shifted RF signal having a total phase range that is output is continuously variable from 0° to 360°.

Abstract: A control module for controlling an operation of a hydraulic actuator that is associated with an earthmoving machine includes a body. The body has a spool chamber and a load sensing passageway associated with the spool chamber. The body also has a spool positioned axially, and at least partially, within the spool chamber. The spool is spring-biased by an end cap located at a first end of the body. The body also has a pair of electrohydraulic spool actuators that are located at a second end of the body and. operable to axially displace the spool within the spool chamber. The pair of spool actuators are positioned in parallel and disposed adjacent to one another. The body also has an inlet chamber disposed parallel to the spool chamber and in selective fluid communication with the spool chamber via a spool supply passageway.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic arrangement for controlling operation of a pair of tilt actuators of an earthmoving machine includes a housing, and a directional control valve (DCV) and a regeneration valve (RV) disposed within the housing. The DCV and the RV are coupled in selective fluid communication with one another and with rod end and head end chambers of the actuators via ports defined on the housing. When the DCV is in a first or second operative position, the RV may be positioned in a regenerative position to allow the rod end chambers of respective ones of the first and second actuators to communicate fluid to the head end chamber of the second actuator. Optionally, the regeneration valve may be positioned in a drain position to allow the rod end chambers of respective ones of the first and second actuators to communicate fluid with a drain port of the housing.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic arrangement for controlling operation of a pair of tilt actuators of an earthmoving machine includes a housing, and a directional control valve (DCV) and a regeneration valve (RV) disposed within the housing. The DCV and the RV are coupled in selective fluid communication with one another and with rod end and head end chambers of the actuators via ports defined on the housing. When the DCV is in a first or second operative position, the RV may be positioned in a regenerative position to allow the rod end chambers of respective ones of the first and second actuators to communicate fluid to the head end chamber of the second actuator. Optionally, the regeneration valve may be positioned in a drain position to allow the rod end chambers of respective ones of the first and second actuators to communicate fluid with a drain port of the housing.

Abstract: A capless, retractable, writing instrument consisting of two distinct actions, one to extend the ink cartridge tip for writing and another distinct action to retract the ink cartridge tip. The writing instrument includes a plunger which is pressed to push the ink cartridge tip outside the body of the pen and a side mounted button retains the extended ink cartridge while writing. The side mounted button is pressed to retract the ink cartridge tip inside the body of the pen for safe storage. The writing instrument contains easily manufactured components.

Abstract: A digital phase shifter is described where each bit of the phase shifter has a circuit block including one PIN diode in parallel with one transmission line. The phase shifter requires only one PIN diode and one transmission line per bit circuit block. Each PIN diode behaves like a simple switch for phase shifting. When the PIN diode is forward biased (“on” state), current flows through the PIN diode and the RF signal is not phase shifted. When the pin diode is not forward biased (“off” state), current flows through the transmission line parallel to the PIN diode and the RF signal is phase shifted by the transmission line. The digital phase shifter may have n circuit blocks in series, and adjacent PIN diodes may share a current when both are on. The phase shifter may be implemented in a phased array or reflect array antenna including multiple phase shifters.

Abstract: A device and method are described for duplex satellite communication over a single satellite antenna. A satellite ground terminal may utilize a frequency-selective surface module including a frequency-selective surface as a subreflector acting as a frequency diplexer to separate signals received and/or transmitted by a first feed and a second feed of a satellite ground terminal, where each feed has a separate antenna horn. The frequency-selective surface module may be used in combination with a second subreflector such that a first feed and a second feed of the satellite ground terminal are implemented on the same side of the frequency-selective surface module.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mitigating polarization mismatch in reflector antenna systems. A feed unit is configured to determine a polarization mismatch between a first polarization associated with a first wave and a second polarization associated with a reflector unit. The feed unit pre-distorts the first wave to achieve a compensated polarization for reducing and/or eliminating a polarization mismatch. The pre-distorted first wave having the compensated polarization is used to illuminate the reflector unit. A re-radiated wave is reflected by the reflector unit. Furthermore, the level of the re-radiated wave is increased as a result of the pre-distortion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for separating the uplink signal from the downlink signal in a satellite communication system. A communication terminal for satellite communications is provided, comprising a reflector having a prime focus; a first feed located at the prime focus of the reflector and in optical communication with the reflector; a frequency-selective surface module having a reflected focus and located at a point along a communication path between the main reflector and the first feed; and a second feed located at the reflected focus of the frequency-selective surface module and in optical communication with the frequency-selective surface module.

Abstract: Vector format based computer graphics tools have become very powerful tools allowing artists, designers etc. to mimic many artistic styles, exploit automated techniques, etc. and across different simulated physical media and digital media. However, hand-drawing and sketching in vector format graphics is unnatural and a user's strokes rendered by software are generally unnatural and appear artificial. In contrast to today's hand-drawing and sketching which requires significant training of and understanding by the user of complex vector graphics methods embodiments of the invention lower the barrier to accessing computer graphics applications for users in respect of making hand-drawing or sketching easier to perform. Accordingly, the inventors have established a direct vector-based hand-drawing/sketching entry format supporting any input methodology.

Abstract: An inflight entertainment system for use in an aircraft displays commands to a passenger to move a passenger electronic device (PED) between locations defined relative a seatback display device and the passenger's seat. The system measures received signal strength indications (RSSIs) from discoverable PEDs over time while the PED is moved between the locations, and selects one of the PEDs that satisfies a defined rule for an amount of change that is observed over time in the measured RSSIs for that PED. The system then establishes a connection through a Bluetooth transceiver with a Bluetooth transceiver of the selected PED.

Abstract: A phase shifter having both digital and analog shifting components is disclosed. The digital-analog phase shifter includes an input/output port configured, in part, for receiving an input radio frequency (RF) signal from an external source and outputting a phase shifted RF signal. A digital shifter performs coarse phase shifts of the input RF signal, while an analog shifter variably shift the phase of the input RF signal relative to the coarse phase shift. This produces a phase shifted RF signal having a total phase range that is output is continuously variable from 0° to 360°.

Abstract: A phase shifter having both digital and analog shifting components is disclosed. The digital-analog phase shifter includes an input/output port configured, in part, for receiving an input radio frequency (RF) signal from an external source and outputting a phase shifted RF signal. A digital shifter performs coarse phase shifts of the input RF signal, while an analog shifter variably shift the phase of the input RF signal relative to the coarse phase shift. This produces a phase shifted RF signal having a total phase range that is output is continuously variable from 0° to 360°.

Abstract: A radio frequency waveguide is disclosed. The radio frequency waveguide includes: a dielectric including an exterior input surface, an exterior output surface and other exterior surfaces; and a metal disposed on the other exterior surfaces of the dielectric, wherein the dielectric is voidless and adapted to propagate radio frequency radiation from the exterior input surface to the exterior output surface.