Abstract: A method and device are provided for use in medical applications that permit affordable 3D imaging of blood flow using a low profile easily long-term unattended Doppler ultrasound monitoring in spite of motion of the patient or pad. The pad, and associated processor collects, Doppler processes ultrasound blood velocity data in a 3D region through the use of a planar phased array of piezoelectric elements. The invention locks onto, and tracks the points in 3D space that produce the locally maximum blood velocity signals. The integrated coordinates of points acquired by the accurate tracking process is used to form a 3D map of blood vessels, provide a display that can be used to select multiple points of interest for expanded data collection, for long-term continuous, and unattended blood flow monitoring.

Abstract: Chalcopyrite semiconductors, such as thin films of copper-indium-diselenide (CuInSe2), copper-gallium-diselenide (CuGaSe2), and Cu(Inx,Ga1-x)Se2, all of which are sometimes generically referred to as CIGS, have become the subject of considerable interest and study for semiconductor devices in recent years. They are of particular interest for photovoltaic device or solar cell absorber applications. The quality of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films, as an example of chalcopyrite films, is controlled by making spectrophotometric measurements of light reflected from the film surface. This permits the result of non-contacting measurements of films in a continuous production environment to be fed back to adjust the production conditions in order to improve or maintain the quality of subsequently produced film.

Abstract: Glitter is applied to cylindrical articles by forcing them through a pot of clear lacquer, squeegeeing the coating to a desired thickness by means of an elastic elastomeric grommet, and then immediately passing the articles through a pot of glitter. The articles then pass through a vacuum tube, which removes the excess glitter for reuse.

Abstract: The disclosed educational snap-together toy vehicle system is exemplified in this application as a set of cars and trucks. The vehicles are broken down into four primary components: a main body, front clip, rear clip, and roof. The body parts are snapped together by a contrasting color, plastic three-element connector system consisting of: a fixed universal socket; an intermediate shaped-socket coupler; and a fixed shaped socket.

Abstract: An auction service is provided that stimulates competition between energy suppliers (i.e., electric power or natural gas). A bidding moderator (Moderator) receives bids from the competing suppliers of the rate each is willing to charge to particular end users for estimated quantities of electric power or gas supply (separate auctions). Each supplier receives competing bids from the Moderator and has the opportunity to adjust its own bids down or up, depending on whether it wants to encourage or discourage additional energy delivery commitments in a particular geographic area or to a particular customer group. Each supplier's bids can also be changed to reflect each supplier's capacity utilization. Appropriate billing arrangements are also disclosed. The technology required to facilitate forward delivery transactions, in which a buyer and seller agree to the terms of a transaction today but schedule the delivery for a future time, would be helpful to end users, resellers and suppliers.

Abstract: A thinned array of ultrasound transducers includes plural transmitters configured so that each transmitter insonates one segment of a volume at a time and an array of receivers electronically aimed at and dynamically focused upon subsegments of the insonated segment. The spacing between receivers is greater than one-half the transmitted wavelength. Echoes are received in a pattern that is aligned with the insonates segment so that receiver grating lobes nearest the echoes coincide with first transmitter nulls, minimizing the deleterious effects of grating lobes.

Abstract: The invention provides a way for people to enjoy the ritual of selecting beans and grinding the beans to make them available for brewing. In one exemplary embodiment, a pelletized food product is provided which comprises a beverage base which includes individual pieces of edible plant materials which, when steeped or brewed, form a beverage. A binding material is provided which binds the beverage base into a pelletized body until subjected to a grinding process. Further, the pelletized body has a size and a range from about 0.2 cm to about 8 cm.