Abstract: A collector for propagating incident radiation to a remote location. The collector comprises, a light directing component coupled to a buffer component, a first propagation component coupled to the buffer component and configured to transmit the incident radiation into a collector region through one of a plurality of windows, and an optical transport assembly coupled to an end of the collector region and having a second propagation component. Each light directing component is configured to redirect the incident radiation from a first direction to a second direction, and the collector region includes a plurality of regions exhibiting a refractive index value that gradually transitions from about 1.5 to about 2.0. The second propagation component is further configured to retain the incident radiation.

Abstract: A modulator, including an integrator (118), a bistable device (110), an adder (102) and a feedback loop (116) is provided. A method for converting a continuous time signal to a binary signal is also provided.

Abstract: A modified pro-? chain comprising a triple helix forming domain linked to a polypeptide from at least part of a laminin glycoprotein. The pro-? chain may form part of a procollagen molecule that has the N-terminal domain retained. The procollagen molecules may be incorporated into collagen polymers, matrices and gels and be used for such applications as wound healing.

Abstract: A telescoping fluid cylinder having an inner rod and outer rod moving between extended and retracted positions. A first piston and second piston move the outer rod and inner rod through the cylinder in which a valve of the first piston provides for independent movement of the inner rod and outer rod.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes including a lancet and a lancet drive having a loadable elastic drive spring provided within an elongated housing. A relaxing motion of the drive spring is converted into a puncturing motion to move the lancet at high speed in a puncturing direction until its tip exits out of an opening of the housing. The device includes a transmission in the housing that has an input side that transforms the motion of a loading element along a linear loading path into a rotational motion of a lancet drive rotor to load the lancet drive rotor by tensioning the drive spring. When the lancet drive is triggered, the output side of the transmission converts a rotational motion of the lancet drive rotor, driven by the drive spring, into the puncturing motion in a direction along the main axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for testing at least one performance characteristic of a vehicle.

Abstract: A long baseline interferometer antenna system and method for determining the location of an emitter. The long baseline interferometer antenna system comprises a first antenna, a second antenna, an inertial navigation system, an antenna baseline measurement system, a multi-channel receiver and a processor. The first and second antenna elements are positioned on a platform and are both configured to receive signals from the emitter. The first and second antenna elements form a long baseline antenna pair. The inertial navigation system measures the platform position and attitude; and the antenna baseline measurement system measures the antenna baseline vector between the first and second antenna elements. The multi-channel receiver measures the differential phase between antenna pairs, and the processor computes the emitter location. Additional antenna elements can be included and some can be configured as squinted beam pair and make use of amplitude difference of arrival measurements.

Abstract: A method of protecting a software program from unauthorized modification, and a system for practicing the method. The method utilizes self-protecting software code. Armed internally with self-defensive mechanisms, a self-protecting software program is tamper-resistant. Whenever its integrity is compromised, a self-protecting software program may become unusable due to software program crashes or other errors, or may generate subtle errors that do not immediately result render the program unusable but still result in incorrect software program execution. A self-protecting software program also may be able to repair itself to restore the integrity of its damaged code. The system comprises a computer program for automatically adding self-protection features to a software program.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the fall risk of a patient is provided. The method includes the evaluation of a patient to determine whether the patient exhibits one or more intrinsic fall risk factors selected from a group consisting of confusion, depression, altered elimination, dizziness, male gender, antiepileptic/anticonvulsant prescriptions and benzodiazepine prescriptions. A specific point value is assigned to each of the intrinsic risk factors found to be exhibited by the patient. A mobility test is also performed on the patient to evaluate the patient's ability to rise from a seated position, and a specific mobility test point value is assigned to the patient based upon the patient's performance of the mobility test. Each intrinsic risk factor's specific point value is then summed together with the specific mobility test point value to achieve a total risk score, and the patient's fall risk is determined based on the total risk score.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the transportation of a product from a first transporter to a second transporter. Further, a feed transport system and method of use is provided.

Abstract: A power tester apparatus for testing an electrical outlet. The power tester apparatus includes multiple indicators for identifying the condition of the electrical outlet.

Abstract: A system for tracking an activity in a healthcare environment includes a master station having a processor, a memory, and a transceiver, badges coupled to objects, each transmitting a unique badge ID, and sensors disposed throughout the environment, each including a transceiver for receiving badge IDs and transmitting to the master station transceiver the badge IDs and a unique sensor ID that relates the sensor to a location. The master station processor determines object locations from the badge and sensor IDs by identifying the badge associated with the object, relating the sensor ID to the sensor location, and storing object location information in memory. Each badge also includes a displacement sensor that generates signals indicating object movement and direction for transmission to the sensor transceivers which forward displacement information to the master station. The master station processor uses the information to update the stored object location information.

Abstract: An SOS gene has been isolated through PCR cloning from Thellungiella halophila and is designated TSOS1. The polynucleotide encodes a transmembrane protein with similarities to plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporters from bacteria and fungi. The invention encompasses the TSOS1 gene, the corresponding protein, closely related polypeptides that confer salt tolerance, and related polynucleotides that encode a polypeptide that has Na+/H+ antiporter activity.