Abstract: A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a version of a coherent laser radar system that is immune to environmental effects on Mach-Zehnder-configured interferometers and reference length standards comprising such systems. The present disclosure also describes methods and materials which alleviate interferometer drift due to vapor absorption using a polyimide coated polarization maintaining fiber to reduce the change in the length of a reference arm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a drug delivery system uses gas cluster ion beam irradiation on an outer surface of a member to determine one or more characteristics of the drug delivery system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically splicing a pair of optic fibers or optic cables, the mechanical splice comprising: a ferrule having an axial capillary bore, the capillary bore configured to enclose the optic fibers at both ends of the ferrule; and cured epoxy disposed to secure together the ends of the optic fibers and to secure the optic fibers to an inside surface of the capillary bore, the ferrule optionally enclosed in a metal tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical fiber collimator suitable for coupling optical radiation from an optical fiber to an optical device, the optical fiber collimator comprising: a graded-index multi-mode fiber segment for receiving optical radiation transmitted by the input optical fiber; an optional mode field device, and a collimating lens for receiving optical radiation transmitted by the graded-index multi-mode fiber segment, the collimating lens for coupling the optical radiation into the optical device.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent compositions containing photoluminescent phosphorescent materials and photoluminescent fluorescent materials whose emission signature lies partly or fully in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Also disclosed are photoluminescent compositions containing photoluminescent phosphorescent materials and photoluminescent fluorescent materials whose emission signature lies partly or fully in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum which are high in intensity and high in persistence.

Abstract: A method and a system for automated request modelling from a plurality of inputs, imports, interactive sessions, and requirements are provided that rely on various interfaces to both receive the user and other input data and store it. In one instance, the system and models can compares, test, simulate, sort, and analyse incoming data and the processes built with those data, and can execute request models by simulation.

Abstract: Sensor circuits including an oscillator circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.

Abstract: A training apparatus for temporarily increasing the weight of a golf club head has a body member having a perimeter profile which may at least partially mimic that of the golf club head and has a substantially flat surface for positioning adjacent the striking face of the golf club head. When fixed to the head of a golf club, the training apparatus increases the weight of the club and redistributes the center of gravity closer to the club head, allowing the golfer to benefit more from warm-up swings prior to actual play. The training apparatus may be formed of metal and contains a cutout or cavity in which a magnetic material resides to enable temporary attachment to the club head. In various other embodiments, the body member of the training apparatus may be substantially formed from either all metal or all magnetic material.

Abstract: Disclosed are MEMS accelerometers and methods for fabricating same. An exemplary accelerometer comprises a substrate, and a proof mass that is a portion of the substrate and which is separated from the substrate surrounding it by a gap. An electrically-conductive anchor is coupled to the proof mass, and a plurality of electrically-conductive suspension anus that are separated from the proof mass extend from the anchor and are coupled to the substrate surrounding the proof mass. A plurality of sense and actuation electrodes are separated from the proof mass by gaps and are coupled to processing electronics. Capacitive sensing is used to derive electrical signals caused by forces exerted on the proof mass, and the electrical signals are processed by the processing electronics to produce x-, y- and z-direction acceleration data. Electrostatic actuation is used to induce movements of the mass for force balance operation, or self-test and self-calibration.

Abstract: A system and method for graphing mathematical features of a given function within an optimum viewing window. The system and method can also highlight the mathematical features. Further, for example, the system and method can determine the type of a function and the various behaviors of the function, and highlight curve segments of concavity, increase/decrease, and where the function is constant.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a sample vial adaptor for interfacing a sample vial with the sample port of a diagnostic instrument, in particular a sample vial containing a patient body fluid sample with the sample port and sample pathway of a multi-use diagnostic instrument. Embodiments of the sample vial adaptor according to the invention generally include a short exterior vent tube having one end in communication with a chamber having a vent, an interior collection tube that is longer than the short exterior vent tube, axially positioned in the lumen of the short exterior vent tube and extending to a capillary outlet that is located on the portion of the inner collection tube that is outside of the short exterior vent tube and outside the vented chamber.

Abstract: Scintillation materials of this invention have an alkali halide host material, a (first) scintillation dopant of various types, and a variety of second dopants (co-dopants). In another embodiment, the scintillation materials of this invention have an alkali halide host material, a (first) scintillation dopant of various types, a variety of second dopants (co-dopants), and a variety of third dopants (co-dopants). Co-dopants of this invention are capable of providing a second auxiliary luminescent cation dopant, capable of introducing an anion size and electronegativity mismatch, capable of introducing a mismatch of anion charge, or introducing a mismatch of cation charge in the host material.

Abstract: A system and method to provide location-specific computer enabled services/monitoring, having minimally invasive reconfiguration/replacement comprises a relationship provider enabling a first relationship between a location and electronic configuration information and a second relationship between the location and an electronic identifier, an electronic service connecting/monitoring component at the location including an electronic component having the electronic identifier embodied therein, and a readable component providing the electronic identifier in an electronically readable format, an accessor accessing the electronic identifier from the readable component, accessing the location associated with the accessed said electronic identifier according to the second relationship, and accessing the electronic configuration information associated with the associated location according to the first relationship, and a server location the associated said electronic configuration information onto the service connec

Abstract: Provided are permanent tissue markings comprising at least one colored compound comprising a thermally activatable fragmentation group and at least one infrared absorbing compound, wherein the at least one colored compound is capable of being rendered colorless by unimolecular fragmentation of the thermally activatable fragmentation group when the tissue marking is non-imagewise exposed by a source of infrared radiation.

Abstract: Methods and Systems for communication using carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) with multipacket reception (MPR).

Abstract: A variable inductance position sensor is described. The sensor includes a housing that is typically cylindrical in shape. The housing includes an open end and a closed end forming a cavity therein. A coil support member is affixed at one end to the closed end of the housing, or the coil support member may itself seal the housing at the closed end. The coil support member includes a coil assembly that includes a coil both of which are rigidly affixed to the coil support member. In this way, the coil is maintained in a fixed and predetermined orientation with respect to the housing. The combination of housing, coil support member and coil assembly and the coil forms an inner assembly. The coil support member includes a bore that forms a central annular region and the coil support member then forms an outer annular region as well. In addition, the housing may also include a passageway to allow the passage of lead wires from the coil assembly to the exterior of the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds that bind to a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. These compounds posses broad therapeutic use including the treatment of senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, attention deficit disorder, and the treatment of addictive disorders such as the use of tobacco in smoking or the use of other nicotine containing products. In addition, they have utility as cognitive enhancers, drug therapy for mental and neurological disorders related to a decrease in cholinergic function, for the treatment of obesity, Tourette's syndrome, or ulcerative colitis. Additionally, these compounds have utility as non-opioid analgesics for treatment of acute and chronic pain.

Abstract: Strategy and methodology by which the various error sources are taken into account and methods applied to compensate substantially entirely for such errors and/or diminish the effect of such errors.