Abstract: A machine-vision system and method are described for simultaneously imaging different sides of an object. The system includes an imager and optics that images two or more views of the first side of the object and of the second side. The views of the first side and the views of the second side of the object are each from different angles. A divider background surface is placed near a major surface of the object to obtain separate images of features of the object on the first side of the object and on the second side. In one embodiment, the divider diffuses light to back light the features on the object on the first side and back light the features on the second side of the object. In some embodiments, the information obtained is used to fix manufacturing problems in a semiconductor fabrication plant.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for hand-held portable illumination. A flashlight and corresponding method are described. The flashlight includes a housing, a plurality of LEDs, and an electrical circuit that selectively applies power from the DC voltage source to the LED units, wherein the flashlight is suitable for handheld portable operation by a user. In one embodiment, the first electrical circuit further includes a control circuit for maintaining a predetermined light output level of the LED units as a charge on a battery varies. In another embodiment, the control circuit maintains an average predetermined light output level of the LED units as the charge on the battery cell varies by changing a pulse width or frequency as the charge on the battery cell varies to maintain a given average light output.

Abstract: A combined battery and device apparatus and associated method. This apparatus includes a first conductive layer, a battery comprising a cathode layer; an anode layer, and an electrolyte layer located between and electrically isolating the anode layer from the cathode layer, wherein the anode or the cathode or both include an intercalation material, the battery disposed such that either the cathode layer or the anode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and an electrical circuit adjacent face-to-face to and electrically connected to the battery. Some embodiments further include a photovoltaic cell. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a polymer having a melting point substantially below 700 degrees centigrade. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a glass. For example, some embodiments include a battery deposited directly on the back of a liquid-crystal display (LCD) device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring arterial compliance using combined noninvasive arterial tonometry and cuff oscillometry. Some embodiments include a calibration method using an oscillometric signal to calibrate the pressures of tonometric signals in a contralateral arterial site. The times at which two of the three oscillometric blood pressures (systolic pressure, mean pressure, diastolic pressure) are acquired are identified with times of un-calibrated tonometric pressure waveform. These blood pressures are then used to calibrate the tonometric pressure waveform along (optionally) with adjustments for head pressure. For example, a left brachial arterial cuff oscillometric signal is acquired coincidentally with an un-calibrated right radial arterial pressure tonometric signal. The time points of mean arterial pressure and diastolic pressure are determined from the oscillometric signal and identified with coinciding time points on the tonometric signal to produce a calibration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing an arterial blood pressure waveform to extract clinically useful information on the state of the cardiovascular system are disclosed herein. In order to obtain the parameters of the modified Windkessel model, the diastolic portion of a subject's blood pressure waveform is scanned over a plurality of ranges and the range that produces the best fit of data and lowest error estimates are selected. In addition, multiple empirically determined starting values of the ‘A’ parameters are used to find the best fit of the model data to the actual arterial blood pressure waveform data.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for PCI bus extension, via a PCI bridge circuit, as well as PCI device function, via a PCI device circuit and I/O connector, all on a single I/O card. Further, the present invention provides for stackable, partial-height PCI cards. Further, provided are stackable, partial-height I/O card mounting plates. In yet another embodiment, a functional PCI extension card also provides one or more right-angle connector sockets in order to allow multiple additional PCI cards at right angles to the functional PCI extension card.