Abstract: The predicted tone response curve for each color channel and halftone is predicted using a binary printer model and stored, wherein the “predicted tone response curve” provides a model based approximation of the actual response for the printer for each addressable pixel location in the spatial range. Also stored is an “average predicted tone response” by averaging the “predicted tone response curve” over the spatial range of the printer. With the “true average” tone response curve, the “predicted tone response curve”, and the “average predicted tone response curve”, an estimate of the true tone response curve for the color channel can then be mathematically obtained, wherein the true tone response curve defines a predicted actual response for the printer for each addressable print location in the spatial range. The “predicted” and “average” tone response curves are obtained using the 2×2 binary printer model.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing assembly that is capable of dispensing controlled or metered portions of a beverage charged with a gas fits onto a shelf in a conventional household refrigerator. The beverage dispensing assembly includes a sealed disposable container assembly that contains the beverage and a dispensing assembly that cooperates with the container assembly to selectively unseal the container assembly and dispense controlled portions of the beverage from the container assembly.

Abstract: A high voltage split core transformer and method of assembling same is provided by which the coupling factor is improved. A split core assembly is surrounded by a secondary winding that is precisely located in a burner assembly housing. Conductive members are encased within the housing and, in conjunction with traces provided on a printed circuit board enclosing the housing cavity, define first and second primary windings about the core secondary winding. This arrangement reduces the number of turns in the secondary winding and allows the use of larger cross-sectional wire which increases the current carrying capability thereof, making the transformer suitable for D1-D5 automotive headlamp applications.

Abstract: A high intensity discharge lamp automotive headlamp system is provided for three different lighting functions. The headlamp system is a single unit that provides for low beam, high beam, and daylight running light (DRL) functions. Two optical components are used to easily and effectively switch between the different modes of operation. The first optical component is a shutter that selectively blocks a portion of the light beam output. Secondly, either a single lens or lens portions can be moved either within the light beam path or into the light beam path to alter the divergence.

Abstract: A parallel redundant fan system includes at least first and second fans located adjacent each other. Each fan includes: (i) a fan housing defining a fan chamber in which an impeller is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation; (ii) a first chamber outlet in communication with the fan chamber and defined by an opening in a first wall of the fan housing; (iii) a second chamber outlet in communication with the fan chamber and defined by an opening in a second wall of the fan housing; and, (iii) first and second backflow prevention dampers respectively associated with the first and second chamber outlets. The first and second dampers respectively include first and second damper plates that selectively pivot from their closed positions toward their opened positions against the closing force of respective first and second counterweights in response to exhaust air flow pressure exerted thereon.

Abstract: A portable gaming unit for playing an associated game comprises a housing and a base. The housing includes a display. An electronics assembly is mounted in the housing for controlling input/output functions of the gaming unit. A pivot joint pivotably mounts the housing to the base. An easel is pivotably mounted to one of the housing and the base. The easel in a use orientation braces the housing against the base to enable the housing to maintain an acute angle in relation to a plane of the base. In a transport orientation, the easel allows the housing to fold against the base. The easel in the transport orientation serves as a handle for the gaming unit.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a bacterial composition having immunomodulation properties comprising at least one strain selected from the group consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus PTA-4797, Lactobacillus plantarum PTA-4799, Lactobacillus salivarius PTA-4800, Lactobacillus paracasei PTA-4798, Bifidobacterium bifidum PTA-4801 and Bifidobacterium lactis PTA-4802. An other subject of the invention is an immunomodulation method comprising the step of using the at least one strain selected from the preceding group.

Abstract: A rotatable office chair comprises at least two seat carriers, each further comprising an upper arched guide and a lower arched guide, and at least two back rest carriers, each further comprising a restrictedly guided region, and a back rest arranged on back rest carriers, wherein the restrictedly guided region of the at least one back rest carrier is guided between the upper arched guide and the lower arched guide of the at least one seat carrier, thus allowing the at least one back rest carrier to be inclined relative to the seat carrier, wherein the upper arched guide and the lower arched guide are embodied at least in certain regions as an arc of a circle portion and wherein the arc of a circle portion of the upper arched guide and the arc of a circle portion of the lower arched guide have the same center of a circle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate switching a lamp ballast between DALI and analog control states as a function of control state information stored prior to the ballast being powered of and control information received by an interface circuit for the ballast circuit. A depolarization circuit is coupled to the interface circuit and ensures consistent polarity across a rectifier circuit regardless of the polarity of two control wires coupled to a miswiring protection circuit in the interface circuit. In this manner, a single interface circuit provides dual 0-10V analog and DALI control for dimming a lighting device regardless of whether a wall-mounted controller coupled to the interface circuit is an analog or a DALI type controller, thereby mitigating a need to switch out a ballast circuit coupled to the lighting device when changing between DALI and analog type controllers.

Abstract: A lamp assembly having a CFL light source includes an outer envelope received around the light source. The outer envelope includes a first enlarged portion dimensioned for receipt about the light source and a second narrowed portion adapted for connection with a lamp base. A platform receives a first end of the CFL light source and supports the CFL within the envelope, the platform including a tapered perimeter portion dimensioned for abutting engagement with an interior surface of the envelope.

Abstract: A discharge vessel for high intensity discharge lamps is disclosed. The discharge vessel comprises an elongated arc chamber having a longitudinal axis of rotational symmetry. It has a translucent wall made of fused silica glass, or alternatively ceramic material. A pair of electrodes is located at opposite ends of the arc chamber for providing discharge arc. The wall of the arc chamber has at least one inwardly protruding circumferential narrowed portion thereby the arc chamber is divided into convection cells.

Abstract: An interface circuit for a lamp ballast includes first and second input power lines, L1 and L2, with first and second respective switches, and a neutral power line N, all coupled to a diode bridge. Closing one of the first or second input power lines L1 or L2 causes a photodiode in an opto-isolator coupled to the diode bridge to turn ON, which in turn causes a MOSFET in a control circuit to be in an open state. When in the open state, a first resistor coupled to the source of the MOSFET is included in the control circuit and causes a lamp attached thereto to operate in a dimmed state. When both input power line switches are closed, L1 and L2 are both coupled to the diode bridge and thereby cause the phototransistor to be in an OFF state, which causes the MOSFET to close, thereby including a second resistor, coupled to the drain of the MOSFET, in the control circuit in parallel with the first resistor. This in turn causes the lamp to operate at full intensity.

Abstract: Detection devices (1) for controlling storage devices (20) for receiving and storing video signals for a plurality of subscribers are provided with memories (2, 3) for storing subscriber's profiles and detectors (4, 5) for detecting video signals comprising content according to the subscriber's profiles. Indication transmitters (6, 7) transmit indications with respect to the video signal to indication receivers (26, 27) of the storage devices (20) for in response to receptions of the indications storing the video signals or to indication receivers (71) of subscriber devices (70) for in response to receptions of the indications informing the subscribers. Switches (8, 9) activate/deactivate the detection devices (1) in response to un-availabilities/availabilities of the subscribers to check the video signal.

Abstract: As set forth herein, a system identifies soft failures of devices. An interface captures transactional data between one or more users and one or more devices within the system. A data log receives the transactional data from the interface and stores the data as historical data for subsequent retrieval. A warning system evaluates the historical data in the data log to identify one or more devices that have a soft failure condition, wherein an alarm is output for each soft failure identified. A display module combines the historical data from the data log and one or more alarms from the warning system into a single display for review.

Abstract: A modeled-based reasoning system and method including dynamic domain abstraction, includes the use of an abstraction determining module configured to identify an appropriate abstraction level for a system model of a real-world system to be analyzed, from a plurality of potential abstraction levels. A system reasoning module is configured to perform analysis on the system model of the real-world system at the abstraction level determined to be appropriate by the abstraction determining module.

Abstract: The present exemplary embodiment relates to a job integrity and verification system which uses patches comprised of at least one symbology printed in non-visible ink and attached to the individual components of a job. The patches are detected, read, and interpreted by use of an inline spectrophotometer. The content of the plurality of patches are compared and when a match is detected, the components containing the patches are combined together into one end item finished product.

Abstract: A knowledge-based driver is provided for powering a solid-state light source with a constant current, including a memory that stores lumens per amp and volts per amp performance characterizations of the light source over time, and a controller that operates in a test mode to estimate the light source degradation based on voltage feedback obtained at a predetermined test current value, and to adjust the drive current in normal operating mode according to the estimated device degradation to implement constant lumens control without external optical feedback components.

Abstract: A medical method that is adapted for introducing the medical device into the vascular system of a body which is designed to inhibit or prevent thrombosis after the insertion of the medical device.

Abstract: A prosthetic screw system that includes a prosthetic screw for at least partial insertion into a bone and/or cartilage. The prosthetic screw includes a head and a lower portion connected to the head. The prosthetic screw system also includes a set of head-pieces that can be connected to the head of the prosthetic screw. The head-pieces have differing configurations that are designed to be connected to different types of components of a prosthetic system. The universal connection arrangement between the prosthetic screw and the set of head-pieces enables the prosthetic screw to be customized for connection with a variety of components of a prosthetic system. The head-pieces can alternatively or additionally include a mechanical and/or electrical mechanism that provides one or more substances (e.g., medicine and/or other biological agent, etc.) and/or electrostimulation to a surgical site.

Abstract: A method for residual stress enhancement for a coil spring includes radially expanding at least a select axial portion of the coil spring to remove residual tensile stress from the spring inner diameter and induce residual compressive stress in the spring inner diameter. The spring is expanded by radial force on the inner diameter and/or by a helical unwinding force induced by rotating at least one end of the spring relative to the other end of the spring. A tool includes a spring expansion portion and, optionally, a diameter control portion. Cylindrical, conical and/or beehive springs are processed to enhance residual stress.