Abstract: A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.

Abstract: A method for assigning an elevator car to respond to a call signal includes a controller that determines which elevator car will respond to the call signal based on certain wait time thresholds. The controller receives a hall call signal, and the controller is programmed with wait time thresholds that can include, e.g., an estimated wait time (EWT), and/or estimated travel time (ETT). In this example, these thresholds are time values above which a passenger is likely to become impatient, either waiting for an elevator car to arrive, or waiting for their elevator car to arrive at its destination. Based on system information an EWT and ETT are calculated and compared to the thresholds. An elevator car is assigned based on this comparison. In some versions, an estimated time to destination (ETD) is used in determining which elevator car to assign. In some versions, a handling capacity coefficient (HCx), which reflects current traffic conditions, is used in determining which elevator car to assign.

Abstract: An elevator system includes at least two independently operable elevator cars in an elevator shaft. The elevator system includes a virtual landing.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window.

Abstract: Disclosed is a termination device for an aramid-based elevator rope having a high breaking strength. The termination device comprises a socket having a cylindrical, tapered internal passageway adapted to receive a corresponding wedge. The wedge includes a semi-cylindrical passageway in a substantially helical configuration to increase the surface area between the associated rope and the wedge. The termination device clamps the length of rope between tapered portions of the socket and the semi-cylindrical passageway of the wedge with a substantially uniform application of force on the cross-section of the rope.

Abstract: There is described a method and apparatus (100, 100?) for storing and delivering ammonia wherein at least two ammonia storage materials (1a, 2a) capable of reversibly adsorbing or absorbing ammonia having different ammonia vapor pressures are used. Ammonia storage material (2a) having a lower vapor pressure, which is only partially saturated with ammonia or void of ammonia, is brought into fluid communication with ammonia storage material (1a) having a higher ammonia vapor pressure to adsorb or absorb ammonia released from the ammonia storage material (1a) having a higher ammonia vapor pressure when the latter is higher than a pressure threshold. An automotive NOx treatment system (200) comprising such apparatus (100, 100?) is also described.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe operably coupled with a holster. The probe comprises a needle portion, a body portion, a rotatable thumbwheel, a cutter, and a rotatable tissue sample holder. The needle portion has a tissue receiving aperture. The needle portion extends distally from the body portion. The thumbwheel is fixedly secured relative to the needle portion such that the thumbwheel is operable to rotate the needle portion about its longitudinal axis. The cutter is longitudinally movable within the needle portion and is configured to cut tissue protruding into the aperture. The rotatable tissue sample holder is configured to receive tissue samples severed by the cutter and communicated through the cutter lumen. The holster comprises a linking mechanism. The thumbwheel is coupled with the tissue sample holder via the linking mechanism such that the thumbwheel is manually rotatable to rotate the tissue sample holder via the linking mechanism.

Abstract: Dermatitis can be effectively treated with the combined administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and a glucocorticoid. Systemic, topical and prepackaged DHEA-glucocorticoid embodiments are described.

Abstract: An apparatus is operable to correct spinal deformities caused by scoliosis and the like. The apparatus may be used in a minimally invasive fashion and through the posterior side of the patient. A combination of internal screws and rods, as well as external pins, rods, and correction mechanisms, are used to obtain facet unlocking and translational correction of the affected vertebrae. The internal rods are inserted percutaneously and are secured to the affected vertebrae to maintain the deformity correction. External components are then removed, and the small incisions are sutured.

Abstract: A lift control interface is operable to control and monitor a lift system. Each lift column in the system has such a lift control interface. The lift control interface allows a user to assign lift columns to a lift system. One or more of the assigned lift columns may be assigned to a column control group. The user may lock the selection of these columns. The status of the assigned, selected, and locked lift columns may appear on every lift control interface in the lift system. The user may govern operation of the selected columns in the column control group from a single control interface, such as any control interface at any of the selected columns. The lift control interfaces may include visual representations showing the relationships between the lift columns and a vehicle, such as with lift column icons being positioned around a vehicle icon.

Abstract: A process for saturating a material capable of binding ammonia by ad- or absorption and initially free of ammonia or partially saturated with ammonia comprises treating said material under a pressure and associated temperature located on the vapor pressure curve of ammonia with an amount of liquid ammonia sufficient to saturate said material and an additional amount of a cooling agent selected from liquid ammonia, liquid or solid CO2, hydrocarbons and hydrohalocarbons that have a higher vapor pressure than ammonia, ethyl ether, methyl formate, methyl amine and ethyl amine, such that |Qabs|?|Qevap|+Qext, wherein Qabs is the amount of heat released from said material when it absorbs ammonia from the liquid phase thereof to the point where it is saturated with ammonia, Qevap is the amount of heat absorbed by said cooling agent when it evaporates, and Qext is the amount of heat exchanged with the surroundings and is positive, if heat is removed from the process by external cooling, and negative, if heat is added

Abstract: A fan blade comprises an airfoil having an upper surface with region that has a generally elliptical curvature. In some examples, the lower surface has a convex region and a concave region. The curvature of the concave region corresponds with the generally elliptical curvature of the upper surface; while the curvature of the convex region is defined by a substantially constant radius. Some examples also include a trailing edge flap region, which may itself include a first flap portion and a second flap portion. When mounted to a rotating hub member fan, blades with elliptical curvatures may provide air movement at significant efficiencies.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of a silicone coating of low dielectric constant, comprising the following essential steps: a) a film-forming silicone composition is deposited on the surface of a substrate, said silicone composition comprising: (i) at least one crosslinkable film-forming silicone resin, (ii) at least one ?,?-hydroxylated, essentially linear silicone oil capable of degrading under the action of heat, and (iii) at least one solvent capable of rendering the silicone resin (i) compatible with the silicone oil (ii), b) the solvent (iii) is removed, preferably by heating, and, simultaneously or sequentially, c) the film-forming silicone composition is cured by heating. The invention deals also with a silicone coating obtained by this process and an integrated circuit comprising such a silicone coating as an electrical insulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a marking element into a marker body includes a body portion, an insertion member, and a pushing member. The body portion has a compartment configured to receive a marker body. The insertion member is configured to engage the marker body within the compartment. The pushing member is configured to engage with the insertion member. The pushing member is operable to force a marking element along the insertion member into the marker body. The insertion member may include a hollow needle configured to penetrate the marker body. The pushing member may include a pin configured to fit within the hollow needle. The marker body may include an opening such as a slit, a slot, or a passage that is configured to receive a marking element. The marker body may include a collagen dowel, and the marking element may be formed of titanium.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe that is configured to couple with a holster. The probe comprises a needle, a cutter, and a body portion. The needle is rotatable and translatable relative to the body portion. The holster has a locking feature that is configured to prevent the needle from rotating relative to the body portion upon coupling of the probe with the holster. The locking feature may also be configured to prevent the needle from translating relative to the body portion upon coupling of the probe with the holster. The same probe may thus be used with a holster intended for use in a fixture-based, stereotactic setting, in which rotation and translation of the needle may be desired; and with a holster intended for use in a handheld, ultrasound-guided setting, in which rotation and translation of the needle may be less desired if not undesirable.

Abstract: A control module advantageously reduces cost and enhances reliability, design flexibility, ease of assembly, and performance of a flywheel operated hand tool. The control module includes a thin film printed circuit with non-contact speed sensing of a flywheel to more accurately set the target speed and control transfer kinetic energy thereof to a fastener, achieving a desired depth regardless of variations in component performance and battery voltage. The printed circuit also includes long service life thin film switches for responding to trigger and safety inputs. Furthermore, the control module responds to a user speed selection and to preset speed selection ranges to reconfigure the controls as appropriate to constraints of a fastener drive assembly and to user preferences.