Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a porous polymer, wherein a composition comprising a polymerizable component, a porogen having an inverse temperature dependent solubility and a solvent are polymerized at a temperature around the cloud point temperature of the composition. The porous polymers obtainable according to the process of the invention are useful, for example, as materials for the manufacture of biomedical devices and prostheses, including ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses or artificial corneas.

Abstract: A crankshaft 12, a piston 14, and a connecting rod 16 coupling the piston to the crankshaft. The piston 14 has an arcuate track slot 40 that receives and guides a rider pin 42 coupled to the connecting rod 16. The rider pin 42 travels side-to-side along the arcuate track slot 40 as the piston 14 reciprocates so that the connecting rod 16 pivots about the center of curvature 48 of the arcuate track slot, which is above the piston 14. In this way, the connecting rod 16 has an effective length that is greater than its actual length, and its maximum angle at mid-stroke is reduced, resulting in increased power transmitted to the crankshaft 12.

Abstract: A backlit LCD display apparatus includes an LCD display panel, a light source for backlighting the LCD display panel, a loss-less polarizing element positioned between the backlight and the LCD display panel, and a dimmer device in the form of a twisted nematic LCD cell positioned between the polarizing element, and the LCD display panel

Abstract: A method of preparing phakic intraocular lenses from hydrophobic materials is described. In this process, the lens is tested to determine whether it can float submerged in an aqueous medium. If it cannot (e.g., if it remains on top of the aqueous medium), the lens is surface treated (for example, by vacuum UV or corona discharge processes) to increase its wetting ability (e.g., to reduce its hydrophobicity). The lenses prepared by this process are also described.

Abstract: The invention is implemented in the form of modifications to a Gilbert mixer circuit. The modifications alleviate disadvantages and problems introduced because of low voltage power supply typically found in low-power devices such as portable cellular phones. In addition to improving the linearity performance, the new design also provides good matching between I and Q signals, and decreases the switching noise in the active mixer by reducing the switching current. The invention can be applied to both single stage and dual mixers to give low noise performance and Automatic Gain Control (AGC).

Abstract: An antenna for receiving satellite signals and terrestrial signals comprises a monopole having a first end, which is connected to a feeding point, and a second end, and an unfed dipole which is arranged in spaced relationship with the second end of the monopole and in axial alignment with said monopole. By means of this arrangement a maximum antenna gain lying at an elevation angle of approx. 45° is achieved. An antenna modification device comprises a dipole and a connection element by means of which the dipole can be connected to the end of an existing monopole antenna in such a way that the dipole is unfed and arranged in spaced relationship with the second end of the monopole as well as in axial alignment with the monopole.

Abstract: In the connection zone, the portion of the haptic part connected to the optic part is situated on the edge of the optic part. The optic part consists of a flexible lens which can be folded or rolled upon insertion of the implant into the anterior chamber. The haptic part has a general form of the number 2 and has an upper free end, a bend, and a lower free end. In the connection zone, the connection between the optic part and the haptic part is rigid.

Abstract: Metadata exchanging for importing metadata from one or more external sources of metadata into a metadata model is described. A metadata extracted from an external source is in a source format specific to the external source. The metadata model uses a model format. The metadata exchange translates the metadata in the source format into one or more model objects in the model format, and then import the model objects into the metadata model.

Abstract: A query engine formulates a data source query to obtain data from one or more data sources. The query engine uses a metadata model containing model objects that represent the data sources. The metadata model has a data access layer, business layer and package layer. The model objects of the business layer are constructed based on the model objects contained in the data access layer. The query engine interacts to the metadata model at the business layer, and formulates a data source query based on a query specification provided by a client application. Thus, the query engine allows use of different type of client applications to obtain reports from one or more data sources.

Abstract: A plastic modular fence system having posts, a first rail, a second rail, and upright picket boards extending between the rails. A plurality of mounting brackets each have a T-shaped opening for receiving an end of one of the rails therein and an edge of a picket therein. The bracket opening extends through the peripheral wall in places to allow the edge of the picket to extend out of the bracket on opposite sides. Also, the rails have openings configured to receive the generally vertical picket boards when the rails are positioned either horizontally or at an angle to the horizon. For example, the openings in the intermediate rail have a generally trapezoidal shape with one opening end longer than the other opening end.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a steerable catheter that allows both dynamic locking and swapping between a locked mode of operation and an unlocked mode of operation is described. Dynamic locking enables fine adjustment of the catheter shaft position, while swapping between modes results in a more multipurpose catheter. Generally, the brake assembly includes a brake shoe positioned for slidable movement between a locked position contacting the steering dial and an unlocked position not contacting the steering dial. At least one spring biases the brake shoe toward the locked position. A catheter including a brake assembly is also described.

Abstract: The invention describes improvements to a balanced active demodulator subsystem implemented in Radio Frequency integrated circuit technology that simplify the configuration and set-up of a balanced demodulator section and reduce the labor and time required during manufacture to adjust the demodulation characteristics for optimum performance.

Abstract: A safety holster for a firearm, including a pivotally mounted retaining member for engaging the trigger guard of the firearm and preventing withdrawal of the firearm from the holster by anyone other than an authorized user of the firearm. The holster includes a fingerprint sensor for scanning fingerprint information of a perspective user of the firearm, and a processor for comparing the scanned fingerprint information with stored fingerprint information of an authorized user and releasing the retaining member only if the scanned fingerprint information matches that of the authorized user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether a party sending an email communication is on a list of parties authorized by the intended receiving party. If the sending party is not on the list of authorized parties, an electronic billing agreement is emailed to the sending party indicating a fee that will be charged to the sending party in return for the message being provided to the intended receiving party. Preferably, the present invention is implemented with Internet communications and utilizes a security protocol to enable the electronic transaction to be transacted in a secure manner.

Abstract: A CMOS transconductor that operates with increased dynamic range while maintaining one or more other basic operating characteristics at substantially the same value in comparison to a prior art transconductor circuit is provided. One embodiment, among others, comprises an input stage circuit comprising several pluralities of transistors with each plurality configured such that certain terminals of the transistors are electrically connected, and the several pluralities are electrically interconnected through one or more terminals of each plurality. Another embodiment comprises modifying an input stage of an existing transconductor circuit to provide a transconductor circuit that operates with increased dynamic range while maintaining one or more other basic operating characteristics at substantially the same value in comparison to the existing transconductor circuit.

Abstract: A mailbox post assembly and kit for insertion into the ground and for supporting a mailbox, in which an elongate, hollow post has cooperating openings for transversely receiving a hollow beam, decorative inserts are mounted on the post and beam to give the appearance of a brace, and during transportation or storage, the hollow beam and the decorative inserts fit inside of the hollow post.

Abstract: An autoclavable flexible fiberscope for remote visualization. A flexible fiberscope shaft including a number of flexible fiberoptic image-transmitting fibers is attached to a video coupler for connection to a video camera or other external video device. High-temperature materials of fabrication and high-temperature seals are provided to resist damage during autoclave sterilization.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus (10) and method for use with a cleaning solution for cleaning soiled items, such as automobile parts. The cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tank (11) for containing a quantity of the cleaning solution therein, with the cleaning tank having a bottom and a top. An ultrasonic generator (17, 18, 122) is provided for ultrasonically exciting the cleaning solution contained within the tank. The tank includes an upper drain (32, 33 or weir 200) and a lower drain (21). A coalescing filter (14) is used for filtering the cleaning solution. A sump tank (12) provides an extra quantity of the cleaning solution for at times overfilling the tank to draw off light ends of oils and greases from the top of the tank. At other times, the lower drain is used to draw off heavy ends of greases and oils from the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A fence mounting bracket for use with a fence, railing, or the like having upright posts, lateral rails extending between the posts, and upright picket boards extending between the rails. The bracket comprises a body having a peripheral wall defining a T-shaped opening including a rail opening portion for receiving an end of one of the rails and two picket opening portions for receiving an edge of one of the picket boards. The peripheral wall has opposing side walls that are slanted and/or inwardly flanged to receive the rails when they are positioned either horizontally or at an angle to horizontal. The picket opening portions extend through the side walls to permit the picket boards to seat flush against the upright posts so that little or nor gap remains therebetween.

Abstract: An attachment loop for affixing to a handheld device. The attachment loop includes a self-adhesive base panel having a ring portion pivotally attached thereto. A segment of the ring portion is captured within a channel of the base panel. The base panel has an end profile generally matching the inside opening profile of the ring portion to permit the ring portion to lay flush against the surface of the handheld device.