Abstract: The waveform conform control circuit includes a waveform generator, an amplitude adjustment device and an offset device. The waveform generator produces a current waveform. The amplitude adjustment device receives amplitudes amplitude data and produces a predetermined scale factor which is applied to the basic current waveform to produce a scaled current waveform. The offset device is a digital to analog converter for receiving offset data and producing a predetermined scale value that is added to the scaled waveform to produce a final current waveform. A method a digitally generated waveform is also disclosed. An offset circuit using current steering digital to analog and a current mirror is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cap and cover assembly is for use with a pick up truck having a truck box. The cap and cover assembly includes a top panel and opposing sides. Each side has a flexible side portion hingeably attached to a rigid side portion. The flexible side portion has one side attached to the top panel. The opposing sides are releasably attached to the truck box. The opposing sides have a cap configuration where the sides are in a stowed portion and a cover configuration when the sides are generally upright. In one embodiment the cap and cover assembly also includes a spring loaded lift arm adapted to aid in the cover to cap conversion. In another embodiment the sides are arranged such that in the stowed position the sides create a “keystone” arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical design of a megavoltage x-ray detector with both high quantum efficiency (QE) and high resolution. The x-ray detector disclosed herein has a QE that can be an order of magnitude higher than that of current flat panel systems and yet has a spatial resolution equivalent to that of current flat panel systems used for portal imaging. The x-ray detector includes a large number of micro-structured electrically conducting plates, packed together with thin spacers placed between neighboring plates with the micro-structured plates oriented to be parallel to the incident x-rays in operation. Each plate includes an electrically conductive substrate with a first planar surface, elongate electrically conductive strip electrodes separated from each other with strip spacers placed in between and sitting on an insulating layer interposed between the first planar surface of the electrically conductive substrate and the strip electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a “high lower alcohol content” (>40% v/v of a C1-4 alcohol) liquid composition able to be either dispensed as a stable foam with the use of non-propellant foam dispensing devices from non-pressurized containers or as an alcohol gel composition which does not use thickener and gelling agents that leave undesirable deposits or a sticky after-feel and that has a final viscosity less than 4,000 cps. The liquid compositions comprise an alcohol, C1-4 (>40% v/v), a fluorosurfactant of at least 0.001% by weight to prepare a foamable composition or from 0–2.0% to prepare a gel-like composition of a final viscosity less than 4,000 cps, 0–10% w/w of additional minor components added to obtain the desired performance (a foamable composition or a gel-like composition with a viscosity less than 4,000 cps), and the balance being purified water.

Abstract: The present invention provides parallel, cable based robotic manipulators, for use in different applications such as ultra high-speed robots or positioning devices with between three to six degrees of freedom. The manipulators provide more options for the number of degrees of freedom and also more simplicity compared to the current cable-based robots. The general structure of these manipulators includes a base platform, a moving platform or end effector, an extensible or telescoping central post connecting the base to moving platform to apply a pushing force to the platforms. The central post can apply the force by an actuator (active), or spring or air pressure (passive) using telescoping cylinders. The robotic manipulators use a combination of active and passive tensile (cable) members, and collapsible and rigid links to maximize the benefits of both pure cable and conventional parallel mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiplexed matrix alternating current electroluminescent display, comprising an array of matrix addressed capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixels, with each capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixel including an electroluminescent pixel and a circuit element connected in electrical series with the electroluminescent pixel. The circuit element is switchable between an electrically insulating capacitive state and an electrically conducting state depending upon a voltage applied across the capacitively switchable electroluminescent pixel. The matrix multiplexed electroluminescent (EL) display with the low capacitance switching device in electrical series with the electroluminescent pixels reduces column displacement currents, thereby reducing power consumption. Refresh times can also be reduced so that the size and resolution of passive matrix electroluminescent displays can be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for accurately combining low-resolution and high-resolution video streams into a single seamless display to a human observer. The present invention also provides a method for the smooth blending of high- and low-resolution video boundary. In order to create an effective visual display, it is advantageous that the boundary between high- and low-resolution video not be overly distracting and irregular. The present method to reduce distractions from the quadrilateral boundary between low-and high-resolution video by smoothly blending the two in an annular region between the two. This results in a much more visually pleasing, effective display. The present invention also provides a method for progressively mosaicking high resolution imagery over a low resolution image captured by our panoramic sensor.

Abstract: An automatic sample loader is for use in association with a mass spectrometer and at least one vial containing a sample. The loader includes a vial block, an insertion head, an insertion tube, a mechanism for pushing the sample out of the vial and a mechanism for moving the insertion head relative to the vial. The vial block has at least one vial cavity and each vial cavity is adapted to receive a vial. The insertion head is adapted to be sealingly engageable in the vial cavity. The insertion tube is operably connected to the mass spectrometer through the insertion head, such that the tube extends into the vial when the insertion head is sealingly engaged in the vial cavity. The pushing mechanism is adapted to push the sample out of the vial and into the tube. The moving mechanism is adapted to move the insertion head relative to the vial block from an engaged position to a disengaged position.

Abstract: A therapeutic mobilization device is disclosed. The device includes a flexion assembly, a pro/supination assembly and a valgus carrying angle compensation device. The flexion assembly has an arm attachment assembly and an elbow actuator and the elbow actuator defines and axes of rotation. The pro/supination assembly is attached to flexion assembly and has a distal forearm attachment assembly and a pro/supination actuator operably connected thereto. The valgus carrying angle compensation device is operably attached to the flexion assembly and the pro/supination assembly. Preferably the pro/supination assembly is slidably mounted on a housing shaft whereby during flexion the pro/supination assembly is free to move along the housing shaft. Further, preferably the arm attachment assembly includes an attachment ring and an adjustable clamp pivotally attached thereto whereby the attachment ring defines a pro/supination axis and the adjustable clamp pivots orthogonally to the pro/supination axis.

Abstract: Composite materials having colloidal photonic crystals patterned in substrates for use in different technologies including lab-on-chip and photonic chip technologies. The colloidal crystals are patterned either on or within surface relief patterns in the substrates of the composite materials and each colloidal crystal exhibits Bragg diffraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metrologic methodologies and instrumentation, in particular laser-frequency domain infrared photocarrier radiometry (PCR), for contamination and defect mapping and measuring electronic properties in industrial Si wafers, devices and other semiconducting materials. In particular the invention relates to the measurement of carrier recombination lifetime, ?, carrier diffusivity, D, surface recombination velocities, S, carrier diffusion lengths, L, and carrier mobility, ?, as well as heavy metal contamination mapping, ion implantation mapping over a wide range of dose and energy, and determination of the concentration of mobile impurities in SiO2 layers on semiconductor substrates. The present invention provides a method and complete photocarrier radiometric apparatus comprising novel signal generation and analysis techniques (carrier-wave interferometry) as well as novel instrumental hardware configurations based on the physical principle of photocarrier radiometry.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling laser cladding process by powder injection in real-time. The invention combines laser cladding technique along with automated direct feedback control to achieve a good quality clad in terms of dimensional and metallurgical characteristics. The system uses optical CCD-based detectors as the feedback system. The optical CCD-based detectors along with a pattern recognition algorithm is used to determine the clad characteristics in real-time. These characteristics are clad's dimensions, solidification rate, and roughness that are fed into a closed loop control system to adjust the laser power and table velocity to produce desired clad quality.

Abstract: Polymeric-based nanocomposites with different structures using core-shell particles. The present invention provides a method for producing polymer-based core-shell nanocomposite structures. The nanocomposite materials may be produced with voids in them which may be partially or completely filled with other materials. The core and shell materials may be formed from multicomponent materials, in the case of the cores these may be for example multiple oxides, semiconductors and in the case of the polymer shell material multiple polymers in blends or copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical design of a megavoltage x-ray detector with both high quantum efficiency (QE) and high resolution. The x-ray detector disclosed herein has a QE that can be an order of magnitude higher than that of current flat panel systems and yet has a spatial resolution equivalent to that of current flat panel systems used for portal imaging. The x-ray detector includes a large number of micro-structured electrically conducting plates, packed together with thin spacers placed between neighboring plates with the micro-structured plates oriented to be parallel to the incident x-rays in operation. Each plate includes an electrically conductive substrate with a first planar surface, elongate electrically conductive strip electrodes separated from each other with strip spacers placed in between and sitting on an insulating layer interposed between the first planar surface of the electrically conductive substrate and the strip electrodes.

Abstract: A polymer scaffold is provided comprising an extensively interconnected macroporous network. The polymer scaffold embodies macropores having a diameter in a range of 0.5-3.5 mm, and preferably in a range of about 1.0-2.0 mm. The polymer scaffold is prepared using a novel process which advantageously combines the techniques of particulate leaching and phase inversion to render a process that provides amplified means by which to control the morphology of the resulting polymer scaffold. The polymer scaffold has utility in the area of tissue engineering, particularly as a scaffold for both in vitro and in vivo cell growth. The polymer scaffold may be produced using pure polymer or alternatively a composite material may be formed consisting of a macroporous polymer scaffold and osteoclast-resorbable calcium phosphate particles with a binding agent binding the calcium phosphate particles to the polymer scaffold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assay of multiple analytes. The method uses a sensing element comprising a substrate upon which is arranged a multiplicity of recognition elements, such that each element is laid out in a predetermined pattern. Each pattern is unique in that it can give rise to a characteristic diffraction pattern in the assay. The patterns may or may not be interpenetrating on the substrate surface. The method of detecting multiple analytes includes contacting the medium of analytes with the patterned substrate, illuminating the substrate by a light source, and detecting any resultant diffraction image. The pattern of diffraction and the intensity of the diffracted signal provides information about the existence of specific analytes and their quantification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid injection apparatus for injecting viscous fluids directly from a syringe in which it is commercially delivered. The fluid injection apparatus includes a cylindrical syringe sleeve into which the syringe is inserted from one end with a small hole at the other end of the sleeve through which the syringe needle or cannula protrudes. The apparatus includes a locking head assembly for retaining the syringe in the cylindrical syringe sleeve which includes a top plate and a locking flange which engages with the flange for locking the head assembly to the cylinder. The plunger in the syringe is discarded and when the locking head assembly is placed on the cylindrical syringe sleeve an internal flange with a gasket located on it is inserted into the top of the syringe chamber forming a seal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus of converting gravitational energy to electrical energy. The apparatus includes a reciprocating drive mechanism for lifting liquid from a bottom reservoir to an upper reservoir and turbines between the upper and lower reservoirs which are turned by liquid falling down a flow path from the top reservoir through the turbines to the bottom reservoir. The reciprocating drive mechanism includes a large circular ring or wheel pivotally attached at its hub or center to a support frame and a cable over the upper periphery of the ring with two pipes attached one at each end of the cable. The ring pivots back and forth lifting one pipe and lowering the other pipe and vice versa. As a pipe moves down liquid enters the bottom of the pipe while liquid drains out the top of the pipe into the upper reservoir. One of the turbines is connected to the reciprocating drive mechanism and the other to a generator for producing electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing patterns on a surface of a substrate. The apparatus includes a rigid support such as a rigid tubular structure having first and second opposed ends and a fluid flow passageway extending therethrough. A printing stamp is attached at one of the opposed ends of the rigid support. The printing stamp has a flexible diaphragm portion which has an outer surface which is coated with one or more materials in a pre-selected pattern. A pneumatic pressurizing mechanism communicating with an inner surface of the flexible diaphragm portion through the fluid flow passageway is used to bias the flexible diaphragm portion outwardly into intimate and uniform contact with the surface of the substrate for transferring the pre-selected pattern onto the substrate surface. The rigid tubular supports are attached to a robotic positioning mechanism for providing control of positioning of the stamp relative to the substrate surface.