Abstract: A method for recovering a data required to have n consecutive and repetitive bits is disclosed. The data is obtained by converting a sample value sequence into a binary sequence according to a preset value and the data having n−1 consecutive first-level bits and two second-level bits immediately adjacent to two end bits of the n−1 consecutive first-level bits, respectively. The method corrects one of the two second-level bits, which has a corresponding sample value closer to the preset value than the other, into another first-level bit to obtain n consecutive first-level bits. In addition, a device for recovering a data to be decoded is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring scatterer size in a dense media with only a single fiber for both light delivery and collection are disclosed. White light is used as a source and oscillations of the detected light intensities are measured as a function of wavelength. The maximum and minimum of the oscillations can be used to determine scatterer size for monodisperse distributions of spheres when the refractive indices are known. In addition several properties of the probe relevant to tissue diagnosis are disclosed including the effects of absorption, a broad distribution of scatterers, and the depth probed.

Abstract: A structure for vertically housing multiple computer systems is disclosed. The structure includes a bottom support member and a top support member substantially parallel to the bottom support member. The top support member is attached to the bottom support member by two side members. Bottom guides are mounted to the bottom support member, and top guides are mounted to the top support member. The top guides are substantially parallel to the bottom guides and are substantially aligned with the bottom guides. A computer system having a top groove and a bottom groove slides into a computer space in between the top support member and the bottom support member by having the top groove align with a top guide and by having the bottom groove align with a bottom guide to provide a fitting relationship. The computer system slides into the computer space to a non-backplaned rear.

Abstract: An autonomous local area distributed network provides a peer-to-peer network to connect nodes and devices using low cost and low bandwidth communication techniques, thus allowing the network to share node resources and distribute programming tasks across the different nodes. Home appliances and devices such as refrigerators, televisions, light switches, light fixtures, garage door openers, stereos, and the like may be configured as nodes on the peer-to-peer network. Operational programs, referred to as “sequences,” may be distributed across nodes in a network to enable the maximum utilization of available node resources.

Abstract: A modular unit for mounting on at least two different designs of self-propelled grass treatment machine, each machine having a number of mounting locations for mounting respective modular units and in which the mounting locations of one machine are different in type or design from the mounting locations on the other machine The modular unit contains a frame having end frame plates spaced apart from each other transversely with respect to the direction of forward travel of the machine; rotatable mountings provided on the end frame plates; a rotatable grass-treatment device having a drive shaft extending between the rotatable mountings, and provided with working elements arranged along its length; a device for applying drive to the shaft; and mounting points provided on the frame of the modular unit to accept at least two different types and/or arrangements of fitting brackets that permit the modular unit to be mounted on the grass treatment machines.

Abstract: An automatic thermal therapeutic apparatus is disclosed. The thermal therapeutic apparatus includes an upper housing having a recess and a lower housing. A plurality of thermal therapeutic devices are positioned in the recess of the housing. Each thermal therapeutic device has a rectangular shaped body, a pressure member for pressurizing a desired portion of human body, and a lamp located beneath the pressure member in the body for emitting far infrared light. A controller controls all functional components. Lifting means for raise and lower the thermal therapeutic devices to a predetermined height during a prescribed time period based upon an output signal of the controller. The lifting means have a lifting member, the upper portion of the lifting means passing through a hole of the upper housing.

Abstract: A length-adjustable vehicular power plug for use with a vehicular electrical appliance is disclosed. The vehicular power plug includes a plug end electrically connected to a vehicular power source for getting a power needed for the vehicular electrical appliance; a connector end electrically connected to the vehicular electrical appliance for transmitting the power to the vehicular electrical appliance; a first sleeve body connected to the plug end for supporting the plug end; a second sleeve body connected to the connector end for supporting the connector end, and slipable relative to the first sleeve body; and a positioning member for changing the relative position between the first sleeve body and the second sleeve body from a first position to a second position in response to an external force applied on the first and second sleeve bodies, and securing the first and second sleeve bodies at the second position when the external force is removed, thereby adjusting the length of the vehicular power plug.

Abstract: A zoom lens barrel assembly is disclosed. The zoom lens barrel assembly includes: an outer barrel provided on the inner peripheral surface thereof with at least one key guide groove and at least one cam groove; a middle barrel fitted into the outer barrel and provided on the outer peripheral surface of the front portion thereof with at least one guide key, a flange and a circumferential groove adjacent to the flange, wherein the guide key is positioned in the key guide groove of the outer barrel; a middle guide ring rotatably mounted on the front end of the middle barrel, and having at least one penetrated hole on the outer periphery thereof and a slider way therein; and at least one cam follower pin, one end of which is piercing through the penetrated hole of the guide ring and disposed in the circumferential groove of the middle barrel and the other end of which is movable disposed in said cam groove of said outer barrel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for controlling fluid flow through flow paths with pressure gradient fluid control. Passive fluid flow barriers may be used to act as valves, thereby allowing the flow of fluids through flow paths to be regulated so as to allow fluids to be introduced via a single channel and subsequently split into multiple channels. Flow through the flow paths can be regulated to allow a series of sister wells or chambers to all fill prior to the fluid flowing beyond any one of the sister wells or chambers. Each flow path may have multiple segments, at least one of which is designed to balance the pressure drops of the flow paths to provide uniform flow of fluids through the flow paths. The configurations of the wells may also be modified by adding vents or flow dividers to enhance fluid flushing and gas removal capability.

Abstract: A thermosensitive composition consisting of a mixture of polyacrylic acid, a salt of a long chain fatty acid such as silver behenate, an infra-red absorbent and modifiers such as additional polymers and fillers. Both the water solubility and affinity to water and oil changed when composition is heated.

Abstract: A structure of a printhead for raising its product acceptance rate and improving its quality is provided. The structure of a printhead includes a base layer, a pattern layer disposed on the base layer, a channel barrier layer having a dry film, an ink channel, a flow channel and plural ink cavities on the pattern layer, and a nozzle plate adhered to the dry film of the channel barrier layer by thermal compression. The pattern layer further includes a flow pattern and a base pattern surrounding a central location for forming thereabove the ink channel.

Abstract: A watering wand allows for telescopic adjustment of its length. The wand includes a primary tube defining a hollow interior portion and a secondary tube slidably disposed within the primary tube. The primary tube includes a fitting for attaching the wand to a water source. The secondary tube includes a connector suitable for receiving a fluid dispensing nozzle. The secondary tube also defines a portion to allow fluid to pass between the water source and the connector. An adjustment collar attached to a distal end of the primary tube slidably engages the secondary and may be used to fix the position of the secondary tube relative to the primary tube. The connector may be attached to a ball and joint coupling to allow for a pivoting nozzle and a quick-connect coupling to allow for easily changing nozzles to meet various watering needs.

Abstract: A V-cutter for use in forming V-shaped grooves (3) on a light guide panel (1) of the backlight unit for a liquid crystal display (LCD) is disclosed. The V-cutter may include a Z-axis lift piece (7) and a W-axis lift piece (8), each of which has a pin kit (10a, 10b) with a plurality of pins (9a, 9b) attached at the bottom thereof. The pins (9a, 9b) are preferably equal in number and spacing to the V-shaped grooves (3) to be formed. The lift pieces (7, 8) may be vertically actuated by a Z-axis controller (5) and a W-axis controller (6). The light guide panel (1) is preferably fixtured to a table (11). The lift pieces (7, 8) are configured to move with respect to the table (11) so that, through successive X-axis and Y-axis operations, the V-shaped grooves can be formed in perpendicular directions with only two reciprocating motions. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the light guide panels (1) is reduced.

Abstract: A graphical code reader is disclosed. The graphical code reader includes control circuitry for the graphical code reader and a multi-functional optical element in electronic communication with the control circuitry. The multi-functional optical element includes a support structure and a monolithic imaging lens and target generating mechanism operably connected to the support structure. The imaging lens and target generating mechanism includes a lens and targeting structures for generating converging offset beams to feedback proper target distance. Laser diodes are positioned by the support structure such that laser light from the diodes is directed through the targeting structures to generate the converging offset beams. An imaging board is connected to the support structure. An imager is mounted to the imaging board and positioned to obtain an image from the lens.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism is arranged between a first portion and a second portion of an appliance. The pivot mechanism includes a first ring member, a first humpback bridge, a positioning base and a shaft. The first ring member is disposed on the first portion and having a first engaging element on the peripheral surface thereof. The first humpback bridge is disposed on the second portion and has a second engaging element on the top surface thereof, wherein the first humpback bridge is resilient and flexible. The positioning base is coupled with the second portion and has a first positioning hole.

Abstract: A method of controlling fluid flow within a microfluidic circuit using external valves and pumps connected to the circuit is disclosed. The external valves and pumps, which are not a part of the microfluidic substrate, control fluid pumping pressure and the displacement of air out of the fluid circuit as fluid enters into the circuit. If a valve is closed, air cannot be displaced out of circuit, which creates a pneumatic barrier that prevents fluid from advancing within the circuit (under normal operating pressures). Applications of this method of fluid control are explained.

Abstract: A quilting apparatus and method for guiding a sewing machine relative to at least one layer of fabric is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment including an adjustable quilting frame and a carriage assembly configured to mountably support the sewing machine having an arbitrary throat depth. Preferably, the quilting frame is mounted relative to a working surface and supportably retains one or more fabric layers in a substantially planar orientation to accommodate the sewing and stitching of patterns and/or designs into at least a portion of the fabric layers forming the quilt. The carriage assembly may be configured to transport the sewing machine in both lateral and longitudinal directions with respect to the quilting frame.