Abstract: A method for identifying faulty modules within telecommunication devices, such as ATM switches, involves generating and attaching verification codes, such as a CRC or checksum codes, to data packets at an upstream location determining the integrity of the verification codes at each of multiple downstream location within a telecommunication device; and signaling an error condition where a corrupted data packet has been detected. A verification code may be written to a field of a data packet which is not used while the packet is in transit through the telecommunication device.

Abstract: This application relates to a fuel dispensing system and method for safely regulating transfer of fuel between a fuel dispenser and a fuel recipient. The fuel dispensing system may be used, for example, to replenish electric vehicles that use refillable electrochemical power generation systems, such as fuel cell hybrid systems using hydrogen fuel. The system employs a combination of interlocks and other safety features specifically adapted for high-risk indoor environments. Fueling cannot commence until the dispenser and the recipient are electrically bonded to minimize the risk of spark generation. The system may include, for example, a fuel supply subsystem for preventing fuel flow except during a fueling session, an immobilization subsystem for preventing relative movement of the dispenser and the recipient during a fueling session, a communication subsystem for enabling data exchange between the dispenser and the recipient, and a leak detection subsystem for monitoring the fueling site for fuel leaks.

Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and method for treating effluent. The effluent may be derived, for example, from an upstream secondary treatment plant. The apparatus employs a plenum positionable within a fluid-impervious container. The plenum includes a fluid filter portion containing a hydrophilic material, such as peat, capable of transporting effluent by capillary action and a fluid collection portion for receiving effluent from the upstream effluent source. The apparatus also includes a fluid wicking conduit containing hydrophilic material for wicking effluent from the fluid collection portion. The fluid wicking conduit may be configured so that any appreciable amount of effluent introduced into the apparatus will be wicked even if the amount is substantially less than the fluid holding capacity of the fluid collection portion of the plenum. This enables the apparatus to operate substantially continuously and passively so long as some effluent is resident in the plenum.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor imaging device comprises array of pixel cells, each pixel cell providing a pixel output signal to a signal output line associated therewith. Each pixel cell comprises: a photosensor having at least two independent portions, each independent portion having a sensor output; and, a separate readout circuit coupled to the sensor output of each independent portion. Each separate readout circuit has an output coupled to the signal output line and each separate readout circuit is capable of generating an output signal at the output. The outputs of the separate readout circuits for the pixel cell are connected such that the output signals are combined in an additive manner to produce the pixel output signal. Hardware and software correction methods are provided for the correction of defective pixels in monochromatic and color imaging systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides an RFID device and RFID reader to obtain an ID string from the device which is then transmitted over the internet to a remote system that uses the ID string to retrieve information related to that ID string. The remote system prepares a ‘menu’ of information which may or may not contain complete data entries for each found data item related to the ID String. The menu is transmitted back through the internet to the RFID reading apparatus or any other device and presented to the user. The user can then select a data item from the menu and view its contents.

Abstract: A hidden hinge structure may be injection molded. The hidden hinge structure has a hinge pin attached to a first part and a hook member that is affixed to a second part. A portion of a frontward one of the first and second parts covers the hinge. The hidden hinge may be used to connect the lid and base of a utility enclosure or housing.

Abstract: Braking and motion-arrest apparatus for braking the arrival of a zipline cable rider at a landing platform and arresting the rider's motion to retain the rider at the platform. A frame is mounted on the cable to allow longitudinal rolling movement of the frame along the cable. A self-closing one-way latch is provided at the forward end of the frame. The latch includes a pair of capture plates which are normally inwardly biased toward one another, on opposite sides of the cable. The rider is tethered to a pulley block which rolls along the cable and collides with the latch. The collision force drives the plates laterally away from the cable, allowing the pulley block to roll through the latch. After the pulley block rolls past the latch, the plates' normal biasing closes the latch, preventing the pulley block from rolling back through the latch.

Abstract: A positioning system can position lumber to be cut while the lumber is traveling on a transfer deck. The positioning system has end stops that circulate at the same rate as the transfer deck. The end stops each have a locking mechanism that is triggered when the end stop passes an actuating member. A controller positions the actuating member so that the locking mechanism will lock the position of the end stop when the end stop is in a desired position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor the neurologic state of a patient undergoing general anesthesia is provided. Previous automated systems to monitor the neurologic state of a patient undergoing general anesthesia involve a significant time delay between the patient's true hypnotic state and the computed indices. The present invention reduces this time delay by using a different analysis technique applied to spontaneous EEG. A wavelet decomposition and statistical analysis of the observed EEG is conducted and compared to reference data to provide a numerical indicator. In addition, this indicator is more consistent with the patient's loss of consciousness indicated by the loss of count event than previous systems.

Abstract: An optical imaging system incorporates a beam splitter, which is moveable to a beam-splitting position where the beam splitter intercepts the light on an input optical path and a non-beam-splitting position where the beam splitter is located outside of the input optical path. The beam splitter includes a body penetrated by an aperture and a reflective surface surrounding the aperture. When the beam splitter is located in the beam-splitting position, a portion of the light in the optical path is transmitted through the aperture and a portion of the light in the optical path is reflected from the reflective surface.

Abstract: This application relates to hockey pucks modified for training purposes and methods of using same. The pucks are intended to develop the visual acuity and hand-eye coordination of hockey players to improve game play. In one embodiment of the invention, each training puck is partially or entirely white (or some other light color) on its upper and lower flat surfaces, or on its circumferential side surface, or both. For example, the upper and lower surfaces may include a first relatively light portion around the periphery thereof and a relatively dark portion in a central region thereof. The relative size of the light and dark portions varies from puck to puck. In one embodiment the light portions are white and the dark portions are black. In use, players could begin by using a training puck with a relatively large dark portion. After they become accustomed to such a training puck, a puck with a smaller diameter dark portion could be substituted.

Abstract: A method for making three-dimensional structures comprises providing a plurality of components, each of which is moveably coupled to a substrate. The components may be pivotally coupled to the substrate by one or more micromachined hinges. The components are moved using electrostatic forces which lift the components from the surface of the substrate. The components may then be moved further by providing electrostatic forces between components. Two or more components may engage with one another to provide a three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of bonding a metallic membrane with metallic part involving pressing a smooth surface of the metallic membrane against the smooth surface of the metallic part, and heating the metallic membrane and metallic part to a temperature above the half melting point of the metallic membrane while subjecting the metallic membrane and metallic part to a controlled environment of a proper gas atmosphere. The metallic membrane can comprise palladium and the pressurized gas can comprise one of hydrogen, an inert gas or their mixture.

Abstract: This application relates to a self-contained apparatus for mechanically turning individual workpieces travelling on a conveyor, such as lengths of lumber travelling into or exiting from a sawmill. The invention reduces the need for lumber graders to turn lumber manually and thereby helps avoid repetitive motion injuries. The apparatus includes an adjustable height frame which is positionable alongside the conveyor. The frame supports a workpiece holder defining an open-ended slot for temporarily receiving an end portion of a workpiece. When the end of a lumber board or other workpiece is received within the holder, a proximity sensor causes the holder to rotate, thereby turning the workpiece lengthwise 180 degrees. The workpiece is then deposited on to the conveyor in its inverted orientation for further travel thereon. The apparatus may also optionally permit workpieces to pass through the holder when a “skip” rather than an “invert” signal is received.