Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for indexing, archiving, analyzing and reporting pipe and other void network data. Specifically, multi-dimensional indexing and correlation of spatial, temporal, feature, environmental, uncertainty and/or context-based data is synchronized, indexed and analyzed across a wide variety of pipe networks at various times. The present invention preferably includes data represented at several different levels of reference including: referenced to the sensor with which it was collected; referenced to the robot or platform upon which the sensor is attached; and the world. The structure and functionality of the system provides for extensive querying, trouble-shooting and predictive analysis for pipe networks.

Abstract: A robotic cart pulling vehicle includes a positioning error reducing system for reducing accumulated error in the ded-reckoning navigational system. The positioning error reducing system including at least one of a low load transfer point of the cart attaching mechanism, a floor variation compliance structure whereby the drive wheels maintain a substantially even distribution of load over minor surface variations, a minimal wheel contact surface structure, a calibration structure using at least one proximity sensor mounted on the robot body, and a common electrical and mechanical connection between the cart and the robot vehicle formed by a cart attaching post.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic resonance image using an ultra-short echo time. The method includes applying a pulse sequence to an object, detecting a spirally encoded and phase encoded magnetic resonance signal associated with the object, and reconstructing the magnetic resonance image based on the spirally encoded and phase encoded magnetic resonance signal. The pulse sequence includes a slab-selective radiofrequency pulse, a slab-selective gradient pulse, a plurality of variable duration slice encoding gradient pulses, a plurality of first spiral encoding gradient pulses, and a plurality of second spiral encoding gradient pulses. The detection of the spirally encoded and phase encoded magnetic resonance signal occurs concurrently with the application of one of the plurality of first spiral encoding gradient pulses and with the application of one of the plurality of second spiral encoding gradient pulses.

Abstract: An autonomous inspector mobile platform robot that is used to inspect a pipe or network of pipes. The robot includes a locomotion device that enables the device to autonomously progress through the pipe and accurately track its pose and odometry during movement. At the same time, image data is autonomously captured to detail the interior portions of the pipe. Images are taken at periodic intervals using a wide angle lens, and additional video images may be captured at locations of interest. Either onboard or offboard the device, each captured image is unwarped (if necessary) and combined with images of adjacent pipe sections to create a complete image of the interior features of the inspected pipe. Optional features include additional sensors and measurement devices, various communications systems to communicate with an end node or the surface, and/or image compression software.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating a self-updating naturally-reading narrative product summary including assertions about a selected product. In one embodiment, the system and method includes evaluating an existing narrative product summary, comparing an existing attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model, respectively, to a current attribute name, attribute value, attribute unit, and assertion model to determine if one of the comparisons shows a change. The system and method further determines a new attribute associated with the selected product, selects an alternative product, retrieves a new assertion model with assertions that describe the selected product and identify an alternative product in a natural manner.

Abstract: A catalog taxonomy organized in a tree-like configuration including at least one first tier product category having at least one first tier attribute associated with products in the first tier category, and a plurality of second tier product categories branching from the first tier product category and defining subcategories, at least one of the plurality of second tier product categories having a second tier attribute associated with products in a subcategory defined by the plurality of second tier product categories, wherein each of the second tier product categories inherits the first tier attribute of the first tier product category from which the plurality of second tier product categories branches. In addition, a system and method utilizing such catalog taxonomy.

Abstract: A computer-based software tool for performing intelligent searches for geographic names data utilizing a fuzzy-logic search as well as linguistic principles and allowing the user to select various search criteria is disclosed. Geographic feature names can be searched for exact matches, similar geographic names based on misspellings or phonetic similarities, similar geographic names based on language dialects, historic place name variants, features with similar name Romanization, similar names with the type of feature, such as city, river, or mountain included in the name, in reversed or reading order, and similar names with inconsistent Unicode. With the aid of a displayed geographic map, the search can be localized.

Abstract: Improved roof cable bolts with reduced protrusion from a mine roof. Particularly, a roof cable bolt head can preferably be dimensioned such that most of its length fits inside a drilled hole in the mine roof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device is preferably disposed about the base of the appendage. In certain embodiments, the appendage remains viable subsequent to the functional occlusion of the lumen.

Abstract: A portable exercise device. The portable exercise device includes a recoil assembly, a clutch assembly, an adjustable resistance assembly, a housing assembly, and a flexible cable member. The clutch assembly is coupled to the recoil assembly. The adjustable resistance assembly is coupled to the clutch assembly. The housing assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines and opening therethrough and surrounds the recoil assembly and the clutch assembly. The second portion is rotatably coupled to the first portion, defines a configured projection, and surrounds the adjustable resistance assembly. The flexible cable member is coupled to the recoil assembly, and extends through the opening defined by the first portion of the housing assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated retrieval/delivery of goods from one location to another using a robotic device such as a tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug/cart stores a map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or continuously adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.

Abstract: A cable puller has a pair of shoulder bars connected to each other at one end thereof, each of the shoulder bars having a hook at the other end for releasably accommodating a plurality of wires or cables thereon; and a support bar with two ends respectively and symmetrically connected to respective intermediate points of the shoulder bats. The shoulder and support bars are arranged to provide a shoulder width wider than a depth of an enclosed space to pull the cable therethrough and narrower than a pre-determined pathway in the enclosed space the cables are designed to be pulled therealong.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing and aiding venipuncture. The apparatuses of the present invention provide the medical practitioner with an improved tool for performing venipuncture methods. The apparatus preferably includes a handle that is connected to a plurality of tines that run roughly parallel to one another. During use, the tines of the apparatus are pressed against the skin of the patient such that they sit astride the vein to be accessed. The distance between the various tines of the present apparatuses varies so as to be able to accommodate a variety of vein widths. The apparatuses of the present invention may have tines at either one or both ends of the body of the apparatus. The apparatuses of the present invention may be used with a variety of vein accentuating devices, such as those that employ light to accentuate the vein to be punctured.

Abstract: This is an apparatus and system for integration of Central Tire Inflation (CTI) valve functionality directly into a wheel. The CTI valve may be attached to the wheel or integrated into the wheel. In addition, the CTI valve may have a valve body or the valve components can be installed directly into the wheel. An air passageway between the vehicle air source and the CTI valve and/or an air passageway from the CTI valve to the tire cavity can also be employed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test strip for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved test strip and scale for determining and/or quantifying a property of a sample, such as the concentration of an analyte, the pH, the viscosity, or the specific gravity of a fluid specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming optical black pixels having uniformly low dark current. Optical Black opacity is increased without having to increase Ti/TiN layer thickness. A hybrid approach is utilized combining a Ti/TiN OB layer in conjunction with in-pixel metal stubs that further occlude the focal radius of each pixel's incoming light beam. Additional metal layers can be used to increase the opacity into the infrared region.

Abstract: A method, system and device for sharing rights adapted to be associated with items, the method and system including generating at least one of usage rights and meta-rights for the items; defining, via the usage rights, a manner of use for the items; and defining, via the meta-rights, a manner of rights transfer for the items. The device including receiving at least one of usage rights and meta-rights for the items; interpreting, via the usage rights, a manner of use for the items; and interpreting, via the meta-rights, a manner of rights transfer for the items. The usage rights or the meta-rights include at least one state variable that is shared by one or more rights.

Abstract: A zoned mattress including at least a head firmness zone, a leg firmness zone between the head and leg firmness zones overlaid by a knit top fabric knit from threads of at least two different colors to define three different firmness indicating areas corresponding to the three firmness zones of the mattress. At least one of the firmness indicating areas is defined by threads differing in color as compared to the color of the threads defining at least one of the two remaining firmness indicating areas.

Abstract: Methods and tools for cleaning pipes or pipe networks based on characteristics of pipes and debris in the pipes. A mobile platform includes a cleaning head and a sensor head. The platform implements a cleaning plan and senses characteristics of the pipe and debris. The cleaning plan is incrementally updated based on the sensed characteristics, and can be automatically updated using software. Many different cleaning tasks can be accomplished using the present platforms including agitation of sediment, pulverization of large debris, and movement of debris to facilitate removal.