Abstract: A lace adjuster (10) that selectively adjusts and secures a shoelace (770) of a shoe (772) includes an inner frame (12), an outer frame (14), a resilient member (16), and a bracket (18). The outer frame (14) receives at least a portion of the inner frame (12). The resilient member (16) is secured to the inner frame (12) and the outer frame (14), and allows the inner frame (12) and the outer frame (14) to move relative to each other between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The bracket (18) is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The bracket (18) is adapted to receive a portion of the shoelace (770) when the bracket (18) is in the open configuration, and the bracket (18) is adapted to retain a portion of the shoelace (770) when the bracket is in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A support block for supporting the weight of a user above a support surface during exercise includes a support body having a first side, a second side and a support edge. In one embodiment, the first side and/or the second side can be substantially planar and/or can have a substantially similar configuration as one another. The support edge can be substantially orthogonal at least one of the first side and the second side. The support edge includes a curved first section that rollingly contacts the support surface while the support body supports part of the weight of the user above the support surface. The support edge can form at least approximately a 30 degree arc of a circle. In another embodiment, the support body includes a beveled edge positioned between the first side and the support edge. In one embodiment, the support body can be formed substantially from an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.

Abstract: A zone isolation assembly for a fluid monitoring system in an existing subsurface well includes a fluid receiving pipe, a docking receiver, a docking apparatus and a first sealer. The fluid receiving pipe includes a pipe interior and a fluid inlet structure. The fluid receiving pipe receives a fluid through the fluid inlet structure into the pipe interior. The docking receiver is connected to the fluid receiving pipe. The docking apparatus moves between (i) a docked position wherein the docking apparatus is docked with the docking receiver, and (ii) an undocked position wherein the docking apparatus is undocked with the docking receiver. The first sealer is spaced apart from the docking apparatus. In certain embodiments, the first sealer selectively forms a fluid-tight seal between the fluid receiving pipe and the casing to divide the fluid zone into a first zone and a spaced apart second zone.

Abstract: A package (216) for electrically connecting an integrated circuit (212) to a printed circuit board (214) includes a mount array (219) and a substrate body (216A). The mount array (219) is electrically connected to the integrated circuit (212). The mount array (219) includes a plurality of positive terminal mounts (342), a plurality of negative terminal mounts (344), and a plurality of signal mounts (346). The substrate body (216A) includes a first conductive layer (220a), a second conductive layer (220b), and an insulating layer (222a) that is positioned between the first conductive layer (220a) and the second conductive layer (220b). The first conductive layer (220a) includes (i) a terminal portion (350) that is connected one of the terminal mounts (342) (344), and (ii) a signal portion (352) that is connected to the signal mounts (346). Further, the second conductive layer (220b) is directly connected to the other of the terminal mounts (344) (342).

Abstract: An equalization system (18) that reduces inter-symbol interference in an input signal (220) includes a variable gain amplifier (430), and one or more peaking amplifiers (432) that are connected in series to the variable gain amplifier (430). The variable gain amplifier (430) receives the input signal (220) and scales the input signal (220) while each peaking amplifier (432) can be selectively controlled to selectively adjust a peaking gain (326) and a peaking corner frequency (328). Additionally, the equalization system (18) can include a PTAT bias generator (434) that provides a PTAT bias current to one or more of the peaking amplifiers (432) to maintain a transconductance of one or more of the peaking amplifiers (432) substantially constant as temperature changes. With this design, the equalization system (18) provides programmable and stabilized equalization gain, has a tunable peaking corner frequency, and superior common mode rejection.

Abstract: A laser source (10) for emitting a set of sequential, different wavelength output beams (12) includes a gain medium (16), a feedback assembly (26) and a control system (30). The gain medium (16) includes a first facet (16A), and the gain medium (16) generates a beam (12A) that exits the first facet (16A). The feedback assembly (26) includes a feedback device (40) and a device mover (42). The feedback device (40) is positioned in the path of the beam (12A) that exits the first facet (16A) and the feedback device (40) redirects at least a portion of the beam (12A) back to the gain medium (16). The device mover (42) continuously adjusts an angle of incidence (?) of the beam (12A) on the feedback device (40). The control system (30) selectively directs pulses of power to the gain medium (16) as the device mover (42) is continuously adjusting the angle of incidence (?) of the beam (12A).

Abstract: A method for estimating a defocus blur size (520) in a defocused blurred input image (14) includes the steps of removing at least a portion of any content correlation (464) from the input image (14) to generate a decorrelated image, and computing an autocorrelation matrix (570) from the decorrelated image. Subsequently, the method can include the steps of rotating the autocorrelation matrix (468) to a plurality of alternative angles to generate a plurality of rotated matrixes, and averaging the plurality of rotated matrixes (470) to calculate an averaged autocorrelation matrix (572). Next, the defocus blur kernel size (520) can be estimated from the averaged autocorrelation matrix (572). Additionally, the method can include the step of deblurring the input image (14) using the defocus blur size (520) to provide an adjusted image (22).

Abstract: A method for estimating if an image (14) is either blurred or sharp includes the steps of (i) determining an image gradient histogram distribution (410) of at least a portion of the image (14), and (ii) comparing at least a portion of the image gradient histogram distribution (410) to a Gaussian model gradient histogram distribution (414) of at least a portion of the image (14) to estimate if the image (14) is either blurred or sharp. In most cases, a sharp image (14) has a relatively large tailed distribution when compared to the Gaussian model, while a blurred image has a relatively small tailed distribution when compared to the Gaussian model.

Abstract: A portable hanger for hanging a purse from a table has a base adapted to rest upon and frictionally engage the table. A plurality of links are pivotally linked to each other in series to form a chain having a first link and a last link. A pivot pin pivotally connects the base and the first link of the plurality of links. The plurality of links are adapted for pivot between a stored configuration in which the plurality of links are positioned generally adjacent the perimeter of the base, and an operative configuration in which the plurality of links form a hook adapted for hanging the purse.

Abstract: An actuator assembly (22) for positioning a head (16) of a tape drive (10) relative to a storage tape that moves along a tape path (24) includes a first actuator (228), a second actuator (230) and a controller (26). The actuators (228, 230) move the head (16) in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the tape path. The first actuator (228) is mounted to the second actuator (230) at a location that is based on a position of a resonance node (680) of the second actuator (230). The controller (26) controls linear positioning of the first actuator (228) and the second actuator (230) relative to the storage tape on a closed-loop basis. The actuators (228, 230) can each include voice coils (246, 260). The second actuator (230) can include two positioner guides (253A, 253B) that are configured in a substantially collinear configuration or in a triangular configuration with the head (16).

Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.

Abstract: A lens may operate in the mid-IR spectral region and couple highly divergent beams into highly collimated beams. In combination with a light source having a characteristic output beam, the lens may provide highly stable, miniaturized mid-IR sources that deliver optical beams. An advanced mounting system may provide long term sturdy mechanical coupling and alignment to reduce operator maintenance. In addition, devices may also support electrical and thermal subsystems that are delivered via these mounting systems. A mid-IR singlet lens having a numerical aperture greater than about 0.7 and a focal length less than 10 mm may be combined with a quantum well stack semiconductor based light source such that the emission facet of the semiconductor lies in the focus of the lens less than 2 mm away from the lens surface. Together, these systems may provide a package that is highly portable and robust, and easily integrated with external optical systems.

Abstract: A controller retainer (14) for a video game controller (12) includes a retainer top (20), a retainer bottom (22), a first side (24), a second side (26), a retainer back (28) and a retainer front (30). The retainer top (20) includes a controller receiver (34) that receives the controller (12). The first side (24) and the second side (26) extend between the retainer top (20) and the retainer bottom (22). The second side (26) can be non-parallel to the first side (24). At least one of the sides (24, 26) can form an angle (44, 48) that is greater than 90 degrees relative to the retainer bottom (22). At least one of the sides (24, 26) can form an angle (250, 254) that is less than 90 degrees relative to the retainer back (28). The retainer bottom (22) can include a first surface (36) and a second surface (38) that is positioned at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the first surface (36).

Abstract: An autofocus system (222C) for measuring the position of a work piece (200) along an axis includes a slit light source assembly (236), a slit detector assembly (238), and a control system (224). The slit light source assembly (236) directs a first slit of light (342A) at a first slit area (344A) of the work piece (200). The slit detector assembly (238) detects light reflected off of the first slit area (344A) and generates a first slit signal relating to the amount of light reflected off of the first slit area (344A) at the slit detector assembly (238). The control system (224) uses the first slit signal from the slit detector assembly (238), and first reflectance information of the first slit area (344A) to determine the position of the work piece (200) along the axis. With this design, the autofocus system (222C) can compensate for the changes in reflectivity of the work piece (200).

Abstract: A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) that is coupled to the massage device (10), and a resilient assembly (220) that supports the face of the user (15) and that is coupled to the support frame (226). The resilient assembly (220) includes an interior resilient region (472) and an outer covering (474) that surrounds and protects the interior resilient region (472). The interior resilient region (472) includes a first layer (472A) and a second layer (472B), with the first layer (472A) being stacked on top of the second layer (472B). The first layer (472A) can have a first stiffness that is different than a second stiffness of the second layer (472B). Further, the first layer (472A) can have a first thickness (472C) that is different than a second thickness (472D) of the second layer (472B).

Abstract: A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a resilient assembly (220) and a support arm assembly (222). The resilient assembly (220) supports the face (13) of the user. The support arm assembly (222) couples the resilient assembly (220) to the massage device (10). The support arm assembly (222) can include a first support arm (228) that selectively engages a headrest receiver assembly (15) of the massage device (10), a spaced apart second support arm (230) that selectively engages the headrest receiver assembly (15), and an arm connector (232) that couples the support arms (228) (230) together. The arm connector (232) can inhibit relative pivoting of the support arms (228) (230) when the support arms (228) (230) are not engaging the headrest receiver assembly (15).

Abstract: A resting device assembly for supporting a person above a surface during a procedure includes a resting device and a trolley. The resting device includes a device top assembly having a padded device top that supports the person during the procedure, and a device frame that supports the device top assembly. The device frame includes a frame base, a frame leg assembly having a plurality of spaced apart legs that supports the frame base and the device top assembly above the surface, and a height adjuster that adjusts the length of the plurality of spaced apart legs so as to raise and lower the device top relative to the surface. The frame base is a substantially rigid frame base that significantly increases the overall strength, support, and stability of the resting device assembly. The trolley defines a storage area for storing procedure materials that are usable during the procedure.

Abstract: An interactive computer game system (10) for one or more players includes a game server (12) that generates a first game piece (19A) controlled by a first player, and a second game piece (19B). The first game piece (19A) has a first adjustable battle parameter that is adjustable by the first player and a first fixed battle parameter that is not adjustable by the first player. The second game piece (19B) can have a second adjustable battle parameter that is adjustable by the second player and a second fixed battle parameter that is not adjustable by the second player. The game pieces (19A, 19B) engage in a battle having an outcome determined by an algorithm that is based at least partly upon one or more of the adjustable battle parameters and/or one or more of the fixed battle parameters. In another embodiment, the game server (12) generates a pool of game pieces from which the players select activated first game pieces and second game pieces, respectively.

Abstract: A system for transmission of data between a first device operated by a first user and a second device includes a database that receives a first set of data input by the first user and a second set of data input by the second user. In one embodiment, the first set of data includes an immediate mode of access and/or one or more future modes of access of the first user which correlate to one or more specific time periods during which the future mode of access will become the immediate mode of access. Additionally, the first set of data can include a time-dependent schedule of the future mode of access of the first user.