Abstract: A belt tensioner for a safety belt system includes a pinion (16) rotatably mounted in a housing (12), a drive unit (26), and a toothed rack (18) whose toothing (20) is directly engaged or enters into direct engagement with the pinion (16) and which can be driven by means of the drive unit (26). The toothed rack (18) has the shape of a circular arc and moves on a circular path (K) upon activation of the drive unit (26).

Abstract: The present invention provides swine cells of non-embryonic origin that can be maintained in culture in the undifferentiated state or differentiated to form cells of multiple cell types. Also provided are methods of isolation and culture, as well as uses for the cells, such as xenogeneic transplantation and/or tissue repair.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coherent beam combination of lasers are provided. In one embodiment, a method for coherent beam combination is provided. The method comprises providing a plurality of secondary laser signals from a primary laser signal, amplifying the plurality of secondary signals along respective amplifier arms to provide a plurality of amplified output signals, providing a frequency-shifted reference beam from the primary laser signal, generating a plurality of optically heterodyne detected (OHD) beat signals based on combining respective amplified output signals of the plurality of amplified output signals with the frequency-shifted reference beam, and adjusting path lengths of respective amplifier arms based on respective amplitudes of the plurality of OHD beat signals to control the path length of respective amplifier arms to within a coherence length of the primary laser signal.

Abstract: A method of detecting liver damage in a subject comprises measuring the level of caspase-3 generated cytokeratin-18 fragments in the bodily sample. The level of measuring the level of caspase-3 generated cytokeratin-18 fragments is then correlated with liver disease progression.

Abstract: Systems and methods for signal conversion with smart multitap are disclosed. Embodiments of the systems can be scalable to model different signal topologies, transmission frequencies, bandwidths, and distances. An exemplary embodiment of the systems and methods includes a fiber optic to RF converter and a smart multitap. Although a fiber optic to RF converter is used in exemplary embodiments throughout the disclosure, conversion between other signal topologies is within the scope of the disclosure. The smart multitap includes a multiple tap for distributing a signal to multiple terminals and a microprocessor to select a particular terminal for a signal. Exemplary embodiments include downstream implementations in which a stream is typically sent from a service provider server to a user. Alternative embodiments include downstream implementations as well as upstream implementations in which a user typically sends a stream to a service provider server.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a characteristic of an in vivo sensor. A transmit field, operative to induce a response signal in an associated in vivo sensor, is generated at a transmitting component having an associated orientation. The response signal is received at a receiving component, having an associated orientation. The coupling between the transmitting component and the receiving component is measured. The associated orientation of at least one of the transmitting component and the receiving component is rotated as to reduce the measured coupling.

Abstract: A heating head for a paving apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical head housing, having a top housing edge axially spaced from a bottom housing edge, a sidewall having a spiral cross-sectional shape and a laterally extending top housing cover attached to at least a portion of the top housing edge. The head housing defines an air chamber and is adapted to accept and direct airflow through the heating head. The sidewall defines an intake vent at a radially outward end and an air chamber inlet at a radially inward end. The intake vent and air chamber inlet are spaced apart and in mutual fluid communication via an elongated circumferentially extending air passage to direct airflow from an exterior of the heating head to the air chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for reducing a thermally dependent gain swing. Exemplary embodiments include a resonant notch filter in parallel with a thermistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for interventional treatment of atherosclerosis at a vascular bifurcation includes structure for receiving a first guidewire and a second guidewire. An exit for the second guidewire is located in a central section of the structure. A first balloon portion is secured to the structure so a proximal end is located adjacent the exit. A second balloon portion is secured to the structure so a distal end is located adjacent the exit on a side of the exit opposite the first balloon portion. An annular gap is defined between the proximal end of the first balloon portion and the distal end of the second balloon portion. The annular gap, at a radial outermost location relative to the structure, has a width that is equal to or less than a width of the annular gap at a radially innermost location relative to the structure. The apparatus also includes an expandable stent that is mountable about the first and second balloon portions.

Abstract: A sliding carriage for a height adjuster of a safety belt system has a carrier plate and an attachment structure for a deflector fitting, the attachment structure being made in one piece with the carrier plate. The carrier plate includes a bending portion in which the carrier plate becomes bent when a predetermined force acting on the deflector fitting is exceeded.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a single flux quantum (SFQ) signal transmission line powered by an AC power source. The AC power source supplies power to a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding. The primary winding receives the AC signal and the secondary winding communicates the signal to the SFQ transmission line. The transmission line can optionally include an input filter circuit for receiving the incoming SFQ pulse. The filter circuit can have a resistor and an inductor connected in parallel. In an alternative arrangement, the filter circuit can comprise of an inductor. A first Josephson junction can be connected to the filter circuit and to the secondary winding. The Josephson junction triggers in response to the incoming SFQ pulse and regenerates a pulse signal in response to a power discharge from the secondary winding.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically detecting sonar contacts. The system comprises a data analyzer that integrates the raw data from a plurality of sonar detectors over a predetermined period of time, thereby providing integrated data characterizing a sonar image on a sonar display. A Hough transform module is configured to employ a Hough transform algorithm that transforms at least a portion of the integrated data to detect a substantially straight line in the sonar image.

Abstract: An assembly and method for processing of multi-carrier signals is provided. A plurality of carrier signals are combined into a combined multi-carrier signal represented in a first domain. The combined multi-carrier signal is converted from the first domain to a second domain. The converted multi-carrier signal is distributed into a plurality of signals represented in the second domain.

Abstract: A method for the production of a steering wheel with a multi-colored foam surrounding includes the following steps: formation of a first foam surrounding (12) by surrounding a steering wheel skeleton in a first mold with a first foam, the first foam in solidified state having a first color; covering of particular regions of the first foam surrounding (12); and formation of a second foam surrounding (14) by introducing a second foam into a second mold, the second foam in solidified state having a second color different from the first color.

Abstract: The invention is relating to device for the controlled heating and cooling and conservation of eggs (18) that is provided with an oven space (13) with a carrier plate (7) with holders for the positioning of the eggs (18) substantially upright and a spray device (12) for the cooling of same with a coolant, and which is further provided with a heating element (11) for the generation of steam, whereby means (14) are provided that allow said steam to be subjected to a forced flow whereby this steam flows over the eggs (18) in order to heat the eggs, whereby said carrier plate (7) has openings (16) such that at least part of said steam is guided along the side of the eggs (18) to the underside of the carrier plate (7) so that the underside of the eggs (18) is heated.

Abstract: An assembly for the illuminated display of a logo (12) in a motor vehicle includes a support (14) and at least one light source (24) which is arranged behind or adjacent to the support (14). The logo (12) can be represented by means of an emblem (10), particularly an opaque emblem.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic removal of scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor includes a path of travel altering mechanism, a translating mechanism, and a controller. The path of travel altering mechanism is positioned along the path of travel that selectively facilitates movement of scrap elongated window component stock off the path of travel. The translating mechanism is in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism for moving the scrap elongated window component stock off of the path of travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding two separate ends of an extrusion or two separate extrusion ends to form a flashless extrudate or gasket by having a first and a second mold for supporting and clamping the extrusion ends, and a spacer bar for positioning the extrusion ends to a location within the mold. A heating element elevates the temperature of the extrusion ends to a welding condition, and a clamping device is used for securing the extrusion ends. A flashless welding operation results by inserting and clamping at least one heated extrusion end into a welding mold until an acceptable contact pressure is obtained against the opposing heated extrusion end.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a change in a specific gravity of a fluid surrounding the apparatus wherein the fluid moves upwardly and downwardly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a top and a plurality of openings for allowing the fluid to enter the housing. A first floatation device is provided having a first specific gravity and being located within the housing. The first floatation device includes a magnet. A second floatation device is provided having a second specific gravity and located within the housing adjacent said first floatation device. The said second floatation device includes a magnet aligned to have the same polarity as the magnet of the first floatation device. A switch fixedly attached to said top, the switch having an open state and a closed state where when one of said magnets is in proximity to the switch, the switch is in a closed state and wherein when both of said magnets are in proximity to said switch, the switch is in an open state.